Tag: hiking
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!
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. |
Click to enlarge
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.
Hiking the Chikanishing Trail, Killarney
The Chikanishing Trail is a scenic hiking trail located within Killarney Provincial Park in Ontario. This relatively short but rugged trail is about 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) long, and it offers hikers a chance to experience the stunning natural beauty of Georgian Bay and its rocky shoreline. It is known for its breathtaking views, fascinating geological features, and a great glimpse into the wilderness of the park.
The trail is considered moderate in difficulty. It involves some scrambling over rocks and uneven terrain, so it’s important to wear good hiking shoes. The route is marked with cairns (stone piles) and trail markers to guide hikers.
One of the main attractions of the Chikanishing Trail is its stunning views of Georgian Bay. The trail follows along the bay’s rugged shoreline, where hikers are treated to sweeping vistas of the water, small islands, and the distinctive pink granite and white quartzite rock formations that characterize the area.
Tips for Hiking the Chikanishing Trail:
• Footwear: Since the terrain can be rocky and uneven, good hiking boots or shoes with sturdy grip are recommended.
Water: Carry water, especially on warm days, as there are no facilities along the trail.
Sun Protection: The trail is fairly exposed, especially near the shoreline, so bring sunscreen and a hat.
Wind: Being close to the water, the trail can be windy, so pack a light jacket or windbreaker.
Safety: While it’s not a long trail, it’s essential to stay on the marked path and be mindful of the rugged terrain to avoid injury.
A Visit to Killarney
Killarney, Ontario, is a picturesque village located on the northern shore of Georgian Bay, in the Canadian province of Ontario. It lies at the entrance to the Killarney Provincial Park, which is known for its rugged landscapes, beautiful wilderness, and crystal-clear lakes. Killarney is a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, canoeists, and campers seeking a remote and peaceful experience.
Killarney has a long history as a fishing village. Visitors can enjoy sport fishing in the area, with species like trout, pike, and bass being common catches. Boating, sailing, and kayaking are popular due to the calm waters and scenic surroundings.
The Killarney Mountain Lodge , a famous resort in the area that has been hosting visitors since the 1960s. The lodge offers a range of accommodations, dining, and recreational activities, making it a popular base for exploring the region. We stayed for three nights in one of their onsite cabins. The cabin was small, same set up as a hotel room but in a cabin. It was comfortable for two people, I would not add a third. I would not stay in a cabin in mid summer as there is not a/c and it could be very hot in these cabins. The supplied fan was very poor quality. There were lots of amenities available, I can’t talk about the pool as it was closed for two days, so we could not use it, this was due to someone breaking a glass in the pool. It was odd the Lodge could not deal with the issue in a timely manner. It was a pleasant stay, but would not stay at the Lodge again. The Sportsman Inn just up the road will be our next stay if we go back.
Killarney was originally established as a fur trading post in the 19th century. Its remote location made it primarily accessible by boat until the construction of a road in 1962, which connected it to Ontario’s highway system. Its isolated charm still attracts visitors looking for a getaway from busier tourist destinations.
Killarney remains a quiet, off-the-beaten-path destination ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to experience the untouched beauty of Ontario’s wilderness. The village and surrounding park offer a combination of adventure, history, and relaxation.