Southwest Things Do on the Coast

to see & Southwest Things do on the Coast

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photo: Feather & Folk Festival 6 4 Southwest Coast Anguille Long Range Mountains Mountains

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photo: Alpacas of Newfoundland photo: Pirate’s Haven Adventures photo: Pirate’s

photo: Rose Blanche Lighthouse, Tourism Southwest photo: St. Christopher’s Hotel photo: St. Christopher’s gowesternnewfoundland.com to see & Things do on the Southwest Coast

Great Northern Peninsula Find coastal and mountain experiences galore on the This map is your guide to summer adventure on the Southwest Coast. Governed by the land and the sea, this Southwest Coast. Numbers on the map correspond to Gros Morne region is home to fishers and farmers, shipwrecks and brief descriptions and extra information below that will sandy beaches, lighthouses and Wreckhouse winds, not allow you to get the most out of your Southwest Coast Humber Valley to mention over 300 species of birds. experience. SOUTHWEST COAST New fo u n d l a photo: Mike Clewer n

photo: Stephenville Theatre Festival

Scenic Drives Hiking Trails 1• Granite Coast Drive. Visit the communities of Rose Blanche, Harbour Le Cou, Burnt Islands, Isle aux Morts and 1• Barachois Falls Trail. Just before reaching Rose Blanche, this 1.6 km (return) boardwalk provides a comfortable walk Margaree. Route 470. to a scenic waterfall. Route 470 (47.6079083, -58.773783); Difficulty: Easy. 2• Codroy Valley International Wetlands Scenic Drive. Route 406 and 407. 2• Harvey Trail. Route 470, Isle aux Morts (47.5848, -58.9687); Return; Length: 3 km; Difficulty: Easy. 3• Three Rivers Scenic Loop. Meander through 9 communities where the IATNL and T’Railway converge. The area is 3• Boat Cove Pond Trail. Route 470, Isle aux Morts; Return; Length: 1.1 km; Duration: 30 mins; Difficulty: Easy. rich in agriculture and fishing. Visit 2 farmers markets for your farm fresh produce. Route 404. 4• Grand Bay West Walking Trail. Route 1, Port aux Basques (47.583313, -59.1843617; Length: 10 km (various exit 4• French Ancestors Route. Settled by ancestors of French and Basques fishermen, this scenic drive is home to three points); Duration: 2 hr; Difficulty: Easy. distinct French communities. Route 460. 5• T’Railway Trans Canada Trail. A 900 km jaunt through the wilderness and rural communities, following the old Newfoundland Railway line, from Port aux Basques to St. John’s. T’Railway Provincial Park; www.trailway.ca. Attractions 6• Smokey Cape Trail. Route 1, J.T. Cheeseman Provincial Park (47.629, -59.2348); Length: 2 km; Difficulty: Moderate. 1• Rose Blanche Lighthouse. The only completely restored granite lighthouse in Atlantic Canada. Rose Blanche (47.6044, 7• Table Mountain Hiking Trail. Route 408, Cape Ray (47.6646667, -59.2773333); Return; Length: 10 km; Duration: 3-4 -58.6925); T: (709) 956-2052; Off Season T: (709) 956-2903; E: [email protected]; www.roseblanchelighthouse.ca. hrs; Difficulty: Strenuous. 2• Scott’s Cove / Harbour Front Boardwalk. A great way to spend an evening where locals and tourists gather to enjoy the 8 • International Appalachian NL. A long distance hiking trail extending from Port aux Basques to the tip of the Great local entertainment at the waterfront park. Port aux Basques (47.57565, -59.1409); T: (709) 695-1995/ 2214; E: info@ Northern Peninsula. www.iatnl.com. portauxbasques.ca; www.portauxbasques.ca. 9• Starlite Trail. Trailhead at gazebo on Route 1, about 1 km south of Route 407 (47.78218333, -59.23245); Return; 3• Grand Codroy Estuary / Wetlands Interpretation Centre. A wetlands site of international importance. Important bird area Length: 4.5 km; Duration: 2-3 hrs; Difficulty: Strenuous. with high concentrations and a large variety of waterfowl species spanning over 925 hectares. Route 406, Upper Ferry 10 • Wetlands Trail. Route 406, Codroy Valley (47.8436, -59.2493333); Return; Length: 3.8 km; Difficulty: Easy. (47.8436, -59.2493333); T: (709) 955-2109; E: [email protected]. 