May 2022 Trinity Visitor Guide

Pack Ice in front of Artisan Inn
Marieke Gow Photography

 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

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

Newfoundland Iceberg Reports is a crowd sourced Facebook page where Newfoundlanders and visitors can contribute iceberg reports and photos instantly.

Nature Focused Boat Tours

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.

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.

Aunt Sarah’s Chocolate (Also serving Sweet Rock Ice Cream)Located in Trinity. Typically opens end Victoria Day Weekend near end of May.  Online ordering is often possible before their season.

Art’s GalleryLocated 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.

Craft Shop at Lester Garland Building: Should be opening around the Victoria Day Weekend.

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

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

Lighthouse Trail – Easy
3.5km outside loop, 1.7km inside loop
Approximately 1.5 hours Outside Loop, 45 minutes Inside Loop

Klondike Trail – Easy
3.0 km One-way
Approximately 1 hour One-way

DETAILED INFORMATION ON HIKING TRAILS

Places to Visit During Day Trips from Trinity

Detailed driving directions to these sites are outlined in the multi-day itinerary you will be provided upon check-in.

Dungeon Provincial Park – Discovery Unesco Geopark Site

Spillar’s Cove Sea Stack – Discovery Unesco Geopark Site

Tickle Cove Sea Arch – Discovery Unesco Geopark Site

Fort Point Lighthouse and Beach

Horsechops – English Harbour

Elliston Root Cellars Discovery Unesco Geopark Site

Sealer’s Memorial Statue in Elliston

John Cabot Statue in Bonavista

Bonavista Lighthouse

Port Union Fossils Discovery Unesco Geopark Site

Bonavista Biennale Exhibit in King’s Cove: Upside Down Trees

For information about the geological attractions listed above, visit our page

GEOLOGICAL WONDERS

Take in the Architecture of Trinity

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.

Learn More about MOVIE SETS AND LOCATIONS in Trinity Bight

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).

 

The Arrival of Puffins in Elliston

Puffins typically arrive in the region mid May and are best view in Elliston.

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

 

 

Hiking: Gun Hill Trail

UPPER & LOWER GUN HILL TRAIL

Photo Credit: Sarah Monika Photography

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 view from the top of Gun Hill shows a whale tail shaped area of land surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean

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

A wooden staircase leads walkers through the trees
Marieke Gow Photography

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

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

Additional Links

Gun Hill Trail on Hike Discovery Site & Map Link

In the Press: Four great hill hikes in Eastern Newfoundland

CLICK HERE FOR OTHER HIKING TRAILS ON THE BONAVISTA PENINSULA

 

Hiking and Walking on the Bonavista Peninsula

a woman takes a photo of cliffs and icebergs from the Klondike Trail

The Bonavista Peninsula is a hikers paradise. The Artisan Inn in Trinity can serve as an excellent home base for those who wish to explore the various hikes and walks along the Discovery Trail.  With a variety of coastal and inland trails, rated from easy to difficult, there is something for both walkers and hikers.  Spend the day hiking, return to comfortable accommodations and curl up in a blanket with a glass of wine on our front deck while resting your feet!  Hand carved, wooden hiking sticks are available for Artisan Inn guests who do not wish to travel with their own.  

Maps of each hiking Trail can be found on the Hike Discovery Travel App  

 

TRINITY – UPPER & LOWER GUN HILL TRAIL

The view from the top of Gun Hill shows a whale tail shaped area of land surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean

Located in Trinity, starting behind the Royal Bank or the Rising Tide Theatre

Easy (very top can be difficult)

Approx. 2 km Loop, 0.75 km to the Top, 45 Minutes – 1 Hour return

To Learn more about this trail visit the Gun Hill Page on the Explore Trinity section of our website

PORT REXTON – SKERWINK TRAIL

The Skerwink Trail in Port Rexton

Located 10 minutes from Trinity

Moderate – Difficult

5.3 km Loop, 1.5 – 2 Hours

The Experience

Just minutes from Trinity, in Trinity East, Skerwink has been selected as one of Travel and Leisure magazine’s “25 Great Walks in North America and Europe” (May 2009).

