Photo Tour of Trinity

Wondering what you will see on a stroll through Trinity?

Couple checks map for directions in Trinity — Sara Monika Photography

UPON ARRIVAL

This is the scene that welcomes you when you arrive in Trinity. The below scene has appeared in publications around the world including The New York Times and USA Today. It is one of the most coveted shots on a trip through Newfoundland. The houses in the picture below include the Artisan Inn’s Twine Loft, Barbour House, Gover House, Cove Cottage, Campbell House and Nathaniel House. Visit our getting here section for directions to Trinity if this is a must have shot for you.

GETTING HERE

View of Artisan Inn and Vacation Homes in Trinity Newfoundland — Photographer: Marieke Gow

Visit in the Summer when the wildflowers are in full bloom.

Late October in Trinity Newfoundland — Photographer: Marieke Gow

Taken in Late October when the light in Trinity has a more golden touch and the dogberries are at their best. Read our September and October Guide if you plan to stay during the Fall.

Pack Ice in front of Artisan Inn — Photographer: Marieke Gow

Visit during the Spring months of May or June to watch for ice. Read our May and June Guide to plan your trip at this time.

STUNNING PANORAMIC VIEWS

View of Trinity from Gun Hill Trail.

View of Trinity Harbour from Sweet Rock Ice Cream. Learn about Sweet Rock and other local shops in our Shop Artisan Crafts and Eats Section.

View overlooking Gun Hill, Trinity and Fisher Cove from Sweet Rock Ice Cream.

SUNSETS NOT TO BE MISSED

a two-story white salt box house and wooden deck sit in front of a calm cove while a pink sunset reflects in the water. — Photographer: Marieke Gow

View of sunset from Artisan Inn’s Campbell House. Gover House is the vacation Home featured in the shot.

View of Sunset from Gover House Vacation Home deck.

a boat in the sunset — Photographer: Marieke Gow

Sunset over Trinity’s Fisher Cove.

Sunset in Trinity — Photographer: Marieke Gow

View of sunset from Cambell House overlooking Gover House and Fisher Cove.

SPRING ICE

To learn about what activities are possible during May and June in Trinity and around the Bonavista Peninsula, read our May and June Guide.

Waterside deck Trinity — Photographer: Marieke Gow

During certain years pack ice makes its way into Trinity Harbour and Fisher Cove. This shot is taken from the second floor of the Twine Loft.

wooden deck chairs on a large wooden deck overlook Trinity Harbour which is full of chunks of sea ice. The cliffs of Skerwink hide behind the fog in the distance — Photographer: Marieke Gow

View of Trinity Harbour from the deck of Admiral’s Lookout Vacation Home.

Icebergs in front of a deck — Photographer: Marieke Gow

Even on the mauzy days there are breathtaking scenes all around. This was the Twine Loft deck in early June

Bergy Bit in Trinity Harbour — Photographer: Marieke Gow

A small piece of iceberg floats in Trinity Harbour on a sunny May morning.

A late arriving iceberg grounded itself outside Trinity Harbour for weeks in 2014.

SUMMER FLOWERS

Twine Loft Trinity Newfoundland — Photographer: Marieke Gow

Daisies and honeysuckles line streets and hillsides of Trinity.

Lupins in Trinity — Photographer: Marieke Gow

Lupins bloom in Mid-July.

Lilacs and Lupins welcome guests to Cove Cottage Vacation Home

SUNRISES WORTH AN EARLY START

Sun Rising over Trinitys 2 churches — Photographer: Marieke Gow

This shot was taken during a May morning next to Nathaniel House Vacation Home.

Sunrise over Trinity, Newfoundland — Photographer: Marieke Gow

Taken from behind Artisan Inn’s Campbell House, the building where Fisher Cove Room and Fort Point Room are located.

OLD WORLD CHARM AND NEWFOUNDLAND ARCHITECTURE

Learn about St. Paul’s church in our Historic Sites sections

Aunt Sarah's Choloate lit up for Trinity's Fall Festival — Kathy Stacey Photography

Aunt Sarah’s Chocolate is one of many businesses to convert Trinity’s historic buildings into a shopping experience.

Salt Box Houses line the streets of Trinity

Trinity Harbour is where Trinity’s various whale watching tours depart from. This shot was taken from the deck of Admiral’s Lookout.

Traditional Architecture in Trinity — Photographer: Marieke Gow

Admiral’s Lookout and Grant’s Stage are both registered heritage structures.

Gover House is a saltbox house built in 1840 — Photographer: Marieke Gow

White picket fences are found all over Trinity. This one leads to the beach in front of Gover House.

a large woodpile in Trinity — Photographer: Marieke Gow

Despite electric heating being available many residents prefer to heat their homes with a wood stove.

Artisan Inn’s Campbell House is an 1840s registered heritage structure. It was the orginial building that the Artisan Inn’s owner Tineke Gow started her buisness with in 1992. Learn about the history of the Artisan Inn.

Fall leaves in Trinity — Photographer: Marieke Gow

Fall Colours and picket fences. Read our September and October Guide to find out what can be done at this time of the year.

