Atlantic Escapade: Coastal Charms and Cliffside Wonders on a Four-Day Newfoundland Adventure in September

Four unforgettable days in Newfoundland – a journey of discovery and adventure for our family. Join us as we take you through our remarkable trip, filled with fascinating facts and breathtaking landscapes.

Day 1: St. Johns airport – Witless Bay – Bay Bulls – Ferryland – Mistaken Point

Our adventure began as we boarded an early morning flight from Toronto to St. John’s. The moment we stepped off the plane, the cool, salty breeze and the promise of exciting adventures enveloped us. After picking up our rental car, we set off on the Irish Loop drive, a scenic route that would take us along the southeastern coast.

Our first stop was Witless Bay, a coastal town famous for its captivating puffin colonies. Did you know that Witless Bay is home to the largest puffin colony in North America? The sound of waves crashing against the cliffs, combined with the calls of seabirds, created a mesmerizing symphony of nature. It was a sight to behold.

Continuing our journey, we passed through Bay Bulls, a quintessential Newfoundland fishing village with its colorful boats and warm, welcoming locals. We couldn’t resist stopping at a restaurant in Ferryland, known for its “million-dollar view.” This spot offers not only delicious food but also an astonishing panorama of the coast.

Next, we made our way to the Mistaken Point Information Centre, where we learned about the incredible fossil discoveries in the area. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its well-preserved Ediacaran fossils, some of the oldest complex multicellular life forms on Earth.

Our journey led us to Cape Race Lighthouse, perched on rugged cliffs, offering panoramic views of the mesmerizing gorge below. Cape Race also played a pivotal role in history, as it received the distress signal from the Titanic. A truly historic and scenic spot.

On our drive to Trepassey, we couldn’t resist stopping on the seashore to soak in the natural beauty that surrounded us. Trepassey welcomed us with open arms, and we spent the night at the charming Avalon Inn, where we indulged in some mouthwatering cod fish and chips.

Day 2: Trepassey, St. Marys, Placentia, Heart’s Content

Waking up in Trepassey, we were ready for another day of exploration. We hit the road, driving past beautiful coastlines as we made our way to St. Marys, where the ancient lighthouse and picturesque landscapes were a visual treat.

Our journey continued to Placentia, where we explored Castle Hill, a National Historic Site. This site has ties to the French colonization of Newfoundland and served as a fortification in the 17th century.

We then ventured to the Seven Island Lookout, offering a breathtaking view of the Placentia Bay. The Placentia Lift Bridge, one of the few remaining vertical-lift bridges in Canada, was a fascinating sight to see. It provides a vital connection for local communities while supporting the region’s commercial fishing industry.

As the day turned to night, we found ourselves in Hearts Content, staying at Legges, a cozy retreat that offered comfort and serenity.

Day 3: Carbonear, Harbour Grace, St. Johns

We continued our journey east and as we approached Carbonear, the city’s beautiful view around the water as we entered was a memorable sight.

Harbour Grace has a rich history, and we delved into it by visiting the Spirit of Harbour Grace and the SS Kyle ship. The SS Kyle, once a prominent steamship, is now a historic landmark in Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, symbolizing the region’s maritime heritage. Harbour Grace has a connection to the legendary Amelia Earhart. In 1932, Earhart took off from here and fifteen hours later, she landed in a cow pasture in Northern Ireland and became the first woman to fly by herself across the Atlantic Ocean

Our exploration of history continued as we ventured into St. John’s downtown, where the heritage Supreme Court building stood proudly. A little-known fact is that the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the oldest court in Canada.

Lunch was at a local favorite, savoring the delicious flavors of Newfoundland. Afterward, we visited Signal Hill and Cabot tower and embarked on a hike from the Visitor Centre. Did you know that Signal Hill is known for receiving the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901, sent by Guglielmo Marconi?

Our hike included several trails, each with its own charm. We tackled the Burma Road Trail, Centre to Citadel Trail, Gibbet Hill Trail, Ladies’ Lookout Trail, and the challenging North Head Trail, which offers stunning vistas of the rugged coastline.

As the day turned into evening, we made our way to Cape Spear Lighthouse, the easternmost point of North America, to witness a mesmerizing sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a breathtaking spot, and a fun fact is that Cape Spear is the closest point in North America to Europe.

Day 4: Quidi vidi village

On our final day, we couldn’t resist visiting the picturesque Quidi Vidi Village, where we explored the Quidi Vidi Lake Trail, capturing the essence of this charming fishing village. Located in the historic fishing village of its namesake, Quidi Vidi Brewing is Newfoundland and Labrador’s hallmark craft brewery. They are home to award-winning ales and lagers, including their famous Iceberg Beer.

Next, we dedicated a couple of hours to the Johnson Geo Centre, immersing ourselves in the geological wonders of Newfoundland. The interactive exhibits and dramatic rock formations were truly fascinating. Did you know that Newfoundland and Labrador have some of the most diverse and oldest rocks on the planet, with some dating back nearly four billion years?

In the late afternoon, we took a taxi to the airport and boarded the flight back to Toronto, filled with incredible memories of Newfoundland. The island had left an indelible mark on our hearts, and we couldn’t wait to share the stories of this amazing adventure with the world.

The author Shail Guggali is a Realtor by profession and an avid traveler by passion 😊. Visit Shail’s Youtube channels for exciting videos and stories – https://www.youtube.com/@realtorshail – for GTA and GGH Real Estate authentic information and educational videos, and
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeHoJhakaas for fun, travel, comedy, dance, music and Guitar tutorial videos.