Amy Jones, a Lifestyle & Features Writer at OK!, explores the breathtaking beauty of Western Newfoundland, a region in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Featuring majestic mountains, ancient glaciers, and diverse wildlife, this area boasts a rich history influenced by Indigenous, English, Irish, and French cultures.
Visitors to Western Newfoundland are greeted warmly by locals who emphasize the importance of meeting people to enhance the experience. Spanning 750 kilometers, this uncrowded paradise offers unique geological features, including the opportunity to walk on the Earth’s mantle and admire glacier-carved fjords. The region’s weather is famously unpredictable, with locals joking that if you don’t like it, just wait a few minutes.
During her visit, Jones stayed at the family-run Shallow Bay Motel & Cabins in Cow Head, enjoying cozy accommodations with serene water views. The lodging featured a welcoming wooden porch, ideal for savoring morning coffee while overlooking the sea. Further along the coast, in Norris Point, she experienced the hospitality of Sugar Hill Inn, known for its spacious rooms, picturesque surroundings, and charming wooden interiors.
One of the highlights of the trip was exploring the renowned Western Brook Pond, a landlocked fjord in Gros Morne National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers visitors a chance to marvel at towering cliffs, misty waterfalls, and a crystal-clear freshwater lake during a scenic boat tour. Additionally, Jones ventured into Gros Morne National Park’s Tablelands, a rare location where visitors can walk on exposed mantle rock and witness striking valley landscapes.
Immersing further into local culture, Jones embarked on an Indigenous Tour with Gros Morne Adventures in Norris Point. This unique experience included canoeing across serene waters, hiking through woodlands, and participating in traditional activities like making Lu’skinikin (bannock) and learning about Stone Age fire-making techniques. The tour also showcased the stunning Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse and offered a taste of local honey from the Cormack Bee Company.
For a cultural evening, Jones attended the Writers at Woody Point Literary Festival, enjoying live music performances and experiencing the vibrant local arts scene. She also indulged in Newfoundland’s diverse culinary offerings, sampling dishes that blend Indigenous and European influences, with a focus on fresh seafood. Notable dining experiences included the Buoy & Arrow Restaurant in Rocky Harbour, Shallow Bay Family Restaurant in Cow Head, Chanterelles at Sugar Hill Inn, and The Black Spruce at Neddies Harbour Inn.
Travelers interested in exploring Western Newfoundland can book accommodations at Shallow Bay Motel starting from £87 per night and Sugar Hill Inn from £134 per night (based on double occupancy). Air Canada offers return flights from London Heathrow to Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador, starting from £587 per person. For more information, visit newfoundlandlabrador.com and atlanticcanadaholiday.co.uk.