Blacksmith working at the forge — Photographer: Marieke Gow

The town of Trinity has two certified blacksmiths working in the town’s historic Green Family Forge.

Despite living with modern amenities many residents prefer drying their laundry on the line.

GUN HILL TRAIL

Gun Hill Trail can be walked during any season. Late August and September offer of delicious berries and then their leaves turn a fiery red. Walk along the water, through the woods or stand at the top of the world.

A hand full of blueberries — Photographer: Sara Monika

Photographer: Sara Monika / Hop Scotch the Globe

A fine spot for berry picking during late August and September.

Red blueberry bushes — Photographer: Marieke Gow

October Colours on the trail.

A wooden staircase leading through the woods — Photographer: Marieke Gow

Escape everything and walk through the woods.

Reward yourself with a stunning view from the top.

LET IT SNOW

We are not open November through April, but why not let you enjoy the pictures?

Woodpile covered in snow — Photographer: Marieke Gow

A woodpile sits in front of Trinity Harbour.

Rising Tide Theatre Trinity — Photographer: Marieke Gow

Ryan Shop, Rising Tide Theatre and the Cooperage.

Winter in Trinity Artisan Inn Buildings — Photographer: Marieke Gow

Artisan Inn after a snowstorm.

A house with picket fence after the snow — Photographer: Marieke Gow

Trinity Architecture pops in the Winter weather.

Photo Credits:
Photos featured on this page were taken by Mark Colbert, Sara Monika and Marieke Gow. If someone wishes to download one of these photos for use on a website, blog, other social media or print materials they must first contact Marieke Gow mgow@trinityvacations.com to seek permission.

Communities and Directions

TRINITY, TRINITY BAY

Digital Map of Trinity Courtesy of www.townoftrinity.com

🗺️ Getting to Trinity

Trinity is approximately 1 hour from the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1). Take the exit for Route 230 near Clarenville.

You have two driving options:

Via Route 230 (direct from Highway 1):
- Straightforward and efficient.
Via Route 230A through Clarenville:
- Slightly more scenic.
- Ideal if you plan to stop in Clarenville for supplies (larger grocery stores and a full-service NLC liquor store).
- Time difference is minimal compared to the direct route.

Once on Route 230, drive 50.8 km, then turn right onto Route 239.

Continue for 3 km, then take the left-hand turn just after the bay to enter historic Trinity.

For more details about getting to the Artisan Inn visit our GETTING HERE section.

Trinity Highlights: 🔗 Visit Explore Trinity to learn more.

Local shopping
Whale watching tours
7 Provincial Historic Sites
Rising Tide Theatre
Restaurants and cafés
Gun Hill hiking trail
- Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark Geosite
Guided historical walking tours

The following communities located on Route 239, Route 230 and Route 235 are all easily accessible from Trinity ranging from 10 minutes to 50 minutes by vehicle.

SOUTH OF TRINITY on ROUTE 239

New Bonaventure

Distance: 25 minutes from Artisan Inn
Directions:
- Take the sharp left hairpin turn at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road.
- Turn left onto Route 239 at the T-intersection.
- New Bonaventure is at the end of the road, 15.8 km from Trinity.
Highlights:
- Random Passage, Grand Seduction, and Shipping News film sets
- Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark Geosite

Fort Point

Distance: 19 minutes from Artisan Inn
Directions:
- Take the sharp left hairpin turn at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road.
- Drive 1.9 km, then turn left onto Main Road/Route 239.
- Drive 2.7 km, then turn left at Dunfield.
- Continue for 4 km.
Highlights:
- Fort Point Lighthouse and Interpretation Centre
- Peter Pan & Wendy Filming Location
- Whale spotting (during feeding months)

NORTH of TRINITY on ROUTE 230

Port Rexton/Trinity East

Cliffs of Skerwink Trail — Skerwink Trail Marieke Gow Photography

Distance: 13 minutes from Artisan Inn
Directions:
- Take the sharp left hairpin turn at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road.
- Turn right onto Route 239 at the T-intersection.
- Drive 3.6 km, then turn right onto Route 230.
- Drive 4.5 km (5 minutes) to Port Rexton.
- At the bright yellow gas station, turn right onto Rocky Hill Road.
- Drive 1.9 km to reach Trinity East and the start of the Skerwink Trail.
- To reach Port Rexton Brewery, turn left off Rocky Hill Road onto Station Road.
Highlights:
- Port Rexton Brewery
- Skerwink Trail
- Two Whales Vegetarian Coffee Shop

English Harbour

Distance: 19 minutes from Artisan Inn
Directions:
- Take the sharp left hairpin turn at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road.
- Turn right onto Route 239 at the T-intersection.
- Drive 3.6 km, then turn right onto Route 230.
- Drive 5.9 km, then turn right at the English Harbour sign.
- Drive 4.9 km to reach English Harbour.
Highlights:
- English Harbour Arts Centre
- Horsechops (great for whale watching during feeding season)

