Newfoundland West Coast report

Day 11. June 19, 2025.

It was a fair morning weather wise driving from Joe Batt’s to the ferry terminal to catch the 10 AM ferry.

We had planned on stopping to sightsee along the way to Rocky Harbour but there were not many options. One thing I don’t like about Newfoundland is the lack of, or non existence of rest stops. 4 1/2 hour drive and not one bathroom or picnic table. It is assumed you will stop at a gas station I suppose, but those are few and far between as well. The drive is pretty much just forest, mostly small coniferous cedar, fir and pine with a few deciduous thrown in as well.

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As you can probably tell I was not that thrilled with the drive, but that’s just me and it was a means to an end, get to the west coast.
I did see a building at the side of the road near Lewisport that said ‘Lobster, fresh or cooked’. It looked like a processing place so I pulled in and Doug picked up a cooked lobster which he was happy about . The prices were marked on their heads and we picked one that was $18.

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At the town of Springdale we pulled off and drove around and by chance saw a lake with a small parking lot and a boardwalk around a wetland.
There was no where to sit, but we didn’t mind standing to have our sandwich and salad after all that driving and then a short walk around the lake was great to stretch our legs. It was hot, around 29C. Wonderful break.

We arrived at RockyHarbor around 5 PM and checked into Banbury Cottages. The smallest one was reserved and it had a full kitchen and separate bedroom. I assume it had a nice view of the water but the weather had changed and it was socked in with fog and raining heavily.
Dinner was enjoyed in the cabin, Doug said the lobster was great which was accompanied with a salad.

Day 12.
Hmmmm. Very rainy and foggy again. I had booked a boat tour months ago with Bon Tours on the western brook pond tour so we headed off at 10 AM, not sure if it would still be a go or not.
It was miserable out. We had planned on walking the one hour hike down to the boat but when I saw the golf cart that would take people down for $10. return I decided that I really did not want to start this trip off soaking wet. A good decision.
So that meant we were fairly early, 11 AM for our 12:30 tour. We met a lovely couple from Montreal and found a small table for four and the time went by very quickly.

The waiting room was packed. Normally most would be outside on the veranda, but not today.
At 12:30 the captain came in and said we will wait 15 more minutes to see if it improves. Expecting a miracle I guess.
The trip was called and we could rebook for tomorrow if we wanted to, or get a refund. Tomorrow did not look any more promising so we decided to wait until the morning to make our decision.
This is what it is SUPPOSED to look like. I never took any photos because you couldn’t see anything.

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Doug asked if I wanted to walk back. “ no, not really but you go ahead”. It was really coming down now. There were three golf carts going non stop taking people back up to the parking lot, I just waited inside until most were gone and caught the last cart. It was the same driver who brought us down, a very funny and friendly guy. I realized Doug had the tickets! I sat up front with the driver and asked if we could pick up the ticket from Doug when we saw him on the trail
A quarter of the way back, there he is, and said I bet he is regretting his decision now. The driver pulled up beside him and said some funny remark and Doug jumped at the chance to hitch a ride with us. He was drenched.
A trip to stock up our groceries proved to be a challenge. There only a couple of small convenience type stores both here and Noris Point. If you want to do self catering buy groceries before you get here in a bigger town. The produce is not great and limited options with most other things.

It took a while to dry off and warm up at home before leaving again at 6:30PM to go to the show ‘Anchors Aweigh’.
It was advised to go early and have dinner in the pub to get a good seat and glad I popped in this afternoon to talk to the ladies in there to get a seat as it was packed and most seats were already reserved. I would suggest going in as soon as you get to town to reserve something.
Another couple from Chicago were sitting with us and we had some great conversation, and politics never came up which was good.
Doug had a lobster roll and I had a Caesar salad.

The show ran from 8 to 10PM with a 10 minute intermission. It was fantastic. The five men ranged in age from 30 something to around 70. Very talented musicians who involved the audience most of the night and they had so much humour. We laughed sang and were greatly entertained the entire time. The staff also have a wonderful time and participated as well. The show is on Monday Wednesday and Friday and I suggest you book as soon as you know your dates.

Got drenched walking back to the car.

Day 13

The day did not look promising. At around 11 we drove to Noris Point to poke around. We really liked the look of Noris a point, it had a nice feeling about it. A cafe called the Old Store Cafe has some great menu items so we grabbed a few things for lunch tomorrow, granola for breakfast and a salad for dinner.
Back to Rocky harbour and on to the Lighthouse. The rain and stopped but it was incredibly windy. I had to resort to my earmuffs, gloves and down vest again. The woman at the lighthouse was very friendly and we talked about life as a lighthouse worker and the earlier days. A small walk down a couple of trails and then off to Berry Head Pond trail. This is a short loop around the lake (pond) some of which is on boardwalk.

