Western Newfoundland offers a stunning landscape with majestic mountains, ancient glaciers, and vast untouched areas where wildlife like moose and caribou thrive. This region in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador is rich in history, blending Indigenous, English, Irish, and French influences, creating a place of exceptional beauty cherished by its locals.
Visitors are warmly welcomed and assured that meeting the people here will enrich their experience. Covering 750 kilometers, this uncrowded paradise is a unique destination where you can stroll on the Earth’s mantle and admire glacier-carved fjords, known for experiencing four seasons in a day – a local saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes!”
Our journey started at the family-run Shallow Bay Motel & Cabins in Cow Head, a quaint fishing village. The cozy room offered serene water views, and the wooden porch was perfect for enjoying morning coffee. The motel also features an outdoor heated pool and a hot tub with a sea view.
Moving along the coast to Norris Point, we stayed at the Sugar Hill Inn, nestled on a hillside with spacious rooms and charming wooden interiors. The outside entrance led to a deck area with Adirondack chairs, ideal for relaxation.
One of the must-visit sites in Newfoundland is the Western Brook Pond, a landlocked fjord sculpted by glaciers over 10,000 years ago. Situated in Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this location boasts towering cliffs, misty waterfalls, and a pristine freshwater lake. A two-hour boat trip offers stunning views of the fjord, with the Bontours crew sharing insightful commentary. Keep an eye out for the natural rock formation resembling a hidden face, known as the Tin Man.
The Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park provides a unique opportunity to walk on the Earth’s mantle, offering a Mars-like landscape along a 4km trail through striking valleys.
In Norris Point, we immersed ourselves in local culture with an Indigenous Tour by Gros Morne Adventures, exploring the area’s history through the eyes of its first inhabitants. The tour included canoeing across serene waters, passing by bald eagles and colorful cabins along Bonne Bay, and hiking through woodland trails.
Experiencing a traditional “boil up” with a campfire and making Lu’skinikin (bannock), an Indigenous bread, added a special touch to our journey. We also tried our hand at creating a fire using Stone Age tools, connecting with ancient traditions.
Exploring further, we visited Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse and sampled local honey at the Cormack Bee Company, bringing back red Thai chilli-infused honey as a souvenir.
Attending the Writers at Woody Point Literary Festival was an unforgettable night, featuring live music from renowned artists like Ed Robertson. The festival offered a unique cultural experience against a stunning backdrop.
Newfoundland’s vibrant food scene impressed us with Indigenous-inspired dishes and European influences, focusing on fresh seafood. From moose soup at Buoy & Arrow Restaurant to lobster rolls, the culinary delights were exceptional.
Noteworthy dining experiences included Chanterelles at Sugar Hill Inn and The Black Spruce at Neddies Harbour Inn, offering fine dining options with exquisite seafood and meat dishes.
For accommodation, Shallow Bay Motel starts at £87 per night, while Sugar Hill Inn starts at £134 per night for two sharing. Air Canada provides return flights from London Heathrow to Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador, starting at £587 per person. Visit newfoundlandlabrador.com and atlanticcanadaholiday.co.uk for more information.