Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/809166
Glynmill Inn CORNER BROOK tel: 709-634-5181 fax: 709-634-5106 toll free: 1-800-563-4400 Albatross Hotel GANDER tel: 709-256-3956 fax: 709-651-2692 toll free: 1-800-563-4900 Irving West Hotel GANDER tel: 709-256-2406 fax: 709-651-3860 Sinbad's Hotel & Suites GANDER tel: 709-651-2678 fax: 709-651-3123 toll free: 1-800-563-8330 The Capital Hotel ST. JOHN'S tel: 709-738-4480 fax: 709-738-4481 toll free: 1-800-503-1603 JAG ST. JOHN'S tel: 709-738-1524 fax: 709-738-1544 toll free: 1-844-564-1524 Glynmill Inn, Corner Brook steelehotels.com Our hotels, experience the island in comfort We've built our name on hospitality... just like the island Contrary to what Columbus fans profess, it was actually Leif Eriksson who "discovered" North America in 1000 AD, and the Viking settlement he erected here has itself been recognized by UNESCO. Open from late May through early October, the site includes a complex of sod huts and a visitor's centre showcasing artefacts used a millennium ago. For an entertaining variation on the theme, continue on to nearby Norstead, a meticulously recreated port of trade populated by faux Norse folk ( www.norstead.com ). OUDOOR ADVENTURERS If it's fresh air fun you're after, head for the area around Newfoundland & Labrador's second largest city, Corner Brook (www. cornerbrook.com). The Bay of Islands, for starters, is a magnet for whale watchers and boaters. Prefer fishing? Cod, squid, and more can also be caught here. Of course, there aren't just lots of fish in the sea—they fill other bodies of water, too. In fact, this province is home to most of North America's Atlantic salmon rivers, a disproportionate number of which are right here. The Humber, which sees tens of thousands of fish swim through during its annual run, is a particular hot spot for trophy-sized salmon. Back on dry land, other warm-weather activities in the Corner Brook vicinity include hiking, mountain biking, and golfing at Humber Valley Resort's highly-regarded 18-hole championship golf course ( www. humbervalley.com ). In winter, popular Marble Mountain promises skiing, snow- boarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, dogsledding, and even zip-lining ( www. skimarble.com; www.marbleziptours.com ). LOCAL COLOUR CONNOISSEURS Travellers increasingly crave cultural experiences these days, and Western Newfoundland delivers in this regard as well. The simple fact that folks around here are so friendly means opportunities for authentic interaction are plentiful. To meet locals en masse, try attending one of the region's annual events. Not surprisingly, many of them focus on food. The Exploits Valley Salmon Festival, the Cow Head Lobster Festival and the Deer Lake Strawberry Festival are, for instance, all peak-season favourites. But others, like the Iceberg Festival held each June in St. Anthony, prove that residents can always find a reason to celebrate. Artsy alternatives, including the Gros Morne Theatre Festival which breathes new life into vintage songs and stories through its summer repertory lineup, offers a different way for you to immerse in local culture ( www.theatrenewfoundland.com/ gmtf.html ). The same is true for the engaging interpretative programs sponsored by the park itself, several of which explore traditional outport life in a fun and informative way. Such a rich range of attractions and activities make Western Newfoundland almost impossible to resist. GETTING HERE Board a Marine Atlantic ferry (www.marine atlantic.ca) from North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Port aux Basques at the island's south- west tip (www.portauxbasques.ca). This historic town, founded by 16 th century Basque fishermen, is a fine place to stop before or after the six-hour crossing. If you're arriving via Québec or Labrador, take the Blanc Sablon to St. Barbe or Corner Brook ferry instead ( www.tw.gov.nl.ca/ ferryservices/index.html). If you'd rather fly, land at Deer Lake Regional Airport (www. deerlakeairport.com). The titular town (www.town.deerlake.nf.ca), 35 minutes north of Corner Brook and 35 minutes south of Gros Morne National Park, marks the start of the Viking Trail, otherwise known as Route 430. NL 138