Tag: Trinity

About Twine Loft

HOURS OF OPERATION

 For information on dining please visit our main restaurant page.

 

Twine Loft Dining
Photo Credit: Sara Monika

Meal Services 2024

The Twine Loft will operate Between May 4th 2024 – October 14th 2024 (last date)

Breakfast: The Twine Loft is open from 8:00am to 10:00am (last seating time available is 9:30am).  If you are not a guest of the inn or you are staying in one of our vacation homes you may still join us for breakfast, however, you must reserve your table ahead of time or call before arriving to guarantee a table will be available for you. We prioritize guests of our own prioritize guests of our own proproteins before we accept additional outside reservations.  

Lunch: Please be advised that the Twine Loft does not serve lunch or any food between breakfast service and dinner service, with the exception of the option of beer snacks should you be joining us for a drink on the deck.

Price & Sitting Times: The Twine Loft serves a set menu evening meal at set sitting times. 2024 price:  approximately $69 plus tax. Beverages and gratuity not included. 

Our set dining times vary depending on the season and particular events in the area.  To determine a dining time for a particular night:

Go to BOOK NOW
Select Twine Loft Reservation Requests Category
Select Desired Date
It will show the dining time or time(s) for those dates.

Reservations Required:
Dining is by reservation, however, we can sometimes take last-minute reservations, so please do not hesitate to contact us.  

Drink Service

The chart below are dates we are operating for bar service inside the Twine Loft and on the deck.  On other dates, bar service is not available inside, with the exception of guests with dinner reservations arriving 15-30 minutes to for their sit in dinner.

The Twine Loft is one of the most beautiful places to relax outside with a drink.  One does not need to be staying or dining with us to drop in for drinks on the deck during the afternoon. 

On days with a 7pm sitting the deck is open for drink service from 5-7pm to the public.

On days that start with a 5:15 sitting the deck is open from 3-5pm to the public (until 5:15 for guests with 5:15 dinner reservations) Some days we may have extra staff on and will advertise on the day of if we plan to keep the deck open until 8pm.  You can call on the day of to confirm if the deck will be open past 5pm. There is no indoor space to drink if you do not have an indoor table reserved for dinner.

DRINK SERVICE ONLY DAYS: On these days we do not offer an evening meal service. These dates are listed in red and grey in the request calendar between May and Mid-October.  On these days both floors of the Twine Loft are open from drink service from 3pm-8pm as well as the deck.

Artisan Inn Guest Services

Registration
Guests may register for their Artisan Inn room or vacation home between 11:00am and 7:00pm. Check-in for accommodations is officially at 4:00pm, however, our staff are available to provide you with a town orientation and accommodations information if you arrive earlier and if your room or house is ready we will check you in as soon as possible.  If you plan to arrive after 7:00pm please notify us ahead of time so we can make appropriate arrangements.

 

 

 

Breakfast

Who we cater to

The Twine Loft primarily caters to guests of the Artisan Inn, both rooms and vacation homes, for breakfast service, however, we are licensed to serve the public and will do so on days we are operating for our guests.  We request that you notify us in advance if you wish to join us for breakfast so that we can staff appropriately and ensure a table and staff will be available when you arrive.  

Operating hours: The Twine Loft can seat guests for arrival times between 8am and 9:30am. While we do accept walk ins, once the last reservation has finished the Twine Loft shuts down for breakfast even if it is prior to 9:30am.

The Twine Loft will shut down for the season on October 24th 2021 and re-open in May

Note Regarding Reservations: The Twine Loft will not confirm reservations made by off site guests on days when we do not have our own guests in-house (from a room or vacation home) coming for breakfast.  You may be put on a list to be contacted should we pick up more reservations and decide to proceed with breakfast on your desired date.

BREAKFAST MENU

Bacon, Eggs & Toast $10
Gluten Free Bread Available

Partridgeberry Pancakes $9

French Toast $9

Berry Breakfast Smoothie Bowl – $9.5

Blended frozen banana, mixed berries, ground flax seed & almond milk topped with gluten free house-made granola and chocolate nibs.

