2026 Fall Trinity & Surrounding Area Travel Guide

 

The staff of the Artisan Inn has worked hard to gather this information to help visitors with their trip planning.  If you are a business on this list and your information is not correct please email info@trinityvacations.com to provide updates.  If you are not on this list and would like to be please also contact us.  

Please always call ahead to businesses as information may have changed without us being notified. Information can change on a daily basis.

 

TRINITY

WHERE TO STAY

Stay at Artisan Inn & Vacation Homes — Trinity
Make yourself at home in historic Trinity with inviting inn rooms, spacious suites and distinctive vacation homes. Select by AFAR magazine as a 2025 Editor’s Pick for Best Hotel Stay. Explore the Bonavista Peninsula’s coastal trails, historic sites, art and local shops, then enjoy a three-course dinner at our waterfront Twine Loft restaurant.

October vacation home rates start at $250 per night on select dates.

The Artisan Inn will keep select vacation homes open until the end of October .  Rooms and Suites and Twine Loft dining will remain open until October 17th.

WHERE TO EAT

Twine Loft Evening Dining 


Evening Dining: & Drinks on the Deck
$79 per seat. Dinner service is at 7pm each night, with the exception of Saturday October 10th (5:15 and 8pm). Closed on Thursdays in October.
Dinner is a 3-course meal with choices for the appetizer and main course and one set dessert. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian diets can be accommodated. Dinner guests may come prior to dinner for pre-dinner drinks at their table or on the waterside deck. On select dates, we may require a minimum number of dinner guests for us to operate if we do not have reservations from guests staying in our own properties.  Call 1-709-464-3377 to book or submit a request via the link above. A credit card number is required to hold the reservation. 

Drinks on the deck is open from 5:30pm-7pm. Guests do not require a reservation for drinks on the deck. Please note that inside tables for drinks are only available to those with dinner reservations.

Breakfast at the Twine Loft:

Breakfast is available at the Twine Loft on mornings we have in-house guests with breakfast reservations (which is most mornings this fall). Guests can order off the menu found in the breakfast link. The last day of breakfast service to in house guests is Saturday October 17th 2026. The last day of breakfast for Artisan Inn & Vacation Homes Guests is October 18th 2026.

Bonavista Peninsula October Dining Guide

Planning an October visit? Here are dining options in Trinity, nearby Port Rexton and Bonavista. We have done our best to include all options in the area. if something is missing, let us know!

Hours can change as businesses wind down for the season. Please always check directly with the business before going, especially after Thanksgiving weekend. 

Trinity

Twine Loft
Evening Dining Hours: Evening dining by reservation at 7pm daily (Except Saturday October 10th 5:15 and 8pm)
Closed: Thursday Evenings (There is still breakfast on Thursday mornings)
Breakfast Hours: Breakfast by reservation 8am-9:30am
Season end: Evening Dining October 17th, Breakfast October 18th.

The Dock Marina
Hours: 11:30 am–7 pm.
Season end: October 10th
Phone: 709-464-2133

Trinity Cabins
Hours: Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 8 am–2 pm; Friday and Saturday, 8 am–7 pm.
Closed: Monday and Tuesday.
Season end: October 17, possibly later.
Phone: 877-341-3657

Port Rexton: Approximately 10 minutes from Trinity

Port Rexton Brewery Taproom
Hours: Sunday and Monday, noon–8 pm; Thursday–Saturday, noon–10 pm.
Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday. Food is available from Oh My Cheeses during its separate hours below.
Season End: NA, hours may change again in
Phone: 709-464-2337

October 16th: Island Pizza Food Truck pop-up at the brewery. Opening at noon, serving while supplies last.

Oh My Cheeses
Located at Port Rexton Brewery.
Hours: Sunday, Monday and Thursday, noon–7 pm; Friday and Saturday, noon–8 pm.
Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday

Two Whales Coffee Shop
Hours: Thursday–Monday, 9 am–3 pm.
Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday.
Season end: NA Likely early November
Phone:
709-464-3928

The Galley
Hours: 11:00 am–6:30 Sunday-Thursday, 11:00-7:00pm Friday & Saturday
Phone: 709-464-3832
Season end: NA

Scoffers Food Truck
Hours: Thursday–Sunday, 11:30 am–7:30 pm.
Closed: Monday–Wednesday.
Season end: October 17, 2026.
Phone: 709-464-7915

Bonavista: Approximately 50 minutes from Trinity

Boreal Diner
Hours: Thursday–Monday, 5–9 pm.
Closed: Tuesday – Wednesday
Season end: October 10, 2026
Phone: 709-476-2330

