Wondering what you will see on a stroll through 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.
Visit in the Summer when the wildflowers are in full bloom.
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.
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.
Learn about St. Paul’s church in our Historic Sites sections
Kathy Stacey Photography
Aunt Sarah’s Chocolate is one of many businesses to convert Trinity’s historic buildings into a shopping experience.
Photographer: Marieke Gow
Salt Box Houses line the streets of Trinity
Photographer: Sara Monika
Trinity Harbour is where Trinity’s various whale watching tours depart from. This shot was taken from the deck of Admiral’s Lookout.
Photographer: Marieke Gow
Admiral’s Lookout and Grant’s Stage are both registered heritage structures.
Photographer: Marieke Gow
White picket fences are found all over Trinity. This one leads to the beach in front of Gover House.
Photographer: Marieke Gow
Despite electric heating being available many residents prefer to heat their homes with a wood stove.
Photographer Mark Colbert
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.
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.
Photographer: Marieke Gow
The town of Trinity has two certified blacksmiths working in the town’s historic Green Family Forge.
Photographer: Marieke Gow
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.
Photographer: Sara MonikaPhotographer: Sara Monika / Hop Scotch the Globe
A fine spot for berry picking during late August and September.
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?
Photographer: Marieke Gow
A woodpile sits in front of Trinity Harbour.
Photographer: Marieke Gow
Ryan Shop, Rising Tide Theatre and the Cooperage.
Photographer: Marieke Gow
Artisan Inn after a snowstorm.
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.
This should be used as a general guide, but always check current operating info with a business prior to going. If you are a business that would like to be listed, or your status has changed since we last checked, please email info@trinityvacations.com.
THE ARRIVAL OF ICEBERGS
Spring Icebergs Paul Dolk Photography
Trinity and Bonavista Bay are part of Iceberg Alley, a stretch of ocean that icebergs travel along throughout Spring and Early Summer. the Bonavista Peninsula often sees the arrival of icebergs early in the season with many being viewable from land, while others are better observed by one of the various boat tour operators in our area. The largest concentration of icebergs typically arrives between May and June. No two iceberg seasons are the same. Take comfort in knowing that if you come during a poor iceberg year you will still have plenty to do on the Bonavista Peninsula. The first icebergs arrived in our region mid April 2022!
Newfoundland Iceberg Reports is a crowd sourced Facebook page where Newfoundlanders and visitors can contribute iceberg reports and photos instantly.
Nature Focused Boat Tours
Sara Monika Photography
There are 2 boat tour operators in Trinity. Their ability to go out during the month of May is based on ice, weather and a minimum number of people, although many are willing to do a full tour if 2 or 3 people are willing to pay the equivalent of 4 passengers, which is often their minimum. Check out Sea of Whales Adventures and Trinity Eco Tours
Dine in Trinity
Our TWINE LOFT DINING ROOM is recommended by Where to Eat in Canada and Lonely Planet and opens May 5th. The restaurant is licensed to serve the public so one does not need to be a guest of the inn to make a reservation, however, during the first two weeks of May, if we don’t have guests of the Artisan Inn & Vacation Homes, we will only operate if a minimum of 6 people in general book (this could be from a combination of different reservations like a table of 2 and 4). If you are the first person to request a reservation for a particular evening, we will contact you to confirm we are operating once others request a reservation on that night. The Twine Loft serves one evening sitting at 7pm during the month of May and is open for Breakfast from 8am-10am (by reservation). We do not operate for breakfast on mornings that we do not have guests at the inn.
Photo by Sara Monika
Twine Loft Dining
Other places to eat in Trinity during the Month of May
Dock Marina restaurant typically open for the season on Mother’s Day weekend. Please note they may not be operating every day of the week at the start of May.
Places To Eat On the Bonavista Peninsula
Two Whales Coffee Shop: Typically opens end of April for select days of the week
The Galley Restaurant: Will be operating in May, operating schedule to be determined.