11• Mark Rock Trail. Monument to Sgt. Craig Gillam. Route 1, South Branch (47.90113333, -59.04103333); Return; 4• Cape Anguille Lighthouse. The lighthouse on Newfoundland’s westernmost point overlooks the lightkeeper’s 1905 home, a Length: 4.5 km; Duration: 2.5-3.5 hrs; Difficulty: Strenuous. Registered Historic Property. Route 406, Cape Anguille (47.9007, -59.4112); T: (709) 955-2109; E: [email protected]. 12• The Sea Stacks of Ship Cove (Highlands Hike). As you walk along the Highlands hike trail you will see the Ship Cove 5• Precious Blood Church and Bell House. This Roman Catholic church was built in 1912 and is now a Registered Heritage Sea Stacks. Route 460, Highlands (48.13516333, -58.97297833); Difficulty: Moderate. Structure. Route 407, St. Andrew’s (47.77806667, -59.2730667); T: (709) 955-3150. 13• Robinson’s Head Ramble. Ramble your way to the only end moraine in Newfoundland. Route 404, Robinsons 6• Holy Trinity Anglican Church. A Registered Heritage Structure built in 1913. Route 407, Codroy (47.8792, -59.3897333); T: (48.257355, -58.797545); Return; Length: 10 km; Difficulty: Moderate. (709) 955-2047. 14• Indian Head Range Trail. Route 460, Noel’s Pond (48.5637, -58.498); Length: 7 km; Duration: 1/2 day; Difficulty: 7• Our Lady of Mercy Church. Visit the largest wooden church in Newfoundland. 101 Main Street, Port au Port West Moderate; www.iatnl.com. (48.5568667, -58.7433833); T: (709) 648-2745; E: [email protected]. 15• Sunset Walking Trail. Enjoy a sunset stroll along the shore of Bay St. George. Route 461, St. George’s; Difficulty: Easy. 8• Alpacas of Newfoundland. In scenic Bay St. Georges, several thousand kilometres from their natural habitat, is the home 16• Erin Mountain Trail. Route 480, Barachois Pond Provincial Park (48.485245, -58.28698); Difficulty: Strenuous. of the first Newfoundland alpaca farm. 11 Felix Cove Road, Port au Port West (48.5313, -58.7811); T: (709) 648-9414; E: 17• Walk-A-Ways Trail Network. 14.5 km of interconnected signed gravel and sidewalk trails throughout Stephenville. [email protected]; www.alpacasofnfld.ca. Normal footwear. Start at Kindale Library, 35 Carolina Avenue, Stephenville (48.55201667, -58.5691); Duration: 2-3 9• Wave-cut Terraces. Spectacular wave-cut terraces around the shoreline with trail and picnic area. Route 460, Sheaves hrs; Difficulty: Easy. Cove Beach Trail (48.52048333, -59.05228333). 18• Fossil Forest Footpath. At the upper end of the trail, wade in the shallow waters of Blanche Brook as you search out the remains 10• Hidden Falls. Following a heavy rain, these spectacular waterfalls are no longer hidden. Route 460, Sheaves Cove of a 300 million year old tropical forest. Route 460, Stephenville (48.5624833, -58.5818333); Length: 0.5 km; Difficulty: Easy. (48.52048333, -59.05228333). 19• Gravels Walking Trail. Over the years erosion has carved spectacular hoodoo shapes in the limestone cliffs and embedded 11• Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto. Built in 1987 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Our Lady of Lourdes parish. Lourdes fossils are easy to spot. Route 460, Port au Port West (48.55845, -58.72991667); Length: 3.5 km (one way), Difficulty: Easy. (48.647625, -58.99864667); T: (709) 642-5920; www.ourladyoflourdes.biz. 20• Cow Hill & Beach Trail. 7km stroll along the beach. Route 480, Sandbanks Provincial Park, Burgeo (47.61052833, 12• French Bread Oven. Open Friday and Saturday (weather permitting), 12-2 pm, baking bread and pizza. Route 460, Cape -57.63091167); Difficulty: Easy. St. George (48.4647, -59.262); T: (709) 644-2290. 21• Maiden Tea Hill Lookout. High point to view Burgeo and the archipelago islands. Route 480, Burgeo; Difficulty: Easy 13• Acadian Monument. A granite monument honouring Acadian heritage in Newfoundland at Boutte du Cap Park. Route 460, (steps). Cape St. George (48.4647, -59.262). 