Category: travel
travel photography
Explore Western Brook Pond: A Hidden Gem in Newfoundland
ocation & Overview
- Western Brook Pond is a freshwater fjord located in Gros Morne National Park, on the west coast of Newfoundland.
- It is approximately 16 km (10 miles) long and up to 2 km (1.2 miles) wide.
- The fjord was carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age, and today it is completely freshwater, as it is landlocked and not connected to the ocean
Scenic Features
- Sheer Cliffs: Towering up to 600 meters (2,000 feet) above the water, creating dramatic vertical walls.
- Waterfalls: Numerous waterfalls cascade down the cliffs into the pond, including seasonal flows from snowmelt.
- Crystal Clear Water: The pond’s deep, clear water reflects the cliffs, creating breathtaking photo opportunities.
Activities
- Boat Tours: Guided boat tours are the most popular way to explore the fjord, offering close-up views of cliffs and waterfalls.
- Hiking Trails:
- Western Brook Pond Trail: A 3 km (one-way) trail from the parking area to the boat dock.
- Offers scenic views, boardwalks, and opportunities for wildlife spotting along the way.
- Photography & Nature Watching: Wildlife such as moose, foxes, and various birds can be spotted along the trail.
Explore the Unique Tablelands of Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
ocation & Overview
- The Tablelands are located in Gros Morne National Park on the west coast of Newfoundland.
- They form part of the Long Range Mountains, a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains.
- This area is geologically unique and internationally significant because it is part of the Earth’s mantle exposed at the surface, meaning the rocks here originate deep beneath the crust.
Geological Features
- The landscape is barren, rocky, and orange-brown due to the presence of serpentine rock, which is low in nutrients and inhospitable to most plants.
- The soil is thin and toxic to many species, giving the area a Martian or alien appearance.
- This makes the Tablelands a rare natural laboratory for studying Earth’s mantle and tectonic processes.
Activities & Trails
- Tablelands Trail: A popular walking trail allows visitors to explore the rocky plateau up close, with interpretive signs explaining geology and ecology.
- Hiking & Photography: The area is renowned for dramatic vistas, perfect for hiking, photography, and educational tours.
- Interpretive Centre: Nearby facilities provide detailed explanations of the Tablelands’ geological importance.
Step onto another world at the Tablelands in Gros Morne! 🌋🍂 Walk across fiery orange rocks from deep inside the Earth’s mantle and marvel at this alien, barren landscape — a geological wonder you won’t find anywhere else in Canada.
Explore the Skerwink Trail: A Coastal Hiking Gem
The Skerwink Trail is a renowned 5.3 km (3.3 mi) coastal loop located near Port Rexton on Newfoundland’s Bonavista Peninsula. Celebrated for its breathtaking views, the trail has been recognized by Travel + Leisure as one of the top 35 walks in North America and Europe.
rail Highlights
- Scenic Coastal Views: The trail offers stunning vistas of sea stacks, cliffs, and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Wildlife Sightings: Hikers may encounter seabirds, eagles, and, during certain seasons, whales and icebergs.
- Trail Features: The path includes boardwalks, stairs, and benches, ensuring a comfortable hiking experience.
Tips for Hikers
- Direction: Hike clockwise for optimal views of Trinity Harbour.
- Safety: Be cautious near cliff edges, especially when wet.
- Amenities: After the hike, consider visiting local spots like the Two Whales Coffee Shop in Port Rexton.
Whether you’re an avid hiker or a nature enthusiast, the Skerwink Trail offers an unforgettable experience amidst some of Newfoundland’s most picturesque landscapes.
Explore Twillingate: Icebergs, Trails, and Local Culture
Twillingate, Newfoundland and Labrador, a charming coastal town renowned for its stunning icebergs, rich maritime history, and vibrant arts scene.
Top Things to Do in Twillingate
- Iceberg & Whale Watching: Embark on boat tours or kayak excursions to witness majestic icebergs and spot humpback whales in Iceberg Alley.
- Hike the Rockcut Trails: Explore scenic trails like the Nanny Hole and Long Point Lighthouse Loop, offering breathtaking coastal views.
- Visit Long Point Lighthouse: Climb to this historic lighthouse for panoramic vistas of the surrounding islands and ocean.
- Prime Berth Fishing Museum: Discover Twillingate’s fishing heritage through interactive exhibits and demonstrations.
- Wild Island Kitchen: Experience a unique sea-to-plate dining adventure, where chefs prepare gourmet meals in secret seaside locations.
- Attend Local Festivals: Join in the fun at events like the Fish Fun and Folk Festival or the Unscripted Twillingate Digital Arts Festival
Dining & Local Flavors
- Great Auk Winery: Sample local wines and enjoy the serene vineyard setting.
- Lickety Split Ice Cream: Treat yourself to delicious ice cream, including wildberry sundaes made with local blueberries.
Getting There
Twillingate is approximately a 4-hour drive from St. John’s, Newfoundland’s capital. The journey offers scenic views of the island’s rugged coastline and charming communities.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a peaceful retreat, Twillingate offers a memorable getaway. Let me know if you’d like assistance planning your trip or finding specific accommodations and activities!
Explore Trinity: A Coastal Gem in Newfoundland
Trinity is a picturesque town on the Bonavista Peninsula in Newfoundland and Labrador, renowned for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and stunning coastal landscapes. Established in the 18th century, Trinity was once a bustling fishing and trading hub. Today, it stands as a testament to Newfoundland’s colonial past, with many buildings recognized as Registered Heritage Structures.
Things to Do in Trinity
- Rising Tide Theatre: Experience local theatre productions that showcase Newfoundland’s culture and stories.
- Gun Hill Trail: Embark on a short hike offering panoramic views of Trinity and the surrounding coastline.