Fisher’s Loft Dining: Opening some time in May by reservation
Fireside Dining Located in Seaport Inn Port Union: Open in May for daily service.
Bonavista Social Club: please be advised that Bonavista Social Club has decided to remain closed for the 2022 season while the owner and head chef Katie Hayes is out of the province.
If you are en route to Trinity we suggest stops at Bare Mountain Coffee House in Clarenville & Newfoundland Cider Company in Milton
Appreciate Craft Beer at Port Rexton Brewery
The Port Rexton Brewery is one of Newfoundland’s finest, award-winning microbreweries, located only a 10-minute drive from the Artisan Inn. Please be advised that Taxi services are not available in the Trinity Bight area. You can also go to the brewery for Growler fill-ups and cans if you prefer to drink your craft beer back at your accommodations. Please check their website and social media for the operating dates and times in May. Oh My Cheese’s operates a grilled cheese service at the Brewery.
Shopping in Trinity
Mirabella Artisan Studio & Shop: Locally hand made jewelry this shop intends to open early May. Please visit their website for updates on hours and operating dates.
Art’s Gallery: Located in the same building as the Dock Marina, this large store carries Newfoundland books, jewelry, quilts, apparel, and other crafts. Typically opens first week of May.
Green Family Forge: Forge will likely open to the public around Victoria Day Weekend. The items crafter by the blacksmith can be purchased at the shop.
Hike Discovery Self Guided Local Hikes
Gun Hill Trail
Skerwink Trail
Klondike Trail
Cape Shore Trail
Fox Island Trail
The shoulder season means you will be sharing the trails with fewer travellers. Guests can spend multiple days hiking various trails ranging from 2 to 50 minutes away from the Artisan Inn. For more details on the below trails, visit our HIKING SECTION.
Skerwink Trail – Moderate to Difficult
5.3km Loop
Approximately 2 hours
Gun Hill Trail – Easy to Moderate
2km Lower Loop Trail, 1km Upper Trail
Approximately 1-2 hours for both
Fox Island Trail – Moderate
5.5km Loop
Approximately 2 hours
Murphy’s Cove Trail – Moderate
7.7km Loop
Approximately 3 hours
Cape Shore Trail – Easy
3.5 km One-way
Approximately 1 hour One-way
Walk the white-picket-fence lined streets of Trinity and take in the unique heritage architecture. Some homes in Trinity date back to the early 1800s. The town was used as the backdrop for the film Maudie which won Best Picture at the Canada Screen Awards in 2018. There are plenty of rocky beaches, perfect for finding sea glass and interesting shells.
Visit our PHOTO TOUR OF TRINITY page to find out what you will see during a stroll around town.
Relax At The Artisan Inn and take time to do nothing!
The Bonavista Peninsula is a stunning destination. One of the most common complaints we hear from guests at check out is that they forgot to schedule the time to do nothing. Even on days of cooler, or even wild weather, curling up with a book in one of our properties can do wonders for the soul. We provide copies of The Grand Seduction, Maudie, Random Passage and The Shipping News to guests to watch in their rooms or vacation homes, as well as directions to many locations where these films were shot. If you love history and are disappointed to be missing some of the historic sites and museums, make history part of your experience by renting one of our homes or rooms, built in the 1800s (Gover House, Campbell House, Nathaniel House, Admiral’s Lookout).
Marieke Gow Photography
Marieke Gow Photography
Marieke Gow Photography
Marieke Gow Photography
Marieke Gow Photography
The Arrival of Puffins in Elliston
Puffins typically arrive in the region mid May and are best view in Elliston.
We’ll be honest, it’s unlikely you’ll spot an iceberg on a fall visit and humpback whales may not be as numerous should you decide to visit Newfoundland during the months of September and October. These iconic giants certainly make Newfoundland special, but they are not what makes Newfoundland unique. That would be the Newfoundlanders themselves and the dramatic landscape we call home. We can guarantee that Newfoundland charm, hospitality and countless accents are always in full force no matter what time of the year you visit. Fall offers an added bonus of berries, ripe for the picking, stunning sunsets and world-class trails shared with fewer people.
