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

 

 

September and October Guide

A hand full of blueberries, Sara Monika Photography

Why visit Newfoundland during the Fall?

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.

We suggest you use our EXPLORE TRINITY and the other sections of BONAVISTA PENINSULA ACTIVITIES to plan your trip for this time.

Closures after Labour Day Weekend

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.

Visit their website to purchase passes

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

Aunt Sarah's Choloate, lit up for Trinity's Fall Festival
Kathy Stacey Photography

 

Ales For Trails: Skerwink Trail Run Event – October 22nd 2022

Ales for Trails Participants
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

Last week of October at the Artisan Inn
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.

Check out what travel Blogger Candice Walsh has to say about staying at the Artisan Inn in late October
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT TRINITY IN THE FALL

HIKE DISCOVERY SELF-GUIDED HIKES – OPEN THROUGHOUT OCTOBER

Two hikers walk the Skerwink Trail
Sara Monika Photography

The shoulder season means you will be sharing the trails with fewer fellow travellers.  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 Trail loop, 1km Upper Trail
Approximately 1-2 hours for both

Fox Island Trail – Moderate
5.5km
Approximately 2 hours

Murphy’s Cove Trail – Moderate
7.7km Loop
Approximately 3 hours

Cape Shore Trail – Easy
3.5km one-way
Approximately 1.5 hours 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 1 way
Approximately 1 hour – 1 way

Visit HIKING AND WALKING ON THE BONAVISTA PENINSULA

 

GUIDED TOURS

Wildlife during September and October Sea of Whales Adventures

Orcas in Trinity Bay, Paul Dolk Photography
To purchase this print visit Paul Dolk’s Website

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. 

 

Sperm Whale, Newfoundland, Paul Dolk Photography
To Purchase this print visit Paul Dolk’s Website

 

 

 

A Super Superpod
Posted on September 25, 2017

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.

 

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.

Colourful yellow bakeapples are browned in a frying pan on a rocky beach in Newfoundland

GEOLOGICAL HIGHLIGHTS AND POINTS OF INTEREST

Dungeon Sea Cave
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

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.

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.

Port Rexton Brewery
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.

THe town of Trinity taken the last week of October
Marieke Gow Photography

 

Take a PHOTO TOUR OF TRINITY for more pictures.

VISIT TRINITY’S FORGE

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.

Blacksmith working in Trinity's Forge

 

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.

Admiral's Lookout Deck
Sara Monika 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.

 

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