Fun Friday
Good Morning we have made it through another week and now it's time to go on our weekly Friday adventure. Today we are going to go on another adventure this time we are going to go visit the province of Newfoundland and Labrador
1.) Signal Hill A hill overlooking St. John's Harbor which has been given "National Historic Site" status. Best views of St Johns and surrounding areas. Lots of hiking trails. Lighthouse is cool. Free. Lots of parking.
2.) # 2 Mine Tour and Museum located in Bell Island hours of operation are 10-6pm This “Cultural Tourism Award” winner is a 20 minute ferry ride from scenic Portugal Cove. When you arrive, the #2 Underground Mine Tour & Museum is a 5 minute car ride from the ferry dock. At our facility you will be greeted by local tour guides who will share our history and tell you amazing stories about our forefathers. You'll be inspired by tales of these hard working Bell Islanders who risked their lives to supply the world markets with precious iron ore and were instrumental in contributing to the economic stability of the province of Newfoundland Labrador in the early 1900's. Our experience includes a walking tour that goes down into the #2 Mine to 650 feet on a 10 degree slope. Wear a jacket or warm sweater, it is 6 degrees. After your tour, sit and enjoy a cup of our own Miners' Blend Coffee with a treat in our newly renovated Mug Up Coffee Shop.
3.) Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site Exceptionally scenic spot. Iconic lighthouse, waves crashing on the rocks, strong winds blowing. The history of the tunnels was fascinating. If you are hiking the East coast trail and if you time it right, the cafe is a delicious and welcome stop. Catch the sunrise as it touches the most eastern point of North America
3.) The Rooms The Rooms is a place for all of us: for those who live here and those who want to experience it fully. Part sanctuary, part showcase, part classroom and part playground, it’s both a destination and a journey. This is a gathering place, a creative space and a cultural centre as distinct and unique as Newfoundland and Labrador. It is our place to come together, to create meaningful and memorable experiences. It is our place to share the best of who we are.
4.) Gros Morne National Park A must see part of our past from the ice ages. Fantastic views. Visit the interactive center and learn more about the past. Lots of hiking trails too. The Park has an abundance of unique features not to be missed. Start at the Visitor Centre in Rocky Harbour where you will be greeted by a charming woman and her sons. They are knowledgeable and articulate in English and French. The Discovery Center although a long detour off the highway is also a great stop and an educational treat. Have a good look and a chuckle at the collection of figurine scenes on display. If you do nothing else, take the Western Brook Pond boat tour and enjoy the easy walk in. It is an hour on a hard packed path with lots of benches for resting and panels for learning. Truly the highlight of our trip to Newfoundland.
5.) Skerwink Trail located in Port Rexton Skerwink Trail is the hiking Jewel of the region. It is internationally recognized and was ranked the top 35 trails in North America and Europe by Travel & Leisure Magazine (2003). This 5.3 km hike will provide the opportunity to view and photograph the amazing coastal scenery, sea birds, whales, eagles, sea stacks as well as icebergs (in season).
6.) L'Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Site "One thousand years ago, an expedition from Greenland landed here and built a substantial camp."
Anne Stine (1918-97) was a Norwegian archaeologist, who discovered the remains of a Norse settlement here, with her husband Helge Ingstad (1899-2001). You can watch a short informative film at the center, then follow a staff on the short path to the site. The sod huts are replicas.
7.) Johnson Geo Centre Wed-Sun 9:30-5pm Cut from the ancient rock of Signal Hill in St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador, the Johnson Geo Centre takes you deep underground to experience the story of planet Earth. Discover our planet's incredible history, the numerous species of corals that live off our coast, learn about the volcanoes, earthquakes, and natural forces that shape the very ground beneath our feet, and so much more. Explore the interactive exhibits on your own or join our interpreters on a guided tour. The kids will love playing in the Hibernia KidsPlace and experiencing our multimedia film complete with rain and lightning. Be sure to visit Geo Gifts to find the perfect keepsake. Then, take your learning outside with a walk through our GeoVista Park. At the Johnson Geo Centre, we'll show you Earth from the inside, out! The Geo Centre is wheelchair accessible and offers free, off-street parking. Bus parking is also available.
