Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/1471704
Two recently-launched craft brewers— Ninepenny and Bannerman—give thirsty travellers new reasons to say "cheers" (www.ninepennybrewing.ca; www.bannermanbrewing.com). Another reason to cheer? Newfoundland's newest craft beer event, the Big Land Craft Beer Festival, debuts in June in Labrador City and Corner Brook. CITY LIGHTS St. John's—which has earned a spot on National Geographic's list of "Top 10 Oceanfront Cities"—is a compelling mix of old and new. Designated heritage venues and classic Crayola-coloured houses blend with contemporary office buildings in this upbeat seaport. Boutiques, galleries and restaurants, many of which give tradition a modern twist, are plentiful here. So are bars: jumping George Street reputedly has more per square metre than any street in North America! The province's largest urban centre also boasts its broadest selection of accommodations, including business class and boutique hotels, historic inns and quaint B&Bs (www.stjohns.ca). Corner Brook, the province's second city, makes a convenient base for sports and nature-loving day trippers. Sitting in the shadow of the Blow Me Down Mountains, it puts visitors within easy reach of both Marble Mountain and Humber Valley. An average annual 5-m (16-ft.) snowfall draws an international contingent of downhill and cross-country skiers to the former each winter, while the latter is a favourite locale for anglers and golfers. Sailing or kayaking on the boater-friendly Bay of Islands is a memorable summertime alternative (www.cornerbrook.com). THE GREAT OUTDOORS This province boasts a 29,000-km (18,020-mi.) coast and land that encompasses everything from daunting mountains and dense boreal forests to starkly beautiful barrens. So, naturally, it has much in store. For starters, it is home to four national parks, including Akami-Uapishk u - KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve—Atlantic Canada's newest and largest—which is working towards developing natural and cultural tourism opportunities for visitors. In this early phase, potential visitors should be aware that programs and services are limited, with minimal infrastructure and services. The remaining three—Gros Morne in western Newfoundland, Terra Nova in eastern Newfoundland and the Torngat Mountains on Labrador's northernmost tip—are all stand-outs in their own right. Collectively, they offer activities ranging from snowshoeing and mountain climbing to hiking, biking and botanical treks, along with kids' programs and campfire events for all ages. These parks, however, don't hold a monopoly on outdoor fun. Take the Humber River area. Known primarily as a skiing and snowboarding destination, it promises warm-weather pursuits like hiking, golfing and caving, too. On-the-water options in the province include world-class salmon fishing, kayaking and whitewater rafting. Increas- ingly, scuba divers and snorkellers are donning dry suits for a peek at what lies beneath as well. If you would rather see the sights from a boat deck, whale and birdwatching trips are widely available, but that's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. From April to July, berg chasing is so popular that the tourism board maintains a website to track the movement of these mountains of ice (www.icebergfinder.com). NL 92 THE PROVINCE IS ISOLATED ENOUGH TO WARRANT ITS OWN TIME ZONE (NST, 1.5 HOURS AHEAD OF EST). Quick Fact Special Events www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/ things-to-do/festivals-and-events MAY • TRAILS TALES TUNES FESTIVAL, NORRIS POINT JUNE • BIG LAND CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL, LABRADOR CITY AND CORNER BROOK • THE ICEBERG FESTIVAL, ST. ANTHONY JUNE – SEPTEMBER • GROS MORNE THEATRE FESTIVAL, COW HEAD • SEASONS IN THE BIGHT THEATRE FESTIVAL, TRINITY JULY • FISH, FUN & FOLK FESTIVAL, TWILLINGATE • MIAWPUKEK POWWOW, CONNE RIVER • NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR FOLK FESTIVAL, ST. JOHN'S JULY – AUGUST • FESTIVAL OF FLIGHT, GANDER AUGUST • BRIGUS BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL • MUDDY HOLE SCUFF 'N SCOFF, MUSGRAVE HARBOUR • ROYAL ST. JOHN'S REGATTA SEPTEMBER • GROS MORNE FALL FEST AND CRAFT FAIR OCTOBER • FOGO ISLAND PARTRIDGEBERRY HARVEST FESTIVAL DECEMBER • NORTH AMERICA'S FIRST NEW YEAR, ST. JOHN'S THE BATTERY, ST. JOHN'S HARBOUR • SHUTTERSTOCK/DOLORES M. HARVEY