Champney’s West

Distance: 18 minutes from Artisan Inn
Directions:
- Take the sharp left hairpin turn at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road.
- Turn right onto Route 239 at the T-intersection.
- Drive 3.6 km, then turn right onto Route 230.
- Drive past Port Rexton, passing Two Whales Coffee Shop, and take the next right to Champney’s West.
- Stay right at the fork, drive 7.2 km.
Highlights:
- Fox Island Hiking Trail
- Champney’s West Aquarium

Port Union

Distance: 30 minutes from Artisan Inn
Directions:
- Take the sharp left hairpin turn at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road.
- Turn right onto Route 239 at the T-intersection.
- Drive 3.6 km, then turn right onto Route 230.
- Continue driving for 27.9 km (approx. 25 minutes).
Highlights:
- Murphy’s Cove Lodges Pond Trail
- The Factory Historic Site
  - Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark geosite

Elliston & Maberly

Atlantic Puffins — Puffins by Paul Dolk: To purchase this print visit Paul Dolk’s Website

Distance: 45 minutes from Artisan Inn
Directions (from Route 230):
- Take the sharp left hairpin turn at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road.
- Turn right onto Route 239 at the T-intersection.
- Drive 3.6 km, then turn right onto Route 230.
- Drive 39.7 km, then take the Route 238 turn-off on your right.
- Drive 6.3 km to reach Elliston.
Alternative (from Bonavista):
- Continue on the main road, then turn right at the Spillar’s Cove sign.
- Drive 7.1 km to reach Elliston.
Highlights:
- Home From the Sea Sealers Museum
- Sealer’s Memorial Statue
- Puffin Viewing Site
  - Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark geosite
- Root Cellar Capital of the World
  - Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark geosite

Bonavista

Distance: 45 minutes from Artisan Inn
Directions:
- Take the sharp left hairpin turn at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road.
- Turn right onto Route 239 at the T-intersection.
- Drive 3.6 km, then turn right onto Route 230.
- Drive 37.7 km (approx. 40 minutes) to enter Bonavista.
Highlights:
- Ryan Premises National Historic Site
- The Matthew
- Cape Bonavista Lighthouse
  - Puffin viewing in season
- Shopping
- Cape Shore Hiking Trail
- The Dungeon
  - Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark geosite

Spillars Cove

Distance: 49 minutes from Artisan Inn
Directions:
- Take the sharp left hairpin turn at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road.
- Turn right onto Route 239 at the T-intersection.
- Drive 3.6 km, then turn right onto Route 230.
- Drive 37 km, then turn right at the Spillar’s Cove sign.
- Drive 2.4 km past Crewe’s Garage.
- Please park your vehicle where the pavement ends and do not attempt to drive on the dirt road. This will contribute to the erosion of a geologically significant area of our peninsula and makes it difficult for hikers to proceed safely.
Highlights:
- Spillar’s Cove Sea Stacks
  - Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark geosite
- Peter Pan & Wendy Filming Locations

Route 235 Communities

The Bonavista Peninsula forms a loop, with Route 235 being the opposite side of the loop to Route 230. You can visit these communities either on your way to Bonavista or on your way back. These directions are for visiting them on your way to Bonavista. We recommend avoiding Route 236, as it is a dirt road that may not be suitable for rental vehicles.

Open Hall, Red Cliff, Tickle Cove

Distance: 40 minutes from Trinity
Directions:
- Take the sharp left hairpin turn at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road.
- Turn right onto Route 239 at the T-intersection, and drive 3.6 km.
- Turn left onto Route 230 at the T-intersection.
- Drive 25.3 km (21 minutes), then turn right onto Route 235.
- Drive another 25.3 km (25 minutes) to the left turn for Open Hall (a few minutes past Plate Cove East).
To reach Red Cliff: Continue driving 2.4 km (3 minutes).
To reach Tickle Cove: Continue driving 2.5 km (5 minutes).
- The turn-off for the Tickle Cove Sea Arch is a right turn just before the community’s boat slipway. If you pass the slipway, you’ve gone too far.
Highlights:
- Paul Dolk Photography Studio
- Filming locations for Grand Seduction & Severance Season 2
- Tickle Cove Sea Arch
  - Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark geosite

King’s Cove, Duntara & Keels

Rocky Terrain with houses and ocean — Keels

King’s Cove, Duntara & Keels

Distance: 45 minutes from the Artisan Inn
Directions:
- Take the sharp left hairpin turn at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road.
- Turn right onto Route 239 at the T-intersection, and drive 3.6 km.
- Turn left onto Route 230 at the T-intersection.
- Drive 26 km (21 minutes) to the Route 235 turn-off and turn right.
- Drive 31.6 km (28 minutes) to reach King’s Cove.
To visit Duntara: Turn left at King’s Cove and drive 5.2 km (7 minutes).
To visit Keels: Turn left at King’s Cove and drive 8.5 km (14 minutes).
Highlights:
- Lighthouse Hiking Trail in King’s Cove
  - Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark geosite
- Devil’s Footprints in Keels
  - Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark geosite
- Two Rooms Contemporary Art Gallery in Duntara

