As one of the pioneers of tourism on the Bonavista Peninsula and one of the longest continuous running tourism operators in the region, journalists and media influencers have often turned to Tineke and Marieke Gow of the Artisan Inn as a source of in-depth information of the history of our area, the experiences on offer and perspectives and opinions regarding the area’s journey from a fishing / boat building village to one of Newfoundland’s strongest tourism draws. Our unique product and history have contributed to stories featured in publications such as the New York Times, National Geographic and Enroute Magazine. The image of the Artisan Inn’s colourful buildings lining the shore of Trinity has become one of the most iconic photos of Rural Newfoundland to circulate the world.
If we cannot provide the information or angle required for your piece, we often know who can, and will assist as a liaison between the two when possible.
Information for News Media
Marieke is heavily involved in various tourism focused organizations. She is the past chair of Legendary Coasts of Eastern Newfoundland which focuses on destination development of the Eastern Region of Newfoundland and served on the Provincial Tourism board for 4 years, a body responsible for the implementation of the provincial tourism strategy Uncommon Potential. She has often been asked to represent the tourism sector for media outlets focusing stories on destination development, rural tourism, tourism trends and millennials in tourism. In recent years, she has participated in interviews with Rogers, Eastlink, VOCM and CBC to discuss the state of tourism. Her heavy involvement in the tourism industry means that if she cannot provide the answers or perspective a media outlet is looking for, she can put you in contact with someone who can.
Who we work with
We most often host journalists who are working with our Destination Management Organization Legendary Coasts of Eastern Newfoundland and our Provincial Tourism Department. In these cases, the DMO covers most of or all travel, accommodation, activities and meal costs for media. If you are a media influencer or journalist interested in doing a story on our area or about our business, we encourage you to contact Andrew Hiscock to see if you qualify for assistance from the media program.
Andrew Hiscock Tourism Development Officer Office: 709-595-3021 Cell: 709-725-1687 Email: andrew.hiscock@easternnldmo.com
Requests for accommodations and services in exchange for media promotion
From time to time the Artisan Inn and Twine Loft will receive requests for free accommodations or services in exchange for media coverage. While we primarily focus on working with media who can cover their costs directly or with the provincial media program, if you are a professional travel writer or travel influencer that has not qualified for the Legendary Coasts media program and feels that their work will be beneficial to our area, please contact Marieke Gow, the inn’s manager, via mgow@trinityvacations.com with an introduction and the information requested below.
Question 1:
What form of media do you focus on? photography, writing, video…
Question 2:
Where will the work you produce from your experience with us appear? Do you work with particular publications? Will this appear on your own website or blog? If you are a freelancer, what publications are you planning to pitch your work to?
Question 3:
Please describe your social media channel: blog, instagram, facebook, snapchat, twitter or describe the reach of the outlet that will be sharing your work. We would appreciate knowing the following: Is there a particular theme to the work you produce and share? Who is your key audience and why do you feel they would consider taking a trip to our destination or style of establishment?
Question 4:
Please provide a sample of previous work and explain where it appeared and what type of reach and interaction it received.
Should we agree to host a media person at our expense:
Once we have discussed what you wish to do, a short custom contract will be drawn up outlining the expectations of both parties.
The inn will require credit card information to hold the room. Should the outlined content not be delivered by the date agreed upon by both parties in the contract, the provided credit card may be charged for the full amount of services if a satisfactory follow up to the original contract is not provided by the media person. Please note that cancelling the visit within 2 weeks of the booked stay will count as not delivering on the contracted services and the accommodations will be charged to the provided credit card unless the room is rebooked.
Please direct your media queries to
Marieke Gow Manager, Artisan Inn and Twine Loft 1-709-740-3031 mgow@trinityvacations.com
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.
The Artisan Inn exhibits the original artwork of various artists and the public are welcome to view and purchase these pieces.
FEATURED ARTISTS 2018
Kathleen Knowling
Kathleen was born in St. John’s, where she still resides. The Newfoundland land and seascapes never fail to inspire her.
