This summer The Herald has had the pleasure of meeting some incredible individuals who do some amazing things as they welcome come from aways and staycationers alike to their area of the province of NL. 

One thing has stood out: these men and women all had dreams and visions they’ve tenaciously – most against all odds – made reality. They saw what others couldn’t and went for it, proving that those who work in the tourism industry really are out of this world. 

Humber River Off Grid Tours ~ Humber River, NL

Ashley Hann is a treasure of a young woman. Passionate. Enthusiastic. Brilliant. Social. Compassionate. Strong. Hann is all those things and so much more. Her passion was evident even before we met. 

A scheduling fool up meant we were running late and Hann proved she was on pins and needles waiting for us to arrive when she tracked down my phone number and enthusiastically  asked; “How far away are ya now, girl? Are ya close?” Hann was waiting when we hauled up, not because she had business to attend to – her on the Humber River tent pods and her larger and more exotically luxurious glamping dom are pretty much serve yourself – but because she’s simply proud and excited to show off all she has to offer her guests. 

Show up with your grub, unzip, and enjoy, is pretty much all that needs to happen when you visit Hann’s little piece of heaven on earth, but Hann – along with her treasured Uncle Mel – are the real attractions at Humber River Off Grid Tours. Uncle Mel Cole, at 80, says that having Hann and her enthusiastic ways around “keeps him young.” 

Hann, who is actually Cole’s grand-niece, has lived on the property for over 20 years. While he owns both a business and a home in near-by Deer Lake, life on the river is so much more peaceful, he shared. 

“I’ve had this property about 50 years and I still loves it here. I came here salmon fishing when I was 17 and I always said if I ever found somewhere any nicer than where I’m too, that’s where I would go. But I didn’t. And I’m still here because I loves it here,” he said. 

So does Hann. What is it she loves about being on the Humber River? 

“Pretty much everything,” Hann opened with emotion. It’s easy to see why. Birds and goats and chickens literally eat right out of her hand, and she spends her time on the river just steps from her door. 

“I live here and I work here because my business runs out of here and I just absolutely love this place,” she said.  

Being outdoors is her happy place, she added. Growing up, she “lived and breathed sports,” she said. “I was always outdoorsy and always active, always on the go, game for anything. I done forestry in school and then of course when I came over here (with her Uncle) I started picking at the gardens and doing things like that just for something to do.” 

The vegetable garden Hann and Cole have on the property is amazing, and Hann often plucks the veggies right out of the ground for cook-ups on the Humber during her kayaking tours.  

She’s also started quite the strawberry garden. “I have a strawberry u-pick for next year for my guests. That’s three acres of strawberries, 10,000 plants I planted. So when it comes to outdoor stuff, I don’t stop. It’s nonstop,” she laughed.  

This is Hann’s fifth year in the tourism business. 

“You didn’t even think that anyone would come down this road yet it’s been booked solid for the past five years and just continues to grow.”

And they’ve hosted people from “all over.”  “People come from everywhere. It’s camping, only better. You get queen beds and all your dishes and your pots and pans and stuff like that. Same as camping, just that it’s fancier and a little bit different. You come here, you can camp, enjoy all the joys of camping without having to lug all your camping gear. Just bring food and water,” she said. 

There’s so much to enjoy. Remember, you’re off grid so there’s no cell service and no wifi, but that’s the attraction of the place and only adds to the magic of sleeping near the Humber River. 

There’s frogs and nature and beauty all around.  Hann’s is a place equally as enchanting for a romantic getaway with sunset swims or cuddles or for a family getaway – a place where a kid can be a kid and where life slows down for all. 

That’s what Hann loves about her tourism offerings. “Go back to the way things were. Enjoy each other,” she said. 

Of course Hann herself is busy as a beaver. From laundry and clean-up to tours and more, she’s got so much going on and she couldn’t be happier. A visit to Humber River Off Grid Tours “takes you back in time,”  she said.  “I feel like I’m sharing what I love and that feels great.”

