Toronto,
03
August
2016
|
22:03
Europe/Amsterdam

Discover North America’s Most Easterly Point: Newfoundland & Labrador

Those who’ve been to North America’s most easterly point can all attest to one thing – you haven’t seen all of Canada until you’ve seen the rocky, salty-aired marvel that is Newfoundland and Labrador, also known as The Rock.

And it seems travellers from all over the world would agree as they’ve been flocking to the region in spades. Between 2015 and 2016, Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, saw a 38% increase in accommodations within Newfoundland and Labrador. Residents of Canada, US, UK, France and Germany have been some of the top visitors to the province through 2015 and into 2016.

To help you set out on a truly east coast adventure, we’ve compiled a list of key spots to hit along your route.

Just Landed in the Capital City

St. John’s

No trip to Newfoundland and Labrador would be complete without a jaunt to the street with the most bars and pubs per square foot in North America – George Street. This year’s George Street Festival, a musical extravaganza with the street closed off allowing only those aged 19 and above, takes place July 28th- August 3rd. August 3rd is also the city’s annual Regatta Day civic holiday; a day when most locals gather at Quidi Vidi Lake to watch The Royal St. John's Regatta, North America's oldest annual sporting event, enjoy the boat and rowing races, play games of chance, and eat and drink to their heart’s delight.

Guests of Bannerman Park Suites can enjoy a scenic stroll along St. Johns’ famously colorful row houses on their way down to Christian’s Pub to get “screeched in”. Canada's longest running folk festival, the Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Festival, takes place August 5th to 7th right next door in – you guessed it – Bannerman Park.

Drive Up the Coast

Trinity

To get your fill of preserved 18th century homes, museums, and other buildings, a picturesque drive along the Trans-Canada Highway will deliver you to culturally rich heritage community, Trinity. According to Booking.com’s Passion Search tool, the town of Trinity is the perfect destination for theatre-lovers.

The Rising Tide Theatre’s New Founde Lande Trinity Pageant showcases some of the province’s best talent, giving audiences a walking tour window into the area’s rich history and culture. Campbell House Trinity guests are a 7-minute walk from Upper Gun Hill Trail and 1-minute walk from whale watching tour operators. Also a 1-minute walk is local food favourite, Twine Loft Dining. You’ll have no trouble making new friends as the people of Trinity, or “Trinity Bight” as it’s locally known, are known to be among the world’s friendliest you’ll find.

Head to the Park

Sandringham

What more sure-fire way to soak up the best that nature has to offer than among 400 square kilometers of lush green? Terra Nova National Park is renowned for its vast beauty, panoramic views and variety of activities available including kayaking, canoeing, boating, hiking, camping, golfing, bicycling and more. Moose, lynx, birds and more occupy the forests and meadows of one of Newfoundland’s most treasured locales. Drive up to the top of Blue Hill to have a closer inspection of nature at its finest with the help of the spotting scope and interpretive panels. The Prints of Whales Inn is a quick ten-minute drive from Terra Nova National Park and offers free Wi-Fi so you can upload your favourite photos immediately.

Icebergs, Whales and History – Oh My!

Twillingate

Twillingate, one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s oldest ports, known for fishing, a culture that was popular among the 1600s French settlers, whale watching, and more, is also affectionately known as "The Iceberg Capital of the World". This true ocean playground offers visitors boat tours, rugged hiking, outstandingly fresh seafood fare and entertainment every night of the week throughout summer. Capt. Dave's Boat Tours are highly popular with those hoping to take in the natural wonder of the icebergs and whales that abound in the area. Iceberg Properties brings guests just 657 feet from both the Lighthouse and the Coastal Trail. Also nearby are Twillingate Museums & Crafts 4.2 miles away, Auk Island Winery 3.3 miles away, and Long Point Lighthouse under 1 mile away.