Newfoundland- It’s Canada’s newest province – and arguably its most fun one. From the cheesy-but-unmissable screeching ceremony (where you get to kiss a cod) to scenery that will take your breath away and hospitality second to none, Newfoundland and Labrador is a must-see for adventurous Canadians. Here are a few ideas for you:
l) Gros Morne National Park: Located on the western side of the island of Newfoundland, this vast treasure has been given UNESCO World Heritage status, and no wonder, it’s a delight for hikers, photographers and cyclists. There’s a good choice of informal accommodation and restaurants both inside the park and nearby. A visit to the comprehensive Discovery Centre will give you a good grounding, and if you fancy a day on the water, take a cruise on Western Brook Pond which actually looks more like a pristine Scandinavian fjord.
2) Kayaking abounds in Newfoundland and are a great way to experience the ocean – and maybe even some icebergs and whales. Off Cape Broyle, on the Avalon Peninsula on the east side of Newfoundland, you can paddle into caves, alongside sea stacks and underneath waterfalls.
3) If you base yourself in St. John’s, you can do a great active/cultural trip combining, for example, a whale-watching trip down to Bay Bulls, an invigorating hike up to Signal Hill – where the first transatlantic wireless message was received in 1901 – a peaceful canoe paddle around the pond in Pippy Park, as well as a visit to windy and wonderful Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America. And you’ll want to leave time to reward yourself with a pub crawl along George Street downtown. With some 20 licensed establishments within two blocks, you’ll never find yourself going thirsty!