Map Of Central Newfoundland
Introduction
Central Newfoundland is a hidden gem in Canada that offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers. From outdoor adventures to historical landmarks, from local markets to vibrant nightlife, there is something for everyone in this region. This comprehensive travel guide will help you explore the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, and more.
Top Attractions
Gros Morne National Park
Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts stunning natural beauty. The park features mountains, fjords, waterfalls, and beaches, and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can explore hiking trails, take boat tours, go fishing, and even attend cultural events.
The Rooms
The Rooms is a cultural center in St. John’s that showcases the art, history, and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador. The center features galleries, archives, and a theater, and offers a range of educational programs and events for visitors of all ages.
Hidden Gems
Twillingate
Twillingate is a charming town on the northeastern coast of Newfoundland that offers a glimpse into traditional Newfoundland life. Visitors can explore the town’s museums, galleries, and shops, or take a boat tour to see icebergs and whales.
Exploits Islands
The Exploits Islands are a group of small islands off the coast of Newfoundland that offer a remote and peaceful getaway. Visitors can hike, fish, and explore the islands’ unique flora and fauna, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Food Scene
Raymonds
Raymonds is a fine dining restaurant in St. John’s that offers a unique and innovative culinary experience. The restaurant focuses on local and seasonal ingredients, and offers a range of tasting menus and wine pairings.
Ches’s Fish and Chips
Ches’s Fish and Chips is a Newfoundland institution that has been serving up delicious fried fish and chips since 1951. The restaurant has several locations throughout the province, and is a must-visit for anyone looking for a taste of traditional Newfoundland cuisine.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Camping
Camping is a budget-friendly way to explore Central Newfoundland’s natural beauty. The region has several campgrounds and RV parks, as well as backcountry camping options for more adventurous travelers.
Free Attractions
There are several free attractions in Central Newfoundland, including hiking trails, beaches, and historical sites. Visitors can also attend cultural events such as music festivals and craft fairs for little or no cost.
Outdoor Adventures
Whale Watching
Central Newfoundland is one of the best places in the world to see whales in their natural habitat. Visitors can take a boat tour to see humpback, minke, and fin whales, as well as dolphins and other marine life.
Hiking
Central Newfoundland has a wide range of hiking trails for all skill levels. From easy strolls to challenging mountain hikes, there is something for everyone. Popular trails include the East Coast Trail, the T’Railway, and the Alexander Murray Hiking Trail.
Family-Friendly Activities
Terra Nova National Park
Terra Nova National Park is a family-friendly destination that offers a range of activities for all ages. The park features hiking trails, beaches, playgrounds, and a visitor center with interactive exhibits and educational programs.
Discovery Center
The Discovery Center in St. John’s is a hands-on science center that offers interactive exhibits and educational programs for children and families. The center features exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to space exploration.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Trinity
Trinity is a picturesque town on the northeastern coast of Newfoundland that offers a glimpse into the province’s history and culture. Visitors can explore the town’s museums, art galleries, and shops, or attend a traditional Newfoundland music or theater performance.
Iceberg Alley
Iceberg Alley is a stretch of ocean off the coast of Newfoundland where icebergs float southward from the Arctic. Visitors can take a boat tour to see these massive ice formations up close, or simply admire them from shore.
Natural Wonders
Salmonier Nature Park
Salmonier Nature Park is a wildlife rehabilitation center that is home to a range of native Newfoundland animals, including moose, caribou, and black bears. Visitors can take guided tours of the park, or attend educational programs and events.
Bonne Bay
Bonne Bay is a fjord in Gros Morne National Park that offers stunning natural beauty. Visitors can take boat tours to explore the fjord and see the surrounding mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Vibrant Nightlife
George Street
George Street in St. John’s is known as one of the liveliest nightlife destinations in Canada. The street is lined with bars, pubs, and restaurants, and is a popular spot for live music and entertainment.
Twisted Sisters Bar and Grill
Twisted Sisters Bar and Grill is a popular spot in Grand Falls-Windsor that offers live music, karaoke, and a fun and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant serves up delicious pub fare and has a wide selection of beers and cocktails.
Local Markets
St. John’s Farmers’ Market
The St. John’s Farmers’ Market is a weekly market that features local farmers, artisans, and food producers. Visitors can browse a range of products, from fresh produce to handmade crafts, and enjoy live music and entertainment.
Grand Falls-Windsor Farmers’ Market
The Grand Falls-Windsor Farmers’ Market is a community market that offers a range of local products, from fresh produce to handmade goods. The market also features live music and entertainment, and is a fun and welcoming community gathering place.
Beaches and Mountains
Salmon Cove Sands Beach
Salmon Cove Sands Beach is a beautiful white sand beach on the northeastern coast of Newfoundland. The beach is surrounded by rugged cliffs and offers stunning views of the ocean.
The Long Range Mountains
The Long Range Mountains are a range of mountains in Gros Morne National Park that offer stunning natural beauty. The mountains are home to several hiking trails, as well as waterfalls and other natural attractions.
Cultural Immersion
The Great Viking Feast
The Great Viking Feast is a dinner theater experience in St. Anthony that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the Vikings. The experience includes a traditional Viking feast, live music and entertainment, and a reenactment of a Viking battle.
Mummers Festival
The Mummers Festival is an annual event in St. John’s that celebrates the traditional Newfoundland Christmas tradition of mummering. The festival includes a range of events, from workshops on mummering to parades and performances.
Art and Music Scene
The Rooms
The Rooms in St. John’s is a cultural center that features galleries, archives, and a theater, and offers a range of art and music programs and events. The center showcases the work of local artists and musicians, as well as national and international talent.
The Gros Morne Theatre Festival
The Gros Morne Theatre Festival is an annual event in Cow Head that showcases the work of local and national playwrights and performers. The festival features a range of productions, from comedies to dramas, and offers a unique and entertaining cultural experience.
Walking Tours
The Jellybean Row Tour
The Jellybean Row Tour is a walking tour in St. John’s that takes visitors through the city’s colorful and historic neighborhoods. The tour showcases the famous “jellybean” houses that are painted in a range of bright colors, and offers a glimpse into the city’s history and culture.
The Twillingate Walking Trail
The Twillingate Walking Trail is a scenic trail that takes visitors through the town of Twillingate and offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. The trail is an easy walk and is suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Architectural Marvels
The Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
The Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture and is one of the most iconic landmarks in St. John’s. Visitors can take guided tours of the cathedral and admire its intricate stained glass windows and other features.
The Ryan Premises National Historic Site
The Ryan Premises National