Accommodation Questions: Questions 1-6
Preparing for Travel and Arrival: Questions 7-18
Activities Based on Time and Season: Questions 19-24
Questions Upon Arrival: Question 25
1. Can I find accommodation in Trinity without making reservations ahead of time?
2. I want to be near attractions, but I don’t wish to stay in a “touristy” area, is that possible in Trinity?
3. Why does the Artisan Inn require the first night stay as an immediate deposit?
4. Why is there still a $25 administration fee even if I cancel before the 30-day period or the room was rebooked?
5. What is the best room or vacation home to rent if someone in our party requires a wheelchair, or has mobility issues and should avoid stairs?
6. What is the difference between renting 2 rooms in Lighthouse View and renting Lighthouse View as a vacation home.
7. Is there Cell Phone Service In Trinity?
8. Should I Bring My Laptop?
9. What type of clothing should I pack?
10. Where is the last gas station before getting to Trinity?
11. I am renting a vacation home, where should I shop for groceries?
12. I am renting a vacation home, is there a place in the area to purchase wine and spirits?
13. What is the difference between Trinity Bay, Trinity Bight and Trinity?
14. When I enter Trinity on Google Maps two Trinity’s appear, which one is correct?
15. Someone in our party has health issues, where is the nearest Hospital in case of emergency?
16. My flight arrives in St. John’s late at night, is it safe to drive to Trinity at night?
17.I will not have a car while in Newfoundland, is there transportation to Trinity from St. John’s?
18. Can I rent a car upon arrival in Newfoundland?
19. When is the best time to see icebergs in Newfoundland?
20. When is the best time to see puffins in Newfoundland?
21. When is the best time to see whales in Newfoundland?
22.When is the best time for berry picking in Newfoundland?
23. When do most attractions open in the area?
24. Can I fish for cod while in Newfoundland?
25. What are the hundreds of blue and white buoys in the water as we drive into Trinity?
Accommodation Questions
1. Can I find accommodation in Trinity without making reservations ahead of time?
It is always best to book ahead of time. While there are many B&Bs and small inns in the area there are no larger hotels which means that there are a limited number of rooms in comparison to the amount of people who wish to visit the area. Late bookings and walk-ins can often be accommodated in May, early June and late October however rooms from mid June – Mid October are often booked out ahead of time. If you know you would like to stay in the area it is best to call before arriving to guarantee that a room will be available to you.
2. I want to be near attractions, but I don’t wish to stay in a “touristy” area, is that possible in Trinity?
Absolutely. The Newfoundland Labrador tourism ad, which describes Newfoundland as being “as far from Disney Land as you could possibly get” is no exaggeration. Very few places in Newfoundland can really be described as “touristy” in a negative way. Despite being a popular travel destination for people of all ages, Trinity remains a genuine functioning town with sincere and friendly residents. Most attractions in Trinity are located on the north arm of Trinity, while the majority of Artisan Inn properties are located on the mid section of the southwest arm along Fisher Cove (it takes roughly 5-10 minutes to walk to most attractions from Artisan Inn properties). This side of town is mainly occupied by seaside houses and private properties so there are less pedestrians and less vehicles passing on the roads. This means that guests of the Artisan Inn can enjoy being just a few minutes walk away from restaurants, the theatre, boat tours and museums and can also experience the tranquility of a genuine Newfoundland out-port experience while relaxing on premises.
3. Why does the Artisan Inn require the first night stay as an immediate deposit?
Our rooms and vacation homes are often booked out early and, as a result, we turn away over a thousand visitors a year because we are full. When guests cancel at the last minute it means that a room, which could have been booked many times over, will sit empty for the night. The Artisan Inn will only retain a deposit if the room is not rebooked.
4. Why is there still a $25 administration fee even if I cancel before the 30-day period or the room was rebooked?
The $25 covers the administrative costs of processing the reservation, generating and sending confirmations, removing the reservation from our systems and the fees charged by the credit card companies for processing and refunding the down payment.