Lovely Grand Bakeshop
Hours: Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10, 9 am–4 pm.
Season end: NA Closed for two weeks following October 10. additional schedule not available
Phone: (709) 476-4664

Quintal Café
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 9 am – 5pm, Friday & Saturday 9 am–10 pm.
Season end: October 17th
Phone: (709) 476-2191

Bonavista Brewing Co.
Sunday–Friday: Taproom, 5 pm–9 pm; kitchen closes at 8:30 pm.
Saturday: Taproom, noon–10 pm; kitchen closes at 9 pm.
Season End: NA hours may change again for future months.
Phone:
709-300-0636

PK’s Restaurant
Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 11 am–9 pm; Friday and Saturday, 11 am–10 pm.
Phone: 709-468-2828
Season End: NA Earlier weekend breakfast hours may be added later in October. Check their Facebook page for updates.

Marsh’s Snack Bar
Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm.
Phone: 709-468-2639
Season End: NA

Mary Brown’s
Hours: Daily, 11:30 am–8 pm.
Season End: NA
Phone:
709-468-5444

Robin’s Coffee Shop
Hours: Daily, 6 am–9 pm.
Season End: NA

THEATRE IN TRINITY – RISING TIDE

The Rising Tide Theatre: October Performances

There will be performances of Teressa’s Creed, Salt Water Moon and Trinity after Dark throughout October.

Visit their website for showtimes and to purchase tickets. 

SPECIAL EVENTS

Meet the Maker Artisan Trail: Visit the link for details

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Meet the Makers — Artisan Trail

Thanksgiving Weekend | October 9–11, 2026
General event hours: 10 am–4 pm daily

Explore participating studios, meet the makers and discover the stories behind their work. Plan your visit around these special talks, demonstrations and hands-on experiences.

Throughout the Weekend

Rugged Coast Wood Work & Gallery — Jeremy Hicks
Drop in during event hours to meet Jeremy, explore his gallery and discover the craftsmanship and inspiration behind his woodworking.

Wild Cove Pottery — Michael Flaherty, with Alexis Templeton and Beth Tucker
Go behind the scenes of a collaborative wood firing. Meet the artists, ask questions and discover the process of wood-fired ceramics. Activities follow the firing process; specific demonstration times have not been announced.

“Loops and Lines” — Anastasia Tiller, ArtVista Studios
Visit the exhibition at Lester-Garland House Museum in Trinity, featuring textile works and plein air pastel sketches inspired by Terra Nova National Park and the Bonavista Peninsula.

Friday, October 9

10 am–noon | The Art of Porcelain
Brim Pottery Studio + Boutique — Wendy Shirran
Watch Wendy demonstrate how she creates porcelain platters on the potter’s wheel and learn about the techniques behind her work.

1–2 pm | Try Your Hand at Rug Hooking
Brim Pottery — Cheryl Shirran
Watch Cheryl demonstrate this traditional craft, then try it yourself.

1–3 pm | Artist Talk: Loops and Lines
Lester-Garland House Museum — Anastasia Tiller
Hear Anastasia share the stories and inspiration behind her exhibition.

2–4 pm | Make & Take: Porcelain Holiday Ornament
Brim Pottery — Wendy & Cheryl Shirran
Create a porcelain holiday ornament, then choose one to take home as a reminder of your visit.

Saturday, October 10

10 am–noon | Stories Within: Artist Talk
Brim Pottery — Wendy & Cheryl Shirran
Discover how local fables, traditions and rural Newfoundland life find their way into this mother-and-daughter duo’s artwork.

1–2 pm | Try Your Hand at Rug Hooking
Brim Pottery — Cheryl Shirran
Enjoy a demonstration and an opportunity to experience rug hooking for yourself.

1–3 pm | Artist Talk: Loops and Lines
Lester-Garland House Museum — Anastasia Tiller
Join Anastasia for a conversation about her work and its connections to nature, place and community.

2–4 pm | Make & Take: Porcelain Holiday Ornament
Brim Pottery — Wendy & Cheryl Shirran
Work with porcelain to create a textured holiday ornament, then choose one to take home.

Sunday, October 11

10 am–noon | The Decorated Surface
Brim Pottery — Wendy Shirran
Watch Wendy demonstrate her multilayered surface-decorating process, bringing texture, detail and storytelling to her porcelain work.

1–2 pm | Try Your Hand at Rug Hooking
Brim Pottery — Cheryl Shirran
Watch Cheryl at work and try your hand at this traditional craft.