- St. Paul’s Anglican Church: Visit this historic church, a prominent landmark in Trinity.
- Trinity Visitor Centre: Begin your exploration at this center, which offers interactive exhibits about the town’s history and culture.
- Nearby Communities: Explore the surrounding areas, including Port Rexton, Bonavista, and Elliston, each offering unique attractions and experiences
Accommodations and Dining
Trinity offers a range of accommodations, from historic inns to cozy bed and breakfasts. Dining options include local eateries serving fresh seafood and traditional Newfoundland cuisine. For a unique experience, consider staying in restored fishing rooms or saltbox houses that reflect the town’s heritage.
Exploring Newfoundland’s East Coast: Stay at The Bread & Cheese Inn
The Bread & Cheese Country Inn is a charming boutique inn / country bed & breakfast located on Bread & Cheese Road in Bay Bulls, NL.
Location & Setting
- Perched in a scenic coastal setting, it overlooks the rocky shoreline with beautiful ocean views from almost every room.
- It sits right on the East Coast Trail, between the Spouts Path and Mickeleens Path, which makes it ideal for hiking and exploring the coast.
- Bay Bulls is a historic and picturesque town, known for its coastal character and proximity to nature.
Rooms & Amenities
- The inn has about 5-6 rooms (some listings say six) each with full ensuite bathrooms.
- Bedrooms are well-kept, comfortable, with ocean views.
- Amenities include free WiFi, private baths, ocean-view or waterfront views, balcony/deck, and licensed dining.
Discover Cape Spear: Canada’s Easternmost Point
What & Where
- Location: Cape Spear is a headland on the Avalon Peninsula, about 12 km (or ~20 minutes drive) from downtown St. John’s, Newfoundland.
- Geographic Significance: It is the most easterly point of land in Canada (not counting Greenland), and often called the most easterly point in North America.
- Elevation & Terrain: The land here rises to about 75 meters above sea level and is a rugged promontory of very old (Precambrian) rock. The vegetation is thin—bogs, rocky outcrops, lichens, grasses, and moss predominate.
History & Structures
- Lighthouse: The original lighthouse was built in 1836 and is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland & Labrador. It has been restored to its circa-1839 appearance, including the lightkeeper’s residence.
- Modern Light Tower: A newer concrete lighthouse/light tower structure was built in 1955, located nearby.
- Military Significance: During World War II, Cape Spear was strategically important. A gun battery, bunkers, and other defensive works were installed to help protect convoys entering St. John’s harbour and to guard against submarine threats. Remnants of these installations remain as historical features.
Experiences & Nature
- Views: Spectacular coastal scenery—rocky cliffs, crashing waves, wide open Atlantic horizon. Because of its easterly position, it’s also one of the first places in North America to see the sunrise.
- Wildlife: Opportunities to spot seabirds, whales, icebergs (in season), and other marine life.
- Trails & Hiking: There are trails around the headlands, including parts of the East Coast Trail, boardwalks, nature paths, and lookouts.
Visiting & Practical Info
- Access & Facilities: The site is accessible year-round, but many visitor services (e.g. buildings, guided tours) are seasonal (roughly June to October).
- How to Get There: Drive via Route 11 (“Cape Spear Drive”) from St. John’s. There’s parking, restrooms, picnic areas, viewpoints.
- Safety Notes: Because of the ocean exposure, weather can be dramatic—fog, strong winds, rogue waves are possible. There are warning signs around dangerous edges and wet rocks.
At the Edge of the Continent: Exploring St. John’s, Newfoundland
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, is the easternmost city in North America and the capital of the province. It’s one of the oldest cities on the continent, with a history tied to fishing, trade, and European exploration.
The city is famous for:
- Colourful row houses (“jellybean row”) on its hilly streets.
- Stunning coastal scenery, with cliffs, Signal Hill, and nearby Cape Spear.
- A working harbour right in the downtown core.
- A lively arts, music, and pub scene on George Street.
It blends small-town charm with rugged natural beauty, making it both a cultural hub and a gateway to Newfoundland’s dramatic coastline.
🌄 Top Lookouts & Trails
| Signal Hill National Historic Site | Iconic hill overlooking St. John’s harbour & city. Great views from Cabot Tower. |
| Ladies’ Lookout Trail (Signal Hill) | Highest point on Signal Hill. 1.3 km loop, ~30 mins. Rugged coastline view. |
| Geo Vista Park | Trails with views over old St. John’s & harbour, nice walk with less elevation. Crystal clear views over both city & ocean. |
| Fort Amherst Lighthouse | Coastal views, waves, lighthouse, rugged cliff-lookouts. A bit quieter if you go off-peak. |
| Cape Spear Lighthouse | Oldest lighthouse in NL, easternmost point of North America. Excellent sunrise / ocean views. |
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Toronto – Chester Hill Lookout – Player Estates
Chester Hill Lookout is a semi-circular concrete observation deck at the very end of Chester Hill Road, a quiet cul-de-sac off Broadview Avenue in Playter Estates / near the Don Valley / Danforth area.
- It offers panoramic views of:
- the downtown Toronto skyline (CN Tower, financial district)
- the Don Valley and Don Valley Parkway below
- Evergreen Brick Works visible to the right when looking west
- The Prince Edward Viaduct / Bloor Viaduct across the valley.
Tips for Visiting
If you’re planning to go, here are some tips to make the most of it:
- Go during daylight / sunset rather than late at night — better views + safer.
- Bring a camera if you like cityscape photography. Early evening (blue hour / sunset) gives great light.
- Respect that it’s a residential area: keep noise down, no littering.
- Wear something warm / wind-proof if you’re there after dark because of exposure.
- Parking might be limited; street parking only.
