Find yourself in Newfoundland, surrounded by wilderness and captivating views
Just over five hours away is the easterly province of Newfoundland and Labrador
IS commuting to work sending you mad? Is driving past the park the closest you’ve come to the great outdoors in years?
Well, tell your boss you’re feeling poorly and get yourself to Canada — quick.
Just over five hours away is the easterly province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
From the moment I left St John’s International Airport I was greeted with rolling hills and gorgeous views, straight from the freeway.
They’re totally captivating. But once you really get out to the wilderness, even these start to pale in comparison.
Along the 18,000 miles of coast there are some truly stunning vistas.
And if you’re a little more adventurous, you can get even closer to nature.
Hopping on board an Iceberg Quest Boat Tour, I headed out to sea in search of, well, yes, icebergs — but also the whales that frequently swim close to shore.
Newfoundland and Labrador has the world’s largest concentration of humpback whales, so there’s a decent chance of spotting a few.
The boat trip was a genuine one-off experience, with our knowledgeable captain narrating the hour-long journey while a live band filled the gaps with sea shanties.
While the warm weather had put paid to the icebergs, I did spot some huge whales heaving under the waves.
I’d found my sea legs, but I decided to slow things down a bit for my next adventure: beautiful Cape Broyle, just an hour by road from St John’s.
For an experience that would be the highlight of any trip, the instructors at Stan Cook Sea Kayaking can get even the most clueless beginner up and paddling. Back on dry land, there is a wealth of hiking trails for walkers.
But if, like me, you’re not in the habit of taking a map and compass with you when you go on holiday, you can do no better than heading to Ferryland Lighthouse Picnics, where a short walk rewards you with phenomenal views and, you guessed it, a picnic.
The family-owned business does a roaring trade in slap-up lunches for (hungry) nature lovers like myself, and I wolfed down my sandwiches and cake while enjoying the sun on the grassy cliffs.
But the landscape isn’t the only thing to look at — Newfoundland’s fauna more than matches its flora.
Birdwatchers can see puffins at the Elliston Puffin Site, one of the most reliable places on the continent to spot the bird. On a rocky coastal outcrop, thousands of puffins swoop in and out over the course of a season from May to September — and with binoculars, I got a really good look at them.
If all this exploring has made you thirsty, head to the Quidi Vidi Brewery, a local firm back in St John’s that produces award-winning beer using water harvested from icebergs off the coast.
Soak up the booze with a visit to Mallard Cottage — certainly a culinary highlight — specialising in local ingredients and Canadian fare.
But if there’s one spot for a romantic meal in Newfoundland and Labrador, it has to be Twine Loft, where a picturesque deck lets you look out over Fisher’s Cove.
It’s the perfect place to watch the sun set with someone you love.
After you’ve been totally bowled over by the seafood, check into one of the gorgeous rooms at nearby hotel Fishers’ Loft.
Fabulous scenery, seafood, birds — what else is left of Canada’s hallmarks?
Bears, of course. There are 6,000 black bears living in this part of the world.
They can clock speeds of up to 30mph. Trying to get away from an angry one might be the only non- relaxing part of your trip.
Go: Newfoundland and Labrador
CANADIAN Affair offers holidays to Newfoundland year round, with six night packages from £959 per person, including return flights from London Heathrow, and accommodation (based on two sharing) at a 3-star hotel. For information and reservations, call 020 7616 9933 / 0141 223 7515 or visit .