22• Man-O-War Hill Climb. Climb the steps to the top of Man-O-War hill for spectacular scenery. From the top of the hill, 14• Faults and Folds. Marvel at the faults, folds and overturned rock beds. See for yourself the resulting rock formations you can see all of Ramea Islands, White Bear Bay, and miles of surrounding coastline. Ramea; Difficulty: Easy. caused by large slices of older rocks thrust over mixed sandstone, shale and limestone. Route 463, West Bay Beach, 23 • Northwest Head Walk to Lighthouse. Circular route of Ramea Island that takes you to the lighthouse, around the Piccadilly (48.59261167, -58.91499167). windmills and back to the wharf. Ramea (47.512472, -57.40875). SANDY Beaches Festivals & Events 1• Grand Bay West Beach. A beautiful sandy beach and home to the endangered Piping Plover. Route 1, Port aux Basques 1• Stephenville Theatre Festival. Committed to the production of diverse, innovative and courageous professional theatre (47.583313, -59.1843617). that entertains, engages and enlightens audiences and stretches creative and artistic boundaries. Arts & Culture 2• Cape Ray Beach. The beach at Cape Ray is one of the best in the province. The sand is soft and light. Protected grass- Centre, 380 Massachusetts Dr, Stephenville; T: (709) 643-4982; www.stephenvilletheatrefestival.com. covered dunes shelter the barachois from the ocean winds. Accessible from J.T. Cheeseman Provincial Park. 2 • Stephenville Arts & Culture Centre. Performing arts facility housing two theatres and an art gallery. 380 Massachusetts 3• Millville / Searston Beach. Beautiful white sandy beach. Route 407 (47.82897167, -59.32769167). Dr, Stephenville; T: (709) 643-4571; E: [email protected]; www.artsandculturecentre.com. 4• Sandbanks Provincial Park. Some of the most magnificent sandy beaches in the province. Route 480, Burgeo 3• Pig Roast. Annual event at Pirates Haven RV Park, last weekend in July. Route 404; T: (709) 649-0601; www. (47.61052833, -57.63091167); T: (709) 886-2331 / 635-4520. pirateshavenadventures.com. 4• Christmas in July. Annual event at Wishingwell Park, 3rd weekend in July. Route 1 close to west side of Route 404 turn- Golf off; T: (709) 645-2501. 5• Mi’Kmaq Powwow. 2nd weekend in July. Route 403, Flat Bay; T: (709) 647-1370. 1• St. Andrews Na Creige Golf Course. 9-hole course in Codroy Valley, 20 minutes from the Port aux Basques ferry. Route 407 6• Feather & Folk Nature Festival. Celebrate the annual arrival of migratory birds each spring in Newfoundland and (47.78831667, -59.24131667); T: (709) 955-3322. Labrador’s premier birding destination, the Southwest Coast. www.featherandfolk.ca. 2• Harmon Seaside Links. 18-hole link-style, level course. www.harmonseasidelinks.com; Marine Drive, Stephenville (48.531, 7• Codroy Valley Folk Festival. Variety of local musicians promoting Scottish, French and Irish music in the area. Last -58.55725); T: (709) 643-4322; E: [email protected]. weekend in July. T: (709) 955-2061; E: [email protected]. 3• Dhoon Lodge Golfing. 9-hole, par 3 golf course. www.dhoonlodge.ca; Route 460, Black Duck Siding (48.5796, -58.3633); 8• Astrolabe Days. Events for all ages, history hunt, tours of the train cars and museum, how to make an astrolabe (kids), T: (709) 646-5177; E: [email protected]. artists demonstrating their skills. 1st weekend in August. Port aux Basques; www.portauxbasques.ca. heritage & Museums Parks 1• Hook and Line Interpretation Centre. Live and static displays that document and interpret the hook and line fishing industry. 1• J.T. Cheeseman Provincial Park. This natural environmental park on the Cape Ray barrens features bogs, rolling Route 470, Burnt Islands (47.5971, -58.8873); T: (709) 698-3100; E: [email protected]. forested hills and many floral species. Smokey Cape Trail. Route 1, 15 km from Port aux Basques (47.629, -59.2348); 2• Walter’s House. First this was a church and school for the town and later became a family home and business. Today it T: (709) 695-7222; E: [email protected]; www.env.gov.nl.ca/parks. serves as a community museum. Route 470, Isle aux Morts (47.5836, -58.9784); T: (709) 698-3209; E: [email protected]. 2• T’Railway Provincial Park. This park stretches almost 900 km from Port aux Basques to St. John’s. Port aux Basques; 3• Misery Point. This site reflects the way of life of fishermen and their families in the late 1800s. Site features a fisherman’s T: (709) 635-4520; E: [email protected]; www.env.gov.nl.ca/parks. store, fish flakes, root cellar, kitchen garden - all amenities of early settlement. Off Route 470, Margaree (47.5716, -59.0563); 3• Little Paradise RV Park. Route 1, Codroy Valley (47.75930833, -59.27499667); T: (709) 955-2682; T: (709) 698-3410. E: [email protected]. 