My Twelve Top list of Things to do in Eastern Newfoundland
Are you planning a trip to Eastern Newfoundland, hoping to see as much as possible during your stay, but needing some direction to help you optimize your schedule ? If so, you have come to the right spot. I am Sandra, the owner and operator of Murray House Vacation Home (a small, 2 bedroom vacation, home in the oceanfront community of Pouch Cove located just 20 minutes from St. John's). Many of my guests contact me to request information about the provinces "must see" attractions so that they can better formulate an itinerary for their stay and make the best use of their limited time in Newfoundland. To help fulfill this request, I have visited many of the popular tourist attractions and developed a collection of photos, timelines, and links for my top twelve list of popular destinations which I am posting to this page. I hope you find the information useful. Feel free to visit my webpage in the link above, to share the information with others and, if you wish, to discuss a reservation at my vacation home https://murrayhouse.ca
Whale Watching
Whales are most commonly seen in Newfoundland waters between mid June through September. Although more predictably viewed by those on a #whale watching boat tour, they can also be seen closer to shore. Capture some of these amazing nature thrills in #pictures (which is not easy to do when caught up in the excitement of the moment).
This Humpback whale was one of a pod of three (parents and calf) who visited the coast of #PouchCove in August '20. This #photo was captured from the side of the road in Pouch Cove looking out to the ocean.
Iceberg tracking
Icebergs are most commonly seen in Newfoundland waters between the months of May and June. However, their arrival, size, and distribution can not be predicted with any certainty. Their unique size, contours, and the shadows cast by the sun can make amazing #photo captures but, because icebergs can flip and crack with no notice, always ensure distance is maintained between you and the icebergs to reduce risk of injury.
#Iceberg near the coast of #PouchCove, #Newfoundland, Canada, in May '19. For frequently updated statistics re: the location and distribution of icebergs, please visit the following webpage https://icebergfinder.com/
visiting Puffins
Puffins spend their winters at sea but return to the same nests every year to breed (most commonly, stay from the months of May through September). The best place to see a #puffin, in my experience, is #GullIsland, #WitlessBayEcologicalReserve (accessible by sea with no access on land). From the boat, puffins, and other species of sea birds, constantly come and go from the island and often land on the #ocean surface immediately next to the boat. This makes for amazing #photo opportunities.
This puffin has caught a fish and is returning to its nest on Gull Island to nourish its family.
This colony of Atlantic #puffins have returned to their nests in the cliffs of Gull Island, #WitlessBayEcologicalReserve. #CommonMurre are seen flying over the grassy banks adjacent to the puffins.
Atlantic #puffin landing on the deep blue ocean surface at #WitlessBayEcologicalReserve. This is a mating puffin (after mating season, their vibrant beaks turn pale).
visiting Historic Sites
SIGNAL HILL
The magnificent Signal Hill, St. John's, #Newfoundland, Canada, stands proudly at a height of 144 meters (472 feet). At the apex, one can appreciate a sweeping view of the opens sea, the magnificent coastline, and an amazing view of the city and St. John's harbor. #SignalHill is well known for its historical significance in times of war for its naval defense and also as the site of receipt of the first transatlantic communication by #Marconi in 1901.
#CabotTower, #SignalHill, is the location where #Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless transmission in Dec 1901.
The positioning of #canons on the cliffs of #SignalHill, aimed toward the entrance to #StJohns harbor, was of vital importance in providing naval defense to our shored during WW1.
For similar reasons, #canons also line the cliffs along the #QueensBattery on SignalHill.
CAPE SPEAR
Cape Spear is the easternmost land point in North America with the exception of Greenland and is home to the oldest surviving lighthouse in #Newfoundland. There is also a beautiful walking trail and, for adventurous hikers, a rugged hiking path (part of the East Coast Trail).
The original #lighthouse / lighthouse keeper's home was built in 1836 and, later, restored to the1839 time period. Public tours are available.
This #CapeSpear lighthouse, high on the outer cliffs of Cape Spear, Newfoundland, replaced the original lighthouse in 1955.