Hot Oatmeal $4.5

Add Almonds, Apples, or 

Dried Cranberries for $1 per selection

Add Raisins for 50 cents

The Continental   $8
Choice of muffin or tea bun
with butter and house made jam, yogurt & granola
If you are leaving early you can order this the day prior as a packed breakfast

EXTRAS

Side of Toast $2.25 per slice complimentary house made jam

Bacon $1 per slice

Eggs $2 per egg

Muffin or Tea Bun $2.75 / with House Made Jam $3.75

Yogurt & Granola (Gluten Free) $5

 

DRINKS

Coffee $2

Tea $2
(orange pekoe, mint, lemon thriller, chamomile, blueberry, earl grey, green)
Orange Juice $2.5

 

Call 1-709-464-3377 Email info@trinityvacations.com

Getting Here

Please be advised that there is a shortage of rental cars during peak season.  Verify that you can rent a car before you commit to reservations.

Public transportation is limited in the area.  There is a taxi system to get you to the Bonavista Peninsula, however, once on the Peninsula, there is no system to get you around the Peninsula.

GETTING TO TRINITY

Please be advised that there are two towns of Trinity in Newfoundland.  Our Trinity is located in the Eastern Region of Newfoundland and Labrador on the Bonavista Peninsula.  This area is also known by its destination route name, The Discovery Trail.  When searching online, please make sure you are searching TRINITY, TRINITY BAY.

The other Trinity is located in Central Newfoundland and is Trinity, Bonavista Bay

Driving Directions:

Trinity is located 1 hour from The Trans Canada Highway/Highway 1

1. Take the exit for Route 230 (near the town of Clarenville)

Drivers have the option of driving directly from Highway 1 to route 230 or they can cut through the town of Clarenville taking Route 230A that eventually meets up with Route 230.  There is little difference in time between these two options, however, the second option is more scenic and more convenient if you plan to stop in Clarenville, which has larger grocery stores and a large NLC (Liquor Store) for supplies.

2. Drive 50.8km along Route 230 and turn right onto Route 239

3. After 3km  you will see a large bay of blue and white buoys (this is a mussel farm)

4. There is a left-hand turn after this bay that leads into the historic town of Trinity.

GETTING TO THE ARTISAN INN

Once you have reached the Royal Bank you will take a sharp hairpin right turn  The Twine Loft is the second building on the right located behind a green building called the Barbour House.  All guests must register at the Twine Loft (self-check-in is not an option for vacation homes) and our staff will bring you to your reserved room or house.

 

Performing and Fine Arts

TRINITY

The Bonavista Peninsula is a place where music, theatre and art are sewn into the fabric of our being.  Here are just a few options for where to take in quality art or experience musical or theatrical performances on the Bonavista Peninsula.  Many businesses and not-for-profits announce artistic events throughout the summer season.  If you are interested in what is going on be sure to ask us when you register. 

RISING TIDE THEATRE

Photo courtesy of Rising Tide Theatre

There is so much to be said about Rising Tide Theatre located in Trinity that we have created its own page under our Explore Trinity.  2018 marks the 40th year anniversary of the Theatre Company. Its director, Donna Butt, has received the order of Canada for her contribution to the arts in Canada.

Visit our Rising Tide Page to learn about 

RISING TIDE SEASONS IN THE BIGHT THEATRE FESTIVAL: EVERY NIGHT JUNE – LATE SEPT

RISING TIDE NEWFOUNDLAND TRINITY PAGEANT: WED & SAT JULY-LABOUR DAY

RISING TIDE DINNER THEATRE: WED & SAT JULY-LABOUR DAY

 

ST. PAUL’S SUMMER CONERT SERIES

Come experience the exceptional beauty and incredible acoustics of St. Paul’s.

Admission: By donation, to be used for maintenance of the church

Upcoming Concert Dates: Wednesday July 7 – 7:00pm – The Scallywags (bluegrass, country / NFLD)

Wednesday July 31st – 7:00pm – Maureen and Friends: A Celebration of Newfoundland Music

Sunday August 4th – 7:30pm – The Ennis Sisters

 

TWINE LOFT ART EXHIBITS

Art Exhibit at the Twine Loft

The Twine Loft uses its walls to exhibit original Newfoundland art and a majority of the pieces are for sale.  If you are not a guest of the inn or dining with us, you are welcome to come look at the art between 10am and 5:30pm when meal services are not taking place.

View our Art Exhibits page under our Restaurant section to learn more about featured artists.