8.) East Coast Trail Explore 25 wilderness paths along North America's easternmost coastline. The East Coast Trail unites genuine wilderness hiking with richly historic communities from Topsail Beach, to Cape St. Francis, to Cappahayden. There are over 300 kilometers of developed trail to explore. The paths of the East Coast Trail take you past towering cliffs and headlands, sea stacks, deep fjords, and a natural wave-driven geyser called the Spout. Experience abandoned settlements, lighthouses, ecological reserves, seabird colonies, whales, icebergs, the world's southernmost caribou herd, historic sites, a 50-metre suspension bridge, two active archaeological dig sites, and many more attractions. While the East Coast Trail is free to hike. A $25 annual membership fee helps offset the cost of trail maintenance.
9.) Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Cape Bonavista is a beautiful lighthouse. We enjoyed the tour of the lighthouse, and getting to see the light at the top. The gift shop was also fun to visit. There were a lot of whales when we went, so plan to spend a while here to relax and enjoy the sights. History and nature meet in this desolate outpost. Hike around a bit to capture the views and the feeling that this is an end of the world. Watch the ocean for whales. Check out the nearby islands and the calm water for puffins. Bring binoculars and be patient. Make sure you bring lots of water. There was nowhere to buy water or fill up water bottles
10.) The Tablelands For geology nerds and for curious people of all interests. One of 4 places on earth where you can walk on the Earth's mantle. As you will learn " it shouldn't be there" Tours are available in English and French. Our tour guide Marsella describes herself as an indigenous person and her love and respect for the Tablelands was evident The hike itself is probably within reach of most people,gentle rises and an old wagon road for a base. A bonus was the the absence of bugs as a result of the moonrise landscape
11.) Prime Berth Fishing Museum Prime Berth Twillingate Fishery & Heritage Centre is a private interpretive fishing center and craft studio created by David Boyd as a tribute to his fisher forefathers.In honour of this tradition, and as a tribute to proud people so dear to his heart, David decided to call his heritage centre - "Prime Berth"- meaning literally -"the best spot!"
12.) Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve The gannets, murres, kittiwakes, etc are so close that pictures are a photographer's dream! Chris, at the desk, is very friendly and knowledgeable! We would definitely recommend this place for the amateur and most experienced bird watchers!
13.) Newfoundland Insectarium hours of operation are 9-6pm The Newfoundland Insectarium is a museum of nature featuring insects and arthropods from around the world. It houses thousands of live and mounted specimens including a butterfly garden, glass beehive, and ant colony. It is located in Reidville, Newfoundland, just outside Deer Lake.
14.) Rising Tide Theatre Each year, Rising Tide Theatre is proud to present a full slate of original and award-winning plays produced and performed by a 45-person strong company of theatre professionals assembled from across the province. Our productions range from the famous outdoor walkabout the 'New Founde Lande Trinity Pageant', to our light and lively dinner theatre, to our array of plays performed in both the Rising Tide Arts Centre and Trinity Parish Hall as part of our Seasons in the Night Festival.
15.) Lighthouse Picnics The Lighthouse Picnic was absolutely wonderful! The drive and then the walk in had some lovely views. You can collect your picnic and blanket from two friendly people and find a spot and enjoy the views
16.) Colony of Avalon Have you ever walked on a 17th-century street, seen a 17th-century herb garden, or looked at the remains of everyday life in one of the earliest European colonies in North America? If you haven't, come to the Colony of Avalon at Ferryland, Newfoundland. The colony was founded by George Calvert, later Lord Baltimore, in 1621. Most people have no idea that permanent European settlement in North America dates so far back, and that Newfoundland played such an important role. The Ferryland settlement was "forgotten", and its remains lay undisturbed for centuries.The site is now being excavated and archaeologists have uncovered over a million artifacts from the stone constructed buildings including gold rings, Portuguese ceramics and other unusual objects. Ferryland is easily accessible from St. John's, Newfoundland. Enjoy a tour of the Interpretation Centre and the excavations. In season, you can enjoy whales playing in the waters with icebergs in the distance. There are sea bird sanctuaries nearby, and not far away, the Avalon caribou herd wanders in view of the road. Boat tours, guest houses, gift shops and restaurants are all available.
