Rich with history. Rife with culture. Sprawling with natural beauty. All these wonders have been here for thousands of years, embraced by those who have come in search of people, adventures, and experiences that stay with them long after they’ve traveled on.
With visions of lime green, turquoise, and crimson around every corner, it’s easy to forget that this place is as real as the sea that surrounds it. Where hearts come fastened to sleeves and creativity has a way of spilling out onto the street, over the hill, and into the harbour. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find a delightful sight, and an abundance of breathing room. In fact, there’s enough coastline wrapped around this place to stretch back and forth across Canada four times over. And most of it comes standard with a great ocean view.
But these are only elements of what makes this place truly unforgettable. And therein lies the magic of this mysterious land. To find what you are looking for, you must first be willing to let go of expectations, to really lose yourself. And then, there you will be. Lost. And found.
Epic Trails
If you’re looking for hiking adventures that are both challenging and breathtaking, look no further than Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll find a range of hiking experiences, including Gros Morne Mountain, a monumental climb worth the breathtaking view from a 2,648-foot elevation. One step on the Tablelands, a vast, barren mound of rust colored moon rocks thrown up from the earth’s mantle in some grand tectonic collision millions of years ago, and you’re literally standing on the middle of the earth. Not a bad place, one would think, to forget about modern life. While on the west coast, get an adrenaline rush zip lining in Humber Valley. For the ultimate in wilderness trekking, visit the untouched lands of Labrador.
Watery Discoveries
Experience an exhilarating kayak adventure as you glide through the ocean in the company of some friendly humpback whales. Keep an eye out for the other 29 varieties of marine mammals cruising along the coast. If you’re lucky, you’ll pass by some 10,000-year-old icebergs making their way down Iceberg Alley. For an exciting fresh water option, try whitewater rafting in Newfoundland’s largest river, the Exploits.
Dive Deep
There are many mysterious worlds waiting to be discovered in the ocean. If you’re brave enough to venture into the deep, you’ll find hidden caves, reefs, and possibly one of the 8,000 sunken ships. You’ll swim alongside whales, and discover exactly how enormous an iceberg can be. Don’t forget your underwater camera to capture the magic moments. If you feel like sticking close to the surface, you can always go snorkeling to view whales as they pop up for a breather.
Explore the Past
If it’s history you’re searching for, head to L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, where the Vikings first discovered North America. Landing over a thousand years ago, today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and place where mystery still mingles with the light and washes over the strange, captivating landscape. For the Norse, this was where the new world began. For you, it’s a surprisingly similar feeling.