PORT REXTON

10 Minutes from Trinity

TWO WHALES COFFEE SHOP

The Two Whales Coffee Shop doubles as a vegetarian restaurant and gallery space, featuring multiple exhibits, often of Newfoundland artists, throughout their operating season. They also host musical performances multiple times a month.  To find out which artists are being featured or concert schedules, visit their website.

Two Whales Website

FISHER’S LOFT CONFERENCE CENTRE

The Fisher’s Loft Conference centre often hosts art exhibits in the main conference room. On occasional evenings throughout the summer authors host book readings.

Fisher’s Loft Website

 

ENGLISH HARBOUR

19 minutes from Trinity

English Harbour Arts Centre

ENGLISH HARBOUR ARTS CENTRE

The English Harbour Arts Centre is a not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to the promotion of artistic and cultural education and the preservation of historic and cultural spaces. They are committed to operating an economically self-sustaining institution for the arts that provides learning opportunities for people of all ages and levels of artistic experience. Their multidisciplinary program includes art holidays, workshops, residencies, community outreach, special projects and public events. The English Harbour Arts Centre hosts various performances by some of Newfoundland’s most celebrated musicians including The Once, The Fortunate Ones, Matthew Byrne, The Ennis Sisters and many more.  

Additional Links

English Harbour Arts Centre Website

 

PORT UNION

30 Minutes from Trinity

UNION HOUSE ARTS

Art Gallery, Workshops, Screening Room, Artist Residencies, Community Events

Union House Arts (UHA) is a new community artspace operated through the Sir William F. Coaker Heritage Foundation. UHA is committed to supporting work being produced by artists and craftspeople in Newfoundland and Labrador through place-specific dialogues and collaborative programming in Port Union.

Summer hours are 11-5 Thursday – Monday, until the Biennale starts August 17th. Then the schedule changes to 10am-5pm daily.

Union House Arts Website

BONAVISTA

45 minutes from Trinity

looking out from the stage of the Garrick Theatre. A mic in the centre of the stage, red chairs and the lights are up.

THE GARRICK THEATRE

The  Garrick  is  a  multi-use,  200-seat  theatre  and  meeting  space  in  the  Town  of Bonavista.  Owned and  operated  by  the  Bonavista  Historic  Townscape  Foundation, this  year-round  cultural  facility offers comfortable  theatre  seating,  state-of-the-art sound   and   lighting   equipment   including   full   digital cinema,   and   exceptional acoustics.  At The Garrick you can find the best in performing arts and film.

Additional Links

The Garrick Theatre

 

For more information on Artisan Craft visit our page

SHOP LOCALLY MADE

For directions to these locations visit

COMMUNITIES AND DIRECTIONS

 

 

Explore Trinity, Newfoundland

Discover the many reasons why Trinity is the perfect place to stay while exploring Eastern Newfoundland’s Bonavista Peninsula.  Trinity is one of the most walk-able town’s of Newfoundland, taking only 25 minutes to stroll the circumference of the town with various white-picket fence lined streets criss-crossing throughout its centre.   The majority of attractions and activities are located on the opposite end of town to the Artisan Inn’s accommodations, allowing our guests to take advantage of the peace and quiet of an out-port community while being only a few minutes away by foot from Rising Tide Theatre, whale watching, historic sites and shopping.

DOWNLOAD  Map of Trinity, Newfoundland

History of Trinity Harbour

“Trinity charms visitors on at least two accounts. Many newcomers are struck by the natural beauty of the area, a magnificent harbour and the splendid maritime setting. Others are touched by a powerful sense of history (Old Worldliness) and the pride of place instilled by the cultural landscape. Trinity is a community whose personality has been largely shaped by the sea. The harbour has been proclaimed as one of the best in Newfoundland, even one of the finest in the world. The harbour not only provided abundant shelter and good holding ground, but was also spacious. It was once claimed to hold the entire British Navy.

Trinity Harbour has provided access to and refuge from the North Atlantic since the early 16th century when it was first used by European fishermen. West Countrymen from England began using it as a summer station in the migratory fishery in the 1570s, and in 1615 Richard Whitbourne (later Sir Richard) held a Court of the Admiralty, the first of its kind in the New World. Since then Trinity has been the scene of many other significant historical events.”

