Step back in time, feel the wind on your face, the sea spray on your lips and the tug on your heart to become one with the landscape. Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada's easternmost Province, is an outdoor playground of simple pleasures and majestic wonder. With an expansive 29,000 km of rugged coastline to explore, it promises to excite the senses and stir your soul. From the Torngat Mountains to Baccalieu Island and every nook and cranny in between, this cultural gem, in the icy North Atlantic, is an escape that will revive and excite even the weariest traveler. Take off your watch, turn off your blackberry and explore this special place with a time zone all its own. Are you ready for a life changing experience? Whether you fly, drive or cruise to Newfoundland and Labrador, once your feet touch Newfoundland, "The Rock," or the "Big Land" Labrador, you realize quickly life is different here.
What kind of place stirs the hearts of Meg Ryan and Farley Mowat? A place of integrity where truth and honesty is sacred. Newfoundland and Labrador's fascinating human history, rich marine resources, unique geology and culture provides a multitude of opportunities for the avid traveler to explore. Study fossils at Mistaken Point, hike the Tablelands of Gros Morne, kayak, snorkel and dive in fjords, or simply walk around hilly St. John's - that is a workout in itself! Mountain bike on back country wilderness roads, ski Marble or the Smokey Mountains, your options are simply endless.
No matter what the season or region of the province for the health and fitness minded traveler in particular (whether taking a guided or self guided tour), some of the best outdoor activities in Eastern North America await you. Hike the East Coast Trail, visit places like LaManche and Tors Cove on the distinctly Irish settled Southern Shore. Quaint B&B's dot the coastline, where the aroma of freshly baked bread, homemade preserves and a pot of tea await you.
If you visit Twillingate, in Central Newfoundland stay at the Toulinguet Inn where Proprietor Hazel Young proudly says her guests "have the most comfortable night's sleep since they left home." With more than 20 B&B's on Twillingate Island alone, you won't have any worries of finding a great place to stay.Considered the Iceberg capital of the world this historic town was the birthplace of famous Opera singer, Madame Marie Toulinguet. Truly, the meandering ice palaces that make their way down Iceberg Alley inspire young and old as they slowly melt to become one with the North Atlantic. Ice so pure, over 10,000 years old, made before pollution was even a word. Locals often have iceberg ice on hand for their beverages.
This ice is so pure and dense it takes hours for one little piece to melt away in your glass. Yes, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians know how to live, they enjoy each day to the fullest, a lesson we can all learn from, as our hectic lives spin out of control.The cultural influences of the Irish, Spanish, French, Portuguese, British and Scottish are apparent throughout the Province. Being a place settled primarily by sea captains and fishermen in the early 1700's, the ancestors who carved a life from the lands and sea instilled a respect for harmony of the seasons and prayer.
Walk through the churches no matter what denomination you may be and you will feel the faith of generations living on the sea touch your soul. Want to reach out and touch history? Consider a diving excursion; Newfoundland offers world class diving with over 1200 documented shipwrecks, over 22 species of whales, 35 million seabirds and Greenland icebergs.
Night dives off Bell Island by OceanQuest Adventures exploring U Boat wrecks is a once in a lifetime experience. Throughout the year, adventure operators like Rick Stanley of OceanQuest Adventures offer exceptional packages for great value.
Want a completely rugged experience?
Backpack and bike across the Island. Visit Conne River during its POW WOW celebrations, then hop the ferry in Lewisporte to the Big Land and make your way up coastal Labrador to the famous settlement of Battle Harbour. Now a historic site, settle in and enjoy the silence and the sparkle of the Northern Lights. Want to travel with a group in style and experience learning on a whole new level, then book a boat tour of Newfoundland and Labrador.The sun may rise first here in North America but you can be assured it is the last place to sleep.
The nightlife in St. John's is nothing short of extraordinary. George Street is well known in Canada for its local musical talent. Whether you are listening to local celebrity and fiddle player, D'arcy Broderick at his pub Shamrock City, or going to a concert by Great Big Sea, The Novaks, or Hey Rosetta!, the music is simply the best. For more entertainment consider getting "Screeched In." Becoming an Honorary Newfoundlander with its tongue twisters makes for a fun evening. This ceremony is offered at many pubs throughout the province. Need a therapeutic massage after all those physically challenging trips?
Visit Spa at the Monastery on Patrick Street in St. John' s. Embark on a journey of renewal.There is a connection to nature that is raw and untamed in this new found land. It is easy to see why so many lose track of time, but find themselves rejuvenated. In a world where everyone is too busy to remember courtesy of the human spirit, this land is a haven for your mind, body and spirit. With every mile you drive, every step you take, this wondrous land steals your heart and refreshes your soul.
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