Upper Amherst Cove

Distance: 45 minutes from the Artisan Inn
Directions (from Route 235 communities):
- Continue driving 18 km (18 minutes) north to reach Upper Amherst Cove.
Directions (direct from Trinity):
- Take the sharp left hairpin turn at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road.
- Turn right onto Route 239 at the T-intersection, and drive 3.6 km.
- Turn right onto Route 230 and drive 30.4 km (24 minutes) to Catalina.
- Turn right onto Route 237.
- Drive 11 km (12 minutes), then turn right.
- Drive 1.8 km (2 minutes) and turn left into Upper Amherst Cove.
Highlight:
- The Bonavista Social Club (open for special events and private catering)

Eat and Drink in Trinity

DINING

TWINE LOFT FINE DINING

Traditional Fishers storage shed converted into Twine Loft restaurant — Photo Credit Sara Monika

The Twine Loft is recommended by “Where to Eat in Canada”. Most guests of the Artisan Inn book their tables when reserving their accommodations, sometimes a year in advance of their arrival. If you would like the Twine Loft to be part of your Trinity experience, we recommend you make your reservation as soon as possible. A reservation request form is available in our booking section.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RESTAURANT AND MENUS

Blueberry Lemon Torte — Marieke Gow Photography

Preparing dessert at the Twine Loft — Photo Credit: Sara Monika

A view of Fisher Cove from the Twine Loft in Trinity

Cod en Papillote — The Twine Loft uses fresh locally caught cod

In the Press

Simple Bites Blog: Family Travel in Newfoundland Canada

Sara Monika: Top 5 Things to Do in Newfoundland

Katie Goldie: The Wild Newfoundland and Labrador

Alex in Wonderland: A Newfoundland Baycation in Trinity

AUNT SARAH’S CHOCOLATES & SWEET ROCK ICECREAM

Located near the majority of historic sites in Trinity, Aunt Sarah’s Chocolate and Sweet Rock Ice Cream are made right in Trinity. Sorbet is available for those who cannot have lactose.

THE DOCK MARINA

The Dock Marina serves up typical family-friendly fare including fish and chips, burgers, pasta and so on. Take out is also an option you may wish to avail of if you are staying in one of our vacation homes.

TRINITY CABINS

Just outside the historic core of Trinity, Trinity Cabin’s offers a spot to grab a cup of coffee, breakfast or lunch. Their made to order sandwiches are perfect for taking on day hikes and drives. They also excel at baked goods.

SOPHIA’S

Located in the Eriksen Premises, Sophia’s is open for lunch and evening meal service with a similar menu selection to the Dock Marina.

WHERE TO DRINK IN TRINITY

THE TWINE LOFT

The Twine Loft is the main building and dining room for the Artisan Inn, built directly over the water. While the Twine Loft is not a bar, a Happy Hour service is available to the public from 3-5pm daily. Guest can choose between drinking on the waterside deck during nicer days (blankets are available for chillier one’s) or in the upstairs loft above the dining room. During Happy Hour special pricing is offered on many of our drinks including wines by the glass, locally made beers and mixed drinks.

Hiking: Gun Hill Trail

UPPER & LOWER GUN HILL TRAIL

Easy (very top can be difficult)
2km Lower Gun Hill Trail (loop)
1km Upper Gun Hill Trail
1-2 Hours to complete both trails

The Experience:

Gun Hill, formerly known as Ryder’s Hill is located at the base of Trinity. The upper trail leads straight to the top of the hill for a fantastic 360 degree view of the entire area and offers a great vantage point for picture taking. Halfway up the trail hikers will find the cannons that once protected Trinity from attacks during the wars between the French and the English. A photo of Trinity taken in 1910 is on display that allows visitors to see what ways the town has and has not changed over that past 100 years. The best time to take this hike is late afternoon. The town looks spectacular during the golden hour when the sun lowers over Fisher Cove. The walk takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to get to the top and slightly less time to get down. This is also a great spot to watch the sunrise because the entire trail provides an unobstructed view towards the East.

The Lower Trail (a loop) can be started behind the Eastern Health Clinic or Rising Tide Theatre and helps you to feel as though you could be in the middle of nowhere. Parts of the trail are completely inland while other parts hug Trinity Harbour. Walkers may also decide to take a side path to Tavener’s Point, lined with beaches on either side.

A wooden staircase leads walkers through the trees — Marieke Gow Photography

During the summer, the trails are coloured with white purple pink and blue lupins and during the fall one can spend many peaceful hours picking wild flavorful blueberries from the hill’s many patches.

Directions from the Artisan Inn’s Twine Loft: Turn Left when leaving the Twine Loft and walk to the Royal Bank. This is a 2-minute walk. The path is marked and begins behind the bank. A large map of the trail (both upper and lower) is located in the town parking lot by the Rising Tide Theatre.

Additional Links

Gun Hill Trail on Hike Discovery Site & Map Link

In the Press: Four great hill hikes in Eastern Newfoundland

CLICK HERE FOR OTHER HIKING TRAILS ON THE BONAVISTA PENINSULA

Shop Artisan Crafts and Eats

Trinity Crafts, Photo Credit: Kathy Stacy

The following locations are spots where product is being made right here in Trinity and the Artisans themselves, can often be found for a chat.