Follow Humber River Off Grid Tours on Facebook and for more, subscribe to Hann’s YouTube channel, Adventures Off Grid

Smugglers Cove ~ Burin, NL

“For centuries, rogues, rascals, and renegades have found refuge here on the Coast of Legends,” the brochure for Smugglers Cove boasts intriguingly. There could be no better intro to this magical place that resembles the wild, wild west. 

Mike Brennan and Paddy Kavanaugh are the duo behind Smugglers and it’s all in memory of a friend, the late Tom Hollett who died in 2016. 

In Hollett’s honour, there’s Tom’s Roadhouse, “Where fellow rapscallions have a scoff and wet their whistle.” 

Chef and partner Clint Brewer is the king of the kitchen at Smugglers, and on the day we visit he delights us with halibut, a feed well worth the visit. But there’s so much to Smugglers. 

From special events and concerts to guided boat tours to Great Burin Island, Smugglers has a little something for everyone. Ever wished you could experience a sleepover a stone’s throw away from a frontier fantasy town? Well you can, in one of Smugglers cozy rustic but romantic (and practical) bunkhouses. The real draw, however, is the ‘town’ itself. Located on 1.7 hectares of land in Port-Au-Bras, the interactive ‘town’ of Smugglers Cove is a treasure built out of wood and sweat that has to be seen to be believed. While there, take a run into the town of Burin itself and visit more of Hollett’s Legacy left for others to enjoy. From  Hollett’s legendary Jiffy Cab Bug proudly on display as it welcomes all to Burin, to hiking trails, Brennan and Kavanaugh make sure ‘Tommy’s’ vision lives on. 

No one says it better than Brennan and the team in their own captivating way on their handout.

“Celebrating our notorious history, we tip our caps to those kindred spirits drawn to our shores. What calls the adventurous rebel home? Come and stay awhile – you’ll find out!” 

For more visit smugglerscoveburin.com

Jigs & Reels ~ Green’s Harbour

n the evening we visit, Natasha Hollett was happily greeting her guests  – which just happened to include Kellie Loder – with a smile. Passionate is one word that can be used to describe Hollett. Mom to two young boys aged six and eight, she has her hands full, but she doesn’t mind one bit. 

“People have always been a passion for me and I wanted to take a chance. When this came for sale, we jumped on it,” she said.

This Come Home summer has been good to them, she added. “Come Home has definitely been helping us bring people in. People are very excited to get home for the first time in several years. But summer usually brings people around anyway and we like to think there’s a lot of reasons to come here when they do.”

Jigs & Reels is beautiful. From the decor inside to the beautiful and inviting outside space, it’s a must visit location for sure. The food is good, the beer is cold, and the staff are friendly.  

The building was many things before becoming a spot to enjoy a meal and a beverage or to listen to some local entertainment. It was a sawmill for one thing, and then a gas bar and garage.    

Since owning Jigs & Reels, there’s been weddings and other events. The space holds 148 inside with an additional 100 who can enjoy the area on the beautiful back patio area. 

“We try to have entertainment regularly, like Friday and Saturdays. Typically, depending on what’s going on in the area, as we try not to compete too much if there’s something else on the go around,” she said.  

Hollett and her husband George are just getting ready to head home to the kids on the evening we visit. Still, the two busy themselves with whatever needs to be done. “We all do a little bit of everything. We come in and we just jump in and up whenever we can to help make our dream come true,” she said.

Not that every day is easy, they add.  “Taking over a business, it’s a lot of work, and there’s always something you can’t anticipate. But the locals are here for us and they support us and we appreciate that.”

We have to ask about the name Jigs & Reels. Any shout out to OZFM and Danielle Butt? “Absolutely. I mean, anytime Danielle wants to come here and host her show from here, come on out. It’ll be a fun time for sure and we’d love to have her,” Hollett says. 

From burgers to delight to nachos to rave about, Jigs & Reels is a special place run by some special people. Hollett smiles. “The staff here are the best and our customers are a blessing. The whole experience of owning a business has been amazing because it shows how good and supportive people are.”

For more, check out Jigs & Reels on Facebook

By The Sea Inn & Café ~ King’s Point

Krista and Corey Gillingham  are the proud owners/operators of By The Sea Inn & Café in beautiful King’s Point. With so much to do in the area – from hiking trails that lead to stunning waterfall views to shopping, dining and sightseeing – By The Sea is the perfect place to settle in for a few nights or longer and explore. 