17.) Norstead Viking Village There are two Viking sites at L'Anse aux Meadows. Norstead is a privately run site which portrays a reconstruction of a Viking Village. The other Viking site nearby is an UNESCO and National Heritage site, which is run by Parks Canada. L'Anse aux Meadows is believed to be the only North American site which was settled by Vikings. Norstead has numerous reconstructed Viking buildings. It also has a beautiful example of a Viking Ship. If you are visiting L'Anse aux Meadows it is worthwhile going to both the Viking sites - there is not much else here! Very remote and isolated.
18.) North Atlantic Aviation Museum hours of operation are weekdays 9-5pm The Museum’s collection focuses on North Atlantic aviation history as it pertains to Gander and Gander International Airport, from the 1930’s through to present day, focusing on the WWII years through the early jet age. Highlights of our collection: We have several WWII aircraft engines, a restored WWII DeHavilland Tiger Moth bi-plane, a WWII Lockheed Hudson MkIIIA mid-range bomber (which we are told is one of only 8 left in the world, and is the only one in North America), a 1950’s CF101 Voodoo jet, a 1930’s Beech 18-S, and a 1940’s Canso PBY-5A waterbomber. Of special interest, above the main entry we have positioned the tail section of a DC-3 (1930’s model). We also host numerous items relating to 9/11 and the events of what happened here in Gander. We also offer Beyond Words Tours, a 9/11 experience here in Gander which highlights our town and key aspects of our 9/11 story! Join us as we take you on an unforgettable journey showcasing the inside scoop of what’s happened!
19.) Grenfell House Museum Grenfell House is the restored residence of Sir Wilfred Thomason Grenfell. It is part of the Grenfell Historic Properties which also include The Grenfell Interpretation Centre, Grenfell Handicrafts, Tea House HIll & walking trail, the Dock House Museum and the Jordi Bonet Murals at the Rotunda. Sir Wilfred was a young medical doctor who came to Newfoundland in 1892 and left behind a legacy of schools, orphanages, coop's and medical services, which still exist today.
Grenfell Historic Properties Grenfell Historic Properties operates the Grenfell Interpretation Centre, Grenfell Handicrafts, Lady Anne's Tea Room,The Grenfell House Museum, The Grenfell Dock and Tea House Hill. The Interpretation houses the gift shop, the tea room and an exhibit portraying the life of Sir Wilfred Thomason Grenfell.
20.) Bonne Bay Marine Station hours of operation are 10-4pm closed on Tues and Wed A world-class research and teaching facility, the Bonne Bay Marine Station on Newfoundland's breath-taking west coast is dedicated to expanding knowledge of marine ecology. Take an interactive tour of our aquarium and observe some of the marine plants and animals living in Bonne Bay. We will introduce you to fragile marine plankton, the "saltwater soup" of our oceans. Get your hands wet among the sea stars, coralline algae, hermit crabs, and other curious creatures living in our ever popular touch tank. Storyboards, underwater footage, and interactive displays inform visitors about our latest research endeavors. Tours are provided by knowledgeable, friendly, student interpreters, and are approximately 45 minutes in duration.
21.) Railway Society of Newfoundland Historic Train Site This has got to be the best $3 spent. It's an awesome collection. Has one of the very last steam locomotives in the province that you can get up close and personal with. Presentation is nice. The price of admission is incredibly cheap and gives you unlimited access to the museum if you want to return (same year). The staff are super friendly and helpful.