Mirabella by Elizabeth Burry Studios

Mirabella Jewlery Shop — Photo Courtesy of Elizabeth Burry

A seaside shop run by artist and jewelry maker Elizabeth Burry. Mirabella specializes in original art, Elizabeth Burry Jewelry and the pieces of other well known jewelry makers throughout Canada

Aunt Sarah’s Chocolate Shop

Adam and Sarah left their lives in Toronto to run a chocolate shop in the small town of Trinity. Be sure to stop by for a bag (or 2 or 3) of these amazing chocolates or for a cup of Italian Hot Chocolate with Roasted Marsh Mellows.

Additional Links: Video: Trinity Chocolate Maker

Trinity Mercantile Coffee

From time to time you may notice a certain toasty aroma wafting through the air in Trinity. When this happens it means that Ian White is roasting a fresh batch of coffee beans for his various blends of Trinity Mercantile Coffee. Sip a cup in his shop while enjoying the salmon he smokes in-house, or purchase a bag as a souvenir from your trip.

The Cooperage

One of the various historic sites of Trinity (This site does require a pass from the visitor centre), The Cooperage is where you will find Lester Cooper working away to produce traditional fisherman’s lunch boxes, children’s toys and practical items like wooden door stops.

The Craft Shop at the Lester Garland Building

While located in one of the Trinity Historic Sites, visitors may go straight to the craft shop without purchasing a historic sites pass. This shop is careful to carry item only made in Newfoundland including soaps, spices, art and select items from the Forge and Cooperage.

Sweet Rock Ice Cream

Located in the area of Trinity known as Hog’s Nose, Sweet Rock Ice Cream not only offers one of the best views in Trinity, but decadent ice cream made from local ingredients. If you are Lactose intolerant you can enjoy their sorbet of the day.

Hiscock House – Trinity Crafts

Locally knit sweaters, hats, mitts and even teddy bears line the shelves of this shop. These items are sure to keep you warm when standing on the windy cliff trying to catch a glimpse of a whale or puffin.

The Green Family Forge

The Green Family Forge does come with an entrance fee, however, it is well worth a visit. This is not just a historic site, but a living museum where our two local and professionally trained blacksmith make coat hooks, pot racks, candle holders and more. Some of these items are available at the Lester Garland Building Craft Shop which can be entered without paying the historic sites entrance fee.

Coat hooks and candle holders made in the forge — Marieke Gow Photography

Iceberg and Whale Tours

Tour Companies Located in Trinity

Trinity is one of the best areas in Newfoundland and Labrador to hop on a whale watching tour and have once in a lifetime experience with the Humpback Whales and other species that come to our area to feed on capelin during the summer months. To see daily records of whale sightings around the Trinity area CLICK HERE.

Early in the season during the months of May and June, visitors may also have the opportunity to experience icebergs up close.

Large Iceberg on the Bonavista Peninsula — Iceberg: To purchase this print visit Paul Dolks Website. See the dot in the water to the far right of this photo is Paul’s boat.

By Fall, the Humpbacks have normally departed, however, the waters are teaming with other species including Sperm Whales, Blue Fin Tuna, superods of White Sided Dolphins and the occasional pod of Orcas. Birds including Gannets, Puffins and Bald Eagles often appear on the tours.

Please keep in mind that we can never predict or guarantee nature. Some years whales and icebergs arrive later or earlier than expected.

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

Top-Rated Boat Tour in Trinity on Trip Advisor

Watch a Mug Up to Remember with Sea of Whales

Atlantic Adventures

Vessel Type: Trawll’r’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

Humpback Whale — Photo By Paul Dolk, to purchase this print visit his website

Sperm Whale, Newfoundland — Photo By Paul Dolk, to purchase this print visit his website

Bald Eagle Flies over the Atlantic — Photo By Paul Dolk, to purchase this print visit his website

A white sided dolphin swims alongside the boat Photo by Paul Dolk — Photo By Paul Dolk, to purchase this print visit his website, pauldolk.com.

Thank you to Paul Dolk, whose photography studio is located in Open Hall on Route 235 for allowing us to share his work. Visit his website Paul Dolk Photography

Historic Sites and Tours

Did you know that Trinity was where Jon Clinch, a childhood friend of Edward Jenner, introduced the smallpox vaccine to the New World? What about the fact that the first court of justice in North America was established when Sir Richard Whitbourne held the first Court of Admiralty in Trinity in 1615? These and many other historically significant stories of Trinity and its harbour are ones we love to tell in a variety of ways.

TRINITY HISTORICAL WALKING TOURS

Bring your imagination and join Kevin Toope as he relates the story of Trinity and its peoples; the Beothuk Indians, the French, the Irish, and the English and their contributions to a magnificent and colorful history. Through stories, historic photos, burial records, shipwrecks, and disasters you will time travel through the history of Newfoundland in the magical setting called Trinity.

