We followed the winding road as it climbed around Gun Hill. On the other side was a wonderful surprise. Our eyes feasted on the stunning scene. Below us, a cute town was nestled on a small cape and enclosed in blue water. Trinity had stolen our hearts.

When we were planning our trip to Bonavista Peninsula we had been told to stop at Trinity. Known for being very picturesque, we didn’t think it could be any cuter than what we had already seen so far on this trip. After all, we had seen so many cute towns with colourful homes on picturesque bays.

Even before we reached Trinity, we were treated to pretty views. The main highway passes small, picturesque ponds surrounded by green hills. As we edged closer to the bay we had our first glimpse of Four Point Lighthouse at the end of a long cape.

Leaving the main highway, the drive to Trinity travels on a narrow, winding road around small mountains and hills. As we reached the other side of Gunn Hill we were in awe of the spectacular scene hidden below. We stopped near the top of the hill and looked down to see colourful homes spread across a funny shaped peninsula, framed by azure blue water. In the distance, a lighthouse was sticking far out into the water at the end of another pointed cape. This scene had all the necessary elements for an amazing view.

We slowly made our way down the hill toward town, almost not believing the perfect site our eyes were absorbing. In the late 1700s the people of Trinity were very wealthy due to the city’s prominent role in the salt fish industry. Today the town’s heritage homes line the meandering streets and lanes while colourful old boathouses sit at the water’s edge. We wandered through town, wishing we were staying for the night in one of the B&Bs in this quintessential Newfoundland fishing village.

Across the bay we saw a perfect lighthouse standing at the end of a long rocky cape and knew we wanted a closer look. As we drove on the convoluted road to reach Four Point Lighthouse we had more amazing views of the idyllic town. It’s perfect from every angle.

Once we reached the end of the pointy cape we could see Four Point Lighthouse sitting on the edge of a rugged cliff. Behind it a long rock wall provided the perfect backdrop.

Promoted as having more scenic views per square foot than any other hiking trail in Newfoundland, we knew we wanted to hike the Skerwink trail. It is a 5.8 km loop on the other side of the bay. Beginning in the town of Port Rexton, the hike travels around the edge of Skerwink Head. It took us by tall cliffs with steep walls and tight inlets with sea stacks soaring up from the rough ocean floor. There definitely are a lot of scenic views on this short hike.

We could see the fog rolling in as we reached the tip of Skerwink Head so we rushed to make sure we didn’t miss our view of Trinity. As we rounded the loop, the fog was closer. The lighthouse on its rocky projection came in and out of view through the mist. At times the entire town was smothered in a blanket of fog, at other times, bright colours poked through. It was at this time that we were glad we didn’t have a hotel room in Trinity. The loud fog horn began sounding and continued to blow loudly twice a minute for the remainder of the hike.

This was the perfect ending to our time on Bonavista Peninsula, but we still had more to see in Newfoundland.

Tips for Visiting Newfoundland

• The TransCanada Highway in Newfoundland is shaped like a horseshoe as it travels along the west, north and eastern edge of the island province. There are smaller highways leading to the various capes, but in order to get from east to west, you have to drive all around the northern edge. There are no shortcuts across the island. It will take a full day to drive from one side to the other. There are quite a few potholes across the province so drive with caution.
• Watch for moose while driving, especially between dusk and dawn. With 125,000 moose on the island there are, on average 700 moose-car collisions per year.
• If you’re planning to rent a car or RV, the best advice is to book early. Even when there isn’t a worldwide pandemic, there are not many available.
• Newfoundland Standard Time is 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Standard Time so do don’t forget to change your watch.
• Don’t confuse St. John’s, Newfoundland’s capital city with St. John in New Brunswick.

Where to stay on Bonavista Peninsula

Camping – Lockston Path Provincial Park is located in the middle of the peninsula, not far from Trinity. We found this a convenient location as well as a quiet, clean and affordable campground.

Hotels/Bed & Breakfast – There is a growing number of availabe hotels and B&Bs on Bonavista Peninsula. Depending on what sites you want to see, you can find many options in Trinity, Bonavista and Elliston. We loved staying in Meems Elliston B&B. The friendly hosts, clean and comfy rooms and great location makes it a great option.

Getting to Newfoundland

Marine Atlantic ferries travel between Sydney, NS and western Newfoundland’s Port aux Basques (7 hrs) twice a day and to the eastern province’s Argentia a few times a week. If traveling to or from Argentia it is a long 16 hour trip, usually overnight.  Another ferry travels from Blanc-Sablon, Quebec to St. Barbe on the Great Northern Peninsula. This ferry is much closer to L’Anse aux Meadow, however it is a long and difficult drive to reach the Quebec Port.

Most flights travel to St. John’s, but there are also international airports in Stephenville and Gander. Gander is famous for accepting planes from the US during 9/11.

Read more about Newfoundland – Conception Bay, Western Newfoundland, Gros Morne National Park, Vikings in Newfoundland, Bonavista Peninsula, St. John’s, Signal Hill, Day Trips from St. John’s

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