Your Visit to Newfoundland - Planned by A Newfoundlander
@comefromawayy So some of ye may be thinking about flying to the rock after seeing Come From Away. Which is amazing and we’d love to have you. Here are some tips in case you do decide to visit:
1. Itinerary - Depending on what kind of trip you’re looking for, there are a number of ways you can visit:
a. Fly to St. John’s then drive around the island - I would recommend this route as St. John’s is the biggest “city” on the island and there is a lot to see and do here. (More on that later) Plus, your flight is much more likely to get in if the weather is crappy (and it always is.) You can rent a car at the airport and drive around the island though do take into consideration how big the place is. If you wanted to drive to, say, Gander, it would take you upwards of three hours on the Trans-Canada highway. There is a bus line that takes you across the island so if you want to take that route find out more here.
b. Take the ferry - If you live on the East Coast, you can drive up to North Sydney, Nova Scotia and take the ferry to Channel Port-Aux-Basques and then drive to either St. John’s or wherever it is you want to go from there. We’ve done the road trip from Portland, ME to St. John’s and it takes about 36 hours door to door. More info here. That bus goes from Port-Aux-Basques to St. John’s so here’s the link again.
c. I think there are a few flights directly to Gander or Deer Lake but more on that later...
2. Visit during the summer - Summer in Newfoundland is stunning. Icebergs are in the harbour throughout May until July, the East Coast Trail and Gros Morne are ready for hiking, and there’s a ton of festivals as well as special tours during the summer. But for the love of Christ, don’t try and fly to Newfoundland during the winter months. And for the record, the winter months include the beginning of November until the middle of May. Visiting during the winter is a terrible idea because your flight will almost certainly be delayed or cancelled but even when you make it here, you won’t be able to do a friggin’ thing due to weather.
3. Dress for the weather - “It’s never nice above” - yeah they weren’t making that up. I guarantee you that the weather will get cold while you’re here so make sure you pack fleeces, wool sweaters, windbreakers, hats, mitts or just anything that you need to stay warm. That being said, if you’re planning on just hanging out in St. John’s area in the summer time, there’s really no need to break out the Canada Goose Jacket. The wind is also friggin’ insane so forget about bringing umbrellas.
4. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT visit Labrador - Labrador is simply not a place you can visit. Yes, there is an airport. Yes, there is some civilization and a severely unappreciated First Nations culture. Yes, there is miles and miles of untouched nature. But no, you do not want to be there. Unless you want an extreme nature adventure, I’d keep your visit to the island.
5. The outport communities are definitely a place to visit but if you only want to see a few here are some suggestions:
a. Trinity/Port Rexton - Fischer’s Loft is a lovely (if a bit pricey) place to stay and it has some seriously incredible food grown right in the garden. There’s also Two Whales Café and Aunt Sarah’s Chocolate which are must visits. My high-school chemistry teacher gives walking tours of Trinity and he’s probably the most adorable and quintessentially Newfoundland person you’ll ever meet. Also, Skerwink trail was rated the best hiking trail in Canada and its fairly light if you’re not used to hiking.
b. St. Pierre et Miquelon - Pardon my French but this place is fucking wild. So Newfoundland has this crazy long history of being a battle ground between the French and the British. St. Pierre et Miquelon switched hands multiple times but in 1816, it stopped switching and returned to France. Like, as a proper French colony which it still is today! They still use the Euro and speak Parisian French. They even voted in the recent French election.
c. Gros-Morne doesn’t even need explanation. Hikers/Kayakers, take note.
6. Here’s the thing about Gander...it’s not much. You can visit Gander, the people are indeed lovely, and I believe they’re offering a bus tour of the different towns to which planes were diverted during 9/11. However, Gander is a small town. It’s definitely a place you can and should visit but not for as long as the “plane people.” The show did not lie about how little there is to do in Gander and how “on the edge” you will be.
7. VISIT ST. JOHN’S- It’s the biggest “city” on the island, it’s gorgeous (see Jelly Bean Row houses) and there is just so much wicked stuff you can do that I’ve compiled an itemized list:
St. John’s History and Nature - We’re the oldest city in North America (I think) so there’s a buttload of awesome history based mostly around cod fish.
Whale Watching (Dress warm and bring a camera.)
Stan Cook Sea Kayaking (We do this at the end of every semester. Such a good time)
The Rooms (Great food in the café. Kids and seniors are free, student discount is $6.50, adults are $10. Most beautiful museum in Atlantic Canada. I volunteer there and you can literally just walk up to one of us and have a gab about CFA)
Signal Hill/Cabot Tower (There’s cannons and a chocolate store at the top)
East Coast Trail Hiking
Johnson Geo Centre (This place is good if you have young kids, like geology/oil, or have an interest in the Titanic which sunk just offshore)
The Basilica of St. John the Baptist (If you’re an architecture nerd, you’ll love this place. Gothic on the outside, Baroque-Classical on the inside)
St. John’s Food - For some reason, we’re really good at food.
Raymonds ($$$) - Canada’s No. 1 Restaurant for a few years now. Not even kidding. Traditional Newfoundland food combined with haute cuisine.
Merchant Tavern ($$) - Affordable version of Raymond’s. Try the poutine. (See adorable Chef Jeremy Charles)
Bacalao ($$) - Traditional Newfoundland food. Fast service.
Fixed Coffee ($$) - If you like a strong brew, this is your place.
Piatto Pizza ($$) - Neapolitan Pizza. We met a couple from New York City in this restaurant and they told us it was the best pizza they had ever tasted. It’s hard to get a table and they don’t take reservations so come early.
Rocket Bakery ($) - Good vegan food, good coffee, GREAT chicken burritos. Nice owners. If you meet Kelly or Mark, tell them Claire sent you!
Formosa Tea House - ($) Not even remotely close to Newfoundland style anything but they’re cheap, friendly, and delicious.
Afghan Restaurant - ($) Again, not Newfoundland and it looks like a hole in the wall kind of place but trust me its fantastic.
NOTE: - If you’re 19 and you feel like drinking in St. John’s, George Street has you covered but please be careful!
- If you want some decent food along with your booze, Loose Tie is a great place. This missus named Lor owns the place and bartends on Fridays and she’s best kind. Tell her Claire sent you!
-The number for cabs is (709) 722-2222.
- Our public transit sucks but here’s the website
St. John’s Culture -
There’s always a million arts festival on so that’s all that’s left for you to find but I have one recommendation that you really can’t miss:
SPIRIT OF NEWFOUNDLAND DINNER AND SHOW - You know the whole “Screech In” part of Come From Away? That’s done there! You can get screeched in (if you’re 19) and they get you to kiss the cod as well. These guys are the whole Come From Away package. They’ll do “Heave Away,” bring you food, and will really make it feel like you’re a part of the show.
Anyways that’s most of it! If there’s any other Newfoundlanders who want to add anything giv’er.
Best of luck b’ys!
