Tag: Skerwink Trail

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 Gallery: Located 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

 

 

Communities and Directions

TRINITY, TRINITY BAY

 

 

Download Map of Trinity, Newfoundland

Trinity is located 1 hour from The Trans Canada Highway/Highway 1  once you take the exit for Route 230 (near the town of Clarenville)

Drivers have the option of driving directly from Highway 1 to route 230 or they can cut through the town of Clarenville taking Route 230A that eventually meets up with Route 230.  There is little difference in time between these two options, however, the second option is more scenic and more convenient if you plan to stop in Clarenville, which has larger grocery stores and a large NLC (Liquor Store) for supplies.

Drive 50.8km and along Route 230 and turn right onto Route 239

After 3km  you will see a large bay of blue and white buoys (this is a mussel farm)

There is a left-hand turn after this bay that leads into the historic town of Trinity.

Highlights: Shopping, Whale Watching Tours, 7 Historic Sites, Rising Tide Theatre, Dining, Gun Hill Trail, Guided Historical Walking Tour. Visit EXPLORE TRINITY to learn more.

For more details about getting to the Artisan Inn visit our GETTING HERE section.

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 away.

SOUTH OF TRINITY on ROUTE 239

New Bonaventure

A film set from the Grand Seduction Located in New Bonaventure

Approximately 25 minutes from the Artisan Inn

Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. turn left onto route 239 at the T intersection (located by the mussel farm).  New Bonaventure is located at the end of this road, 15.8km from Trinity.

Highlights: Rugged Beauty Boat Tours, Random Passage, Grand Seduction and Shipping News film sets and locations.

Fort Point

 

 

Approximately 19 minutes from the Artisan Inn.

Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. Drive for 1.9 Kilometers.  Turn left onto Main Road/Route 239 drive for 2.7km and turn left at Dunfield.  Continue driving for 4km.

Highlights: Fort Point Lighthouse and interpretation centre, whale spotting from land (during feeding months)

NORTH of TRINITY on ROUTE 230

Port Rexton/Trinity East

Approximately 13 minutes from the Artisan Inn.

Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. Turn right onto route 239 at the T intersection and drive 3.6km. Turn right onto route 230. Drive 4.5km (5 minutes) to arrive at Port Rexton.  At the bright yellow gas station, turn right onto Rocky Hill Road and drive for 1.9km (3 minutes) passing Bishop White School and the Fisher’s Loft Conference Centre turn off, to reach Trinity East and the start point of the Skerwink Trail. To get to the Port Rexton Brewery, turn left off Rocky Hill Road onto Station Road.

Highlights: Port Rexton Brewery, Skerwink Trail, 2 Whales Vegetarian Coffee Shop

English Harbour

Cliffs of English Harbour

Approximately 19 minutes from the Artisan Inn.

Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. Turn right onto route 239 at the T intersection and drive 3.6km. Turn right onto route 230. Drive 5.9 Kilometers and turn right at the English Harbour Sign.  Drive 4.9 more kilometers.  Continue through English Harbour to the Horse Chops for a great whale watching spot in season, however, visitors should be advised that the road becomes a dirt road and visitors should park their car and continue by foot if they do not feel that their vehicle can handle the terrain.  

Highlights: English Harbour Arts Centre, Horsechops (a coastal area great for viewing whales during feeding season)

Champney’s West

Approximately 18 minutes from the Artisan Inn

Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. Turn right onto route 239 at the T intersection and drive 3.6km. Turn right onto route 230. Drive past Port Rexton, Passing the Two Whales Coffee Shop and take the next right to Champney’s West. You will reach a fork in the road and stay to the right. This drive from the 239/230 turn off is 7.2km.

Highlights: Fox Island Hiking Trail, Champney’s West Aquarium

Port Union

 

Approximately 30 minutes from the Artisan Inn

Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. Turn right onto route 239 at the T intersection and drive 3.6km. Turn right onto route 230. Continue driving for 27.9km (approximately 25 minutes)

Highlights: Murphy’s Cove Lodges Pond Trail, The Factory Historic Site, The Bungalow Historic Site, Discovery UNESCO Geopark site.

Elliston & Maberly

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

Approximately 45 minutes from the Artisan Inn.

Directions from Route 230: 
Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. Turn right onto route 239 at the T intersection and drive 3.6km. Turn right onto route 230. Drive for 39.7km until you reach the 238 turn-off on your right. Drive 6.3km to reach Elliston. Once in Elliston, The Sealer’s Memorial Statue is located on Main Road, to reach Bird Island, take Sandy Cove Road.  Continue Elliston municipal park and Bird Island to reach Maberly.

