Things to Do in Trinity Newfoundland

View of Trinity from part way up Upper Gun Hill Trail
View of Trinity from part way up Upper Gun Hill Trail

One summer a friend and I used the small town of Trinity, Newfoundland as a base to explore the Bonavista Peninsula. We both lamented the fact that our time in the area was way too short.

Trinity is the sort of small town you could easily park yourself in for a week so you could explore the area in some depth. Between tours, bird watching, local drives, hiking, and exploring, there is a terrific amount to keep you engaged.

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How to get to Trinity, Newfoundland

You can drive to Trinity from St. John’s in 3 – 3.5 hours. Follow the Trans-Canada Highway to Clarenville and then head east towards Bonavista on Route 230. Turn off on Route 239 to get to Trinity Bay.

The sight as you round the corner and approach the town on a clear day is breathtaking.

Spectacular waterfront views in Trinity Newfoundland
Spectacular waterfront views in Trinity Newfoundland

The best time of year to visit Trinity, Newfoundland

Trinity is best visited during the summer months when the weather is likely to be good and all restaurants and accommodations are open.

However, May can be a great time to see icebergs – so visit if that is on your bucket list, but be warned that the weather can be brisk into May. Pack accordingly.

Pretty white picket lined streets in Trinity
Pretty white picket lined streets in Trinity
St. Paul's Anglican Church in Trinity
St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Trinity with some very old gravestones

Things to do in Trinity, Newfoundland

Trinity, located on Trinity Bay, has been in existence for hundreds of years, largely due to its safe harbour which has been called one of the best in Newfoundland.

Today it’s largely supported by tourists. Year round residents number around 200. 

Be sure to spend at least a few days in Trinity so you can take advantage of all that there is to do.

Hike the Skerwink Trail

Be sure to hike the 5.3 km Skerwink Trail. It’s a fabulous trail about 20 minutes out of town close to Port Rexton. For most of its length you get superb ocean views with sea stacks, rugged cliffs and rocky beaches.

Things to do in Trinity NL include hiking on the Skerwink Trail
Gorgeous hiking on the Skerwink Trail

Enjoy the view from the top of the Upper Gun Hill Trail in Trinity

In Trinity, the must-do hike is the 0.75 km Upper Gun Hill Trail.

Start at the Campbell House and follow a loop around the hill to the prominent point in Trinity. Enjoy superlative views of the communities along Trinity Bay. You can even see the cliffs of Skerwink. 

The hike takes its name from the time that the high point was used when there was a military presence in the area. Today enjoy the peace of the hill – and come late August look for partridgeberries and blueberries along the hike.

View of Trinity from part way up Upper Gun Hill Trail
View of Trinity from part way up Upper Gun Hill Trail

Sign up for a whale, iceberg and local history tour just outside of Trinity, Newfoundland

Take the Rugged Beauty boat tour not just for the whales and icebergs but for the first hand account of how resettlement affected the people that were moved.

It’s a beautiful trip and a moving experience. If you visit in late June you may be see icebergs – and in fact get quite close to them. 

Rugged Beauty Boat Tours

Explore the Bonavista Peninsula

Drive the Bonavista Peninsula stopping to explore Elliston – the root cellar capital of the world. Visit the puffin colony via a scenic walk and drive all the way to the lighthouse in Bonavista.

Go to Nanny’s Root Cellar Kitchen in Elliston for traditional Newfoundland food.

Root cellars built into the hills near Elliston on the Bonavista Peninsula; Elliston is the root cellar capital of the world
Root cellars built into the hills near Elliston on the Bonavista Peninsula; Elliston is the root cellar capital of the world
Scenic coastal section around Elliston; the puffin colony lives on the rock separated by water on the left
Scenic coastal section around Elliston; the puffin colony lives on the rock separated by water on the left
Near the tip of the Bonavista Peninsula it's nothing but rock
Near the tip of the Bonavista Peninsula it’s nothing but rock

Learn some history about Trinity, Newfoundland

Take a historical walking tour in Trinity. Over 2.5 hours learn its colourful history through all the people that have lived here including the Beothuk Indians, the Irish, English and even the French. I did take this tour years ago and loved strolling through town hearing the stories.

And after your history lesson wander through town poking in galleries and craft shops.

Go to the theatre

The theatre, formed in 1978 has evolved from producing political plays in the early days to offering the Summer in the Bight theatre festival.

Attend a play, go to the dinner theatre or catch a concert in the summer and fall. For more information and to book tickets visit Rising Tide Theatre.

Another view of Trinity Newfoundland
Another view of Trinity Newfoundland

Where to stay in Trinity, Newfoundland

Choose from six buildings when you stay at the Artisan Inn, all offering views of either Trinity Harbour or Fisher Cove.

Two of the properties are Canadian Heritage Structures. You have a choice of renting a room by the night or a self-catering home.

Eriksen Premises was a gem of a place to stay. My friend and I had a great big room which we loved. There was a comfortable common area and a welcoming dining room. And when we left, they sent us off with a homemade cookie

Fishers’ Loft Inn is located outside of Trinity in the outport of Port Rexton. On my first visit to the area I stayed here for a couple of nights – loved  the room and the meals are first rate as well.

Trinity Newfoundland accommodation
The Eriksen Premises in Trinity Newfoundland is a fantastic place to stay

Where to eat in Trinity, Newfounland

There are two places I can personally recommend for meals. Twine Loft Dining is associated with The Artisan Inn. The building itself is fantastic and the meal we had there was memorable.

For lighter fare – after hiking the Skerwink Trail try the Two Whales Coffee Shop on Main Street in Port Rexton.

Dining at Twine Loft, Trinity
Dining at Twine Loft

Location map of things to do in Trinity

                                               

Further reading about things to do in Newfoundland

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Top things to do in and near Trinity Newfoundland

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