Use this guide to better plan your Fall trip to Trinity, Newfoundland and the Bonavista Peninsula.
Photo Credit: Sarah Monika Photography
ACTIVITIES IN SEPTEMBER
With the exception of the two activities in the below section, the majority of activities, shops and restaurants continue operating as they did in July and August.
Rising Tide Theatre finishes both Dinner Theatre and the Trinity Pageant performances on Labour Day Weekend, however, continues with evening performances through the first half of September.
FALL FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
BonRexton Granfondo (cycling event) – September 10th 2022
The BonRexton Granfondo is a celebration of Newfoundland and Labrador’s unique culture, cuisine and topography.
With roads hugging rugged coastlines throughout one hundred and thirty beautiful kilometres, BonRexton Granfondo riders will roll through small communities which boast hundreds of years steeped in seafaring history as well as modern cultural innovations. Riders pass towns revitalized by breweries, coffee shops, artist studios and world-class tourism amenities.
This ride is fully supported, with a roveing mechanic and multiple first aid patrolling the course throughout the day. Riders will finish off at the school for a reception, followed later on by drinks at the Brewery.
Visit the BonRexton GrandFondo website for details on the race and registration.
Trinity’s Fort to Forge 10km Run – September 24th 2022
If you travel to race, September is the perfect time to visit Trinity, which hosts a 10km & 5km coastal run (or walk for those who prefer) from the Fort Point Lighthouse to the Green Family Forge. The money raised from registration is usually split between two organizations. In 2022 YAC (Young Adults with Cancer) and the Trinity Fire Department will be the recipients of the funds raised. Register for Fort to Forge.
Roots Rants and Roars Food Festival September 16th & 17 2022
This 2-day culinary festival takes place in Elliston and has been ranked amongst the top food festivals in Canada, so book your tickets and accommodations early. The festival is comprised of 3 events.
Cod Wars
This event, hosted on Friday evening, challenges Newfoundland Chefs to create an inspiring dish from the Newfoundland staple of Cod Fish. Festival-goers vote on their favourite dish, which they sample while being entertained by some of Newfoundland’s best bands.
The Food Hike
Some of Canada’s Top Chefs fly to Newfoundland to participate in this daytime event. Participants walk along sandy beaches, rocky cliffs and quaint root cellars, stopping every half kilometre to be served Newfoundland inspired dishes by one of these top chefs. Each chef is usually accompanied by a Newfoundland musician to provide a soundtrack to the moment.
The Feast
Canadian and Newfoundland Chefs team up to create a multi-course meal (usually 7 courses or so) on the final night of the festival. Harvest style tables and plating bring festival-goers, both friends and strangers, together to share in a special evening.
Experience the cuisine of top Newfoundland and Canadian Chefs
Dine while listening to performances by Newfoundland’s top musicians
Chef Jeremy Charles explains his dish to a festival goer
Chuck Hughs and team prepares to serve festival goers by Elliston Beach
Have you ever tried a cod donut?
TRINITY FALL FESTIVAL
October 1st & 2nd 2022
The Trinity Fall Festival offer great deals at the local shops as they prepare to close for the season later in October. Other planned events for the festival TBA.
Details will be posted on www.trinityanchor.ca
Kathy Stacey Photography
Ales For Trails: Skerwink Trail Run Event – October 22nd 2022
Photo credit: Hike Discovery
This event is organized by Hike Discovery and proceeds go towards our area’s trails. Participants can choose between running the Skerwink Trail or walking the Fox Island Trail. Beer at the Port Rexton Brewery, trail swag, lunch, dinner and an evening party are included with participant registration. This event is often sold out with a waiting list of over 100 people. For information regarding the event, follow the Hike Discovery Facebook Page or visit their website at www.hikediscovery.com
GENERAL OCTOBER ACTIVITIES & INFORMATION
Take advantage of shoulder season rates
Marieke Gow Photography
Stay and Dine packages for rooms and vacation homes are available for the months of September and October. Visit our book now section and enter desired dates and number of guests for accurate pricing. Shoulder season rates take effect at the Artisan Inn beginning October 1st.
