Trinity,
Newfoundland
One of the most beautiful towns in Atlantic Canada your complete guide to Trinity’s Skerwink Trail, Rising Tide Theatre, whale watching, Two Whales Coffee, where to eat and stay, and everything that makes this Bonavista Peninsula gem so compelling.
🏘️ Why Trinity?
Trinity is, quite simply, one of the most beautiful towns in Atlantic Canada. Its narrow streets of colourful clapboard houses, fishing stages leaning over the harbour, and perfectly preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Newfoundland a living historical townscape that has been described as resembling old-world Europe transported to the North Atlantic coast. Portuguese explorers visited this harbour in the early 16th century; by the 18th century, Trinity had become one of the most important fishing and trading ports in North America.
Today, Trinity is known for the Skerwink Trail consistently ranked among the best coastal hikes in North America Rising Tide Theatre’s outdoor summer productions, whale watching on Trinity Bay, and some of the best boutique accommodation and dining on the Bonavista Peninsula. Furthermore, its position 30 minutes from Bonavista town makes it the natural base for exploring the full peninsula, with the Elliston puffin colony, Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, and Ryan Premises all within easy reach.
🥾 The Skerwink Trail Trinity’s Signature Hike
A 5.3 km loop trail in Trinity East (Port Rexton) that passes through wooded paths before opening to some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Newfoundland dramatic sea stacks, towering cliffs, sweeping Trinity Bay vistas, and the possibility of spotting whales, eagles, and seabirds from the headlands. Consistently rated among the top coastal trails in North America and Europe, and free to access.
The Skerwink Trail begins at a parking area on Rocky Hill Road in Port Rexton approximately 10 minutes from Trinity town centre. The loop climbs through dense boreal forest before emerging on clifftop sections with unobstructed views across Trinity Bay. Sea stacks rise directly below, eagles ride thermals overhead, and in early spring, icebergs are sometimes visible drifting south through the bay. The trail’s moderate difficulty makes it accessible to a wide range of hikers, though some steep sections and proximity to cliff edges warrant care. Bring sturdy footwear and keep well back from unfenced cliff edges.
Start your Skerwink morning at Two Whales Coffee in Port Rexton the trailhead is a 5-minute walk from the café. Coffee first, then hike, then return for a post-walk pastry. Two Whales is one of the most celebrated small cafés in Newfoundland and a trip highlight in its own right. Additionally, Port Rexton Brewery (6 Ship Cove Road) is worth a late afternoon stop on the return.
🎯 Best Things to Do in Trinity
Trinity’s appeal is layered historic architecture and cultural institutions alongside excellent outdoor experiences and wildlife viewing. These are the experiences that define a visit.
Rising Tide Theatre is one of Newfoundland’s most distinctive cultural institutions a summer theatre company that stages performances at various sites around Trinity, using the historic town itself as a stage setting. Their productions explore Newfoundland history, culture, and stories in a way that is uniquely immersive. Catching a Rising Tide performance on a summer evening in Trinity is an experience that stays with visitors long after they leave.
The Trinity Historical Society Museum documents the town’s history from Portuguese explorer visits in the 1500s through its peak as a major fishing and trading centre. A self-guided heritage walk covers Trinity’s colourful clapboard houses, the Lester-Garland House (18th-century merchant premises), the Cooperage, the historic Trinity Church, and fishing stages overlooking the harbour. The walk takes 1–1.5 hours and is entirely on foot through the compact town centre.
Random Passage is a reconstructed 19th-century Irish outport settlement built as the film set for the Random Passage TV production based on Bernice Morgan’s celebrated novels about Newfoundland settler life. The site is preserved and open for guided tours, offering an extraordinarily detailed recreation of early outport existence: the physical structures, tools, living conditions, and social order of Newfoundland’s earliest settlers. Consequently, it is one of the most compelling heritage experiences in Eastern Newfoundland.
Trinity Bay is an excellent whale watching location from June through September humpbacks, minke whales, and occasional fin whales are regularly spotted. Trinity Eco-Tours offers kayak tours that approach whales in their natural habitat at water level one of the most intimate wildlife experiences in the province. Sea of Whales Adventures operates zodiac and vessel tours for a range of physical capabilities. Furthermore, icebergs are visible in Trinity Bay in May and early June from both shore and boat.
Trinity’s position on the Bonavista Peninsula makes it an ideal base for exploring the broader region. Elliston Puffin Viewing Site where puffins nest within metres at no cost is 30 minutes away. Cape Bonavista Lighthouse and the Ryan Premises National Historic Site are each 30–40 minutes. Additionally, Dungeon Provincial Park near Bonavista town features dramatic sea arch formations carved by Atlantic waves.
