Locations

Get to Know the Bonavista Peninsula

Click here for the Discovery Trail Tourism website

Newfoundland and Labrador is a significant Canadian cultural destination, and the Bonavista Peninsula, also known as the Discovery Trail, is a provincial champion. Dramatic landscapes, a vibrant culture and communities steeped in 500 years of history make our location a living laboratory for visiting scholars, Institute partners, organizations and tourism providers.

Picturesque towns such as Bonavista, Trinity, King’s Cove and Port Union have preserved their historic properties, making the area an ideal place for the study of regional architecture. As part of our living laboratory concept, the Institute utilizes Provincial and National Historic Sites in Trinity and Bonavista and the entire Discovery Trail as a showcase of best practices in living interpretation.

History comes alive through theatre, song, dance and living interpretation.  Our program participants will learn through best practice examples such as Rising Tide’s New Founde Lande Trinity Pageant, the Random Passage site, the Sir William Ford Coaker Heritage Foundation, the Matthew Legacy Site, and the community of Elliston and its collection of root cellars.

Experience Our Natural Attractions

The Discovery Trail is rich in natural attractions. Icebergs make their way here from Greenland and Labrador each spring. Marine life abounds. Puffin colonies can be viewed from the land, and many species of birds and whales frequent Bonavista and Trinity Bays in summer. World-class coastal hiking trails, sweeping vistas and rugged cliffs add to the total visitor experience.

Discover Our Hospitality

The Bonavista Peninsula offers some of the finest accommodations, food and retail services in the province. Heritage accommodations, gift shops and a heritage woodworking shop have become attractions in their own right. The combination of high standards of service and cultural and heritage diversity have attracted artists and artisans to move to our area.

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