My trip to Newfoundland
In May 2000, I took two weeks' vacation to Newfoundland. I thought I should see more of my own country before going to other countries! I've seen the west coast, having lived in Fraser Lake for the better part of three years, and have driven across the country from Val d'Or, Québec, to Fraser Lake, BC, and from Fraser Lake to North Bay, Ontario. I've also driven out to the Gaspé coast and crossed over to New Brunswick, but had never ventured to Newfoundland until now.
I flew to St John's, the capital, and rented a car. I hadn't any real plans except to stay in St John's for the second week in a dorm room at Memorial University. On the plane ride to St John's, I met a few ladies who spoke of Bonavista and other places on the main land, off of the Avalon Peninsula. So off I went, in my rented standard Geo Metro to Bonavista!
The rest of this page has pictures of St John's only, and I have another page that has some of my pictures of the other places I visited during my first week in Newfoundland.
While in St John's, I stayed in a room on the Memorial University of Newfoundland's campus. This is a very economical way of lodging which cost me less than $100 for five nights. It's even more economical if two people share a room - I think it comes out to about $17 per person per night. Although it was very impersonal compared to B&B's or hotels, it was comfortable enough and had everything you would need, including a cafeteria that served every meal.
Jennifer and I toured the city a few times in my rental car. We drove out to the Quidi Vidi brewery, but it was closed to visitors so we didn't get a tour. But the scenery there was great. We stopped in at a museum and read all about the history of the native people in Newfoundland. We also took a few walks along the waterfront and saw the boats in the harbour.
We also drove around the Queen's Battery - what a nightmare when you're driving a standard car! Kinda scary... We took a trip up to Signal Hill and looked around Cabot Tower. There were great views of the city of St John's from up there.
Jennifer and I spent an afternoon walking around the Memorial University Arboretum. We fed the ducks there too! It was a nice relaxing afternoon, although it seemed we were being threatened with rain...
All in all, it was the first time I really felt I had been on vacation. I'm really glad to have made the trip.
Here are some links that can be informative and helpful:
Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism
Great Big Sea Online Kitchen Party
The City of St John's
Historic Lighthouses of Newfoundland
Salter Street Films
This Hour has 22 Minutes
Away from St John's
Kelly's home page
Last updated November 27, 2000