Newfoundland: To the Edge of the World
As the continent separated millions of years ago, Newfoundland, Canada was created. Newfoundland, a province located on the eastern side of Canada will take your breath away. Towering over the Atlantic Ocean are steep cliffs ranging from 3000 to 4000 feet. Winds blow across the lands, bringing about the taste of salt into the air. Your senses will be rejuvenated as you explore this incredible and ancient land. Emerald colored grasses, deep blue oceans and yellow wildflowers are bursting over the incredible landscapes. The best way to explore Newfoundland is to drive in spring or summer when birds are actively nesting, whales migrating, elk are rutting and the wildflowers are in full bloom. Follow the Irish Loop, a popular and well maintained road that will lead you to some of the most memorable and beautiful destinations in Newfoundland.
When you first fly into Newfoundland you will arrive at Saint John’s, the main city. Immediately, you will feel the old fishing town’s atmosphere along with the quaintness of the city. Buildings painted colors of red, blue, yellow and orange pop out. Saint John’s, offers a variety of restaurants offering the finest seafood. Along with it, very warm welcoming people. Common items on the menu, are some of the finest seafood chowder you will find, along with something a bit different, fish tongues. Yes, a traditional dish, the tongue of cod fish is cut out, battered and deep fried. It may not sound like a delicacy, but when you pop one of those into your mouth, it’s an explosion of flavor.
By driving out of the city follow the Irish Loop highway. You will be exploring some of the most incredible landscapes throughout the Avalon Peninsula. Along the way be sure to stop at Witless Bay and take a boat tour. With warm welcoming hospitality, a local boat tour captain will lead you on an exciting whale and dolphin sighting adventure. While on the whale hunt, you will be drawn in to the beauty of the enormous ice bergs floating in the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. There are incredible bird watching opportunities and be sure to take a boat tour to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Home to Puffins, known as “The Clown of the Sea” for their clown like faces, these seabirds will bring a smile to your face. The speed in which they fly over your head is almost as fast as a speeding bullet and their clumsiness is sure to make you laugh.
Newfoundland’s, Cape St. Mary’s, one if its amazing gems is a must see. Home to one of the largest and accessible bird colonies, you will be speechless to experience millions of birds flying about. As you enter Cape St. Mary’s you will be welcomed by great horned sheep grazing along the steep hills and emerald grasslands. Continue to walk along the rocky dirt path, an ancient trail, and experience the bird colony. With over a million birds nesting, Gannets, Black Guillemots and Kittiwakes fly about. These birds dive off the 4000 foot cliff into the ocean fishing and fly back to feed their young. With millions in the air and navigating between each other, it is quite a sight to see.
Newfoundland’s weather is unpredictable with fog suddenly rolling in, will quickly create an ominous feeling with no traffic in site for miles. A perfect opportunity to get out your camera for some of the most incredible landscape opportunities. Digest the view and watch the fog roll in across the yellow and green grasslands. Just as unexpectedly, the cool winds will pick up, the clouds will clear and a sunny bright blue skies will once reappear. Be sure to stop at the many historical light houses and sites along the way. Take a moment, a deep breath and enjoy the crispness, cool breeze on your face and experience being at the edge of the world. Newfoundland is not to be missed and is waiting to embrace you as you visit this ancient, and sparsely populated lands.
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