Cultural Experiences
There are places on this earth that continue to live on inside of you, long after you’ve gone. Where the stories, tales, and traditions are filled with old-world charm, and coloured by Irish, English, French, and Aboriginal influences. And where the legendary culture has a way of seeping in under your skin. There’s no better way to soak it all up than through authentic encounters and hands-on learning experiences – the kind that leads to a true understanding of the living, breathing culture and traditions that exist in every corner of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Irish Loop is a great place to start. Perched on a gentle slope by the sea, the Ferryland Lighthouse is just a 25-minute walk from the Colony of Avalon. Inside the restored 1870 icon, you’ll find the cheerful kitchen of Lighthouse Picnics in full swing, preparing made-to-order gourmet nosh and freshly squeezed lemonade. All you have to do is pick a spot outside, kick back, and enjoy dining al fresco in a truly inspired setting. They even deliver the delicious goods right to your blanket, so you can keep your eye on the whales below.
For a truly off the beaten path experience, head to the Torngat Mountains in northern Labrador. This national park is generously equipped with spectacular wilderness where Inuit hunt, fish and travel – just as aboriginal peoples have for thousands of years. Join a local guide on an Inuit harvesting trip to gather food for the Torngat Mountains Base Camp. Or take an overnight trip into spectacular fjords where their ancestors have camped and walked before. Hear ancient stories and legends as you enjoy a hot meal prepared over an open fire. Live and interact with researchers and, under certain conditions, accompany them in the field.
At the northern tip of Newfoundland, you’ll find a remote island oasis on the shores of Iceberg Alley where the long, leisurely iceberg season can last well into late summer. Quirpon Lighthouse Inn (pronounced like harpoon) offers the unique experience of an authentic lightkeeper’s home built in 1922. Catch a glimpse of icebergs, killer whales, and humpbacks – all regular visitors – from their indoor viewing station or from the seat of a kayak. Relax under a blanket of Northern Lights, and fall asleep to the lulling sounds of the ocean in the fully restored lighthouse inn.
If spontaneous encounters are an important part of your travels, then CapeRace Cultural Adventures is for you. Specializing in upbeat self-guided travel experiences, CapeRace initiates real connections to the local community and sends you off on an authentic adventure of a lifetime – where every day leads to something new and unexpected. Meet colourful characters as you explore the culture and communities at your own pace. Along the way, enjoy customized guidebooks, itineraries, guest homes, and vehicles that match your personal style and help create an unforgettable travel experience.
For an inspiring mix of hiking, storytelling and music all at once, don’t miss the Trails, Tales and Tunes Festival. This annual springtime festival, held in breathtaking Gros Morne National Park, offers two weeks of hiking and walking complemented by delicious food and top-notch musical entertainment. Bring your own instrument to the Tune Up, a musical workshop and jam session. And don’t miss the music, dancing and fun at the Singing Kitchen – a ‘time’ held at a local restaurant.
Helpful Links
Provincial Historic Sites Event Guide
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- Pasadena
- (709) 686 1395
- (877) 847 4660
- info@visionatlantic.net
- www.visionatlanticvacations.com
- Quirpon Island
- (877) 254 6586
- (709) 634 2285
- info@linkumtours.com
- www.linkumtours.com
- Forteau
- +1 (709) 931 2840
- +1 (866) 931 2840
- info@labradorseaview.ca
- www.labradorseaview.ca
- Trinity
- (709_ 464 3377
- (709) 728 1805
- info@trinityvacations.com
- www.trinityvacations.com
- St. John's
- +1 (709) 722 3123
- +1 (888) 615 8279
- wildtour@nfld.com
- www.wildlands.com
- St. John's
- (888) 660 6060
- (709) 579 4444
- nfldinfo@mccarthysparty.com
- www.mccarthysparty.com
- Happy Valley - Goose Bay
- (709) 896 3398
- (709) 896 9301
- hotelnorthtwo@nf.aibn.com
- hotelnorth.ca
- Route 210 Garden Cove, 20 minutes from Route 1
- (709) 364 3701
- (800) 504 1066
- woodyi@woodyi.com
- www.woodyi.com
* Offers are subject to availability. Taxes are extra. You may have to pre-book and/or mention
the promotion at the time of booking. Please check with the operator for more details.
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WintertonA centre for the history and traditions of wooden boat building. Featuring exhibits, cultural experiential building workshops and gift kiosk.
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Battle HarbourA restored salt fish premises and community, Battle Harbour is a designated National Historic District. Guided walking and boat tours (whales, icebergs, abandoned communities), abundant natural history attractions.
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RaleighTraditional Fishing Village, adventure cultural tourism, boat tours.
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PlacentiaExhibits present the history of Placentia. Fortifications provide a glimpse into the 17th century.
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English Harbour, Trinity BayThe centre offers workshops, concerts, residences, classes, rentals, cultural events and gallery space.
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CampbelltonDedicated to producing the best u-pick strawberries, raspberries and black currants. Located on the tip of a small peninsula once frequented by Maritime Archaic Indians.
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Red BayDuring the 16th century, whalers from the Basque Region of Spain and France where making seasonal voyages across the Atlantic to Labrador in pursuit of Right and Bowhead wha-les for the lucrative European market of whale products, in particular whale oil.
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CupidsArchaeologists are uncovering the original 1610 plantation site, the oldest English colony in Canada. Artifacts are found daily, such as stoneware, clay pipes and 17th century glass.
