Canadians are calling themselves lucky for more than a few reasons these days, and for one reason in particular: they feel lucky that a staycation needn’t mean a loss of adventure for them this summer.
This feeling is particularly felt in Newfoundland and Labrador, where surprises are hidden around almost every bend of its endless craggy shorelines. It’s where Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Media Relations officer Gillian Marx says it can be “difficult to pick any one place” to single out as the top destination that province residents should revisit this summer, or travel to for the first time.
“This is an opportunity to find out on your own why you are so proud of this amazing province,” Marx says. “This is the time to spend with family close to home. It offers locals the chance to see why we are considered a world class tourism destination in our markets.”
Marx says there are many locations across the province that area residents and people from outside these communities should consider visiting. For anyone looking to reconnect with the outdoors through checking out trails, Marx says the Avalon Peninsula’s East Coast Trail offers up world-class hiking trails, and that the same peninsula’s Baccalieu Trail, which connects hikers to the greatly named areas of Heart’s Content, Heart’s Desire and Heart’s Delight, is another favourite.
For those looking to witness wildlife, Marx says to be sure and wander over to Conception Bay, where she says whales are currently “dancing” in the waters surrounding the area. She also recommends Cape St. Mary’s, an accessible bird sanctuary where visitors are treated to the sight of 60,000 gannets.
For those looking to support local business and taste what their local brewers have to offer, Marx says craft breweries like St. John’s Bannerman Brewing Co., the Quidi Vidi Brewing Company and the Dildo Brewing Co. are well worth the drive.
Cancelled vacations do not mean a cancelled summer, according to Marx, who says such activities are but the tip of the iceberg — another thing that can be seen off the province’s coast, if you look closely enough — of what can be done with a Newfoundland and Labrador staycation.
“If you wanted to go to the beach, check out all the gorgeous sandy beaches right here. Different places in the province have different climates so you can chase the sun and sand here,” she says. “We have fjords that would rival anything in Norway, and the hiking is akin to anything in New Zealand.”
Whatever their fancy, Marx says people should take advantage of what the province has to offer this summer and, while they’re at it, to consider supporting local at the same time.
“We have amazing tourism operators who are ready to show off their part of this province and prove that we have little differences that make each place special.”