4• Railway Heritage Museum. Artifacts displayed in the station house and train cars recall the history of the Newfoundland 4• Grand Codroy RV/Tent Camping Park. Route 406, Doyles (47.83367833, -59.205155); T: (709) 955-2520; Railway. There are also two rare 17th-century astrolabes that were used for navigation. Port aux Basques (47.5909, -59.1636); www.grandcodroy.com. T: (709) 695-2214 / 695-5775; www.portauxbasques.ca. 5• Codroy Valley Provincial Park. Scenic beach located at the mouth of the Grand Codroy River. Day use only. Route 5• Cape Ray Lighthouse. The lightkeepers museum presents the story of the Dorset Paleoeskimo who lived at the site more 407, Searston; T: (709) 695-7222; E: [email protected]; www.env.gov.nl.ca/parks. than 1,800 years ago. Route 408, Cape Ray (47.6214, -59.3048); T: (709) 695-3072. 6• Wishingwell Campgrounds. RV Park Campground. Route 1 (48.0994033, -58.783005); T: (709) 645-2501. 6• Indoor Wildlife Exhibit & Nature Park. This attraction boasts one of the largest animal displays in the province. View 100s of 7• Crabbes River Park. RV Park & Campground. Route 1 (48.17464667, -58.77582); T: (709) 645-2788. species of animals. 3 km from Route 1 on Route 406, Doyles (47.84313611, -59.23028611); T: (709) 955-2555 / 2843; Off 8• Pirate’s Haven Fully Serviced RV Park and Campground. ATV friendly. Route 404, Main Road, Robinsons Season T: (709) 645-2244. (48.24718667, -58.78768); T: (709) 649-0601; E: [email protected]; www.pirateshavenadventures.com. 7• K’Taqmkuk Mi’Kmaq Museum. The official provincial Mi’Kmaw Museum for the Mi’Kmaq People of NL, provides visitors an 9• Barachois Pond Provincial Park. The largest provincial park in Western NL. Route 1, 20 km from Stephenville insight into how the Mi’Kmaq people lived in the past. St George’s Indian Band (48.42801667, -58.4812667); (48.485245, -58.28698); T: (709) 649-0048; E: [email protected]; www.env.gov.nl.ca/parks. E: [email protected]; www.sgib.ca. 10• Dhoon Lodge and RV Park. Black Duck Siding (48.5796, -58.3633); T: (709) 646 5177. 8• Regional Museum of Art and History. Unique display of cultural and historical artifacts, with emphasis on the American 11• Zenzville Park. RV Park Campground. Route 460, Kippens (48.55304667, -58.663925); T: (709) 648-9232; presence. Royal Canadian Legion Building, 208 Oregon Drive, Stephenville; T: (709) 643-9757. E: [email protected]; www.zenzville.info. 9• Our Lady of Mercy Museum, Craft Shop & Tea Room. Cultural, religious and educational artifacts. 103 Main Street, Port au 12• Piccadilly Head Regional Park. The park offers fossil hunting, shellfish digging, ocean swimming, clean showers and Port West (48.5568667, -58.7433833); T: (709) 648-2745; E: [email protected]. camp firewood. Route 463 (48.58748, -58.90389167); T: (709) 642-5067 / 5831. 10• Cercle des Mémoires Musée. Hear the story of French Newfoundland told by descendants of Acadians and French 13• Boutte Du Cap Park. Breathtaking view of cliffs, whales & seabirds. Traditional French bread oven on site. Location of fisherman. Centre Scolaire et Communautaire, Mainland (48.5709, -59.1729); T: (709) 642-5254; E: [email protected]. the only Acadian Monument in NL. Route 460, Cape St. George (48.4647, -59.262); T: (709) 642-5254; 11• Our Sister’s Dream School Museum and Tea Room. A pop-up book of life in the past. Mainland/La Grand’Terre; E: [email protected]. T: (709) 642-5781; mainlandheritagecommittee.webs.com. 14• Sand Banks Provincial Park. Named for its undulating sand dunes and long expanses of flat, sandy beaches. Route 12• Ramea Heritage Centre / Senior Puffins Museum. A collection reflecting Ramea’s long history. 5 Church Street, Ramea 480, Burgeo (47.61052833, -57.63091167); T: (709) 886-2331 / 635-4520; www.env.gov.nl.ca/parks. (47.5226, -57.389); T: (709) 625-2235; E: [email protected].

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