Take a Newfoundland road trip for epic family adventures and magical wildlife

Is it true that some of Canada’s most epic family adventures are in Newfoundland? Sabrina Pirillo takes a road trip and finds all the proof you need.

Newfoundland and Labrador is a magical place filled with natural wonder on the east coast of Canada. Although it boasts a rocky terrain, and vast ocean filled with wildlife, Eastern Newfoundland also encompasses the Bonavista and Avalon Peninsula’s home to one of Canada’s five geoparks. Then head to Central Newfoundland for unique outdoorsy experiences kids will never forget.

Zoom around the Newfoundland coast in a Zodiac

Visit the east coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, to find Hickman’s Harbour; a village southeast of Clarenville, located on Random Island in Trinity Bay. Here, you can jump in a zodiac and take off with Gypsy Sea Adventures to get a closer look at the rugged landscape along the coastline, admire the colourful caverns and coves, and soak up the seascapes. Also, be sure kids keep their eyes peeled for any wildlife that might emerge from the water or soar up above. It’s guaranteed your guide will regale you with incredible tales, because one thing is for certain: locals make the best storytellers.

If you travel about 30 minutes from Hickman’s Harbour, grab a bite at Cabin Six Pizza and, as you wait for your stone oven pizza to be made, go back in time to the 80s playing Nintendo and Duck Hunt.

UNESCO Discovery Global Geopark

In the upper half of the Bonavista Peninsula, you’ll find 10 geo-sites to explore at the UNESCO Discovery Global Geopark.

Start with Elliston Root Cellars in the ‘Root Cellar Capital of the World’, where there are 133 documented root cellar structures used to preserve vegetables and perishables. Discover how, as the earth tends to be stony and not very fertile in this area, families concocted their own Miracle Grow formula, consisting of kelp, fish bones, offal and capelin fish which would be added to the soil. This recipe provided all the essential plant nutrients, and the resulting harvest was stored in the aforementioned root cellars – made of the local ‘flagstone’ – which ensured food throughout the long winters.

Also located here is the Elliston Puffin Viewing Site. Between May and September, you can watch Puffins fly and land on cliffs; one of the most accessible places in North America to view this provincial bird.

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The power of waves on a changing coastline

Explore the coastline and steep cliffs surrounding Cape Bonavista, as they’re classic examples of the North Atlantic Ocean’s forceful wave power. And it’s no coincidence that The Dungeon Provincial Park’s unique shoreline features are due to the ancient sedimentary rocks’ composition and thousands of years of continuous coastal erosion. In fact it’s a collapsed sea cave and as the coastline is in a constant state of change, it’s almost inevitable that one day the two arches will collapse.

Salvaging the trails in stunning Central Newfoundland

Meanwhile, just a few hours away, in Central Newfoundland, there’s a picturesque town with only one hundred inhabitants living in one of the oldest settlements on the Eastport Peninsula. Hiking The Damnable Trail with Hansford Hiking Adventures means retracing the steps of the first settlers of Salvage by exploring a network of trails. As well as a collection of hikes that take you through the town of Salvage through boreal forest and paths, the Salvage Trails connect you to lookouts, historic cemeteries and the Salvage Fisherman’s Museum.

Alternatively, out on the Salvage Harbour, a kayaking tour with Happy Adventure Tours gives you a different perspective of this fishing community. Again, locals win the day as experienced and certified kayak guides offer extensive knowledge of the surroundings and marine life.

Views from the Dome

Shark fishing and glamping in just one day

Drive for an hour from the Eastport Peninsula and you’ll come to Hare Bay, where you can go out on the water for an incredibly unique day in northern Bonavista Bay.

Hare Bay Adventures and The Shark Fishing Co. will take you and the family out in the north Atlantic Ocean where you will fish for sharks. Depending on the season, Blue or Porbeagle sharks are the stars of the show. Once caught, the sharks will be named, measured, the sex will be identified, and the animal will be tagged before being released back to the ocean.

Beyond a wonderful day bobbing out on the water, there is also a chance to witness other wildlife and hear about the history of the area. After an exhilarating day, retreat to Bragg’s Island and spend the night in a glamping Dome equipped with two double beds, solar power, full private bathroom facilities, barbecue, fire pit, and a private beach all housed on this resettled island. Hiking trails and serenity surround this oasis. Adventure and accommodations go hand-in-hand at Hare Bay Adventures, and booking a package will enhance your vacation.

Rafting, Exploits River

Rafting through the rapids of Newfoundland’s longest river

A two-hour drive from Hare Bay brings you to the region of Grand Falls-Windsor. Explore the rapids of the longest river in Newfoundland, The Exploits River, with Rafting Newfoundland. Spanning 248km, you can choose your own adventure by floating or taking on the gushing waters, whatever your adrenaline level calls for! A 3.5-hour Exploits River Float explores 12km of the Exploits River on a scenic flatwater journey. One of the highlights is the local charcuterie board assembled in front of you by your guide. Enjoy and relax while lounging on a secluded rock island beside a scenic rapid.

But let’s be honest, once you spot your first rapid, your adrenaline will kick in and the thrill-seeking side takes over, which is why the Badger Chute Swim is the ideal family adventure. The Badger Chute is a fun white water rafting trip that is perfect for anyone that wants to spend an entire day out on the river playing in rapids, swimming in calm pools, and taking in the beautiful scenery of the Exploits River. This experience features some exciting rapids while still being appropriate for youth as young as five and non-swimmers.

Main image © Destination Canada