-The above is an excerpt from Gordon Handcock’s “The Story of Trinity”, a publication of the Trinity Historical Society

The Merchants from Poole

In the early Newfoundland fishery  the most prominent merchants were from the seaport of Poole, Dorset, England.  Ships sailed from Poole to Newfoundland with salt and provisions, then carried dried and salted fish to Europe and then returned to Poole with wine, olive oil, and salt.

In the late 16-hundreds Poole merchants had settled in Bay Verds [now Bay de Verde] near Old Perlican on the east side of Trinity Bay.  However, the harbour of Old Perlican is broad and open and not easily defended.  Under Pierre Le Moyne D’Iberville the French attacked and burned many of the buildings in 1697. Fearing further attacks through the early 1700s the Taverners, who were prominent  Poole merchants, relocated their major premises to Trinity’s safer harbour.

The Lesters were also a Poole merchant family and were related, through marriage,  to the Taveners.  They established at Trinity in the 1750s. As well they were  prominent in a number of other communities in Trinity Bay buying Newfoundland codfish and providing settlers with supplies and provisions. They also employed many men cutting wood, trapping furs, and sealing. By 1793 Benjamin Lester owned 20 ships, the largest fleet operated by an English-Newfoundland merchant in the eighteenth century. Benjamin’s daughter Amy married George Garland and, with time, George Garland assumed more direct responsibility for the trade. After 1819, the firm became George Garland and Sons.

The end of the Napoleonic Wars and the conclusion of the War of 1812 ended Britain’s monopoly over the Newfoundland fisheries. Poole’s Newfoundland trade decreased  and, within a decade, most merchants had ceased trading.  George Garland operated his business until 1825.

The Ryan Brothers

The Garland buildings were leased to various firms until 1900 when the Ryan Brothers acquired the site and operated until 1952. James and Dan Ryan belonged to the Bonavista family of Ryan  merchants.   Under the management of their youngest brother Edmund the firm’s chief goal,  in Trinity, was to profit from supplying Trinity and Conception Bay schooners that were  involved in the Labrador fishery. The Garland/Ryan store in Trinity was one of the first Ryan buildings to be restored during the present era of historic reconstruction.  Visitors to the Bonavista Peninsula can now view many Ryan buildings,  some of which have been only recently restored.

Trinity Harbour Modern History

a young girl watching a fishing boat being built
As a child the Artisan Inn’s manager Marieke would watch boats being built in the Vokey Shipyard.

During periods up until the late 1980’s Trinity was sustained largely by aspects of the fisheries and business families such as the Vokey shipbuilders and  Bartlett’s Plumbing and Electrical. However, outport Newfoundland fell on hard times with the close of the cod fishery in 1992. During the following decade, ships were built, in Trinity, for a newly emerging crab fishery and there was diversification in the rural economy.  Today tourism has replaced the shipbuilding industry as the main economic driver in the area.

Whale and Iceberg Tours

 

Trinity Bay and Bonavista Bay serve as nature’s playground during the Spring and Summer months in Newfoundland.  

Twenty-two species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises swim the waters along the coastline of Newfoundland and Labrador during the months of May to August. The Bonavista Peninsula is a perfect location to see and appreciate these magnificent creatures of the sea.  

Some species spotted in Trinity Bay and Bonavista Bay include: Humpback Whales, Sperm Whales, Minke Whales, Pothead Whales and Killer Whales (Orcas).  White-sided dolphins and Bluefin Tuna are frequently spotted during the Fall.  

Boat tours also provide the opportunity to see the many majestic icebergs floating past Trinity during Spring and early Summer.  The prime time to see icebergs is between late May and late June.

Finally, the Peninsula’s unique geological features offer an added bonus on every trip.

A whale shows off during a tour with Sea of Whales Adventures
Marieke Gow Photography

Those who come to visit during the month of June and early July are sometimes lucky enough to spot icebergs, whales and various sea birds, including: the Atlantic Puffin and Bald Eagles all at once!

To see daily records of whale sightings in our area CLICK HERE.  

The two communities that offer boat tours with the focus of seeing wildlife are Trinity and Bonavista.