“I love to paint. I love to look at paintings. I love to talk about painting. To me it is a delight to sit on a rock and try to translate the scene before me and my emotions about it into two dimensions.
Paints themselves, fat tubes of delicious colour that promise a masterpiece, brushes and pencils, paper and canvas, call me and invite me to buy. A visit to an art supply store is hazardous to my credit card. I always come away with something.
The very act of painting itself inspires me. The application of thick, juicy paint to canvas or the splash of brilliant watercolour onto white paper exhilarates me. Their excitement never fails.
Photo sourced from St. Michael’s Print Shop
Sylvia Bendzsa
Sylvia Bendzsa is a St. John’s painter and printmaker. Active in the arts since early in life she has contributed strongly to the arts organizations and St. Michael’s Printshop. She likes to divide her art practice between etching, printmaking, printing on canvas and watercolours. She has had many solo and group exhibitions and her work is collected widely.
Also Represented by
Red Ochre Gallery, St. John’s
Devon House Craft Shop, St. John’s
Hollander York Gallery, Toronto
Paul Dolk
“Paul Dolk’s work is his stretch. He reaches out with a mindful heart and captures the breadth and width of a single moment. And with each extension of his lens, the air is stilled, illuminating the graceful power of a whale or the relentless intent of an eagle. That these moments depict the relationship between himself, wildlife and the sea is clear and inseparable. As when the sea drapes over the nose of a surfacing orca, each one describes the other.“Some photographers take reality… and impose the domination of their own thought and spirit. Others come before reality more tenderly and a photograph to them is an instrument of love and revelation” -Ansel Adams-
Paul Dolk’s photographs embody his spirit of devotion towards the natural world of Newfoundland, the thrill of the photographer’s process and a heart that is oceans wide and deep. Framing the fluid nature of a whale’s descension or extension into the sky, the images are stretched beyond the normal and proper limits of our expectations”
Paul’s studio is located in Open Hall on Route 235. Once in Open Hall, pass the Church and take the second gravel road on your left. The studio features a mural with a large Sperm Whale painting. See the COMMUNITIES AND DIRECTIONS page for directions to Open Hall.
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
Puffins by Paul Dolk: To purchase this print, visit Paul Dolks Website
The Bonavista Peninsula is one of the few places in North America where you can get up close to a puffin colony, without having to get on a boat, although, you can do that too if you wish.
ELLISTON: BIRD ISLAND
Bird Island is one of the best places to view Puffins from land in Newfoundland. It’s location is accessible free of cost, but we encourage our visitors to contribute a small amount to the donation box as there is some infrastructure and upkeep required for the site and area.
When you arrive at the Puffin site, there is a 5-minute walk from the road to the cliff that faces the island where to Puffins nest. Depending on the time of the day, their mood and the size of the crowd, the puffins may fly to your side of the cliffs.
Elliston has become very popular with visitors. If you would like to experience the puffins in a less crowded environment, we suggest taking a tour with Tuckamore Discovery Tours, or ask the Artisan Inn Staff when you check in where some other, more locally known, spots to view puffins are.
For directions to Elliston from Trinity please visit our page
Information about puffins from Canadian Geographic:
The Atlantic Puffin is a pigeon-sized sea bird, the smallest species of puffin. Their black head, back and wings contrast sharply with their white underside, while their blue, orange and yellow beaks and bright orange feet give them a splash of colour.
Puffins are poor fliers and evolution has not yet helped them to develop a graceful landing strategy. While not as useful in the air, their wings make them excellent underwater swimmers.
Puffins live for the majority of the year at sea, but come to land to breed and burrow on the Bonavista Peninsula between late May and late August. Puffins normally keep the same mate and burrow from year to year and, on average, live for up to 20 years.
Puffins by Paul Dolk: To purchase this print, visit Paul Dolk’s Website
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
COVID 19: Please go to our COVID-19 UPDATE PAGE for information regarding our adjusted cancellation policies for cancellations caused by COIVD 19.