This is the couple’s first year running this ultra-modern spectacular Inn and eatery with the most eye-catching view, though Krista worked there for over ten years before buying it. “It just started as a small, very tiny coffee shop and it kind of grew from there,” she said.

It was health issues that started the ball rolling, she added. Krista worked in the kitchen, but shoulder concerns meant she had to step back from kitchen duties and take more of a management-styled role. “That experience helped me be ready, I guess, so when this place was for sale, even though we are not related, it felt sort of like the business was staying in the family.”

While COVID had its challenges – including the loss of many of their scheduled bus tour stop overs – things have been good for the most part.   “That things are going back to what they were before COVID is wonderful for us and wonderful for the whole town,” she said.  

There’s a big sense of community pride throughout King’s Point. Even the garbage buckets are beautiful. With stores galore and incredible places to visit and enjoy, it’s a must see destination on any bucket list for sure. 

“The community as a whole and our town council does a great job and everybody in the town takes pride in what we have and what we’ve got. 

Everyone is constantly looking for new ways to improve what we have here.”

The food and the service is brilliant at By The Sea. “We do cater to a lot of locals when it comes to the menu but anyone who visits also loves to eat things like fish and chips and cod tongues,” she says. 

They have two seasons, she continued, the tourist season which runs from June till September, and their regular season, and both are important. The Inn – with one suite, The Eagle’s Landing, located in the main building with others next door, is a beautiful space to rest one’s head. And there’s more coming, Krista said proudly, as construction has begun on additional rooms.    

One bonus of a stay at the Inn is free breakfast in the dining area. “I find that a lot of people mention the food. People will say, ‘Who is the chef?’ And we always say that we don’t have chefs in our kitchen. We have cooks in our kitchen that were raised here in Newfoundland in a Newfoundland kitchen by Newfoundland mothers. We don’t have trained chefs in our kitchen, and here, salt is a seasoning, but the people in our kitchen were trained in life and there’s no better training than that, is there?”

For more visit bythesearesort.ca 

Roy’s Lighthouse Retreat ~ Catalina

Kristy Sweet has an interesting link to The Herald, she begins. “I was the baby of the year in 1980, and Suzanne Somers was on front cover. The Herald means something still to a lot of people, and having you here so you can tell our story means so much,” she said. 

There’s history here, Sweet continues. “Back years ago there were houses here, but they ended up towing them into town because they wanted people in the city to just make life easier for them I guess, but I can’t see wanting to leave here,” she said as her four-year-old daughter, Gracie Joe, played nearby on this picture perfect summer day. 

The setting couldn’t be more amazing. A lighthouse near the water in the beautiful town of Catalina with nothing around us but sea, sky and a stunningly inviting walking trail along the edge of the ocean.  Sweet appreciates the setting, and what the land around has to offer. 

“My grandmother is 89-years-old, my dad’s mother, and she’s out here every summer picking berries. My  grandma picks 20 gallons a year.”     

The reason why we are visiting on this day is to talk about Sweet’s late father, Roy Sweet. “My dad was a fisherman back years ago. He had two long liners, the Laura K and  the Laura K Two.” 

Laura was the name of Sweet’s great grandmother who lived on the now resettled Green Island. “When Dad wasn’t fishing he went into the woods in the wintertime to cut logs and then he opened up a sawmill and started selling logs,” she said, reflecting on old times.  

Sweet’s father’s grandmother’s father was a lighthouse keeper on Green Island: Joseph Sweet, and those old family stories captured Sweet’s imagination as a child and beyond. Her father also loved the family’s legacy and he always loved  lighthouses. 

Sweet’s dad passed away on March 15th, of 2020 and Sweet was crushed, she said. “He was my world. I just spent so much time with Dad, and I just wanted his memory to live on and this place here helps me. I come here everyday to the lighthouse and I remember him,” she shared. 

How this stunning lighthouse came to be is one incredible tale of a daughter’s vision fueled by love and devotion. 

