DETAILS
Newfoundland
Sunday, April 22, 2007; Page P06
(Note: all prices quoted in U.S. dollars.)
GETTING THERE: Air Canada flies from Washington to St. John's via Montreal or Toronto and is quoting a round-trip fare of about $550. You also can travel to the island by ferry from Nova Scotia. Details: Marine Atlantic, 800-341-7981, http:/
GETTING AROUND: Despite the occasional driving hazards of fog and moose, renting a car is recommended. Major agencies have counters at the St. John's airport; I paid about $35 a day through Avis, with unlimited mileage. Be sure to venture off the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) to explore coastal fishing villages. If you don't have time to drive to the west coast, Provincial Airlines (800-563-2800, http:/
WHEN TO GO: Mid-June through early September.
WHERE TO STAY: St. John's offers many choices. The historic eastern district is quiet, lined with stately Victorian homes and within walking distance of downtown. I stayed at the Maunder Manor B&B (29 Forest Rd., 877-700-5304 ); doubles start at about $55 a night. If you desire a big hotel, the Fairmont Newfoundland is around the corner (115 Cavendish Square, 800-441-1414, http:/
On the Avalon Peninsula, Blueberry Hill B&B (Route 80, Cavendish, 877-588-2026, http:/
WHERE TO EAT: In St. John's, Velma's Place (264 Water St., 709-576-2264) offers traditional Newfoundland cuisine, with entrees from about $13 to $27. The Fairmont's Bonavista restaurant (see above) features a fixed-price three-course traditional dinner for $29. Across from the Fairmont is the Classic Cafe East (73 Duckworth St., 709-726-4444, http:/
WHAT TO DO:
* The Rooms (9 Bonaventure Ave., St. John's, 709-757-8000, http:/
* The Johnson Geo Centre (75 Signal Hill Rd., St. John's, 709-737-7880, http:/
* Salmonier Nature Park (Route 90, 709-229-7189, http:/
* Screech-Ins are offered in a variety of venues throughout Newfoundland, including pubs and cruises. You may kiss a dead cod or a plush-toy puffin. I went for the dead fish at Christian's Bar (23 George St., St. John's, 709-753-9100); $11.
* Witless Bay Ecological Reserve ( http:/
* Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve (Route 100, Cape St. Mary's, 709-277-1666, http:/
* Gros Morne National Park (709-458-2417, http:/
INFORMATION: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism, 800-563-6353, http:/
-- P.S.