TRINITY

Three boat tours are located within walking distance of the Artisan Inn

A group of people wearing flotation safety suits sit in a zodiac operated by Sea of Whales adventures
Photo Taken on Sea of Whale Adventure Tours. The #1 boat tour on trip advisor for the town of Trinity

Sea of Whales Adventure  

Vessel Type: Zodiac
Phone: 1-709-464-2200
Address: 1 Ash’s Lane
Walking Distance from the Twine Loft: 2 minutes     

                                                                    

Atlantic Adventures                                                                                                                                  

Vessel Type: Trawller sailer
Phone: 1-709-464-2133
Address: 1 Dock Lane
Walking distance from the Twine Loft: 6 minutes                                           

Trinity Eco Tours   

Vessel Type: Zodiac
Phone: 1-709-464-3712
Address: 1 Stoneman’s Lane
Walking distance from the Twine Loft: 4 minutes

BONAVISTA

A boat tour returning at sunset to a flock of puffins

Discovery Sea Adventures

Vessel Type: Fast Rescue Craft
Phone: 1-709-470-0322
Address: Roper Street, Bonavista NL
Located in the parking lot of the Matthew Legacy site

Bonavista Puffin and Whale Tours

Vessel Type: Larger vessel type with indoor and outdoor seating and a washroom on board
Phone: 1-709-468-8438
Address: 15 Roper Street, Bonavista NL
Located in the parking lot of the Matthew Legacy site.

Places to Whale Watch From Land in Trinity Bight

While boat tours offer a first class whale watching experience, getting you up close and personal with wildlife, not everyone has the greatest sea legs.  We can never guarantee a whale sighting, however, we can tell you where the locals often go to watch Humpbacks feeding once they have arrived for the season.  Our staff receive updates from local boat tours and summer residents when pods are feeding close to shore in certain area’s.  We do our best to communicate anything exciting that we are aware of when we register guests at the inn or during morning breakfast.

Fort Point Lighthouse and Beach

Watch for humpback whales on the beach of Fort Point, Trinity

We recommend getting a lunch to go from Trinity Mercantile Coffee Shop and heading to Fort Point Lighthouse for a picnic.  Whales are often seen feeding during the month of July just off the point’s beach.

Driving Distance from Trinity: 19 Minutes

English Harbour / Horse Chops

Cliffs of English Harbour
Located 19 minutes from the Artisan Inn

This is the area many locals go to watch whales from the cliffs. The beach in English Harbour is also a popular spot to watch the capelin when they start to roll.  locals are often seen here with buckets to harvest the small silver fish for a meal.

Driving Distance from Trinity: 19 Minutes

Skerwink Trail, Trinity East/Port Rexton

Skerwink Trail
Marieke Gow Photography

Whales often feed below the cliffs, offering hikers a bird’s eye view.  One cannot drive up to these spots, but instead, must hike the outer trail for the best vantage points.

Driving distance from Trinity: 13 minutes

Please note that whales are wild animals and their feeding times and locations can never be guaranteed.

Find Driving Directions to all communities mentioned

COMMUNITIES AND DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Contact Us

The Artisan Inn welcomes guests between the months of May and November (end of season October 31st).  During these months, the Twine Loft serves as the main office.  During the closed season, reservations can still be made by calling, emailing or requesting a booking through our online system.  We encourage anyone with questions about a potential stay at the inn to contact us directly.

We look forward to your visit,

Tineke & Marieke Gow

Artisan Inn & Twine Loft Dining Reservations

57 High St.
Trinity, Trinity Bay, NL
A0C 2S0, Canada

Email us at info@trinityvacations.com

Phone/Fax: 1.709.464.3377

 

 

 

Historic Sites

TRINITY

HISTORIC SITES PASS

We have an entire page dedicated to the historic sites of Trinity, all within walking distance of Artisan Inn accommodations.  Sites include:

The Lester Garland Building
The Hiscock House
The Green Family Forge
The Ryan Shop
The Trinity Museum
The Court House/Wooden Boat Museum
The Cooperage
St. Paul’s Church and the Holy Trinity Church

Visit our page HISTORIC SITES IN TRINITY to learn more.

NEW BONAVENTURE            

A laundry line is hung with clothing from the 19th century with a square green house in the background

Random Passage Site   

Ok, this is not a historic site, but instead, a movie set from the mini-series Random Passage.  It does, however, offer visitors the chance to understand the struggle many of the first Newfoundland settlers faced when they arrived on this barren isolated land from England and Ireland and what early settlements would have looked liked including the church, schoolhouse, and the disparity between the houses of the well-off and those who struggled to survive the winter.