With no formal plans, the work began on land Sweet’s father had purchased years before his death. Birchwood Construction helped Sweet’s dream become a reality and twins Terry and Perry Cullimore took over the inside finishing work. The end result is incredible. 

The response of those who stay at Roy’s Lighthouse Retreat has been incredible, she added. “It’s overwhelming. I love to see people come and enjoy this place I built in memory of my dad. Besides Gracie, this is my everything because it brings me closer to Dad and I know he would have loved it here,” she said. 

Watching the boats and the clouds  from the deck brings peace, she added.     Sweet also owns Gracie Joe’s Place, an 88-year-old family home in Catalina not far from Roy’s Lighthouse, but it’s here that she feels closest to her dad. 

“Dad is here. I can feel it. And I know he’s looking down feeling really happy with what we’ve done on this land in his memory.” 

For more visit Roy’s Lighthouse Retreat or Gracie Joe’s Place on social media and Airbnb. 

The Newfoundland Herald has been out and about this summer talking to some amazing folks in the tourism industry, but some of the best conversations we’ve had have been with the tourists themselves. 

Hands down, people say that this province – and our people and hospitality– are proof we are most certainly one of a kind.

Ocean Delight Properties ~ Heart’s Delight, NL

Laurelyn Berry, owner at Ocean Delight Properties, proudly shows off her property. With four cottages – adorably named Cranberry, Cloudberry, Blueberry and Partridgeberry –  on the ocean’s edge in scenic Whiteway, and four more – the Loon, the Puffin, the Gannet and the Osprey – just a five minutes drive away in a secluded cove in Heart’s Delight-Islington, Ocean Delight cottages are breathtaking, even if only in their setting.

But that’s just the start. Each cottage has been lovingly designed and are unique in their layout, and each – while comfortable and designed to offer all the needed conveniences for a stay – are so much more. There’s also an element of elegance and romance in each and every cottage. 

On the day we visit Berry she had been walking her two senior dogs, and one had gotten into the water. There was garden work to be completed and furry family members to tend to, yet she stood before us as elegant and as poised as a movie star. Berry was able to give The Herald a tour of almost every cottage in both locations, and while they were all stunning and spectacular inside and out, it was the view at each – created to make it appear as if your cottage is the only one on the edge of the world – that took our breath away. 

Later, we were able to stay at The Gannet and “romantic” is the only word to describe both the vibe and the setting. 

“I’m a romantic at heart and I like things to be functional yes, but also to relax and inspire. Simple can be romantic, and that’s what Ocean Delight is,” she said. As the sun began to set, we moved from our private deck area to our private garden and then, with time to spare, we took our nightcaps and wandered down to a newly created gazebo area closer to the sea and sat and took in all the beauty and wonder. 

For bookings and more visit  oceandelightcottages.net/ODC2

Bay Chalets ~ Placentia, NL

Located in the Placentia area, Bay Chalets offers some unique options when it comes to a stay-over. 

The Cliff House is luxury personified. It’s a hot tub on the edge of the ocean and a magnificently manicured garden – waterfall included – stay. But that’s just the outside! Inside, with so many hand-crafted “bomb proof” creations by the owners, this place is worth the stay simply to experience its finery. 

Cochrane House Chalet boasts a large wrap-around deck and an incredible ocean view. Pet friendly, it’s openness and comfort encourages “settling in” instantly. Margie’s Place by the Pond is unique. With a kitchen and main floor area that is so beautiful it begs to be lived in and the design of the house – a former parish priest residence – is jaw-dropping. The newly renovated master used to be the maid’s residence. Soaker tub, luxurious shower and a bedroom to inspire, the master is a masterpiece. But take a wander through the premises and you’ll see hints of the past everywhere. 

During our stay, I swear there were ghosts exploring the place as we slept, though they were of the most friendly kind and a stay at Margie’s Place is friendly and welcoming, just like property owners Joanne Cochrane-Knight  and Jamel Knight.  

The couple both have a flair for design, and Jamel is a talented wood-worker and has created many incredible one-of-a-kind pieces. From tables to bar-tops, these vacation home rentals are unique. 

“We just wanted to make an environment that was friendly for people to really enjoy themselves. ‘Bomb proof’ is what I call what we’ve created, but yet everything is so one-of-a-kind and beautiful,” she said. 

