Aug 12
14m 15s
Hosts: Tim Johnson and David
Series: Travel in 10
Destination: Central Newfoundland, Canada
Central Newfoundland sits between the better-known draws of St. John’s and the Avalon Peninsula in the east and Gros Morne National Park in the west. For travellers willing to explore beyond those established routes, the region offers a closer look at the fishing communities, landscapes and traditions that have shaped the island.
In this episode, Tim draws on months spent travelling throughout Newfoundland, including time as a travel writer in residence, to explore some of his favourite experiences in the central part of the island. The conversation ranges from boat-access communities and encounters with humpback whales to fresh seafood, distinctive places to stay and Newfoundland’s long history of resettlement.
The episode also looks at the character that makes Newfoundland distinct within Canada, from Newfoundland Time and Irish and English influences to the warmth Tim and David have experienced while travelling across the island.
Exploits Island
Reachable by boat, Exploits Island offers a window into Newfoundland’s history of isolated fishing settlements and community resettlement. Tim explores the island on foot, learns about the people who once lived and worked there and visits the local cemetery while hearing stories from the community’s past.
Explore the Coast by Boat
The journey to Exploits Island is part of the experience. During Tim’s visit, a humpback whale surfaced roughly 10 metres from the boat, underscoring how closely everyday life in this part of Newfoundland remains connected to the sea.
Fogo Island
Fogo Island combines Newfoundland’s coastal landscapes and cultural traditions with one of the province’s most distinctive approaches to contemporary tourism. It is also home to a community where fishing, crafts and local traditions remain central to the visitor experience.
Grand Falls-Windsor
One of the main communities in Central Newfoundland, Grand Falls-Windsor makes a useful base for exploring this part of the island and travelling toward smaller coastal communities.
Gambo
Gambo is noted in the episode as the birthplace of Joey Smallwood, an important figure in Newfoundland’s entry into Canadian Confederation.
Exploits Island – Tim’s visit included a simple meal of homemade pea soup, fresh bread and fish caught locally. It was an example of how food experiences in Newfoundland can be closely tied to place, season and the people who live there.
Local Fish Plants – During lobster season, Tim recommends checking local fish plants, where freshly landed lobster may be available directly from the source. Rather than a formal restaurant experience, it offers a straightforward way to experience Newfoundland seafood.
Fogo Island Inn
A design-focused luxury property overlooking the North Atlantic and Iceberg Alley. The inn is notable for integrating the surrounding community into the guest experience, with opportunities connected to local fishing, crafts and traditions.
Carriage House, Grand Falls-Windsor
A small B&B-style stay where the communal atmosphere gives travellers an opportunity to meet and exchange stories about their experiences in the region.
Freshwater Inn, Gambo
A comfortable accommodation option in Gambo and one of Tim’s recommended places to stay while travelling through Central Newfoundland.
Haribay Adventures Dome
A geodesic-dome wilderness stay that combines a comfortable bed and necessary supplies with a more isolated outdoor setting. The emphasis is on experiencing the landscape, quiet and solitude without giving up basic comforts.
Central Newfoundland provides a useful link between the island’s better-known eastern and western regions, but it also rewards travellers who treat it as a destination in its own right. Gander provides air access to the region, while road travel opens up communities such as Grand Falls-Windsor, Gambo and Lewisporte, with boats providing access to offshore communities and islands.
For travellers interested in understanding Newfoundland beyond its major tourism centres, Central Newfoundland offers a closer connection to the island’s coastal history, smaller communities and relationship with the North Atlantic.
Central Newfoundland is particularly well suited to travellers interested in culture, coastal landscapes, local food and smaller communities. Experiences such as visiting Exploits Island, staying in a remote dome or spending time on Fogo Island reveal a side of Newfoundland shaped by fishing, resettlement, isolation and strong community ties. It is a region that benefits from slower travel and time spent listening to the people who call it home.
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