22.) Salmonid Interpretation Center Watch wild Atlantic salmon jump and swim through the fishway passage system on the Grand Falls! Discover and see first-hand why the Atlantic salmon has been dubbed the ‘king of fish”. The Exploits River is the longest and largest river on the island of Newfoundland that today boosts a healthy wild Atlantic salmon population. Located on this mighty river at the “Grand Falls” is one of the most impressive salmon enhancement projects in North America whose story is revealed at the Salmonid Interpretation Centre. The highlight of your visit is seeing the “King of Fish” in its natural environment as they jump the specially constructed salmon ladder fishway system to migrate upstream to reach spawning habitat. If you prefer to get ‘up-close’ with an underground river experience visit our lower-level underwater observation area. Our knowledgeable and passionate team members are also on hand to enhance your visit with information and education for a ‘fish-tabulous” experience.
23.) Ryan Premises National Historic Site hours of operation are 10-6:15pm Only $4.25 to get in and there are four buildings with interesting artifacts from the fishing and sealing operations. Lots of information about what life was like for people during those times.
24.) The Dark Tickle Co. Wild berry production, an historically themed cafe, The Granchain Exhibit, art and gift gallery, and an iceberg, whale, and seabird boat tour. A member of the Atlantic ECONOMUSEE Network. The Dark Tickle Company manufactures jams, sauces, vinegars, teas, drinks and chocolates from unique wild berries. These berries, picked by hand, are carefully processed without additives. Visitors can watch the transformation into our various products via a windowed production area. Guided tours are available for our facility and boardwalk. Dark Tickle Expeditions offers whale, iceberg, and seabird tours departing from a traditional Newfoundland merchant property. Through the use of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) explore elements of the underwater realm. Cafe Nymphe is an historically-themed bistro housing The Granchain Exhibit. A showcase of the French migratory fishery along Newfoundland’s “Petit Nord”. Tea, coffees, soup, sandwiches, pizza, daily specials, and wild berry desserts.
25.) Matthew Legacy In 1497, a small wooden ship called the Matthew set sail from Bristol, England destined for the Far East. On board was the Italian explorer Giovanni Caboto with a crew of around twenty men. Within six weeks, they made landfall. They landed, not as intended in the fabled land of Cathay, but on the shores of the New World. Here, they discovered a treasure that would change the course of history.
26.) Home From the Sea John C. Crosbie Sealers Interpretation Center hours of operation are 9-5:30pm We offer a detailed multimedia exhibit on the history of the sealing industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. We have an art gallery, a craft boutique, a memorial to sealers involved in the 1914 disasters, and an interpretive walking tour during peak season.
27.) Railway Coastal Museum Corner Brook Museum & Archives Amazing experience to be able to go and see everything that was in the museum it was absolutely fabulous it's a walk through the past and part of our history which we should never forget
28.) Vernon's Antique Toy Shop The Model-T on display was worth the entry alone however to see an array of well restored limited edition production vehicles is unique. The cars are all driveable and in excellent condition. Vernon welcomed us, showed us around and gave us an insight into some of the vehicles - that was a bonus. We were recommended the visit by the St John's Tourist Information Centre and are so glad we made the effort to stop.
29.) Crows Nest A very unique and important piece of history from WW2. The staff are all volunteers who are like encyclopedias with their knowledge of the memorabilia and significance of everything in the club.
30.) Isles Wooden Boat Museum Interesting small display of some nautical history items on the first floor. The bonus is the guided tour of the upstairs workshop where punts are made and construction techniques shown. Also a bit of history on the use of small boats in Newfoundland.A punt is like a rowboat, except made of spruce… while you watch in the shop upstairs. Downstairs are a series of displays on the various types of boats, what they’re used for and how things as technology changed
Absolutely fascinating. As they finish each boat, they raffle it off to pay for the museum
With so much history packed into this providence you are sure to find something around every corner. There are theaters and many other amazing things to check out.
I hope that you have enjoyed this week's tour and come back next week for another amazing adventure. Remember to always be kind as it costs nothing and if you see someone without a smile stop and give them yours a smile is contagious and you never know whose life you could save simply by being kind and when it comes to kindness sprinkle it everywhere the world needs more of it.
Written by: BeautifulChaos318