They take so much pride in what they do. “We start early mornings and we go until it’s done for us. A five star review is so important, not because we want the numbers, but because we want our guests to be happy,” she said. “We take it very personally when something doesn’t go right because we have put so much time and energy and effort and money and  mostly love into everything we do.”

For more see baychalets.ca 

Frozen in Time Winery & Ironberry ~Markland, NL

Located in Markland, Frozen in Time is a place one must see to believe – a phrase I used over and over while being given a tour of the store and restaurant area of the premises by manager Liz Collins. 

A proud family based business dedicated to producing premium berry wines and spirits using quality, clean ingredients, minimal processing and no added sulphites, Collins explained that there’s also quite the history in the building we were standing in. 

“Visiting our winery is like taking a step back into a slice of Newfoundland history,” she said. 

The Markland Cottage Hospital was built in 1935 and was one of 19 cottage hospitals built in Newfoundland and Labrador to serve rural communities. The overnight stay rental above the winery is spectacular in its preserving of that history. The architecture, windows, space and setting is again one that must be seen and experienced to be believed. But it’s the people that really make each place special. Collins glows as she showcases all the renovations lovingly done to the premises. Owner Marek Krol is passionate about the place, Collins explained. Even though Newfoundland isn’t his home by birth, he’s felt an instant connection to the place from the start, something he shared with The Herald when we spoke. Twenty years after immigrating to Toronto from his native Poland in 1988, Krol saw the benefits of establishing a business in Newfoundland and Labrador after one visit. “It was the people. The people from Poland are friendly, and Newfoundlanders give off that same feeling.. And many of the places I’ve seen in Newfoundland, it looks like home… It’s the closest I’ve felt to home since I left Poland,” he explained warmly. 

Krol said he purchased the winery (formerly Rodrigues Winery) because he “had faith in the people and in the place.” 

“The province of Newfoundland has so many opportunities for the people to do something beautiful and different. We all are a team there and we have a vision to put trails, lit by night, where people can come and sample food and fine wine and stay in the woods in a natural setting. The people of Newfoundland love the woods, and we have so much of it to offer at the winery,” he said. 

The pride in his staff and in the products they produce is uplifting. 

“We lift ourselves up. We are proud to show the world the possibilities. We have something special with our products and the future looks bright,” he shared. 

With flavoured maple syrup – a unique product in Canada great on its own or for cooking – their Ironberry line which produces powders made from berries: blueberries, cranberries and sea buckthorn, a berry that contains more than 190 different nutrients, as well as protein and fatty acids;  they have it all. 

Krol added that one teaspoon of Ironberry powder is equivalent to eating around a half a cup of berries. And the taste? Amazing! 

The pub area of Frozen in Time fills as we hang out with the fun and friendly staff. We’re there to eat  and taste the wines of course – but also to have a laugh with those working. It’s karaoke night and the place is on wheels with locals and come from aways alike. 

Come Home 2022 has been a joyful one for all. And the bonus?

“Our products are so pure, there’s no hangover. No chemicals. 

It’s all organic,” Krol said. And yes, tasting great is fabulous of course, and all the wines and liqueurs are incredible, but knowing that in the morning the only regret might be one’s karaoke performance is a great feeling too! 

For more visit  frozenintimeltd.com

Dildo Dory Grill

Laura March-Crocker  has her hands full on the day we visit. With sea food chowder and cod au gratin and fish cakes on the menu, it’s a kitchen day for this chief and business owner. 

The main courses – from fish and chips to chicken burgers – are all amazing, but of course when you are in Dildo it’s all about the people and the scenery. Captain Dildo is a great draw, of course. “Everyone that comes through, you’ll see them take their camera out for a picture,” she said with a smile.   

But with all the love and passion March-Crocker puts into every bite, it’s little wonder they draw a crowd. “We love it when someone enjoys themselves. I love to cook for a crowd, and you certainly get to do that here,” she laughed. 

March-Crocker says “that’s the way it is here. Dildo just makes everybody happy.” And that it does! 

