There’s something about growing up in a place that ingrains it so deeply in your heart. That’s not to say that I was in love with the place my whole life–it was all I knew. Sure, I wanted to get away. But, getting away is what changes everything. You start to take some ownership and pride in it. The little things grow and become integral parts of the culture and mindset.
Anyway, Newfoundland is a special place. It’s not a Maritime province, and it’s not “Eastern Canada.” It’s the east coast, Atlantic Canada: a not-so-little Island with a less-than-sizable population. Why should you go there? Let’s mull it over.
Some reasons why you must visit Newfoundland
The Outdoors
Whether you’re making your way through part of the eastern Avalon’s East Coast Trail, or navigating the epic Long Range Traverse in the west, you’re not going to have any trouble finding some solitude in the wild. The island is scattered with hiking trails for all levels, and the scenery is always changing things up. The Long Range Traverse is known across Canada for being tough–you have to pass a navigation test before you can even set out. Over the course of several days, you’ll pass gorges and ponds and see some of Gros Morne’s gems.
With a low population and a huge amount of wilderness, Newfoundland is a haven for those who treasure their time in the outdoors.
The Long Range Traverse, photo by Kris
The Nightlife
Pub culture, live music, or nightclubs? Why choose?
Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is probably George Street. The street has the most bars and pubs per square foot of any street in North America. For the most part, it’s quiet until around midnight, but then will be busy until around 3 am, or possibly until sunrise.
Although, the one thing you can count on in a small town is that the ratio of bars to people is probably above average. Even in a fairly small town, you’ll likely find a main pub that can get pretty lively on a Friday night (or during happy hour–which may or may not indicate the presence of specials, but can just refer to heading to the bar in the afternoon).
George Street during the day is a different world, photo by Zach Bonnell
The Food
I don’t mean strictly the Newfoundland cuisine (which you should try while you’re there), but the food scene in general. The food in St. John’s is good. For a city of around 100,000 people, there seems to be a pretty high ratio of great restaurants. After living away for a few years, this is something I’ve really grown to miss. There are a bunch of international restaurants, an amazing vegetarian restaurant, and the number one restaurant in Canada. Looking for suggestions? Try here.
The Historical Sites
How far back are you looking to go? We’ve got American bases from World War II to the Cold War, French and English forts from the 17th and 18th centuries, a Viking settlement that’s the earliest known European settlement in the New World, along with fossils of the oldest creatures—in fact, the oldest complex life forms—found anywhere on Earth.
Fossils at Mistaken Point, NL
The Ocean
We’ve got a craggy coast that falls away abruptly into the crashing waves of the frigid North Atlantic, with plenty of seabirds and whale sightings to go along with it. But, you probably come for the icebergs.
These are more than massive blocks of ice, they are voyagers from the Arctic, making their way into our harbours and leaving lots of little bergy bits that we’ll later use in our rum and Pepsi (Newfoundland is one of those strange places where Pepsi outsells Coca Cola). If there’s one out there, you can bet that it’s being broadcast in every medium. Crowds hit the easiest access points, so if you’re willing to go for a hike, you just might catch one to yourself.
The Rural Towns
There’s nothing like small-town Newfoundland, where a population of over a thousand constitutes a fairly large community. As important as it is to visit St. John’s and explore our wilderness, you’ve got to see how the rural population lives. A large majority of the population lives along the coast (something like 98 per cent), and grew from a plentiful fishing industry. Today, there’s an aging population where everyone knows everyone and they all have this enormous pride for where they are from. It’s hard to generalize places like this, but here are a few with some memorable names.
The Unique Culture
We don’t say “eh,” but we’ll certainly call you “b’y” or “buddy” (or both at the same time–“Yes b’y, buddy.”). But, don’t get me wrong–that’s not everyone. Number one thing that’s said to me when I say I’m from Newfoundland: “But, you don’t really have an accent.” Not everyone does. Just like not every Canadian says “eh.”
That’s enough about accents.
There are a lot of traditions that are pure Newfoundland. They come from a past of being a British colony and Dominion that only joined Canada in 1949. Also, I’d venture a guess that about 99 per cent of people born in Newfoundland have Irish ancestry, something that is highly celebrated.
Playing Ugly Sticks with my cousin. Not something I do everyday. Or any day, aside from this day.
The mix of solitude and companionship
You can spend the afternoon in the middle of nowhere, and the evening at a club with music that deafens, a crowded bar, and patrons that exclude no one and just want to have a laugh. There may not be all that many of us, but we’ve got a pretty inclusive, community-focused way of life.
Do you get those feelings of pride about your home? What makes it special?
I would love to visit Newfoundland someday, I love the photos. I find Canadian travel quite expensive, it’s cheaper to fly to the USA. Luckily we have three airlines now in Canada so prices are becoming more competitive 🙂
https://www.mintnotion.com
Too true, it’s a sad thing. But, it’s worth the cost, promise (as long as you aren’t expecting wonderful weather the whole time) 🙂
Well you’ve certainly convinced me!
Glad to hear it!
Yes, you’ve gotta grudgingly love your hometown (and eventually embrace it!). Newfoundland sounds great!
Yeah, didn’t love it my whole life, for sure. Stop by if you get the chance!