2–4 pm | Make & Take: Porcelain Holiday Ornament
Brim Pottery — Wendy & Cheryl Shirran
Finish your visit by creating a porcelain holiday ornament, then choose one to take home.

Drop in throughout the day | Rug Hooking & Watercolour
Lester-Garland House Museum — Anastasia Tiller
Learn basic rug-hooking techniques and add your own loops to a community artwork. Create a small watercolour inspired by Trinity’s landscape.

No experience needed—all ages welcome! A small fee applies for watercolour materials.

Artwork will be available for purchase throughout the event.

HISTORIC SITES

HISTORY IN TRINITY – SELECT HISTORIC SITES ARE OPEN

 

Lester-Garland House
A reconstructed Georgian brick house exploring Trinity’s powerful merchant families and their connections with Poole, England, through the Newfoundland fish trade.
Operating Details: Open 9:30-5:00pm
Season End: October 12th

The Green Family Forge 
A working historic blacksmith shop where visitors can watch traditional forging techniques and discover how the Green family supported Trinity’s boats, schooners and fishing industry.
Operating Details: Open 9:30-5:00pm
Season End: October 9th

The Hiscock House
Step into Trinity life circa 1910 at the home of Emma Hiscock, a widow who supported six children through resourceful entrepreneurship. The restored house shares her story through period furnishings and the businesses she operated.
Operating Details: Open 9:30-5:00pm
Season End: October 9th

The Ryan Shop / Mercantile Premises in Trinity
Explore an early 20th-century outport shop and an adjoining 1820s counting house. This surviving merchant building tells the story of Trinity’s salt fish trade, when fishermen exchanged their catch for supplies.
Operating Details: Open 9:30-5:00pm
Season End: October 9th

Trinity Museum
Housed in a historic saltbox home, this community museum brings local life into focus through household treasures, fishing equipment, tools and wartime memorabilia.
Operating Details: Open 9:30-5:00pm
Season End: October 9th

St. Paul’s
Built between 1892 and 1894, this striking wooden Gothic Revival church is a Trinity landmark. Its soaring spire, stained-glass windows and intricate, unpainted timber interior showcase remarkable craftsmanship.

BEYOND TRINITY

Port Union Historic District — Port Union
Explore Canada’s only union-built town and the story of William Coaker and the Fishermen’s Protective Union, whose vision challenged fishermen’s dependence on powerful merchants.
Operating Details & Season End: Information not available. Please contact directly 709-469-2207

Home from the Sea — Elliston
Discover the lives of Newfoundland sealers and their families through artifacts, art and immersive exhibits at the John C. Crosbie Sealers Interpretation Centre. A nearby seaside memorial honours those lost in the 1914 sealing disasters.
Operating Details: Open 9-5:30  daily until Mid October.
Season End: October 11th for regular hours. After Mid-October by appointment only

Ryan Premises National Historic Site — Bonavista
A preserved waterfront merchant complex where exhibits reveal the salt fish trade, the Ryan family business and the lives of Newfoundland’s fishing communities.
Operating Details: Daily, 10 am–6 pm. The Proprietor’s House is already closed for the season.
Season End: October 9th

Mockbeggar Plantation — Bonavista
A historic fishing property and former home of Confederation advocate F. Gordon Bradley, offering a glimpse into domestic life and Newfoundland’s journey toward joining Canada.
Operating Details Daily, 9:30am to 5:00pm, closed noon to 1pm daily starting September 1
Season End: October 9th 

Cape Bonavista Lighthouse — Bonavista
Discover 19th-century lightkeeping and the historic seal-oil lighting apparatus at this distinctive lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic.
Operating Details:Daily, 9:30 am–5 pm.
Season End: October 9th 

The Matthew Legacy Centre — Bonavista
Explore John Cabot’s 1497 Atlantic voyage through a full-scale replica of his ship, the Matthew. Built by local craftspeople, the vessel offers a glimpse into the ships and skills of early transatlantic exploration.
Operating Details: Daily, 9:30am -4:30pm (closed for lunch 12pm-12:30pm)
Season End: October 9th 

HIKING

 

FULL LIST OF NEARBY HIKE DISCOVERY TRAILS

Gun Hill Trail — Trinity
Explore panoramic views of historic Trinity and its sheltered harbour on the upper and lower trails.
Hiking distance: 2 km lower loop; separate summit route. From Trinity: Walk to the trailhead in town.

