Im planning and saving for my next hoilday next year to go to Newfoundland in Canada,i would like to know if anyone as been there and what there experince of it was like?Ive heard good things about newfoundland from a few chat mates from there.
2006-10-15 01:09:11 · 11 answers · asked by hellraisersteve 3 in Travel ➔ Canada ➔ Other - Canada
I'm a born and bread Newfie so I can give you some really good tips on places to see and things to do. I'd say the best time to visit is July through to September. June can still be a bit chilly (18-20C) for mainlanders. If you're coming from the mainland (Canada or US) definitely drive because car rentals can be pricey and they don't believe in unlimited milage. If you're coming from someplace else then you'll want to fly. Also, if you want to see the whole island you'll need more than a week because it's quite large! That's not including Labrador but if you're going up the Northern Pen. then it's definitely worth the short ferry trip across.
I'd recommend starting off in St. John's (Signal Hill, George Street Festival, Haunted Hike, Bowering Park, Pippy Park, Quidi Vidi, whale watching, Cape Spear, Geo Centre), then drive around the Irish Loop (Father Duffy's Well, Placentia - was the French Captial of NL, Castle Hill - old French/English fort). If you have a lot of time then drive down the Burin Pen. and take the ferry across to St. Pierre (bring some euro's), it's the only French colony left over here. Haven't been there in a long time so I don't know if you'll need a passport.
Out around Corner Brook, Humber Valley area you can see Marble Mountain (best skiing east of the Rockies). It's really pretty in the fall with all the leaves changing and you can hike up the mountain next to the waterfall.
Gros Morne is a must see of course. The mountains were taller than the Rockies until the last ice age when they're tops got chopped off by the glaciers. If you like rocks and geology we have some of the oldest rocks in the world here. Climb Gros Morne (avg. time 7 hours). Definitely see Lance aux Meadows and if you come during late spring early summer you can go kayaking around icebergs.
There's a lot more to do but this answer is getting pretty long. Check out the Newfoundland tourism website. Once you come to visit you'll always want to come back.
2006-10-16 03:51:20 · answer #1 · answered by newfie.grrl 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi there, So you wanna go to Newfoundland.
I had lived there for a short time and when I was a child we travel there every summer.
If you choose to take the ferry go in the summer months it is a great trip by ferry as long as the gulf isn't rough. Once you get to the coastal communities do not be discouraged by all of the rocks, it really does get more scenic as you go in land. All the communities on the Island have very generous and welcoming people, they are sure to help in any direction giving and may even offer to take you back to their place for a meal and drinks.That is if you can understand what they are saying. There is a wide range of dilect in each different part of NewFoundland. and a wide range of sayings that garentees that by the time you leave the Island you will be proficant at talking the native dialoge.As you go inland you will see lots of seemingly untouched nature.The beauty of the mountains can be very breath taking.There is so much to do in the summer,for the nature nut.
If you like Winter vacationing;your Best bet is to fly. There are alot of things to do there in the winter. Skiing ,Ice fishing,snowmobiling. They certainly get enough snow. But fair warning it gets really cold....
My self I only really spent time on the west coast of Newfoundland and there was Alot of territory that I did not see. I must say that the sunsets were awesome and depending where you are on the Island you may even get to see the Northern Lights.The clubs are always open and enterainment is a hoot everyone loves to have fun,with sing alongs and just good old Newfie Music.Which ever month you go, you are sureto have a great time. I hope that this answers any of you questions and No need to worry about snake because Newfoundland doesn't have a one.There is however,other wild animals that you should be carefull of,so think smart and always stay safe.
Take care, GOD BLESS and
enjoy you Vacation.
Chanslady
2006-10-15 13:46:17 · answer #2 · answered by chan'slady 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
OMG - great idea! I went myself about 4 years ago, and had a blast. I drove out with a friend, and we took the ferry over to Argentia, and drove 9000km around the island, and left by ferry from Port aux Pasque. It was honestly one of the best trips of my life!!
I think the best time of year would be late June through late August. I say late June because a lot of the spring time foliage and flowers were long gone by the time we showed up in late July (we were on the island for 2 weeks solid). Also you will see many more icebergs earlier in the summer (although they are lasting later in the summer each year) We saw loads of whales, and our share of icebergs, and had a heat wave too!!
In August - think the first long weekend - is the George Street Festival. Also - following Wed (think) is the Regatta. 2 VERY long standing traditions and good times.
We stopped contstantly along the way but our general route was headed to Trinity/Bonadventure, then up to Bonavista, then to Grand Falls-Windsor (Gander), then to Twillingate, then up to L'anse aux Meadow and St. Anthony (please do not miss the northern pennisula - it is the best!!) back down to Cornerbrook, Stephenville, Rocky Harbour, Gros Morne (yes we climbed it too!), Codroy, Rose Blanche, and then headed out from Port aux Basque. The accents are as varied as the landscape!!!
Only after getting back to Cape Breton did we do the Cabot trail, and I am so sorry to say - it was a big let down after all we had seen and done on Newfoundland. We should have done it before heading over. Don't get me wrong - I'm coming to NS soon and will have loads of fun there too.
If you need any info - places to stay or specific things to do - drop me a line. :o)
2006-10-16 14:46:44 · answer #3 · answered by firehorsetwo 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Being a Newfoundlander, I recommend Newfoundland for it's beautiful scenery. If you are going through Gros Mourne they have a boat tour through the Fjord which is very lovely!
2006-10-15 13:29:18 · answer #4 · answered by Scorpion 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are lucky, I went there 5 years ago, my husband is from there, the only reason why i came back is because my kids were up here on the mainland with their grandparents, I would go down again in a heartbeat, very friendly, lots to do down there don't forget to climb Signal Hill and if you get the chance you have to check out Cape Spear. You will not be dissapointed...
2006-10-15 10:10:43 · answer #5 · answered by joanne w 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
George Street in St. John's -- most awesome pub scene in Canada. Gros Morne Park on the west coast -- World Heritage Site. Viking village at L'Anse aux Medeaux (northern tip) -- first European settlement in North America. All in all, you can't go wrong.
2006-10-15 10:56:03 · answer #6 · answered by stevewbcanada 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what you enjoy. Lots of lakes for boating or fishing, woods for hunting or hiking, parks with scenery and so on. Visit the provincial tourism site and order their activity guide to help plan your visit.
It is not always cold and not always snowy. Like anywhere, the weather varies. While winters can be cold and wet, summers can be too... Just not quite as cold. :) Many people say if you don't like the weather just wait five minutes and it will change.
2006-10-15 08:13:58 · answer #7 · answered by Warren914 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Maybe not as "sophisticated" as Montreal and Toronto but you will never meet a more friendlier down to earth bunch of people as our Newfies. Newfoundland is very natural and a lot of activities are built around the wonders of mother nature. But dont kid yourslef these guys can party...gotta love the screech.
2006-10-16 03:54:52 · answer #8 · answered by Cherry_Blossom 5 · 2⤊ 3⤋
I used to work with a woman that had family there. It is a very unspoiled place. If you like hiking, it is perfect.
2006-10-15 08:20:07 · answer #9 · answered by redunicorn 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It is a primitive wasteland.
Nova Scotia has a lot more to offer:
The Anapolis Valley, Lunenberg,
Halifax, The Cabot Trail, Cape Breton.
2006-10-15 18:53:00 · answer #10 · answered by fatsausage 7 · 1⤊ 6⤋