Kevin’s tour runs 6 days a week and begins at 10am at the end of Clinch’s Lane (less than 10 minutes by foot from the Twine Loft) and departs rain or shine. The tour usually ends in the same location at 12pm.

Additional Links

Trinity Historical Walking Tours Website

Trip Advisor Reviews

Getting There

Distance from Twine Loft: Located on CLinch’s Lane, Walking Distance 8 minutes

THE NEWFOUNDLAND TRINITY PAGEANT

On Wednesdays and Saturdays, Newfoundland and Labrador’s history takes to the streets for Rising Tide Theatre’s New Founde Lande Trinity Pageant, a walking tour of the town led by actors portraying a few of the more outrageous characters from the not-too-distant past.

This play typically starts running in early July and ends Labour Day Weekend

Rising Tide Theatre Website

HISTORIC SITES PASS

Go to the green visitor’s centre on West Street where passes are sold for both Provincial and Municipal Sites. Visit the sites throughout the day at your own leisure (they are all within walking distance of each other and the inn) Within the sites interpreters will answer questions you may have about the sites’ significance in the area.

Lester Garland Building

Lester-Garland House provides a visible means of interpreting the historic links between Poole (and the hinterland region known as Wessex) and Trinity (and the northeast coast of Newfoundland), the role of Trinity as a centre of trade and commerce in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries and especially of the culture that sprang from these linkages and associations.

The Ryan Shop Mercantile Premises

This is where fishermen came from all over the Bight to trade their fish for supplies, and where the Lester-Garlands kept track of their fortune.

The Hiscock House

Emma Hiscock’s life spanned a time when Trinity’s heyday as a centre for the salt fish trade was in the past, but it was still the place where everyone from all over the Bight came to do their shopping. Restored to 1910, today Emma’s house is a snapshot of life in this period and tells the story of how Emma kept up a genteel life for herself and her six children after her husband drowned in the 1890s.

The Green Family Forge

The blacksmith in Trinity played a vital role in producing equipment and tools necessary for the fishery in Trinity. This is not just a historic site, but a living museum where our two local and professionally trained blacksmith make coat hooks, pot racks, candle holders and more.

The Cooperage

The Cooperage, a location where barrels were traditionally made, played a major part in Trinity’s Fishing Heritage. Today it serves as a living museum where our local Cooper can be found working on products like fisherman’s lunch pails and wooden children’s toys.

The Trinity Museum

This building houses many of the artifacts reflecting life in Trinity, collected by the Trinity Historical Society over the years.

Fort Point Lighthouse

Fort Point, also known as Admiral’s Point, offers a fantastic view of Trinity. This is where a British fortification once stood (cannons can still be seen) until it was destroyed during a 15 day period when the French occupied Trinity in 1762.

The second installation of a fort was in 1812 to serve as protection against the raids of American privateers. After the fort was abandoned a lighthouse was installed in 1871.

St. Paul’s Anglican Church

It is believed that St. Paul’s was built by either Caleb Marshall or James Harvey of St. John’s. The wooden church with its arched windows, chancel, side aisles, and tower with a spire is an excellent example of Gothic Revival architecture in outport Newfoundland during the nineteenth century.

Holy Trinity Catholic Church

This is said to be the oldest standing wooden Catholic Church in Newfoundland. The church never had electricity installed and has the feeling of a dollhouse inside.

Rising Tide Theatre

RISING TIDE THEATRE

Rising Tide Theatre is located just a few minutes walk from the Artisan Inn’s buildings. Evening performances are offered most days of the week and the New Founde Lande Trinity Pageant on Wednesdays and Saturdays is not to be missed!

To ensure guests receive the most up to date information on scheduling, availability and possible changes to performance times, guests are encouraged to book their theatre tickets directly with Rising Tide Theatre. Performance Schedules are often released in late May.

This Marvelous Terrible Place by Rising Tide Theatre — Photo Courtesy of Rising Tide Theatre

EVENING PERFORMANCES: SEASONS IN THE BIGHT THEATRE FESTIVAL

All summer long Rising Tide Theatre presents a festival of evening performances relating to Newfoundland life and culture. Many well known Newfoundland actors including This Hour Has 22 Minutes’ Mark Critch, Come From Away’s Patrina Bromly, River Head’s Larry Barry and all three members of the Newfoundland Trio The Once, have been part of the cast of this theatre festival. Some of our favourite plays include: This Marvellous Terrible Place, West Moon, No Man’s Land and Saltwater Moon.

The Twine Loft Restaurant offers a pre-theatre sitting starting at 5:30 for plays starting at 7:30pm or later. Regrettably the Twine Loft is unable to accommodate guests trying to get to the 7pm play.

Evening performances typically run between early June to late September.

THE NEW FOUNDE LANDE TRINITY PAGEANT

On Wednesdays and Saturdays, history comes alive in the streets with The New Founde Lande Trinity Pageant, a walking tour of the town led by actors portraying a few of the more outrageous characters from the not-too-distant past.

The Pageant typically starts running in early July and ends Labour Day Weekend.