For more visit  dildodorygrill.com/index.html or follow them on Facebook

The movie-star-like personality that was the late Geoff Stirling often philosophized that we are stars and producers of our own movie: life. 

That we get a staring role and have the privilege of dictating the direction of our own destiny is a simple yet brilliant way to look at life’s trajectory. 

As I’ve travelled around the province this summer I’ve encountered many people, and the happiest and most successful spiritually and otherwise are without question those who have followed their own path and the road less travelled instead of taking direction from others.

The stories have given me chills. The way people have met to become lifelong partners is but one incredible tale I’ve enjoyed hearing. Chris and Karen Ricketts of Round Da Bay Inn in Plate Cove West are but one example. Their love story involves – of all things – a  dinky collection. 

A random encounter of those two beautiful souls has led to a life of giving joy and hope to others. It’s dramatic, it’s a love story, and at times it’s a comedy, all rolled into one life story worth the watch. Charlie and Anna also lived  a life worthy of an award or two in the telling alone. Charlie and Anna were married longer than most people live. From Ontario, the couple had visited Newfoundland a time to two and felt a connection to this place. 

Towards the end of her days, Anna was living with dementia. Charlie, the love of her life, cared for his darling treasure even into his mid 90s. 

Before she passed, in one last moment of clarity, Anna asked to be taken back to Newfoundland, back to a place around the bay where she had met beautiful people and heard beautiful music. 

Charlie returned to this province after her death – packing a lifetime into a few boxes – and in honour of his late Anna, he now calls this province home. Charlie makes blueberry pies and lends a hand to neighbours in need and runs errands for busy friends – All at 96 years of age. There’s Pamela at Marble Inn & Suites who provides her spa services to others with quality, care and compassion. Her story of bravery – of moving here from away and following her heart and passion – is more than uplifting.  

There’s a long awaited family reunion we happened upon in Keels that included a 65th birthday celebration, a yarn about a charmingly named boat that left us spellbound in Salvage and two mothers in Catalina whose drive and passion should be a must-see movie for any young lady in need of motivation. 

Lighthouses in honour of dear old dad and vintage homes designed to delight – these woman share their gifts with others one night at a time. From tales of adventure – like a thirty pound salmon landing – to musicians following their dreams on the road –  it’s been a summer filled with stories worthy of retelling.  Fires in central leading to on-the-fly changes in plans have led to adventures of a lifetime. 

For someone who loves to capture and share other’s stories, it’s been one blockbuster summer filled with movie-worthy moments and super stars and it’s my honour to share as many of those yarns as I can with our readers.

Pam Pardy, The Herald’s Managing Editor, can be reached by emailing pghent@nfldherald.com

Doctor’s House Inn & Spa ~Green’s Harbour, NL

Jerry Byrne is the ultimate energetic host, and his passion is on bust the day we visit as he shows new summer staff – mostly come from away university students – the ropes as well as the premises. 

While the property – acres upon acres of paths, trees, flowers and other magnificent greenery – sparkles, the real gem at The Doctor’s House Inn & Spa is the staff. There’s Stephanie and Lucas (the magical fire starter-upper on the evening we visit) and Ruby, just for starters, but the entire historic property beams with positivity and welcoming warmth.

It’s likely that energy comes from Byrne himself – an engineer turned inn owner. 

“This is a passion, and you have to be passionate about people and the place you’re welcoming them to if you are going to survive in the tourism industry,” he shared as we took a tour through the main guest house. With stunning architecture to take in as well as art work created by Byrne’s wife – the beautiful Emily Fouchard of Siren House Art Studio – throughout, the tour is more of a gloriously slow meandering about. The rooms are all named after the tree that is most pronounced from the window in each. Chestnut. Beach. The trees – and the view of them from each and every room named after them – is breathtaking. 

The Doctor’s House Inn & Spa has it all. Nightly entertainment at times. Spa services. Tranquility. Brilliant sunsets. Spectacular weather – Byrne can proudly boast an incredible average of successful outside garden weddings to attest to that very fact. Great friendly staff. Mouth watering dining options prepared by the talented Tyler and served in the most spectacular setting – a barn designed to look like an upside down boat. There’s one of a kind (sort of) animals on the premises and the history? It’s all so incredibly much to take in on one visit. 