The trail is rated Moderate and takes approximately 2 hours to complete (longer if you are passionate about photography) and is a 5.3km coastal loop. At certain locations hikers may feel as though they are standing at the edge of the world.  Steeper sections of the trail have been lined with stairs and board walks cover any boggy sections.  Many lookouts have been built with benches allowing visitors to stop and enjoy the view.

Moose, foxes, bald eagles, whales, seabirds and icebergs are often spotted.

Directions from Trinity 

Leave the town of Trinity

Turn Right onto Route 239 towards Route 230

Turn Right on Route 230 towards Bonavista

Turn Right towards Trinity East after large yellow gas station in Port Rexton

Drive approx 5 minutes, pass one church, then arrive at a parking lot across from a second church. A large sign with the map of the Skerwink Trail will be to your your left.

Additional Links

Skerwink Trail: Hike Discovery Site & Map Link

In the Press: Hike Bike Travel

CHAMPNEY’S WEST – FOX ISLAND TRAIL

A board walk along the ocean overlooking fox island encircled by pack ice

Located 15 minutes from Trinity

Easy – Moderate

5.5km Loop, Approx. 2 Hours

The Experience

The trail displays the beautiful coastal scenery, views of the surrounding communities and local wildlife, then finishes with a walk through the fishing village of Champney’s West. Take the time to walk down and view the fishing stages and maybe get your opportunity to chat to a local resident.

Directions from Trinity

Leave the town of Trinity

Turn Right onto Route 239 towards Route 230

Turn Right on Route 230 towards Bonavista

Drive past Port Rexton and turn Right onto Route 230-17 to Champney’s West

The trail parking lot is located on the right, 2km from the turn off and across from the old cemetery.

Additional Links:

Fox Island Trail: The Hike Discovery Website and Trail Maps

Trip Advisor Reviews

PORT UNION – MURPHY’S COVE TRAIL

Located 28 minutes from Trinity

Moderate

7.7km Loop, Approx. 3 Hours

The Experience

This coastal loop trail will take you through the abandoned community of Murphy’s Cove and overlooks the Green Island Lighthouse. This looped trail has a variety of headlands that provide viewing platforms where surrounding communities, whales, seabirds and fishing vessels can be photographed. The halfway point provides a lookout where users can view the Green Island Lighthouse, one of the last remaining manned lighthouses in the province. The trail follows the coastline offering great photo opportunities.

Directions from Trinity

Leave the town of Trinity

Turn Right onto Route 239 towards Route 230

Turn Right on Route 230 towards Bonavista

Drive 30 minutes to Port Union and turn Right onto Reid’s Road

Follow the blue hiker sign. The entrance of the Trail is located next to St Catherine’s Haven retirement home.

Additional Links

Murphy’s Cove: The Hike Discovery Website & Trail Maps

Trip Advisor Reviews

 

BONAVISTA – CAPE SHORE TRAIL

2 piles of rocks lie on either side of the picture with a view of an iceberg in the ocean between them.

Located 1 Hour from Trinity

Gentle

3.5 Kilometers, Approx. 1 Hour each way

The Experience

A 3.5 km trail along the coastline that runs parallel to the main road from the Town of Bonavista to Cape Bonavista. This trail provides one with a spectacular view of Bonavista Bay as you enjoy a leisurely walk on a marked trail to the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse. Along this route you can enjoy the rugged coast line while watching for birds and whales (in season). Stop for a picnic along the trail or at the John Cabot Municipal Park.

Directions from Trinity

Leave the town of Trinity

Turn Right onto Route 239 towards Route 230

Turn Right on Route 230 towards Bonavista

Once in Bonavista, follow Confederation Drive (route 230) until you see the Right hand turn onto Cape Shore Road 

Continue on Cape Shore Road until you pass the Ocean View Cabins where a parking lot will be on your right 

 

ELLISTON / BONAVISTA – KLONDIKE TRAIL

Located 45 to 50 minutes from Trinity

Gentle – Moderate

3km, 45 minutes each way

The Experience

Located on the northern section of Elliston, it was regularly used years ago as a horse and cart trail, leading from Elliston to the community of  Spillar’s Cove. This walk takes you from forest to wetlands, heathlands to sea. Learn about the plants and animals inhabiting our area while looking for our provincial bird, the puffin. You may also see whales, kittiwakes and other sea life as well as spectacular coastal scenery. This area was initially called Bird Island Cove and offers hikers spectacular oceanfront scenery with plenty of seabirds and wildlife along the way. – Text courtesy of Hike Discovery.