5. What is the best room or vacation home to rent if someone in our party requires a wheelchair, or has mobility issues and should avoid stairs.
The Studio Suite, located in Barbour Place, is a wheelchair friendly room. Parking is available next to the door, a ramp system connects the parking area, the suite, the ocean side deck and the restaurant where breakfast and dinner are served. Wide doorframes allow for easy mobility.
While we have no vacation homes with both a bathroom and bedroom on the ground floor, Cove Cottage has the best set-up for those who do not require a wheelchair and wish to avoid the constant use of stairs. The first floor of the cottage has an open concept kitchen and living room and also has a washroom with a standing shower. While the bedrooms are on the second floor, there is a new double pull out couch on the first floor if someone wishes to sleep downstairs.
The Barbour Place, where the Studio Suite, is located can also be rented as a 3 bedroom private vacation home under special circumstances.
6. What is the difference between renting 2 rooms in Lighthouse View and renting Lighthouse View as a vacation home.
Lighthouse View is a two-bedroom two bathroom vacation home with a dining area, sitting area, kitchen with basic supplies and a deck overlooking the water. Those who wish to enjoy the services of an inn such as continental breakfast and daily turn down service from housekeeping, while benefiting from the privacy of a vacation home should select to rent Lighthouse View by the room. Using the kitchen facilities will not be permitted if the space is booked as rooms. If you book the Lighthouse View as a vacation home, you will have the ability to use the cooking area and BBQ, however, breakfast and turndown services will not be included.
Preparing for Travel and Arrival
7. Is there Cell Phone Service In Trinity?
Telus and Bell both offer cell phone service in Trinity. Rogers does not seem to work anywhere in the Bonavista Peninsula past Clarenville. If Rogers is your cell phone provider we recommend that you contact the Artisan Inn ahead of time and request the number for your reserved room or vacation home. That way friends, family and co-workers may contact you if they need to. Each room has its own phone, free internet and local calls are free. If you need to make long distance phone calls you may do so with a per minute fee or with a pre purchased calling card.
8. Should I Bring My Laptop?
Each property operated by the Artisan Inn offers free Internet, so a laptop could be useful. The public library, just a few minutes walk from the inn, hosts a free CAP site for those who do not wish to bring their computer.
9. What type of clothing should I pack?
When travelling to Newfoundland it is always best to wear layers. Temperatures can change quickly as the day progresses and it is always a good idea to bring rain gear. With lots of hiking trails in the area a good pair of comfortable walking shoes is a good idea. Don’t be mistaken, it does get warm in Newfoundland, so don’t forget to bring some lighter clothing as well.
10. Where is the last gas station before getting to Trinity?
There is an Esso as well as an Irving located in Lethbridge approximately 30 minutes before reaching Trinity. A smaller independently run service stations are located just minutes away from Trinity in Port Rexton.
11. I am renting a vacation home, where should I shop for groceries?
For the largest selection of groceries guests can stop into Sobeys or Walmart while in Clarenville, one hour before reaching Trinity. Once in Trinity a Value Foods grocery store, as well as small convenience stores are located just a few minutes drive from the Artisan Inn.
12. I am renting a vacation home, is there a place in the area to purchase wine and spirits?
There is a NLC (Newfoundland Liquor Corporation) Express located just 10 minutes from Trinity in Port Rexton. Despite being small the store, it offers a well chosen selection of wines, spirits and beers. For a much larger selection visitors should visit the NLC in Clarenville as they make their way to Trinity. This full liquor store offers a very large selection of wines from all over the world as well as spirits and beers.
13. What is the difference between Trinity Bay, Trinity Bight and Trinity?
Trinity Bay is the body of water surrounding the eastern side on the Bonavista Peninsula.
Trinity Bight is a cluster of communities on the Bonavista Penisula.
Trinity is the historic town located off of route 239 where the Artisan Inn as well as many historic buildings and the theatre are located.