Alternative Directions from Bonavista
Directions from Bonavista/Spillar’s Cove: Staying on the main road, you will reach an intersection with signage for Spillar’s Cove. Turn right. this road is the northern section of route 238.  Drive past the Bonavista water tower (keeping it to your right) and past the two cemeteries opposite one another.  Reach Crewe’s Garage, located on a fork in the road.  Take the right arm of the fork. You should see a small sign for Route 238. Drive 7.1km (roughly 10 minutes) to reach Elliston and Maberly.

Highlights: Home From the Sea Sealers Museum, Sealer’s Memorial Statue, Puffin Viewing Site, Root Cellar Capital of the World

Bonavista

Approximately 45 minutes from the Artisan Inn.

Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. Turn right onto route 239 at the T intersection and drive 3.6km. Turn right onto route 230. Drive for 37.km (40 minutes) until you enter the town of Bonavista.

Highlights: Ryan Premises National Historic Site, The Matthew, Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, Shopping, Cape Shore Hiking Trail, The Dungeon

Spillars Cove

Approximately 49 minutes from Trinity

Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. Turn right onto route 239 at the T intersection and drive 3.6km. Turn right onto route 230. Drive for 37.km (40 minutes) until you enter the town of Bonavista.

Staying on the main road, you will reach an intersection with signage for Spillar’s Cove. Turn right. this road is the northern section of route 238.  Drive past the Bonavista water tower (keeping it to your right) and past the two cemeteries opposite one another.

Reach Crewe’s Garage, located on a fork in the road and continue driving straight (turning right will take you to Elliston). Drive 2.4km past Crewe’s Garage to arrive in Spillar’s Cove.

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.  Tuckamore Discoveries Walking Tours

Route 235 Communities

The Bonavista Peninsula is a loop with Route 235 serving as the opposite side of the loop to Route 230.  One can either visit the communities on the way to Bonavista or on the way back from Bonavista.  These directions are assuming you are visiting these communities on the way to Bonavista.   We recommend you AVOID ROUTE 236.  This is a dirt road and can be unfriendly to your rental vehicle.

Open Hall, Red Cliff, Tickle Cove

Approximately 40 minutes from Trinity

Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. Turn right onto route 239 at the T intersection and drive 3.6km. Turn left onto Route 230 at the T intersection. Drive 25.3 km (21 minutes) to the Route 235 turn off and turn right.  Drive 25.3 km (25 minutes) to reach the left turn to Open Hall (a few minutes past Plate Cove East).

To reach Red Cliff continue driving 2.4km (3 minutes)

To reach Tickle Cove continue driving 2.5km (5 minutes): The turn off in Tickle Cve to get to the sea Arch is a right hand turn just prior to the community slipway for boats. If you pass the slipway you have gone too far.

Highlights: Tickle Cove Sea Arch, Paul Dolk Photography Studio, Filming areas for Grand Seduction

King’s Cove, Duntara & Keels

Approximately 45 minutes from the Artisan Inn

Rocky Terrain with houses and ocean
Keels

Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. Turn right onto route 239 at the T intersection and drive 3.6km. Turn Left onto Route 230 at the T intersection. Drive 26km (21 minutes) to the Route 235 turn off and turn right.  Drive 31.6km (28 minutes) until you reach King’s Cove.

If you wish to visit Duntara, turn left at King’s Cove and Drive 5.2km (7 minutes).

If you wish to visit Keels turn left at King’s Cove and drive 8.5km (14 minutes).

Highlights: Lighthouse Hiking Trail in King’s Cove, Devil’s Foot Prints in Keels, Two Rooms Contemporary Art Gallery in Duntara.

Upper Amherst Cove

A whale waves from the water in Upper Amherst Cove

Approximately 45 minutes from the Artisan Inn.

If you are continuing your drive from communities along Route 235, continue driving 18km (18 minutes) north to Upper Amherst Cove.

If you only want to visit Upper Amherst Cove and not the other communities along Rotue 235 follow the below directions.

Take the sharp hairpin turn left at the Royal Bank to get onto Trinity Road. Turn right onto route 239 at the T intersection and drive 3.6km. Turn right onto route 230. Drive 30.4km (24 minutes) to Catalina and turn right onto Route 237.

Drive 11km (12 minutes) along Route 237.  At the end of the road turn right.  Drive 1.8km north (2 minutes)  and turn left into Upper Amherst Cove.

