The wilds of Newfoundland, Canada are more accessible thanks to a new flight to St John’s, finds Lynn Houghton
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1. Visit the Johnson Geo Centre
The Johnson Geo Centre is the province’s premier science centre, taking visitors on a literal deep dive into the geology of the region. Cut into the ancient rock of Signal Hill, the underground museum explores the formation of planet Earth.
Discover interactive exhibits, including the Great Rock Wall (500ft of 550-million-year-old rock) and the Gardens of the Deep collection of deep-sea corals found off the coast of Atlantic Canada.
mun.ca/geocentre
2. Take an iceberg boat tour
Each spring, Iceberg Alley – which runs past St John’s – becomes one of the world’s most unusual waterways, as melting blue icebergs float south.
Whether it’s by boat, kayak or foot, any one of these modes of transport provides a great vantage point for this natural spectacle. Suggest clients explore the famous Alley on a two-hour boat ride, departing from a pier in downtown St John’s.
3. Hiking in Newfoundland
Newfoundland’s long and diverse coastline is punctuated by beaches, sea stacks and about 300 walking trails. Reach some of the best views in the province by climbing the second-highest peak, Gros Morne, on a 10-mile scenic trail named after former British prime minister, James Callaghan.
For an easier walk, the three-mile clifftop Skerwink Trail begins by tracing an old railway line before clambering up ancient sedimentary rock to Skerwink Head, offering impressive views of Trinity Bay.
3. Explore an old lighthouse
The Cape Spear Lighthouse, constructed in 1836, is North America’s most easterly point – and it also happens to be located on one of the best spots for watching whales and puffins.
Open from June 1 until October 11, visitors can venture up the stone tower to view the old-fashioned light system – once powered by seal blubber oil – and discover how a lighthouse-keeping family lived.
5. Stay at the Fogo Island Inn
The 29-room Fogo Island Inn is a feat of engineering. Not only is the hotel renowned for its contemporary appearance – on stilts – it’s also sustainable, integrating solar-powered water heaters and rainwater cisterns into its design.
Within the hotel is a library, cinema, fine-dining restaurant – which uses 80% Fogo Island ingredients, including handline-caught cod – a gallery of local art and Finnish saunas. For those seeking a truly remote getaway, it is unparalleled. Prices start from £1,530 per night.
fogoislandinn.ca
Book it
Canada As You Like It’s Newfoundland Explorer tour costs from £2,186 per person and includes 13 nights’ accommodation, direct flights to St John’s, car hire, ferry crossings and two excursions.
canadaasyoulikeit.com
PICTURES: Alex Fradkin; Shutterstock/Lynn A, Marcel Hamonic, Scott HeaneY
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