DINNER THEATRE

On Wednesday and Saturday evenings, Rising Tide Theatre offers an evening dinner theatre at 5:30. Once dinner is served to visitors in the main theatre the actors take to the stage with a combination of theatrical skits and musical acts exhibiting Newfoundland’s rich culture.

Dinner Theatre typically starts running in early July and ends Labour Day Weekend.

Additional Links:

Visit Rising Tide’s Website

Watch Eastlink’s Discovery NL episode on Rising Tide Theatre

Geological Wonders

High rocky cliffs in Newfoundland — Marieke Gow Photography

This list is a selection of stunning locations you may wish to visit as you travel throughout the area. For more details and other suggested locations, consider downloading the Bonavista Geological Tour app.

ROUTE 230

Skerwink Trail near Trinity, Newfoundland — Marieke Gow Photography

PORT REXTON

10 Minutes from Trinity

Skerwink Trail Sea Stacks

Located shortly after Skerwink trail turns from the old railway bed to the cut out coastal trail, the sea stacks can be viewed early in the walk and still enjoyed by those who do not wish to walk the entire trail.

BONAVISTA

45 Minutes from Trinity

The Dungeon Provincial Park

Visit the park to stand above a collapsed sea cave with natural archways as the rough ocean waves crash in and flow out of the cave. There are many horses and cows grazing in this area.

PORT UNION

25 Minutes from Trinity

Fossils

Head to the Factory Historic Building in Port Union. In front of the building is a boardwalk with a set of steps leading down to rocks and water. During low tide, you can walk out to see various fossils embedded in the rocks.

CBC: N.L. fossil shows earliest evidence ever of animals with muscles

ROUTE 238

ELLISTON

55 Minutes from Trinity

Root Cellars

Built from the naturally occurring rocks in the area and dug out from the hillsides, Root Cellars have put Elliston on the world map as the “Root Cellar Capital of the World.” Root cellars look somewhat like hobbit holes and various styles can be found in the area. We recommend driving past the puffin viewing site in Elliston onto Circular Rd in Maberly to view the best selection.

Large Sandy Beach in Elliston — Marieke Gow Photography

Elliston Beach

The only Sandy Beach on the Bonavista Peninsula is located on the way to the Puffin Viewing Site.

SPILLAR’S COVE / CABLE JOHN COVE

49 Minutes from Trinity

Sea Stack

This area is a hidden gem. Just a few minutes by foot from the road, or accessible from the south by the Klondike Trail, Spillar’s Cove offers a landscape, largely barren of trees, with dramatic cliffs and an impressive sea stack.

ROUTE 235

TICKLE COVE

40 Minutes from Trinity

The Sea Arch

This area of the Bonavista Peninsula is predominantly formed from slate. The cliffs jutting out of the ocean are pinkish purple rather than the grey you see in most areas on Eastern Newfoundland. The sea arch is located off a small road just before the community boat slipway. People often miss it. Our advice is when you overshoot it and find yourself at the end of a road looking at a rock painted like a quilt is laid upon it, turn around, see the slipway and you will notice a narrow road past it heading right. Following this road. You should see a small sign that says “Sea Arch”. We recommend walking past the viewing platform to the top of the cliffs for a great view.

KEELS

60 Minutes from Trinity

The Devil’s footprints

In Keels, take a look at a geological phenomenon known as “The Devil’s Footprints”, pockets in the rocks, which, according to local folklore, are proof that the Devil walks this land at night. Keels itself is a beautiful community to stroll around and indulge one’s passion for photography.

KING’S COVE

45 Minutes from Trinity

Brooks Point

This stunning cliff is located on the Lighthouse Trail in King’s Cove. It is an easy grade walk and you can access this lookout point after 25 minutes or so of walking.

BONAVISTA PENINSULA HIKING TRAILS

COMMUNITIES AND DIRECTIONS

Movie Sets and Locations

PETER PAN & WENDY (Release on Disney + late spring 2023)

Genre: Drama

Starring: Jude Law, Eva Anderson

Synopsis: Live-action adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale of a boy who wouldn’t grow up and recruits three young siblings in London to join him on a magical adventure to the enchanted Neverland island. (synopsis courtesy of imbd)

Locations: This film was shot in both British Columbia and Newfoundland. The rugged and wild landscape of the Bonavista Peninsula brings Neverland to life.

Trinity – Fort Point: Fort Point located a 15 minute drive away from Artisan Inn is part of the municipality of Trinity and is where a British fortification stood until it was destroyed during a 15-day period when the French occupied Trinity in 1762. The second installation of a fort was in 1812 to serve as protection against the raids of American privateers. After the fort was abandoned, a lighthouse was installed in 1871. The opening scene of the recently released Peter Pan & Wendy trailer shows Wendy on a beach in Neverland. This scene was filmed at the base of Fort Point showing the beach as well as the rock formation referred to by locals as the Naked Man.

Other Locations: The movie will be released later in Spring 2023, while we don’t know what scenes made the final cut we do catch a brief glimpse in the preview of Wendy meeting the Lost Boys for the first time. This shoot location was at Spillars Cove / Cable John Cove. While not in the preview we know that scenes were also shot at Tickle Cove and the Dungeon. Spillars Cove/Cable John Cove, Tickle Cove and the Dungeon are all notable locations of the UNESCO Discovery Global Geopark.