A number of activities and businesses begin to shut down for the season between the first weekend of October and Canadian Thanksgiving(The 2nd Sunday of October). Despite this, there is still plenty to do during a visit to the area. Guests booked at the Artisan Inn during this time will receive a multi-day itinerary with detailed driving directions, featuring places open for dining, activities still ongoing, locations of hiking trails and scenic spots to visit.
There are also businesses in Trinity that only run during the early part of October. Learn about these businesses and activities at the bottom of this page.
By late August the puffins will have departed from their colonies to resume living on the ocean. Humpback whales typically finish feeding on capelin by late August, but a scattered few still hang on. Icebergs are more typical during the Spring months and have rarely been spotted during the fall. If seeing one of these 3 things is essential to your trip to Newfoundland this may not be the time for you to visit. Boat Tour operators do continue throughout the Fall, with each operation ending on a different date. Visit our page on Whale Watching for contact information. If you are interested in various types of wildlife, the Bonavista Peninsula still has lots to offer. In addition to wildlife, the stunning geology of the Bonavista Peninsula is worth a trip out. While we can never guarantee day-to-day sightings, these logs from Sea of Whales Adventures’ Fall trips should provide an idea of what nature has to offer.
A super pod of 1000+ white sided dolphins today with blue fin tuna, bald eagles, arctic terns, gannets, and northern fulmars.
A Lovely Day Posted on October 9, 2017
A lovely day on the water with 2 minke whales, double crested cormorants, red necked phalaropes, and bald eagles.
Dolphins Great and Small Posted on October 10, 2017
What a day out there with 12 Orcas (the largest dolphins), 40-50 white beaked dolphins (some of the smallest dolphins), 1 sei whale, gannets, and murres.
Wonderful Warm Posted on October 11, 2017
A wonderful warm day out there with a minke whale, gannets, murres, and bald eagles.
Sara Monika Photography
Photo By Paul Dolk, to purchase this print visit his website, pauldolk.com.
Paul Dolk Photography
Marieke Gow Photography
Bonavista Adventure Tours
Bonavista Adventure Tours will be offering most of their tours until the end of October. Their boat tour and beach boil come to an end in late September, but they are offering a forage and boil up until the end of October.
GEOLOGICAL HIGHLIGHTS AND POINTS OF INTEREST
Marieke Gow Photography
Detailed driving directions to these sites are provided in our multi-day itinerary
Dungeon Provincial Park
Spillar’s Cove Sea Stack
Tickle Cove Sea Arch
Fort Point Lighthouse and Beach
Horsechops – English Harbour
Elliston Root Cellars
Sealer’s Memorial Statue in Elliston
John Cabot Statue in Bonavista
Bonavista Lighthouse
Port Union Fossils
Bonavita Biennale Exhibit in King’s Cove: Upside Down Trees
Marieke Gow Photograhy
Marieke Gow Photography
Marieke Gow Photography
Photography by Brian Hicks
Marieke Gow Photography
Marieke Gow Photography
DINE AT THE TWINE LOFT RESTAURANT
Dine by candlelight in a restored shed, once used to repair fishermen’s nets. Wrap up in a blanket on the waterside deck for a pre-dinner drink or watch the sunset from the upstairs loft. The Twine Loft is recommended by Where to Eat in Canada and Lonely Planet.
The restaurant is licensed to serve the public so one does not need to be a guest of the inn to make a reservation, however, we will only operate on nights when we have guests of the Artisan Inn booked for dining or there are a minimum of 6 people booked from outside the inn. If you would like to dine with us around this time, whether you are a guest of the inn or not, please contact us as soon as possible to make your reservations to help us know which days we should encourage others to book. Stay and Dine Packages are available for the month of October.