14. When I enter Trinity on Google Maps two Trinity’s appear, which one is correct?
The Artisan Inn is located in the town of Trinity, Trinity Bay in Eastern Newfoundland. Another Trinity is located on Bonavista Bay, in Central Newfoundland. When searching for driving directions on a gps be sure to select “Trinity, Trinity Bay”. Some internet mapping systems have the Artisan Inn and Twine Loft Restaurant marked in the incorrect location. Always rely on the gps coordinates provided on this site.
15. Someone in our party has health issues, where is the nearest hospital in case of emergency?
One hospital is located in Bonavista approximately a 40 minutes drive from Trinity. A second hospital is located in Clarenville approximately an hour drive from Trinity. Newfoundland has a 24 hour healthline which guests can call free of charge in case of emergency. An ambulance service is available in Trinity in case of emergency. Further information and contact numbers are provided in the Artisan Inn room directories.
16. My flight arrives in St. John’s late at night, is it safe to drive to Trinity at night?
It is not recommended that you drive late at night due to the high volume of moose on the roads. Moose can be very difficult to spot at night and fog is quite common in the evening. Always be alert when driving and avoid trips at dawn and dusk.
17. I will not have a car while in Newfoundland, is there transportation to Trinity from St. John’s?
Yes there is a service called Bonavista Cabs. For approximately $40-$60 per person this cab (a large van) will pick up passengers in St. John’s (passengers can be picked up from their homes, hotels, the airport…) and will be driven to Trinity and dropped off at the Artisan Inn. The service will also take passengers back to St. John’s from Trinity. The service leave Trinity once a day (except Saturdays) early in the morning and leaves St. John’s for Trinity early in the afternoon. Despite this service we he highly recommend that visitors come by car as there is no public transport within Trinity Bight and there is much to do in surrounding communities just a short drive away.
18. Can I rent a car upon arrival in Newfoundland?
Yes, but we recommend booking your vehicle as soon as you make any reservations for flights and accommodations. There are less rental cars than visitors who need them in Newfoundland. People have often been forced to cancel their accommodation bookings province wide because they have not been able to rent a car upon arrival.
Activities Based on Time and Season
19. When is the best time to see icebergs in Newfoundland?
Late May and June are often the best times to see icebergs. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook and we will post updates on when they are in Trinity Bay. www.icebergfinder.com is also an excellent tool for following icebergs.*
20. When is the best time to see Atlantic Puffins?
The Atlantic Puffin spends most of its life a sea and returns to land breed in late spring and early summer. Visiting Elliston, just a 30-40 minute drive from the Artisan Inn is one of the best locations in Newfoundland to spot Atlantic Puffins from land*.
21. When is the best time to see whales in Newfoundland?
Most of the whales will arrive after the capelin do, which is often mid-June until late August and early September. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook and the Artisan Inn will post updates about whales spotted in the area. Two whale watching tours leave from within walking distance of the Artisan Inn*.
*Guarantees can never be made on the arrival of icebergs, puffins and whales.
22. When is the best time for berry picking in Newfoundland?
Late August early September is the best time to pick berries in Trinity.
23. When do most attractions open in the area?
Many provincial attractions open for May 24 weekend, but a handful of shops, tours and restaurants open earlier than that.
24. Can I fish for cod while in Newfoundland?
People can only fish for cod during the Food Fishery. The dates for the food fishery are determined by the government and boats are limited to 5 cod per person and a max of 15 cod per boat. The cod caught during the food fishery cannot be sold for commercial purposes. There is no tour that offers such an experience officially, but sometimes local fisherman will take visitors out and let them jig a cod. If this is an experience you truly wish to have and you will be staying at the Artisan Inn during the food fishery, we will do our best to get you more information.
Questions Upon Arrival
25. What are the hundreds of blue and white buoys in the water as we drive into Trinity?
As one makes their way into Trinity they will spot hundreds of blue and white buoys in the water. The staff of the Artisan Inn have been asked many times what this is. Some have guessed a swimming or boat course, while other have gone so far as to believe it to be an underwater graveyard! The real answer is that it is a mussel farm.