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TrinityLearn about the work of the Cooper at this historic site while watching a demonstration in barrel making take place.
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L'Anse aux MeadowsA UNESCO World Heritage Site: the first authenticated European presence in North America 1000 A.D. Archaeological excavations in the 1960s uncovered the remains of three dwellings, four workshops and an iron working smithy. Artifacts of Norse origin included a soapstone spindle whorl, bronze ring-headed pin and iron rivets. Relax in the sod hut of the Viking chief, experience the life of a Viking through stories and demonstrations by costumed re-enactors.
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GlovertownWheelchair accessible walking trails surrounding Southwest Steady. Panoramic views of the community. Four bridges along the way. Rest stops. Wetland park where wildlife can be observed.
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TwillingateWinery includes a gift store and tasting room with a large variety of fruit and berry wines and blended wines with grape varieties. Offering wine tours during the summer season.
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BonavistaA restored 19th century industrial salt fish complex of warehouses and a proprietor's house on Bonavista harbour. Programs and award-winning exhibits interpret the fascinating history of Canada's east-coast fisheries.
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St. John'sThe home of The Rooms Provincial Archives, Art Gallery and Museum. Showcasing the art, artifacts and archival records, natural history, cultural treasures of Newfoundland and Labrador.
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TwillingateFisherman's wharf, bark pots, puncheons, splittin' table, salt cod, dried squid, baby ducks and rabbits. Outport photo gallery and audio visual presentations. Many awards!
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St. LunaireWorld's only Economusee dedicated to the interpretation of wild berries. See them in their natural habitat, watch products being made, and taste. Home of the Granchain Exhibit.
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BrigusHawthorne Cottage offers guided tours, exhibits and live theatre depicting Newfoundland outport life and the adventures of world famous explorer Captain Bob Bartlett."
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Blackhead, Cape SpearCommemorated for the age and architecture of the oldest surviving lighthouse in the province. Located at the most easterly point in North America. Check out the new EXPLORA Gps Tour.
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BonavistaOne of the most photographed sites in the province - experience 19th century light keeping life in this 1843 lighthouse. A great spot for whales, icebergs, and puffins.
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TrinityGlimpse Trinity as a thriving 1800s seaport. This was the business hub for three merchant families over 150 years. The 1820s-era Counting House is a historic gem.
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WintertonLooking for a great workshop to traditional wooden boat construction? Join us at our upcoming workshops.
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Woody PointThe tenth year of our festival features readings by authors from Newfoundland & Labrador and elsewhere, plus great musical entertainment, in the intimate setting of the century-old Woody Point Heritage Theatre.
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TrinityRising Tide's award-winning blend of history, drama & culture set amidst the magnificent backdrop of historic Trinity & presented by 50 of the province's finest professional artists offstage and on. Box Office open daily.
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Happy Valley-Goose BayGreat Labrador Canoe Race will showcase Labrador's trapping heritage and the importance of the canoe for accessing the wonders on interior Labrador.
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EllistonThe festival is designed to bring together the best of Newfoundland foods, wines and storytelling and promote new and traditional ways of enjoying the local cuisine.
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Musgrave HarbourOutdoor fun filled days of games, food and live entertainment. Enjoy the beach party of the year! A fireworks display will wind up the weekend. Lots of family fun!
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St. John'sCelebrating the Annual Wreckhouse International Jazz & Blues Festival in St. John's NL.
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Woody Island, Placentia BayThe unique Resort in a scenic fishing village offers an unforgettable "Back In Time" all inclusive experience.
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L'Anse aux MeadowsViking-themed dramatic performance in Chieftains Hall at Nor stead.
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Norris PointOur May festival offers a fabulous mix of outdoor activities, storytelling, culinary events and great music, all set in the stunning landscape of Gros Morne National Park.
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St. John'sNeighbourhood Dance Works is the primary presenter of contemporary dance in Newfoundland and Labrador. We present the Festival of New Dance, main stage showcases, workshops and community outreach.
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Cow Head8 - play repertory theatre festival of comedy, drama, dinner theatre and evenings of Newfoundland music and recitations.
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EastportListen to and meet authors and song writers from across Newfoundland, Labrador and Canada August 9 - 11 at the Beaches Heritage Centre, Eastport.
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St. John'sSee behind the scenes at the Vaults during this city-wide event.
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Grates CoveExperience the historic rock walls and the outport community of Grates Cove with professional artist Terrence Howell
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Province - WideProvince- WideUnique-boutique tour operator offering authentic trips that appeal to the minds and souls of the curious traveller.
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Cow HeadGuided tour of museum and Lighthouse Trail; a light lunch with local knitter followed by a visit with herder and his sheep, ticket to Newfoundland Vinyl at the Ethie Room, and backstage pass to meet the actors.
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Northern LabradorTorngat Mountains Base Camp and Research Station in Saglek Bay Labrador is the gateway to Torngat Mountains National Park and Hebron National Historic Site.
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St. John'sThe craft council shop presents the largest selection of traditional and contemporary craft in Newfoundland and Labrador.
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BrookfieldOriginal printmaking and textile art by Janet Davis and other local artists, art workshops in a c.1890 general store.
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St. John'sArtist-run gallery in the heart of downtown St. John's committed to the promotion and exhibition of contemporary Newfoundland, Canadian and International visual art.

















Watch Chris explain the word duckish. Here’s a hint: it has nothing to do with ducks. Or maybe it does?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YN0u8DjBIk&feature=youtu.be