Additional Links

Random Passage on Eastlink’s Discover NL

PORT UNION

Port Union Museum

Port Union National Historic District

Port Union is the only union-built town in North America. Construction began on the shores of Trinity Bay, Newfoundland, in 1916. Within five years, a busy and modern union town bordered the protected deep-water harbour-all made possible through the hard work and vision of the members of the Fishermen’s Protective Union (the FPU) and their first leader, William Ford Coaker.

To learn more about the Union Town, visit the Factory and The Bungalow

Additional Links

Trip Advisor Reviews

ELLISTON

Home from the sea, Sealer’s Memorial Museum

The great sealing disasters of 1914 contributed greatly to the loss of a generation soon to be devastated by World War I. In remembering these men, Home from The Sea presents the historical and cultural context of sealing in Newfoundland and Labrador through seven captivating visitor experiences.  Learn more by visiting the linked website.

Sealer’s Memorial Statue

Situated on Porter’s Point, facing the sea and looking back toward home, rests the bronze statue of father and son Reuben and Albert John Crewe, residents of Elliston who perished out on the ice in the 1914 SS Newfoundland sealing disaster. Created by acclaimed sculptor Morgan MacDonald, it sits as a poignant reminder not only of great loss but of the remarkable ties that bind families together in places where going to work and coming Home from the Sea is never a guarantee. It stands to represent all sealers who have risked and lost their lives in their efforts to support their families and communities. Learn more by visiting the linked website.

BONAVISTA

The Ryan Premises

A salty scent lingers within the cluster of white, 19th century clapboard buildings of the Ryan Premises, perched on the shore of Bonavista’s historic and picturesque harbour. Hear the reminiscences of the site’s interpreters, most of whom have a personal connection to the fishing industry; marvel at the variety of artifacts in the on-site Bonavista Museum; and explore the internationally-recognized “Cod, Seals and Survivors” exhibition that tells the 500-year story of Canada’s east coast fishery.

Matthew Legacy Centre

500 years after John Cabot first arrived in Newfoundland, both Bristol and Newfoundland marked the monumental event by recreating the voyage in 1997. A replica of Cabot’s ship, The Matthew, sailed across the Atlantic and landed at Bonavista’s shores and was greeted by hundreds of on-lookers, including Queen Elizabeth II.  The Matthew Legacy Centre was built to house the ship and visitors can tour the boat and learn more about Cabot.

Additional Links:

Video: A Voyage Across the Atlantic on a Replica of The Matthew – History Channel

Bonavista Lighthouse

Cape Bonavista Lighthouse was constructed in 1843 and is currently restored to the 1870s period. The highlight of the lighthouse is an original catoptric light mechanism that dates to 1816. An adjacent interpretation centre features exhibits on lighthouse technology and lightkeepers’ lives.

Additional notes: Some of the site summaries are copied directly from the websites of those sites and are not the original content of the Artisan Inn and Twine Loft.

Hiking and Walking on the Bonavista Peninsula

a woman takes a photo of cliffs and icebergs from the Klondike Trail

The Bonavista Peninsula is a hikers paradise. The Artisan Inn in Trinity can serve as an excellent home base for those who wish to explore the various hikes and walks along the Discovery Trail.  With a variety of coastal and inland trails, rated from easy to difficult, there is something for both walkers and hikers.  Spend the day hiking, return to comfortable accommodations and curl up in a blanket with a glass of wine on our front deck while resting your feet!  Hand carved, wooden hiking sticks are available for Artisan Inn guests who do not wish to travel with their own.  

Maps of each hiking Trail can be found on the Hike Discovery Travel App  

 

TRINITY – UPPER & LOWER GUN HILL TRAIL

The view from the top of Gun Hill shows a whale tail shaped area of land surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean

Located in Trinity, starting behind the Royal Bank or the Rising Tide Theatre

Easy (very top can be difficult)

Approx. 2 km Loop, 0.75 km to the Top, 45 Minutes – 1 Hour return

To Learn more about this trail visit the Gun Hill Page on the Explore Trinity section of our website

PORT REXTON – SKERWINK TRAIL

The Skerwink Trail in Port Rexton

Located 10 minutes from Trinity

Moderate – Difficult

5.3 km Loop, 1.5 – 2 Hours

The Experience

Just minutes from Trinity, in Trinity East, Skerwink has been selected as one of Travel and Leisure magazine’s “25 Great Walks in North America and Europe” (May 2009).