Directions from Trinity

Leave the town of Trinity

Turn Right onto Route 239 towards Route 230

Turn Right on Route 230 towards Bonavista

Spillar’s Cove end(Most of the Klondike trail is inland, so we suggest driving to the Spillar’s Cove end and exploring the northern section of the trail)

Drive to the Town of Bonavista

You will reach an intersection with a large green highway sign indicating Elliston and Spillar’s Cove to your right, Turn Right

Keep Left towards Spillar’s Cove at the intersection of Spillar’s Cove Road and Route 238 to Elliston
(You can also Turn Right onto Route 238 to Elliston, then turn Left onto Main Street in Elliston to access the Elliston end of the trail)

Drive through the village of Spillar’s Cove until you reach the end of the paved road, the trail begins here

Elliston end

Drive 35 – 40 mins on Route 230, then turn Right on Route 238 to Elliston

Turn Left at the John C. Crosbie Sealer’s Interpretation Centre in Elliston

Turn Right onto Main Street

Follow signage to the trail head

Additional Links

Trip Advisor reviews

Klondike Trail: The Hike Discovery Website and Trail Maps

 

ROUTE 235 – KING’S COVE – LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL

Multi-coloured cliffs jut into a blue ocean

Located 45 minutes from Trinity

Gentle – Moderate

1.7km inner loop, 3.5km outer loop, 0.5 or 1 hours

The Experience

The King’s Cove Lighthouse Trail is classed as a stacked loop.  This provides the walker/hiker the option of completing the 1.7km inside loop or the 3.5km outside loop.  Both trails are coastal hikes to the lighthouse. The outside loop offers the hiker additional coastal viewing into Bonavista Bay and Brook Point, then proceeds into the woods on a primitive trail leading back to the church.  Returning via the inside loop, walkers/hikers have the opportunity to walk along rock foundations while admiring spectacular coastal scenery in Blackhead Bay.

The lighthouse was built in 1893, after some fifty shipwrecks occurred in Bonavista Bay.  It was constructed of pre-cast iron, shipped from Birmingham, England.  It was the first lighthouse in Newfoundland to be fitted with a revolving kerosene light system from Sweden and was visible from 14 nautical miles.  Since it had to be lit every night and extinguished each morning, Philip Batterton was hired as a light keeper, a position held for over 62 years by the Batterton family.

– This information has been provided by the Discovery Trail Tourism Association

Directions from Trinity

Leave the town of Trinity

Turn Right onto Route 239 towards Route 230

The trail is located at the halfway mark of Route 235 and there are two ways to get there from Trinity. Either route will take approximately 45 minutes. One can: 

A) Turn Left onto Route 230 towards Clarenville

Turn right onto Route 235 at South Bay

Turn Left onto Top Road

Park at the large church in King’s Cove.  The trail begins there.

or

B) Turn Right onto Route 230 towards Bonavista

Turn left onto Route 237 at Catalina

Turn Left onto Route 235

Turn Right onto Top Road

Park at the large church in King’s Cove.  The trail begins there.

GPS: N48 34’12  W53 19’56

We do not recommend taking the Route 236 through Lockston Path Provincial Park, as it is a dirt road with no cell phone reception

Additional Links

Lighthouse Trail: The Hike Discovery Website and Maps

Trip Advisor Reviews

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more information about hiking trails in the Eastern Region consider ordering the book Hikes of Eastern Newfoundland.

https://www.amazon.com/Hikes-Eastern-Newfoundland-Mary-Smyth/dp/1927099595

The photographs on this page are by Marieke Gow and may only be used on other websites or print material with written permission from Marieke. mariekegow@yahoo.com