#Bunker at Cape Spear, #Newfoundland, #Canada. The bunkers stored ammunition during WW2 when Cape Spear was vital in naval defense.
This is one of the two #DisappearingGuns located at Cape Spear, Newfoundland. Its strategic positioning overlooking the harbor helped protect Newfoundland's coastline from enemy attack during WW2.
Bowring Park
Bowring Park, located in St. John's, #Newfoundland, has a veteran memorial site, a child memorial statue, a beautiful walking trail, an outdoor swimming pool, a skateboard park, a children's playground, and two duck ponds.
The #CaribouMonument at #BowringPark is a memorial for war veterans who died in WW1. The monument is situated in a tranquil area off the walking pat, positioned adjacent to the Beaumont Hamel wall. There is a flowing waterfall along its side border.
The #BeaumontHamel Memorial Plaque at BowringPark, an exact replica of the wall in France, pays tribute to those who died while serving our country in WW1.
The #PeterPanStatue at Bowring Park is a memorial to the granddaughter of one of the park's founders who died in a ship disaster at age 3.
HIKING THE EAST COAST TRAIL
The East Coast Trail, Newfoundland, offers over 330 km of rugged hiking paths along coastal communities throughout the province. These trails offer a variety of nature escapes as they guide the hiker through densely forested regions, forest clearings, coastlines overlooking towering cliffs, magnificent ocean views, and many natural landmarks. Maps are available. Proper clothing, footwear, hydration are highly suggested and, naturally, it is always better to hike with a companion.
The #EastCoastTrail in #Newfoundland is one of the amazing #tourist attractions that #Newfoundland has to offer. #Hike logged stairs along grassy banks deep into the #forest and listen to the #birds singing in the #trees. Enjoy the #tranquility when you head #OffTheBeatenPath.
Logged stairs guiding hikers to the edge of a cliff along the #EastCoastTrail in #Newfoundland. Colorful vegetation along the grassy banks approaching the dark blue ocean creates amazing scenery and are well worthy of a #photo capture.
Exploring the great #outdoors along the #EastCoastTrail, this hiker is standing on the precipice of a #cliff overlooking the #ocean and #Newfoundland coastline. A slight mist of #fog hovering over the #ocean's surface, the foamy whitecaps approaching the shore, the shades of green and red blending through the trees, and the assortment of mineral colors in the rocks underfoot create visual appeal and amazing #photo opportunities.
VISITING BELL ISLAND, AN ISLAND OFF AN ISLAND
Bell Island, #Newfoundland, is a small island community in Conception Bay with a population of about 2000 residents and accessible only by a 20 minute ferry ride from Portugal Cove (St. John's) across "The Tickle". The magnificent #cliffs and the #rural ambiance of #BellIsland create a huge "leap back in time" sensation. Historically, Bell Island had been a thriving iron ore mining community but, since 1966, the mines have been closed. Today, tours of the mine operate in season.
Harry's Lookout is a memorial to the late #Newfoundland singer / songwriter #HarryHibbs. The memorial wharf, situated on a grassy bank along the coast at near the ferry terminal, has amazing views of the ocean and the distant coastline of St. John's.
This concrete monument on Bell Island seems to represents the #history and #culture of the local residents.
VISITING GEORGE STREET
The world renowned #GeorgeStreet, located in downtown St. John's, extends a distance of two blocks and consists only of #pubs, #bars, and #restaurants. It is regarded highly in terms of nightlife and is a great place to become an "Honorary Newfoundlander" in a fun-filled #Screech-in ceremony as can be seen in this link: https://youtu.be/hn9kLhM76SQ
George Street is beautifully lit with lights and decorations during Christmas season and, walking down the block of pubs, restaurants, and bars, the sound of music fills the air.
WATCHING WAVES AT MIDDLE COVE BEACH
Middle Cove beach, Newfoundland, Canada, is a popular destination for those who love ocean and coastal scenery. Magnificent waves pound the shores and send high jets of sea water into the air when conditions are right; other times, the ocean waves gently massage the rugged coastline. It draws large crowds during the annual Capelin Roll (when capelin come ashore to spawn, chased by whales, sea birds, and more).