The Green Family Forge is one of the last working blacksmith forges in Newfoundland, operating as a living heritage site where traditional ironworking skills are demonstrated for visitors. Moreover, Trinity and the surrounding Bonavista Peninsula have a growing community of local artisans galleries, craft studios, and food producers that reflect the area’s creative revival. The Bonavista Social Club in Bonavista town is also worth the detour for wood-fired pizza using local ingredients.
☕ Port Rexton Trinity’s Essential Neighbour
Port Rexton is a 10-minute drive from Trinity town and home to three of the most compelling stops on the Bonavista Peninsula. Many visitors base themselves in Port Rexton rather than Trinity itself Fisher’s Loft Inn is here, the Skerwink trailhead is here, and Two Whales Coffee is here. Consequently, Port Rexton and Trinity are best experienced as a single destination rather than alternatives.
One of the most celebrated small cafés in Newfoundland. Exceptional coffee, excellent baked goods, and the kind of effortless character that defines the best small Newfoundland businesses. Located minutes from the Skerwink trailhead making a pre-hike coffee here the obvious way to start any Skerwink morning. Arrive early in summer it gets busy.
Port Rexton Brewery’s taproom is a natural late afternoon stop after a day of hiking and sightseeing. Their core lineup and rotating seasonal brews use local ingredients and reflect the landscape. The taproom itself is well-designed and often lively in summer with visitors from both Trinity and the broader peninsula.
One of the most consistently praised boutique accommodations in Newfoundland. Ocean views, exceptional hospitality, and a breakfast that sets the standard for Bonavista Peninsula mornings. Fisher’s Loft books out well in advance for summer book 2–3 months ahead for July and August. A genuine highlight of any Newfoundland trip.
🐋 Whale Watching in Trinity Bay
Trinity Bay is one of the better whale watching locations on the Bonavista Peninsula the bay’s rich waters attract humpback whales from June through September as they follow capelin schools inshore. The available tour formats are notably diverse, from standard vessel tours to kayaking alongside whales at water level.
| Operator | Type | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity Eco-Tours | Kayak & small boat | Jun–Sep | Kayaking alongside humpbacks most intimate option |
| Sea of Whales Adventures | Zodiac & vessel | Jun–Sep | Multiple formats good for varied fitness levels |
| Lockston Path Provincial Park | Shore-based + camping | May–Sep | Swimming, hiking, camping near Bonavista |
Kayaking alongside a humpback whale in Trinity Bay is described by guides and visitors alike as one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences available anywhere in Newfoundland. Being at water level when a 15-tonne whale surfaces metres away is a genuinely life-changing encounter. Trinity Eco-Tours runs guided kayak tours that make this accessible to most paddling ability levels. Book ahead the experience is in significant demand during peak whale season.
🍽️ Where to Eat in Trinity & Port Rexton
Consistently cited as one of the best restaurants on the Bonavista Peninsula the Twine Loft is Trinity’s flagship dining experience, known for exceptional seafood dishes using local ingredients. Dinner here on a summer evening, with Trinity Bay visible through the windows, is a genuine Newfoundland highlight. Book ahead for summer dinner service.
See the Port Rexton section above. Widely regarded as a must-stop on the Bonavista Peninsula for its coffee quality and character. Arrive early in high summer to avoid queues.
Worth the 30-minute drive to Bonavista fresh, wood-fired pizza using locally sourced ingredients, with a casual atmosphere and consistent quality. A good option for lunch or casual dinner before or after visiting the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse and Ryan Premises.
🏡 Where to Stay in Trinity & Port Rexton
Trinity and Port Rexton have some of the best boutique accommodation in Newfoundland. All options book out well in advance for summer aim for 2–3 months ahead for July and August.
| Property | Location | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fisher’s Loft Inn | Port Rexton | Boutique Inn | Among NL’s most praised accommodations. Ocean views, exceptional breakfast. Book 2–3 months ahead. |
| Artisan Inn | Trinity | Heritage Inn | Beautifully restored historic property in Trinity’s heart. Walking distance to all town attractions. |
| Campbell House B&B | Trinity | B&B | Well-reviewed heritage B&B in Trinity town. Breakfast included. More affordable than the inns. |
| Eriksen Premises | Trinity | Heritage rental | Self-catering option in a restored historic premises on the Trinity waterfront. |
🚗 Getting to Trinity
Trinity is accessible only by car. The drive from St. John’s takes approximately 3 hours via the Trans-Canada Highway and Route 230. Consequently, a rental car is non-negotiable for any Trinity visit.
| From | Route | Time |
|---|---|---|
| St. John’s | Trans-Canada W to Clarenville, then Route 230 N | ~3 hrs |
| Bonavista | Route 230 south via Lethbridge | ~30 min |
| Terra Nova National Park | Route 230 N from Glovertown junction | ~1.5 hrs |
| Twillingate | Route 230 S → Trans-Canada W → Route 330/340 N | ~3.5 hrs |
Planning a Trinity & Bonavista Peninsula Trip?
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