The timing was great as the skies opened up again right when we got to the car.

Lunch time. Java Jacks was wonderful, with a few vegetarian and even vegan options. I had a beet and goat cheese salad and Doug had the seafood chowder and we split some soda bread. “Would you like dessert?” Twist my arm
A huge piece of date square was split between us and was delicious.

Still wind and rain. A visit to a couple of craft stores was a great way to spend some time. I ended up buying a gorgeous glass salmon piece that will grace my wall at home and remind me of Newfoundland. The ‘Glass Station’ is on the Main Street where many local artists are featured and is one of the nicest artist stores I have been in. I could have spent a lot more money. Good thing I only have carry on.

I bought a smaller one of these, about a foot in length

I did not really enjoy my time here much I am afraid. Weather played a big part in that. It is a destination that is primarily for hiking and the gorgeous views but the high wind and sideways rain did not encourage me to hike. Too bad because I am sure it is beautiful.

Day 14. A glorious blue sky this morning. We do have an amazing view. Who knew?
This was going to be the only good weather day for awhile so we were on the road by 8 AM heading north on the Viking trail.
A stop for a leg stretch on a boardwalk at white Rocks trail near Flowers Cove. It was nice to get out of the car but can’t say it was an exciting walk. They did have a picnic table but it was 8 degrees and howling wind so had our lunch in the car

I have to say that this road had many pullouts and picnic tables. No bathrooms though.
We took the coastal road and it was very scenic and a beautiful drive
L’Anse aux Meadows was reached at 3PM and it was clear and sunny, although cold and windy but no rain so we were happy.

We went to the government site first, walked around the museum, watched a 15 minute documentary that was really good. It told of the interactions of the norsemen and the First Nations as well which was interesting. All the federal entrance fees and parking costs are waived for the summer which is nice.
Talking to the girl at the desk she suggested we go to Norstead as well to see the big ship. It is an attraction about a 10 minute drive from there. At the government site there is a re-enacted village of the norsemen with people acting the parts but they were closing shortly. The guided tours were over, they happen at 10 and 2.
We decided to head to Norstead instead. The cost was $14.50 each.
Well worth the money. We really enjoyed this. Buildings reconstructed as they would have been before the year 1000. They also had people there telling stories and about the history of the area.
There is also replica full size boat. We spent well over an hour here.

We drove around the area before heading back to St Anthony and checked into Crows Nest Inn. $150 a night. For dinner we went to Jungle Jim’s and we both had a stir fry. Not a lot of restaurant choices here. There are two grocery stores though Foodland And Coleman’s. We went to Coleman’s and it was great. Vegan choices too.

Day 15
Rain until noon and then it cleared up which was great. A visit to the Grenfell interpretation centre to learn about the amazing doctor who lived here. Highly recommend a visit. Lunch at the Lighthouse Cafe where Doug had some cod tacos that he said were great. I had French fries. Not much choice for a vegetarian.

Grenfell house was next, where he lived and we learned more about him.
A drive to the south, Goose Cove East. A lovely area with a nice walk and views

Day 16
We woke to see a gorgeous morning but it is time to head south again. At one point on the drive the fog got so thick we could barely see the hood of the car, but it only lasted an hour and back to clear views of the coastal area
Port au Choix was chosen as our half way point to stop for a great 3 K hike on the Dorset trail, starting at the old Port and going to Phillips garden and just beyond and then return. A very easy walk, we were hoping to see caribou who frequent there but other than droppings no luck
Lunch was at the Lightkeepers Cafe. The lobster was sold out but Doug enjoyed seafood tacos which were good. I had a pecan apple salad.

Another two and a half hours driving to Cormack where we are staying for our last two nights at Lush’s cottages for $150 a night. A small cabin with kitchenette but close to the airport and not far from Woody Point.

Day 17, June 25 is our last day in Newfoundland. Beautiful sunny day with temps going up to 17C or more. Off to Tablelands for a hike. It says it’s flat but be aware it is a ‘gentle’ climb on a gravel and rock trail. This took just over an hour. It was non stop hikers, a very popular spot and the parking lot was full. There is an outhouse here in the corner of the parking lot, a bit hard to spot.

A drive into Trout River which had great scenery on the way. The town itself was very cute, a boardwalk running along the beach. We had lunch at Seaside resterant and enjoyed the views and food.

Woody Point is close by and another cute town with great views

Time to pack up and get ready for our 6:15AM flight home tomorrow. We really enjoyed Newfoundland and the people here. Thanks to everyone on Tripadvisor for all your help with this trip.