OMG you had me at the historical fossils bit! I am game!
Yes, do it!
This looks stunning! I think it’s only when you leave that you can return and see it for how special it really is! I love the new look of your site too, great job! 🙂 x
Thanks Robyn! 🙂
Not that I needed more reasons to visit Newfoundland, but I enjoyed the post. Want to visit the island since I heard about the icebergs and the whale-watching opportunities. Gros Mourne also looks captivating.
It’s certainly got a lot to offer, let me know if you make it there!
You’ve done a great job of describing the wonderful place we call home! I just have one little nitpick. The Irish ancestry in Newfoundland is nowhere near 99%. It’s a common misconception, even among us Newfoundlanders, because being Irish is ‘cooler’ than being English these days, but a lot of our alleged Irish culture is actually rural English. We were highly isolated until the roads were put in and upgraded in the 60s and 70s, and in a lot of communities it’s still isolated. This means that there are definitely pockets of almost 100% Irish, but it varies from one community to the next with plenty where there was no Irish at all, so overall the English is the far more dominant genealogical influence. Culturally, you just need to look to our vibrant traditional folk music – the roots of our folk music are more prevalently English than Irish. But they have a very comparable sound, and would be virtually indistinguishable if you don’t know the origins. People think of the Queen and the aristocracy when they hear English, so they don’t realize how similar the living conditions, and traditions born out of that, wold have been for the common folk who would have peopled the Island, from England to Ireland to Scotland and Wales.
Hi Elizabeth, thanks for the comment–very informative!
When I wrote 99 per cent, that was by no means a real statistic, I should have been more clear. It was an exaggeration to really emphasize the importance of the Irish heritage in Newfoundland culture. Of course, I understand there is certainly a mix and a lot of English ancestry in there as well (got some of that myself!). Cheers!
I’m born and bred from Newfoundland :). Amazing place, I miss it more everyday, yearning to go home whenever I get time. I recommend visiting to anyone, it’s quite an adventure.
I am fortunate to call this beautiful province home and work in the tourism industry. Visitors that I meet tell me not only do we have beautiful scenery but our greatest resource is our friendly genuine people. Come see for yourselves! Make sure to visit the island’s beautiful Northern Peninsula – home of the Vikings!
Visitors need to be aware to take the loop roads that take them off of the TCH. You really got to get out in rural NL to truly enjoy all that this beautiful province has to offer.
Be sure to visit Twillingate!!!
Moving back home 2016, I’m so excited about this move, I get anxiety wondering about how slowly the months will pass-by.
Love my beautiful home. 🙂
Sounds just absolutely brilliant , thanks for the post? Jeff
Definitely get off the TCH You have not seen Nl if you don’t. I have been travelling Nl for many years, poking here, poking there. There are still so many places I have missed and I guess I am old now, I am 77 to be exact but I am taking off again this summer with a friend, to explore some of the places I have missed and see again many I have previously visited. I take along a couple cameras and don’t look back.Now I can’t hike and climb like I used to but I am going where I can and it is often the back roads that lead to the most interesting places. I never ignore one. Enjoy
Don’t waste your time in NL. Trash everywhere – even in National Parks. High crime rate. Low education levels. Come to Iceland.
Sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy your time in NL. Actually, NL’s crime rates aren’t that out of line with the rest of the country. Education levels vary according to age groupings and region, as with most places in the world. Also, these days people are learning to care more for the land, and you’ll find litter to be less prevalent in recent years.
I don’t know many travellers that refer to any place as a “waste of time.” I think it’s important to be open minded and understanding of the cultural background and progression of a region. Iceland is amazing, but NL is amazing in its own ways as well.
So rude. Ignorant as well. Tell us again about the Utopia you sprang from.
Thank you.
If you do visit Newfoundland, here ‘s a Tip. Take the time to stop anywhere and ask a local a question. Don’t be shy. From a local you will discover hidden Gems,maybe just yards ahead. The locals know more then any Tourism Guide that has been published. In just a few seconds you may of made a friend who you will never forget.
Article is wonderful! However, your spelling of Gros Morne is incorrect.
Oops! For some reason, I just can’t help adding a “u” when I write the name. Thanks for pointing that out!
It’s funny, I published this in March, but you’re the first one to catch the error!
haha! You’re welcome. I love Gros Morne and visit there every summer. I always find something new to explore.
I will be traveling to NL in August. What do I pack to wear? I heard it’s too cold for shorts or skirts. Should I just bring some capris and t-shirts and a light sweater, as well as sneakers and flat shoes? Thanks for your knowledge!!
Hi Donna! Glad to hear you’ll be travelling here!
August is probably the best time to visit NL — it’s likely the month that you can expect (or at least hope for) the best weather. So, while you might not be so lucky every day, bringing a pair of shorts or skirt/dress just in case might be worthwhile — especially if you are travelling outside of St. John’s. The average temperature in the city lately has been hovering around 20 degrees or so, but it can feel hotter with the humidity. The best advice I can give is to just pack layers.
I hope you get lucky with some good weather when you’re here!
So beautiful, I would love to visit someday. Some of my ancestors came from there (Newhook FAMily)And it would be amazing to learn more about them.