The trail is rated Moderate and takes approximately 2 hours to complete (longer if you are passionate about photography) and is a 5.3km coastal loop. At certain locations hikers may feel as though they are standing at the edge of the world.  Steeper sections of the trail have been lined with stairs and board walks cover any boggy sections.  Many lookouts have been built with benches allowing visitors to stop and enjoy the view.

Moose, foxes, bald eagles, whales, seabirds and icebergs are often spotted.

Directions from Trinity 

Leave the town of Trinity

Turn Right onto Route 239 towards Route 230

Turn Right on Route 230 towards Bonavista

Turn Right towards Trinity East after large yellow gas station in Port Rexton

Drive approx 5 minutes, pass one church, then arrive at a parking lot across from a second church. A large sign with the map of the Skerwink Trail will be to your your left.

Additional Links

Skerwink Trail: Hike Discovery Site & Map Link

In the Press: Hike Bike Travel

CHAMPNEY’S WEST – FOX ISLAND TRAIL

A board walk along the ocean overlooking fox island encircled by pack ice

Located 15 minutes from Trinity

Easy – Moderate

5.5km Loop, Approx. 2 Hours

The Experience

The trail displays the beautiful coastal scenery, views of the surrounding communities and local wildlife, then finishes with a walk through the fishing village of Champney’s West. Take the time to walk down and view the fishing stages and maybe get your opportunity to chat to a local resident.

Directions from Trinity

Leave the town of Trinity

Turn Right onto Route 239 towards Route 230

Turn Right on Route 230 towards Bonavista

Drive past Port Rexton and turn Right onto Route 230-17 to Champney’s West

The trail parking lot is located on the right, 2km from the turn off and across from the old cemetery.

Additional Links:

Fox Island Trail: The Hike Discovery Website and Trail Maps

Trip Advisor Reviews

PORT UNION – MURPHY’S COVE TRAIL

Located 28 minutes from Trinity

Moderate

7.7km Loop, Approx. 3 Hours

The Experience

This coastal loop trail will take you through the abandoned community of Murphy’s Cove and overlooks the Green Island Lighthouse. This looped trail has a variety of headlands that provide viewing platforms where surrounding communities, whales, seabirds and fishing vessels can be photographed. The halfway point provides a lookout where users can view the Green Island Lighthouse, one of the last remaining manned lighthouses in the province. The trail follows the coastline offering great photo opportunities.

Directions from Trinity

Leave the town of Trinity

Turn Right onto Route 239 towards Route 230

Turn Right on Route 230 towards Bonavista

Drive 30 minutes to Port Union and turn Right onto Reid’s Road

Follow the blue hiker sign. The entrance of the Trail is located next to St Catherine’s Haven retirement home.

Additional Links

Murphy’s Cove: The Hike Discovery Website & Trail Maps

Trip Advisor Reviews

 

BONAVISTA – CAPE SHORE TRAIL

2 piles of rocks lie on either side of the picture with a view of an iceberg in the ocean between them.

Located 1 Hour from Trinity

Gentle

3.5 Kilometers, Approx. 1 Hour each way

The Experience

A 3.5 km trail along the coastline that runs parallel to the main road from the Town of Bonavista to Cape Bonavista. This trail provides one with a spectacular view of Bonavista Bay as you enjoy a leisurely walk on a marked trail to the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse. Along this route you can enjoy the rugged coast line while watching for birds and whales (in season). Stop for a picnic along the trail or at the John Cabot Municipal Park.