Trailer:

Fort Point, Trinity – Photo Credit: Marieke Gow

MAUDIE

Genre: Drama

Starring: Sally Hawkins, Ethan Hawke

Synopsis: An arthritic Nova Scotia woman works as a housekeeper while she hones her skills as an artist and eventually becomes a beloved figure in the community. (synopsis courtesy of imbd)

Locations: This movie may be set in Nova Scotia, where the true life events took place, however, it was filmed here in Newfoundland.

Trinity: The town of Trinity was used to represent Digby, Nova Scotia in this film. The mortuary on the road into Trinity (adjacent to the Eastern Health Building) was used as the wedding chapel where Ethan Hawke and Sally Hawkins’ characters wed.

Port Rexton: A scene often repeated in the movie is of Ethan Hawke (Everett Lewis) pushing Sally Hawkin’s (Maude) on his cart as they travel to and from their tiny house outside of the town and Digby. This scene was shot across from the Two Whales Coffee Shop in Port Rexton, an 8-minute drive from the Artisan Inn

Keels: The old town post office was transformed into the general store for the movie. After filming was complete, a local business person turned the property into a tearoom called Maudie’s Tearoom.

Trinity, Newfoundland – Photo Credit: Marieke Gow

RANDOM PASSAGE

Genre: Drama

Starring: Colm Meaney, Aoife McMahon

Synopsis: A four-part miniseries that follows the lives and struggles of both Irish and English families that crossed the Atlantic to start a new life in Newfoundland.

Location: New Bonaventure

Random Passage was set in the early 1800s. The set for the community where the characters reside had to be built from scratch. The location, just past the town of New Bonaventure, was selected because telephone and electrical wires could not be seen. When filming was finished the town requested that the film set be left intact so that people could visit. Even if you have not seen the series (8 hours long) or read the books, the site is well worth a visit.

Random Passage – Photo Credit: Marieke Gow

Visit the Random Passage Site

THE GRAND SEDUCTION

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Brendon Gleeson, Gordon Pinsent, Taylor Kitch, Mark Critch

Synopsis: A Newfoundland village requires a permanent town doctor in order to convince a company to set up in their area and create jobs for those left unemployed by the fishing moratorium. The village manages to convince a doctor to live in their community for a month and will stop at nothing to convince him that their small town life is one he does not want to leave.

Locations: This movie was filmed throughout various parts of the Bonavista Peninsula

New Bonaventure: Joe’s bar was built specifically for the film with the agreement that it would be disassembled once filming was done, however, the town of New Bonaventure asked to have the set left as it was, so that visitors to the area could visit the set on a tour. It does not function as an actual bar, but is used for special events such as kitchen parties from time to time. Visitors can tour the building as part of an individual pass or joint pass with the Random Passage set tour.

Tickle Cove: There is a scene in the movie when Gordon Pinsent emerges from the water in scuba gear after playing a trick on the doctor. This is filmed in front of the Tickle Cove sea arch. Whether you have watched the movie or not this geologically significant sight is worth a visit if one is driving along the scenic route 235.

Tickle Cove Sea Arch – Photo Credit: Marieke Gow

Red Cliff: Red Cliff is where the Cricket Match was filmed. It is possible to wander from the town of Red Cliff to this area, however, the trail is unmarked and not part of the Hike Discovery network, so visitors may do so at their own risk.

Open Hall: This was where the house the Doctor was put up in is located.

Maberly: The scene where the Doctor is caught in the rain during a jog and finds his love interest taking cover under a stage was filmed in Maberly.

Visit Joe’s Bar

THE SHIPPING NEWS

Genre: Drama

Starring: Julianne Moore, Kevin Spacey, Judy Dench, Cate Blanchette

Synopsis: The Shipping News traces one man’s extraordinary journey toward self -discovery when he returns to his ancestral home on the coast of Newfoundland. After the death of his estranged wife, Quoyle’s fortunes begin to change when his long-lost aunt convinces him and his daughter to head north. Now in a place where life is as rough as the weather and secrets are as vast as the ocean, Quoyle lands a job as a reporter for the local paper. In the course of his new career, he uncovers some dark family secrets.

Location: The Town of New Bonaventure

The Director of the Shipping news spent two years trying to find the perfect location to bring the Annie Proulx novel to the big screen. On one tour of Newfoundland, someone took him to see the set of the film Random Passage and as they passed the town of New Bonaventure he knew he had found the perfect location.

The House: Many people ask us where they can visit the house from the movie, however, it was built for the film and taken down after shooting. The house was located on an off-road from the Fort Point Lighthouse. There is a new hike you can do around the general area called the South Side Hills Hike.

Fun fact: Julianne Moore stayed at the Artisan Inn in the Barbour House during the 6 weeks of filming.

COMMUNITIES AND DIRECTIONS

Need more details on how to get to these spots from the Inn? Check out our Communities and Directions page!