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.
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.
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.
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.
Sign up for a whale, iceberg and local history tour just outside of Trinity, Newfoundland
Sign up with Trinity Eco-Tours for whale watching (and icebergs in season) as the Rugged Beauty Boat Tour is no longer offered.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Location map of things to do in Trinity
Further reading about things to do in Newfoundland
- Things to Do in St. John’s Newfoundland
- East Coast Trail Hiking Guide
- What to Do on a Trip to Fogo Island
- Hiking the Alexander Murray Trail in King’s Point
- 10 Best Small Towns in Canada to Visit
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