Drink Service on the Twine Loft Deck
Throughout the Peninsula, a handful of dining establishments stay open for the entire month of October, including: Two Whales Coffee Shop (5 days a week) Fisher’s Loft, Seaport Inn’s Fireside Dining Room, The Galley Restaurant and Harbour Quarters. Please check with each individual establishment for fall hours.
PORT REXTON BREWERY
Port Rexton Brewery was Newfoundland’s first rural microbrewery, located only a 10-minute drive from the Artisan Inn. Please check with the brewery for their schedule.
Marieke Gow Photography
ADMIRE THE ARCHITECTURE & CHARM OF TRINITY
Walk the white-picket-fence lined streets of Trinity during a time of year with fantastic light and take in the stunning architecture of clapboard saltbox houses. If you are interested in seeing some of the historic sites after they have been closed for the season, let us know and we can do our best to arrange for a private tour of the municipal sites. Even late into October, you will find the doors of the Green Family Forge open on weekdays when the two trained blacksmiths are preparing orders for the Christmas season.
Operating Monday – Friday this is the only historic site that remains operating for the entire month of October. At this time the certified blacksmiths are creating products for Christmas craft fairs and to fill online orders from around the world. There is no official charge to visit the forge, however, we encourage visitors to leave a donation that contributes to the Trinity Historical Societies daily operations.
TAKE TIME TO RELAX AT THE ARTISAN INN
The Bonavista Peninsula is a stunning destination. One of the most common complaints we hear upon check out is that guests forgot to schedule the time to do nothing. Even on days of cooler, or even wild weather, curling up with a book in one of our properties can do wonders for the soul. Some rooms and houses even come with their own private libraries. We provide copies of the films The Grand Seduction, Maudie, Random Passage and The Shipping News to guests to watch in their rooms or vacation homes. We also offer directions to many locations where these films were shot. If you love history and are disappointed to be missing the historic sites and museums, consider renting one of our properties built in the 1800s.
Sara Monika Photography
Marieke Gow Photography
Gover House
Marieke Gow Photography
EARLY OCTOBER OPERATIONS
Dock Marina and Gift Shop – Open until Thanksgiving
The Dock Marina Restaurant and Gift Shop will likely stay open until the end of Thanksgiving Weekend
Mirabella – Open until October 2nd
Mirabella Shop will remain open until the end of Thanksgiving Weekend.
Boat Tours
Boat tour operators in Trinity continue offering trips until mid-October. They will pull their boats from the water once they feel they can no longer meet the minimum number of passengers necessary to continue operating.
Trinity Historic Sites – Open until Thanksgiving
All Trinity Municipal and Historic Sites remain open until the Friday of Thanksgiving weekend.
Craft Shops – Open until Thanksgiving
The Stores associated with the historic sites, Trinity Crafts and Lester Garland Gift Shop will operate until the Friday of Thanksgiving weekend as will the store at the Eriksen Premises.
Businesses in Trinity that only operate for the first few days of October
Aunt Sarah’s Chocolate – Open until Thanksgiving
Aunt Sarah’s Chocolate typically stays open for the first few days of October. Be advised that the owners of Aunt Sarah’s do respond to chocolate emergencies! If you know you will want to purchase their chocolate, please let us know in advance and we will do our best to arrange for that to happen.
Trinity is located 1 hour from The Trans Canada Highway/Highway 1 once you 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.
Drive 50.8km and along Route 230 and turn right onto Route 239
After 3km you will see a large bay of blue and white buoys (this is a mussel farm)
There is a left-hand turn after this bay that leads into the historic town of Trinity.
Highlights: Shopping, Whale Watching Tours, 7 Historic Sites, Rising Tide Theatre, Dining, Gun Hill Trail, Guided Historical Walking Tour. Visit EXPLORE TRINITY to learn more.
For more details about getting to the Artisan Inn visit our GETTING HERE section.
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 away.