Visiting our #oceans and #WaveWatching is a popular #tourist attraction for those visiting #Newfoundland. Waves can become intense in local bays, such as here at #MiddleCoveBeach and distancing is important to avoid injury.
#MiddleCoveBeach is a popular spot for people who like to see amazing wave action along our province's shores. Also, as along many coasts, it is the site of the annual #CapelinRoll (a spectacular natural occurrence whereby, usually in mid July, capelin come to our shores in vast numbers to spawn on our shores. Many are consumed by whales, gannets, and other creatures enroute. Others die after washing ashore. Many others are caught by humans either by hand, dip net, fishing line, or other means and used for consumption or to act as manure on their crops.
VISITING QUIDI VIDI VILLAGE
Quidi Vidi Village, one of the oldest fishing villages in North America, is a beautiful ocean-front community located in the east end of St. John’s, Newfoundland. It is home to #QuidiVidiBrewery, the province's largest micro-brewery. #QuidiVidiVillage is popular with tourists for its cultural and historic significance. With its absolutely fantastic #photo opportunities, Quidi Vidi Village has a "step back in time" feel.
#Fishing artifacts are commonly displayed on many of the #StiltHouse properties in #QuidiVidiVillage's. A stilt house is a house with is built in the ocean's shallow inlets and supported on logs. These properties often have private boats docked to a wharf that is attached to the property.
#QuidiVidiBrewery, the province's largest microbrewery, is located in the heart of Quidi Vidi Village and holds the distinction of making their ale from #icebergs. The product is extremely popular and, the history of the brewery, quite unique. Book a tour, learn the history, taste the product, and fall in love with the people.
Adjacent to the boat launch, be sure to visit the #QuidiVidiPlantation. Here, you will find a collection of friendly artisans creating unique craftwork which they offer for sale, the perfect place to purchase a personalized gift or a memento from a visit to “the rock”.
VISITING QUIDI VIDI LAKE
Quidi Vidi Lake, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, is home to the annual Royal St. John's #Regatta. A lovely walking trail encircling its perimeter allows one to experience nature in the heart of the city and to interact with the various species of ducks and other birds.
The #RowerStatue at #QuidiVidiLake pays tribute to the annual #RoyalStJohnsRegatta, held on the first Wednesday in August (weather permitting). If weather conditions are unfavorable on the designated day, the event is deferred to the next suitable day. The regatta is North America's oldest, organized, sporting event (dating back to 1816). It is designated a holiday in the city of St. John's region only (although residents from communities outside of this district regularly attend the event). In addition to the rowing races and media broadcasts, there are stalls with games of chance, face painting, food vendors, and much more set up along the banks of the lake for the event, setting a party-like atmosphere for fun of all ages. Click this link to see some footage that had been posted on youtube by someone from a past regatta https://youtu.be/rfa78J0VBjw
The boathouse at Quidi Vidi Lake is a central hub for the Annual Royal St. John's Regatta. Names of winning teams are engraved in a large wall surrounding the "winners circle".
The walking trail that encircles #QuidiVidiLake is bordered by trees, flowers, weeds, and grass. The ground cover alternates from boardwalk to stone. There is an area along the trail which has a children's playground, another with a skateboard park, and another has a dog park, There are a few areas along the trail which are popular gathering places for the many species of #ducks, #gulls, #cormorants, and other water #birds. Song birds can be heard chirping in the trees and, at times, birds rare to our area identified, making for an ideal spot for those interested in #BirdWatching.
Various species of birds and ducks make Quidi Vidi Lake their home for periods through the year. As with most birds, there tends to be a migratory pattern to the species of birds that are prominent at any point in time, making an ideal place for those with an interest in #WildlifePhotography to visit.
This page has only touched the surface of the amazing attractions that Newfoundland has to offer. Depending on individual interest and available time, the amount of time dedicated to each site would vary.