Artisan Inn & Twine Loft Dining Reservations
57 High St.
Trinity, Trinity Bay, NL
A0C 2S0, Canada
It has become commonplace that a guest of the Artisan Inn falls so in love with Trinity they purchase a property of their own after one or two visits. Numerous guests have asked the Artisan Inn to manage their properties as vacation home rentals, allowing more visitors the opportunity to stay in one of Newfoundland’s most stunning communities. These vacation homes, all located within walking distance of our main building the Twine Loft, provide guests with private spaces and catering facilities while also receiving the attentive customer service the Artisan Inn is known for.
Since 1991 the Artisan Inn has been providing unique experiences for travellers visiting Trinity on the Bonavista Peninsula of Eastern Newfoundland. The Inn, described in the New York Times as a “diffused hotel”, offers rooms throughout 3 buildings in the village: Campbell House, Lighthouse View and Barbour House. Each house and room offers a unique experience. For those travelling with families, other couples, or enjoy more private accommodations, you may wish to consider our vacation home options.
Some of the multiple buildings that fall under the Artisan Inn umbrella
The Artisan Inn is not confined to a single designated building, but instead occupies a collection of buildings woven into the fabric of the historic Town of Trinity. A New York Times article once credited Tineke as a pioneer in the concept of the Diffused Hotel. To the extent that they wish to do so, this allows guests to interact with other travelers and to integrate into the community. Solitude in a beautiful natural setting is also an option.
John and Tineke Gow
How did this come about? John and Tineke Gowfirst visited the town approximately 40 years ago. They purchased one of the oldest houses in Trinity, noted for its architectural style, featuring pierced-eve dormer windows.Because the town did not havestreet addresses by which homes could be identified, the Gow’s called it Gover House after the family of the previous owner. It had been unoccupied for several years, so time was of the essence to save the structure. Gover House received the first Scouthcott Award given for a restoration in Trinity.
Gover House after the first round of renovations in the late 1980s by John and Tineke Gow
The Gow’s laterpurchased an adjacent property. The building also required extensive renovation, but a friend informed them that they now owned 2 of the 5 oldest houses in the community and that it was also of historic value. With the help of talented local carpenters, renovations were completed and Campbell House, named for the navigational teacher who once lived there, was designated as a Registered Heritage Structure. Campbell House became one of the town’s first B&Bswhen Tineke opened the doors to visitors in 1992.
In 1997 Tineke purchased anearby waterfront propertythat had, at one time, been owned by Captain Stanley Barbour, a close relative of the Barbour family of Newtown, NL. The newly acquired property is designated the Barbour premises.
At the time, dining options were limited in the area and many of Tineke’s guests were seeking opportunities to enjoy casual fine-dining, featuring local flavours. In 2000, Tineke restoredCaptain Barbour’swaterfront fishing room, once used to repair and store nets, and called it the Twine Loft restaurant. She wished to offer simple, yet well-prepared, set–menu, 3 course-mealsserved in a licensed establishment. This required changing from the B&B status to that of an Inn. The name Artisan Inn was chosen to represent all aspects of the business.
Photo Credit Sara Monika
From the moment Tineke began welcoming visitors to the area, various guests also became enamoured with the communityand purchased homes for summer retreats. Some only used their houses for a few weeks of the year and approached Tineke to manage them as vacation homes. This began Tineke’s Vacation Home management program which today includes 6 additional homes. These homes are located within the historic center of Trinity and each has an excellent salt-water view. All are within a ten-minute walk of the Twine Loft restaurant wheremeals, drink service, itinerary planning and socializing happens.
Operating in 2023 Thursday May 4th- October 16th (end date may extend to October 24)
Join us for a multi-course evening meal by candlelight on the water’s edge in Trinity. The Twine Loft is recommended by Where to Eat in Canada and is one of the top restaurants on the Bonavista Peninsula. The evening dining experience includes a 3-course meal. Beverages and gratuities are not included. Price for 2022 season is $65 plus tax.
Gover House after the first round of renovations in the late 1980s by John and Tineke Gow
