7 Essential Experiences on the Legendary Coasts of Eastern Newfoundland
Published January 4th, 2025
Photos by Jay Kana unless otherwise noted
Photo Credit: Rugged Rock Media
Having spent nearly three weeks along the Eastern Coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador in the summer of 2024 created a new appreciation and fondness for this part of our country.
There’s a welcoming warmth in the sea air that swirls around the province. Smiles from strangers, adventure aplenty and charisma and charm await you as you delve into these experiences by land and water.
As you plan your visit, here are seven experiences that provide entertainment, excitement and an educational aspect.
Kayaking in Cape Broyle
The good people at A Wilder Experience offer kayak and Zodiac boat tours to explore hidden caves and coves and places only accessible by water in the area. They’ve got a wide selection of kayaks for your exploration, all the safety gear and will ensure you have a wonderful time.
Observe local wildlife or soak in the awe-inspiring atmosphere around you. The kayak group tour I did was informative, exciting, safe and had excellent guides, who balanced education with safety, ensuring everyone was comfortable, which made for a memorable half day on the water.
If you’re looking for a unique experience with equally spectacular views from someone who’s done it, this is right up your alley…err, waterway.
Relive History at the Green Family Forge in Trinity
This living piece of history dates back to 1900, when the oversized forge was opened, built by John James Green. The Green family history dates back to the 1750’s as prominent blacksmiths in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Today, it’s a Registered Heritage Structure and it’s certainly a hot attraction that should be experienced. You can watch professional blacksmiths at work in one of the select few forges still operational provincially. Plus, carefully crafted items are both made and sold on site using authentic tools and methods.
The restored forge has earned multiple awards and once you set foot inside, you’re warmly welcomed and transported into a historically key part of the province’s history and heritage.
Harbour Grace’s Air and Sea Stories
The quaint town of Harbour Grace has some exceptional attractions that make it worth visiting.
Amelia Earhart’s famous solo flight across the Atlantic and the first woman to achieve this, departed from Harbour Grace. There’s a statue of her in the Spirit of Harbour Grace Park.
The Spirit of Harbour Grace is also an actual airplane, a Douglas Aircraft Corporation DC-3 to be exact. With a long history in the aviation world, this plane sits in Harbour Grace, being bought by and donated to the town by resident Roger Pike in 1977.
Nearby is the infamous SS Kyle, a steamship that ran aground in February 1967 after a severe storm, winds and waves released the ship from its moorings (where it was being moored for repairs in Harbour Grace) and it drifted to where it lays now. It wont move on its own again as the hull was flooded. Several plans for the ship have sunk over the decades but it’s still a terrific attraction with a deep history.
SeaGlass B&B and Studio in New Perlican
Photo Credit: Rugged Rock Media
A colourful and quaint place, New Perlican is charming and vibrant, thanks in part to the multi-coloured fishing stages. More so when you visit SeaGlass B&B and Studio, owned by Karen and Michael.
This working stained glass studio & gift shop steeped in tradition carefully creates and sells Newfoundland inspired stained glass, jewellery (stained glass & sea glass) and photography. I was given a quick lesson on how to cut stained glass and thoroughly enjoyed it and encourage you to take one of their stained glass courses.
There’s also a bed and breakfast to extend your experience in this beautiful part of the province.
Unmatched Experiences with Ocean Quest Adventures
Photo Credit: Rugged Rock Media
Have done two extensive Zodiac tours with them and a sea cave kayaking excursion around Bell Island, the Ocean Quest Adventures experience is astounding. My adventures were full of information and unique views for stunning photography opportunities. I also saw marine wildlife (from a safe distance, of course) and most importantly, their tours ensure the height of safety. The Atlantic Ocean is unforgiving so their dedication to active safety is paramount.
There are various types of Zodiac boat tours, snorkelling, paddle boarding and diving adventures, fishing and more.
You’ll be treated to breathtaking views paired with historical information for a complete experience that’ll fill your camera roll.
This is the go-to for an authentic experience from the water.
Do it All at Smugglers Cove in Burin
Eat, sleep, adventure, repeat is the best way to describe an experience at Smugglers Cove.
Their restaurant, Tom’s Roadhouse, specializes in BBQ and serves up all the classics exceptionally well, with live music and a welcoming atmosphere.
Frontier Town whisks you back to historical times through their interactive displays. Plus, you can launch a paddleboat or kayak from the nearby dock for additional adventure.
Get on the water with a Zodiac and kayak tour of Burin Island and surrounding areas with top-notch guides. I must say the kayaking portion was simply magical.
Recharge through either their glamping pods or loft bunkies on the water’s edge.
Stick around for a day or few.
Drive Back in Time at Vernon’s Antique Car Museum in Swift Current
Home to some of the rarest cars in North America, all cars featured were made no later than 1970 and highlights the golden era of automobiles, along with their evolution.
Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, Lincoln and Chrysler are a few of the many brands with inclusions here. Convertibles, wagons, muscle cars and more make this fascinating destination that much more attractive, with a logical layout to maximize your experience.
My visit saw guests as young as 8 to over 80, all soaking in the modern time machine that Vernon has elegantly curated. Every vehicle is delicately and authentically restored, giving guests a special experience.
To continue learning and start planning your experience, visit NewfoundlandLabrador.com