SOUTH OF TRINITY on ROUTE 239
New Bonaventure
A film set from the Grand Seduction Located in New Bonaventure
Approximately 25 minutes from the Artisan Inn
Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. turn left onto route 239 at the T intersection (located by the mussel farm). New Bonaventure is located at the end of this road, 15.8km from Trinity.
Highlights: Rugged Beauty Boat Tours, Random Passage, Grand Seduction and Shipping News film sets and locations.
Fort Point
Approximately 19 minutes from the Artisan Inn.
Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. Drive for 1.9 Kilometers. Turn left onto Main Road/Route 239 drive for 2.7km and turn left at Dunfield. Continue driving for 4km.
Highlights: Fort Point Lighthouse and interpretation centre, whale spotting from land (during feeding months)
NORTH of TRINITY on ROUTE 230
Port Rexton/Trinity East
Approximately 13 minutes from the Artisan Inn.
Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. Turn right onto route 239 at the T intersection and drive 3.6km. Turn right onto route 230. Drive 4.5km (5 minutes) to arrive at Port Rexton. At the bright yellow gas station, turn right onto Rocky Hill Road and drive for 1.9km (3 minutes) passing Bishop White School and the Fisher’s Loft Conference Centre turn off, to reach Trinity East and the start point of the Skerwink Trail. To get to the Port Rexton Brewery, turn left off Rocky Hill Road onto Station Road.
Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. Turn right onto route 239 at the T intersection and drive 3.6km. Turn right onto route 230. Drive 5.9 Kilometers and turn right at the English Harbour Sign. Drive 4.9 more kilometers. Continue through English Harbour to the Horse Chops for a great whale watching spot in season, however, visitors should be advised that the road becomes a dirt road and visitors should park their car and continue by foot if they do not feel that their vehicle can handle the terrain.
Highlights: English Harbour Arts Centre, Horsechops (a coastal area great for viewing whales during feeding season)
Champney’s West
Approximately 18 minutes from the Artisan Inn
Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. Turn right onto route 239 at the T intersection and drive 3.6km. Turn right onto route 230. Drive past Port Rexton, Passing the Two Whales Coffee Shop and take the next right to Champney’s West. You will reach a fork in the road and stay to the right. This drive from the 239/230 turn off is 7.2km.
Highlights: Fox Island Hiking Trail, Champney’s West Aquarium
Port Union
photo from Heritagefoundation.ca
Approximately 30 minutes from the Artisan Inn
Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. Turn right onto route 239 at the T intersection and drive 3.6km. Turn right onto route 230. Continue driving for 27.9km (approximately 25 minutes)
Highlights: Murphy’s Cove Lodges Pond Trail, The Factory Historic Site, The Bungalow Historic Site, Discovery UNESCO Geopark site.
Elliston & Maberly
Puffins by Paul Dolk: To purchase this print visit Paul Dolk’s Website
Approximately 45 minutes from the Artisan Inn.
Directions from Route 230:
Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. Turn right onto route 239 at the T intersection and drive 3.6km. Turn right onto route 230. Drive for 39.7km until you reach the 238 turn-off on your right. Drive 6.3km to reach Elliston. Once in Elliston, The Sealer’s Memorial Statue is located on Main Road, to reach Bird Island, take Sandy Cove Road. Continue Elliston municipal park and Bird Island to reach Maberly.
Alternative Directions from Bonavista
Directions from Bonavista/Spillar’s Cove: Staying on the main road, you will reach an intersection with signage for Spillar’s Cove. Turn right. this road is the northern section of route 238. Drive past the Bonavista water tower (keeping it to your right) and past the two cemeteries opposite one another. Reach Crewe’s Garage, located on a fork in the road. Take the right arm of the fork. You should see a small sign for Route 238. Drive 7.1km (roughly 10 minutes) to reach Elliston and Maberly.
Highlights: Home From the Sea Sealers Museum, Sealer’s Memorial Statue, Puffin Viewing Site, Root Cellar Capital of the World
Bonavista
Approximately 45 minutes from the Artisan Inn.
Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. Turn right onto route 239 at the T intersection and drive 3.6km. Turn right onto route 230. Drive for 37.km (40 minutes) until you enter the town of Bonavista.