Directions from Trinity

Leave the town of Trinity

Turn Right onto Route 239 towards Route 230

Turn Right on Route 230 towards Bonavista

Once in Bonavista, follow Confederation Drive (route 230) until you see the Right hand turn onto Cape Shore Road 

Continue on Cape Shore Road until you pass the Ocean View Cabins where a parking lot will be on your right 

 

ELLISTON / BONAVISTA – KLONDIKE TRAIL

Located 45 to 50 minutes from Trinity

Gentle – Moderate

3km, 45 minutes each way

The Experience

Located on the northern section of Elliston, it was regularly used years ago as a horse and cart trail, leading from Elliston to the community of  Spillar’s Cove. This walk takes you from forest to wetlands, heathlands to sea. Learn about the plants and animals inhabiting our area while looking for our provincial bird, the puffin. You may also see whales, kittiwakes and other sea life as well as spectacular coastal scenery. This area was initially called Bird Island Cove and offers hikers spectacular oceanfront scenery with plenty of seabirds and wildlife along the way. – Text courtesy of Hike Discovery.

Directions from Trinity

Leave the town of Trinity

Turn Right onto Route 239 towards Route 230

Turn Right on Route 230 towards Bonavista

Spillar’s Cove end(Most of the Klondike trail is inland, so we suggest driving to the Spillar’s Cove end and exploring the northern section of the trail)

Drive to the Town of Bonavista

You will reach an intersection with a large green highway sign indicating Elliston and Spillar’s Cove to your right, Turn Right

Keep Left towards Spillar’s Cove at the intersection of Spillar’s Cove Road and Route 238 to Elliston
(You can also Turn Right onto Route 238 to Elliston, then turn Left onto Main Street in Elliston to access the Elliston end of the trail)

Drive through the village of Spillar’s Cove until you reach the end of the paved road, the trail begins here

Elliston end

Drive 35 – 40 mins on Route 230, then turn Right on Route 238 to Elliston

Turn Left at the John C. Crosbie Sealer’s Interpretation Centre in Elliston

Turn Right onto Main Street

Follow signage to the trail head

Additional Links

Trip Advisor reviews

Klondike Trail: The Hike Discovery Website and Trail Maps

 

ROUTE 235 – KING’S COVE – LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL

Multi-coloured cliffs jut into a blue ocean

Located 45 minutes from Trinity

Gentle – Moderate

1.7km inner loop, 3.5km outer loop, 0.5 or 1 hours

The Experience

The King’s Cove Lighthouse Trail is classed as a stacked loop.  This provides the walker/hiker the option of completing the 1.7km inside loop or the 3.5km outside loop.  Both trails are coastal hikes to the lighthouse. The outside loop offers the hiker additional coastal viewing into Bonavista Bay and Brook Point, then proceeds into the woods on a primitive trail leading back to the church.  Returning via the inside loop, walkers/hikers have the opportunity to walk along rock foundations while admiring spectacular coastal scenery in Blackhead Bay.

The lighthouse was built in 1893, after some fifty shipwrecks occurred in Bonavista Bay.  It was constructed of pre-cast iron, shipped from Birmingham, England.  It was the first lighthouse in Newfoundland to be fitted with a revolving kerosene light system from Sweden and was visible from 14 nautical miles.  Since it had to be lit every night and extinguished each morning, Philip Batterton was hired as a light keeper, a position held for over 62 years by the Batterton family.

– This information has been provided by the Discovery Trail Tourism Association

Directions from Trinity

Leave the town of Trinity

Turn Right onto Route 239 towards Route 230

The trail is located at the halfway mark of Route 235 and there are two ways to get there from Trinity. Either route will take approximately 45 minutes. One can: 

A) Turn Left onto Route 230 towards Clarenville

Turn right onto Route 235 at South Bay

Turn Left onto Top Road

Park at the large church in King’s Cove.  The trail begins there.

or

B) Turn Right onto Route 230 towards Bonavista

Turn left onto Route 237 at Catalina

Turn Left onto Route 235

Turn Right onto Top Road

Park at the large church in King’s Cove.  The trail begins there.

GPS: N48 34’12  W53 19’56

We do not recommend taking the Route 236 through Lockston Path Provincial Park, as it is a dirt road with no cell phone reception

Additional Links

Lighthouse Trail: The Hike Discovery Website and Maps

Trip Advisor Reviews

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more information about hiking trails in the Eastern Region consider ordering the book Hikes of Eastern Newfoundland.

https://www.amazon.com/Hikes-Eastern-Newfoundland-Mary-Smyth/dp/1927099595

The photographs on this page are by Marieke Gow and may only be used on other websites or print material with written permission from Marieke. mariekegow@yahoo.com