Skerwink Trail — Trinity East / Port Rexton
A coastal loop featuring dramatic sea stacks, beaches and sweeping views of Trinity Bay.
Hiking distance: 5.3 km loop. Drive from Trinity: 10–15 minutes.

Fox Island Trail — Champney’s West
Enjoy coastal scenery and views of surrounding communities before finishing with a walk through the fishing village of Champney’s West.
Hiking distance: 5.5 km loop. Drive from Trinity: 15–20 minutes.

British Harbour Trail — New Bonaventure
Hike through forests and barrens to the resettled communities of Kerley’s Harbour and British Harbour, discovering traces of outport life along the way.
Hiking distance: 13.4 km return. Drive from Trinity: 25 minutes.

Murphy’s Cove to Lodge’s Pond Trail — Port Union
A coastal loop through the abandoned community of Murphy’s Cove, with headland lookouts and views of Green Island Lighthouse.
Hiking distance: 7.7 km loop. Drive from Trinity: 30 minutes.

Little Catalina to Maberly Trail — Little Catalina / Maberly
A longer, rugged coastal hike offering secluded coves, dramatic shoreline scenery and opportunities to spot seabirds and whales in season.
Hiking distance: Approximately 16 km one way. Drive from Trinity: Approximately 35–40 minutes to Little Catalina or 50–55 minutes to Maberly.

Klondike Trail — Elliston / Spillar’s Cove
Follow a historic route through forest, wetlands and heathlands to striking coastal scenery at Spillar’s Cove.
Hiking distance: 3 km one way / 6 km return. Drive from Trinity: 45–50 minutes.

Cape Shore Trail — Bonavista
Walk beside Bonavista’s rugged coastline toward Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, enjoying ocean views and picnic stops along the way.
Hiking distance: 3.5 km one way / 7 km return. Drive from Trinity: Approximately 1 hour.

Lighthouse Trail — King’s Cove
Choose a shorter or longer loop through meadows and coastal landscapes to the historic King’s Cove Lighthouse.
Hiking distance: 1.7 km inner loop or 3.5 km outer loop. Drive from Trinity: 45–50 minutes.

Distances and driving times are approximate. Loop and return distances include getting back to your starting point.

GEOSITES

Cape Random and Random Passage — George’s Cove Trail
New Bonaventure — approximately 25 minutes from Trinity.

St. Paul’s Churchyard
Trinity — within walking distance of accommodations in town.

Trinity — Gun Hill Trail
Trinity — within walking distance of accommodations in town.

Medicinal Knowledge — Lockston Path Provincial Park
Port Rexton area — approximately 15 minutes from Trinity.

Port Union Fossil Site
Port Union — approximately 30 minutes from Trinity.

Haootia — Murphy’s Cove–Lodge’s Pond Trail
Port Union — approximately 30 minutes from Trinity to the trailhead, followed by a hike.

Glacial Scrape — Lookout Pond Trail
Trinity Bay North — approximately 35–40 minutes from Trinity to the trailhead, followed by a walk.

Elliston Root Cellars
Elliston — approximately 45–50 minutes from Trinity.

The Chimney — Spillars Cove
Spillars Cove, along the Klondike Trail — approximately 50 minutes from Trinity, followed by a walk.

Cape Bonavista — Cape Shore Trail and the Dungeon Provincial Park
Cape Bonavista — approximately 1 hour from Trinity.

The Lisbon Earthquake — Long Beach
Bonavista — approximately 45–50 minutes from Trinity.

Brook Point — King’s Cove Lighthouse Trail
King’s Cove — approximately 45–50 minutes from Trinity to the trailhead, followed by a hike.

Mudcracks
Duntara — approximately 1 hour from Trinity.

The Devil’s Footprints
Keels — approximately 1 hour from Trinity.

Ripples
Blackhead Bay, near Hodderville on Route 235 — approximately 50–60 minutes from Trinity.

Red Cliff
Red Cliff — approximately 50–55 minutes from Trinity.

Tickle Cove Sea Arch
Tickle Cove — approximately 55–60 minutes from Trinity.

Driving times are rounded planning estimates based on the Artisan Inn’s community directions and hiking guide.

BOAT TOURS IN TRINITY

Fall sightings include superpods of dolphins, various species of whales, bluefin tuna and bald eagles.  

Sea Of Whales Adventures:    709-464-2200.  Running dates depend on demand. 1-709-464-2200

Trinity Eco Tours: Whale watching & ATV tours available. Running dates depend on demand 709-464-3712

 

SHOPPING

In Trinity

Trinity Crafts
Browse locally knitted sweaters, hats, mittens and handmade keepsakes.
Last day of the season: October 10, 2026.
Phone: 709-464-3679.

