Newfoundland and Labrador: An adventurer’s heaven
by Linda Hourston
I think it's fair to say, many holidaymakers seek warmth and sunshine. However, there are also many intrepid adventurers who are willing to don the thermals, gloves and boots to explore the icier regions of our diverse and wonderful planet, and one of the world's most attractive "cooler" destinations is the geographically and culturally distinct Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The province lies on Canada's Atlantic coast and consists of the mainland area of Labrador (which shares a border with Quebec) and the island of Newfoundland. Its population tops 506,000 (of which most are of English, French and Irish descent), its land area spans 405,212 square kilometers and the region is considered to be the oldest European settlement in The Atlantic Americas. So as you no doubt can imagine, tradition and culture are paramount, the land and seascapes are breathtaking and the region's historical, archaeological and architectural relevance is astounding.
But before I tell you about some of the region's best attractions, I must warn you about a couple of fascinating visitor expectations because odds are, at some stage, you'll be expected (in good humor of course) to participate in the "Screech-in" and the "Kissing the Cod" traditions. If you do it right, you'll be considered an "Honorary Newfoundlander" so take note:
- The Screech-in requires you to down a glass (or "shot") of Newfoundland's most famous rum (which is really, really strong) in one go – it's not called the Screech-in for nothing.
- You'll probably be coaxed into participating in the Kissing the Cod tradition while on tours or attending special events. Obviously you'll be expected to kiss a cod but don't worry, given the region's marine conservational efforts and that kissing a fish really isn't all that hygienic, it's highly unlikely you'll be presented with a real fish to kiss – it's more likely to be a wooden, plastic or rubber replica.
So, now you're an Honorary Newfoundlander lets explore a few more tourist delights of Newfoundland and Labrador …
- Located in the center of St. John's (the province's capital) and housed in a magnificent historically significant building, "The Rooms" encompass the Provincial Museum, Art Gallery and Archives. It's one of city's most popular attractions and offers a unique insight into the region's proud past via archival records and multi-media presentations and the art, artifact, architecture and archaeology exhibits are absolutely fascinating. The Rooms also host many events and musical performances throughout the year and the facility's multi-level atrium not only houses touring exhibitions, but also presents the very best views of the city and way beyond. There's also a café (offering a full menu service) and a gift shop here and if you visit between 6pm and 9pm on a Wednesday or on the first Sunday of each month, admission is free.
- Still in St. John's, and for those into the paranormal, the St. John's Haunted Hike is a must. Swirling Atlantic fogs often bathe this town at night creating the perfect ambience for such a bizarre tour. The Haunted Hike is extremely creepy, scary and macabre - yet totally fascinating. The tour is a cross between street theater and a history lesson and the guides (actors) play their roles well. They will take you touring dark alleys, cemeteries and haunted buildings as well as numerous sites of public hangings and grizzly murders – so don't be surprised if you see a few hooded figures or clawed, grasping hands reaching from the shadows. When the tour is finished, the Honorable Reverend Thomas Wyckham Jarvis (Esquire) will invite you to participate in his Ambulatory Theatrical Exploration of the Macabre – good luck.
- Marble Mountain is part of the Long Range Mountains and is situated on the western coast of Newfoundland. Named after the colonial governor Sir Anthony Musgrave, it's arguably one of the world's most spectacular Alpine regions and is home to Canada's largest ski resort. The mountain has hosted many of Canada's Winter Games events and with an average annual snowfall of at least 5-meters, the attraction is a must for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts - and even for those who just like to make snowmen and throw snowballs.
- The Colony of Avalon is cited as a, "Window into the past, a pathway to the future." If you're interested in archaeological digs and all things 17th century, then a visit here will keep you happy and busy for hours. Lord Baltimore founded the colony in 1621 and for centuries, many of its remains and artifacts have laid undisturbed. However, the site is now being excavated and archaeologists have found well over a million artifacts such as gold rings, iron crosses, bedpans, glass beads and buttons, stone and ceramic wares, shoe buckles and hunting and cooking implements – most of which are on show at the site. Stone wells, a smithy, housing and even sea-flushed "privies" are also being excavated making this attraction one of the most unique in the world. Please rug-up for a visit here though as it is cold and often wet, but the colony's fascinating treasures, along with the scenic views of spectacular surrounding sea and landscapes (which include monolithic icebergs and mountains) are well and truly worth the effort and a cold nose.
- The Terra Nova National Park is an adventurer's delight encompassing rocky headlands, rugged cliffs, sheltered inlets and coves, wetlands and rolling hills that are covered with magnificent black spruce, balsam fir, mountain ash, tamarack, maple and white pine plantations. The local wildlife, which includes caribous, moose, eagles, otters and puffins are amazing and for the intrepid among us, there's two great camping areas available and many early settlement ruins to explore. The park's Visitor Information Center can organize tours (guided and self-guided) and activities such as hiking, skiing, snow shoeing, canoeing, rock climbing and kayaking as well as specially designed activities for children such as the popular Junior and Graduate Naturalist programs. Terra Nova really is an exceptionally beautiful attraction and given the park hosts various annual events and festivals including Newfoundland and Labrador Day, Take a Hike Day, Canada Day, Kids Day, Oceans Day and the fabulous Heritage Folk Festival, it's also a very exciting one too.
Clearly, if you're looking for a Disneyland, sun-soaked and palm-fringed beaches, lofty revolving restaurants and coastlines lined with skyscrapers, you may have to plan your holiday elsewhere. But for those looking for somewhere out of the ordinary, somewhere steeped in history and culture and not overly "commercialized" (and of course, don't mind a bit of snow and ice here and there), then Newfoundland and Labrador will certainly prove to be the most perfect and unforgettable holiday destination.
Further information about this truly natural and spectacular destination can be found at:
www.newfoundlandandlabrador.com/
http:/visitnewfoundland.ca/