Peace. Quiet. Beauty. It’s all there. The windows that frame the secret garden came from an old church, Byrne explained, stressing the importance of preserving the history of this place.

Stone – collected by Dr. Body, the properties original owner – stands testament to Byrne’s commitment to preserve and protect the property’s history.  Byrne’s tour consists of tales of Dr. Body. 

“This barn, that was the original home. He kept Newfoundland ponies in the barn area and he and his wife and children lived upstairs, using the horses as a heating source in the colder months.”

Dr. Body – a  former Psychiatrist at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary (HMP) in St. John’s – used the property as his retreat. 

To truly appreciate the premises, one must visit – and you don’t have to be an overnight guest either! The dining (make a reservation) is open for all, and the sunsets are free! 

We feed the resident African Boer Goats before moving on to visit Joseph and Clara – the only two Newfoundland Heritage Rams in the province. Then, the stars of the 30-room property – Newfoundland Ponies! Monty steals the spotlight, however, as he’s actually a magical colour-changing horse! The story  involves artist and Newfoundland pony enthusiast and fellow Green’s Harbour resident Clifford George. More next week!

To connect with the Doctor’s House Inn & Spa visit them at doctorshousenl.ca

St. John’s Walking Tours ~ St. John’s, NL

If you’d like to join the tour tomorrow, it’ll be leaving at 2:00 from the bronze statue at the east end of George Street,” the message read. Having done so much adventuring outside the city limits, spending an afternoon downtown sounded grand.

St. John’s Walking Tours is proudly brought to life by Pierre Trowbridge and Melissa Hogan, two longtime friends and passionate travellers that say they are now bringing their passion to the streets of St. John’s. 

Their journey began in January 2020 at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trowbridge was travelling by bicycle from Vietnam to Cambodia to visit friends on his winter vacation and, as his journey got underway, there were stories of an unknown virus. Pierre wound up stranded outside China and decided that the best place for him to be was back in Canada. Trowbridge and Hogan reunited and began working on the creation of St John’s Walking Tours. 

“We’re very proud of what we’ve created and the hard work we put in is finally paying off and we are excited to bring these entertaining and informative tours to visitors and locals alike,” Trowbridge, said. Some interesting tidbits. The Colonial Building, completed in 1850, was built to house Newfoundland’s Representative Government. It’s also home to a very funny story that tells us why, to this very day, the legislature in NL is unique among its kind. Wanna find out more? Book a tour! As for Jelly Bean Row, there are many colourful myths as to why houses in downtown are painted so brightly. While the truth, they tease, is ‘blander’ than the houses themselves, the tale still makes for a grand yarn. Dying to know? Then book a tour! 

For more visit stjohnswalkingtours.com or find them on Facebook

A lazy river! Markland, NL

Who knew such a thing existed? A two (give or take) hour experience on a relaxing river just outside St. John’s that appears to be deigned by nature for exactly this: a relaxing adventure on the water. 

The tubes are designed for comfort and fun and are easy to navigate through the Hodge River. 

While some areas are shallow and require a little ‘portaging’ (wear appropriate foot wear) for the majority of the ride, you can simply float along. 

A paddle is provided for anyone interested in a little maneuvering, but for the most part – float and enjoy the ride as well as the scenery! 

Great for families, including young children, this is a fun activity for all to enjoy! 

For more visit windatyourbacknl.ca or follow them on Facebook (Summer Hours Vary)

Beothuk Interpretation Centre – Boyd’s Cove, NL

The Boyd’s Cove site in eastern Notre Dame Bay on the northeast coast is situated at the bottom of a bay and protected by a maze of islands that shelter it from waves and winds, making it a perfect sport for the Beothuks to settle.

The site was found in 1981 while a survey team were out looking to locate Beothuk settlements. Visiting the Boyd’s Cove Beothuk Interpretation Centre is a great way to revisit the history that was uncovered during those excavations. Walk the trails and take in the same air and see the same sights as the Beothuk did. There’s uncovered treasures to behold. Visiting is free for Come Home Year 2022. 

For more visit Beothuk Interpretation Centre on Facebook or www.seethesites.ca