Dock Marina Craft Store & Gallery
Discover Newfoundland-made crafts, art, gifts and souvenirs.
Last day of the season: October 10, 2026.
Phone: 709-464-2133.

Lester-Garland Gift Shop
Shop pottery, jewellery, hooked rugs, books and preserves, alongside locally forged ironwork and wooden items from the Cooperage.
Last day of the season: October 11, 2026.
Phone: 709-464-3599.

Aunt Sarah’s Chocolate Shop
Your stop for handmade chocolates, fudge, ice cream and expresso based coffee.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 am-6 pm, Friday 9 am-8 pm, Saturday 9 am-6 pm
Last day of the season:
October 11th, 2026
Phone: (709) 436-2015

Twine Loft Art Exhibit
Browse original artwork by Kathleen Knowling and Peter Jackson, with pieces available to view and purchase at the Twine Loft.
Viewing and purchasing hours: 9:30 am–7 pm.
Phone: 1-709-464-3377.

Port Rexton


Two Whales Coffee Shop
Photography exhibit by Martin Jamieson and small gift shop area accessible during operating hours.
Hours: Thursday–Monday, 9 am–3 pm.
Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday.
Season end: NA Likely early November
Phone:
709-464-3928

In Port Union

Women’s Institute Craft Shop
Browse locally handmade quilts, jewellery, artwork, ornaments and Newfoundland-inspired gifts in a log cabin at the entrance to historic Port Union.
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9 am–5 pm; Sunday, 1–5 pm.
Holiday closure: Sunday, October 11.
Last day of the season: November 7, 2026.
Phone: 709-469-2823.

Wild Cove Pottery
Visit a working pottery studio to browse handmade ceramics and see pottery being made.
Visits by appointment. Call ahead to arrange your visit.
Phone: 709-740-6925.

The Factory Cultural Craft Shop — Coaker Foundation
Explore handmade textiles, woodwork, jewelry and gifts by Newfoundland and Labrador artisans inside the historic Factory building.
October hours and closing date: Contact the shop to confirm.
Phone: 709-469-6966 or 709-469-2207.

In Bonavista

East Coast Glow
Explore locally produced skincare made with iceberg water and wild-crafted botanicals.
Hours: Noon–5 pm; Sundays, 10 am–5 pm.
Last day of the season: October 11, 2026.
Phone: 709-468-1683.

Brim Pottery Studio + Boutique
Browse handmade ceramic pieces and fine textiles by Wendy and Cheryl Shirran.
Meet the Makers event: October 9–11, 10 am–4 pm daily. Contact the studio for visits outside these event dates.
Phone: 709-727-7166.

Please always check with businesses for most up to date hours!

 

 

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:

  1. Via Route 230 (direct from Highway 1):

    • Straightforward and efficient.

  2. 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

A film set from the Grand Seduction Located in 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

Cliffs of 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

Cape 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

A whale waves from the water in 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)

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.   

        

Dungeon Provincial Park Bonavista
Marieke Gow Photography

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 Root Cellar, Newfoundland
Marieke Gow Photography

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

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

Multi-coloured cliffs of King's Cove
Marieke Gow Photography

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

Bonavista Peninsula Activities

Humpback Whale
Paul Dolk Photography: This photo can be purchased from Paul’s Website

There are many places to visit on the island of Newfoundland, however, few places have the density and diversity of experiences that Trinity Bight and the Bonavista Peninsula offers. Trinity is ideally situated for exploring surrounding communities for half-day and full day trips including Port Rexton, Port Union, Elliston, Bonavista, New Bonaventure, Upper Amherst Cove and more. Use this section to plan your trips and activities while staying in one of the Artisan Inn’s rooms or vacation homes in Trinity.

Historic Sites

TRINITY

HISTORIC SITES PASS

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

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

Visit our page HISTORIC SITES IN TRINITY to learn more.

NEW BONAVENTURE            

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

Random Passage Site   

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

Additional Links

Random Passage on Eastlink’s Discover NL

PORT UNION

Port Union Museum

Port Union National Historic District

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

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

Additional Links

Trip Advisor Reviews

ELLISTON

Home from the sea, Sealer’s Memorial Museum

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

Sealer’s Memorial Statue

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

BONAVISTA

The Ryan Premises

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

Matthew Legacy Centre

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

Additional Links:

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

Bonavista Lighthouse

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

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