Fort Point Lighthouse, Trinity

In planning our first trip to Newfoundland in 2006, I took the advice of Newfoundland Tourism and included the Bonavista Peninsula. That really sealed our fate. If we were not already pulled into the spell that Newfoundland casts over innocent tourists, that makes them come back again and again, or do what we did and buy a house, we definitely were in trouble by the time we left the area.

The peninsula has Trinity Bay on the east and Bonavista Bay on the west. The main road takes you along the coasts between many picturesque fishing communities. We once tried road number 236 to take a short cut. It is best to stay on the coastal roads and enjoy the view.

On that first trip, we stayed at the Fishers’ Loft in Port Rexton on Trinity Bay. The inn consists of a collection of traditional saltbox houses (both old renovated and new structures) on a hillside with views of Trinity Bay. The inn has an outstanding restaurant where we ate our breakfasts and one dinner. The food was good but not inexpensive.

Fishers' Loft

View from the inn

Fox Island

Port Rexton is just around the corner from Trinity, our main destination. At one time, Trinity was a vibrant business centre. Merchants exported almost half of the cod and seals produced in Newfoundland. By the end of the 18th Century the merchants were operating 35 ocean going ships. Those days are long gone, but many of the fine homes and other structures are still there.

The original lighthouse was built in 1874. There was a much taller lighthouse in operation for many years which was eventually torn down. The current structure was built in 2003.

We had a couple of great outings during our stay. I had taken up canoeing a few years earlier and had done a sea kayak outing with our niece while on an Alaskan cruise a few years earlier. I asked at the lodge, and they arranged an outing for us. Po was not so sure but agreed when she found out that she would share the kayak with me, rather than be on her own. That of course meant that she enjoyed the view while I did most of the paddling. We stayed in the harbour, so it was quite calm. I have always regretted that I relied upon the guide to send us his photos, which unfortunately never happened.

A must for all visitors is to hike the famous Skerwink Trail. The trail is an easy walk along the ocean and features some spectacular views, including many sea stacks.

At this point we were definitely enjoying our stay in Newfoundland, but still did not know that a spell had been cast over us, that we would be making this our home. We have since returned to Trinity a few times, including a stay at the Eriksen Premises. On that visit we watched a musical at the Rising Tide Theatre which presents plays that reflect the history and culture of Newfoundland during the summer and fall.