Highlight: The Bonavista Social Club

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

Whale and Iceberg Tours

 

Trinity Bay and Bonavista Bay serve as nature’s playground during the Spring and Summer months in Newfoundland.  

Twenty-two species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises swim the waters along the coastline of Newfoundland and Labrador during the months of May to August. The Bonavista Peninsula is a perfect location to see and appreciate these magnificent creatures of the sea.  

Some species spotted in Trinity Bay and Bonavista Bay include: Humpback Whales, Sperm Whales, Minke Whales, Pothead Whales and Killer Whales (Orcas).  White-sided dolphins and Bluefin Tuna are frequently spotted during the Fall.  

Boat tours also provide the opportunity to see the many majestic icebergs floating past Trinity during Spring and early Summer.  The prime time to see icebergs is between late May and late June.

Finally, the Peninsula’s unique geological features offer an added bonus on every trip.

A whale shows off during a tour with Sea of Whales Adventures
Marieke Gow Photography

Those who come to visit during the month of June and early July are sometimes lucky enough to spot icebergs, whales and various sea birds, including: the Atlantic Puffin and Bald Eagles all at once!

To see daily records of whale sightings in our area CLICK HERE.  

The two communities that offer boat tours with the focus of seeing wildlife are Trinity and Bonavista.

TRINITY

Three boat tours are located within walking distance of the Artisan Inn

A group of people wearing flotation safety suits sit in a zodiac operated by Sea of Whales adventures
Photo Taken on Sea of Whale Adventure Tours. The #1 boat tour on trip advisor for the town of Trinity

Sea of Whales Adventure  

Vessel Type: Zodiac
Phone: 1-709-464-2200
Address: 1 Ash’s Lane
Walking Distance from the Twine Loft: 2 minutes     

                                                                    

Atlantic Adventures                                                                                                                                  

Vessel Type: Trawller sailer
Phone: 1-709-464-2133
Address: 1 Dock Lane
Walking distance from the Twine Loft: 6 minutes                                           

Trinity Eco Tours   

Vessel Type: Zodiac
Phone: 1-709-464-3712
Address: 1 Stoneman’s Lane
Walking distance from the Twine Loft: 4 minutes

BONAVISTA

A boat tour returning at sunset to a flock of puffins

Discovery Sea Adventures

Vessel Type: Fast Rescue Craft
Phone: 1-709-470-0322
Address: Roper Street, Bonavista NL
Located in the parking lot of the Matthew Legacy site

Bonavista Puffin and Whale Tours

Vessel Type: Larger vessel type with indoor and outdoor seating and a washroom on board
Phone: 1-709-468-8438
Address: 15 Roper Street, Bonavista NL
Located in the parking lot of the Matthew Legacy site.

Places to Whale Watch From Land in Trinity Bight

While boat tours offer a first class whale watching experience, getting you up close and personal with wildlife, not everyone has the greatest sea legs.  We can never guarantee a whale sighting, however, we can tell you where the locals often go to watch Humpbacks feeding once they have arrived for the season.  Our staff receive updates from local boat tours and summer residents when pods are feeding close to shore in certain area’s.  We do our best to communicate anything exciting that we are aware of when we register guests at the inn or during morning breakfast.

Fort Point Lighthouse and Beach

Watch for humpback whales on the beach of Fort Point, Trinity

We recommend getting a lunch to go from Trinity Mercantile Coffee Shop and heading to Fort Point Lighthouse for a picnic.  Whales are often seen feeding during the month of July just off the point’s beach.

Driving Distance from Trinity: 19 Minutes

English Harbour / Horse Chops

Cliffs of English Harbour
Located 19 minutes from the Artisan Inn

This is the area many locals go to watch whales from the cliffs. The beach in English Harbour is also a popular spot to watch the capelin when they start to roll.  locals are often seen here with buckets to harvest the small silver fish for a meal.

Driving Distance from Trinity: 19 Minutes

Skerwink Trail, Trinity East/Port Rexton

Skerwink Trail
Marieke Gow Photography

Whales often feed below the cliffs, offering hikers a bird’s eye view.  One cannot drive up to these spots, but instead, must hike the outer trail for the best vantage points.

Driving distance from Trinity: 13 minutes

Please note that whales are wild animals and their feeding times and locations can never be guaranteed.

Find Driving Directions to all communities mentioned

COMMUNITIES AND DRIVING DIRECTIONS

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