Highlights: Ryan Premises National Historic Site, The Matthew, Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, Shopping, Cape Shore Hiking Trail, The Dungeon
Spillars Cove
Approximately 49 minutes from Trinity
Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. Turn right onto route 239 at the T intersection and drive 3.6km. Turn right onto route 230. Drive for 37.km (40 minutes) until you enter the town of Bonavista.
Staying on the main road, you will reach an intersection with signage for Spillar’s Cove. Turn right. this road is the northern section of route 238. Drive past the Bonavista water tower (keeping it to your right) and past the two cemeteries opposite one another.
Reach Crewe’s Garage, located on a fork in the road and continue driving straight (turning right will take you to Elliston). Drive 2.4km past Crewe’s Garage to arrive in Spillar’s Cove.
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.
The Bonavista Peninsula is a loop with Route 235 serving as the opposite side of the loop to Route 230. One can either visit the communities on the way to Bonavista or on the way back from Bonavista. These directions are assuming you are visiting these communities on the way to Bonavista. We recommend you AVOID ROUTE 236. This is a dirt road and can be unfriendly to your rental vehicle.
Open Hall, Red Cliff, Tickle Cove
Tickle Cove Sea Arch – Photo Credit: Marieke Gow
Approximately 40 minutes from Trinity
Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. Turn right onto route 239 at the T intersection and drive 3.6km. Turn left onto Route 230 at the T intersection. Drive 25.3 km (21 minutes) to the Route 235 turn off and turn right. Drive 25.3 km (25 minutes) to reach the left turn to Open Hall (a few minutes past Plate Cove East).
To reach Red Cliff continue driving 2.4km (3 minutes)
To reach Tickle Cove continue driving 2.5km (5 minutes): The turn off in Tickle Cve to get to the sea Arch is a right hand turn just prior to the community slipway for boats. If you pass the slipway you have gone too far.
Highlights: Tickle Cove Sea Arch, Paul Dolk Photography Studio, Filming areas for Grand Seduction
King’s Cove, Duntara & Keels
Approximately 45 minutes from the Artisan Inn
Keels
Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. Turn right onto route 239 at the T intersection and drive 3.6km. Turn Left onto Route 230 at the T intersection. Drive 26km (21 minutes) to the Route 235 turn off and turn right. Drive 31.6km (28 minutes) until you reach King’s Cove.
If you wish to visit Duntara, turn left at King’s Cove and Drive 5.2km (7 minutes).
If you wish to visit Keels turn left at King’s Cove and drive 8.5km (14 minutes).
Highlights: Lighthouse Hiking Trail in King’s Cove, Devil’s Foot Prints in Keels, Two Rooms Contemporary Art Gallery in Duntara.
Upper Amherst Cove
Approximately 45 minutes from the Artisan Inn.
If you are continuing your drive from communities along Route 235, continue driving 18km (18 minutes) north to Upper Amherst Cove.
If you only want to visit Upper Amherst Cove and not the other communities along Rotue 235 follow the below directions.
Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. Turn right onto route 239 at the T intersection and drive 3.6km. Turn right onto route 230. Drive 30.4km (24 minutes) to Catalina and turn right onto Route 237.
Drive 11km (12 minutes) along Route 237. At the end of the road turn right. Drive 1.8km north (2 minutes) and turn left into Upper Amherst Cove.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 areaCLICK HERE.
Early in the season during the months of May and June, visitors may also have the opportunity to experience icebergs up close.
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.
Vessel Type: Zodiac Phone: 1-709-464-3712 Address: 1 Stoneman’s Lane Walking distance from the Twine Loft: 4 minutes
Marieke Gow Photography
Photo By Paul Dolk, to purchase this print visit his website
Photo By Paul Dolk, to purchase this print visit his website
Photo By Paul Dolk, to purchase this print visit his website
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
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.
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
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 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.
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 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, 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Photo Courtesy of Rising Tide Theatre
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.
