What Makes Trinity so Special?
The town of Trinity, Newfoundland located in the centre of the Bonavista peninsula is a hidden gem. The main highway does not run through Trinity so, unless you are in the know, it is easy to miss. Turning off at Lockston onto Rte 239, the road into town winds along the edge of the three lobed harbour that Trinity is named for. When you round that last turn and take in the view over the community and the harbour to the lighthouse, that’s where the magic begins. It’s like something out of a storybook. There have been several movies filmed amongst this incredible view, inlcuding Maudie and Peter and Wendy, just to name a couple.
This community welcomed its first European visitors in 1570, during the summer cod fishery. The first year-round residents were noted in the area around 1675. From there, the population continued to grow alongside the fishery. Trinity’s historical character is fully intact. Most of the buildings date back 100 years or more, and have been fully restored. White picket fences and colourful wooden clapboarded houses line the narrow laneways, as the spires of two historic churches reach to the sky. Even new buildings in the historic district must be built to match what is already here. Trinity is a small town in every sense of the word — nothing is more than a ten-minute walk away from wherever you park your car.
Trinity boasts beautiful accommodations with views of the lighthouse, harbour, or the community itself. There are options including bed and breakfasts, suites, and full house rentals. There are beautiful gift shops including Lester Garland Gift Shop, The Dock Marina Gallery, Eriksen Premises, and Trinity Crafts. Aunt Sarah’s Chocolate Shop sells artisanal chocolate and ice cream made right in the heart of Trinity, as well as having a full selection of coffees, teas, lattés, and milk shakes. The Trinity historical society maintains 6 historical sites that can be toured, including a working forge and cooperage. Trinity also has provincial historic sites which include a visitor information centre, Hiscock House and the Mercantile Premises.
Rising Tide Theatre offers live theatre daily including the Trinity Pageant — a play that takes place around Trinity where the audience walks from scene to scene. Be careful not to get conscripted by pirates! Trinity Historical Walking Tours offers a guided walk through the town’s history. Rocky’s Place offers weekly events in the summer including ladies nights, weekly instalments of the Trinity Historical Society lecture series, live bands, comedy shows, theme parties and DJ’d dances.
Hiking is right at your front door in Trinity, The Upper and Lower Gun Hill trails, both part of the Hike Discovery network, are beautiful hikes offering a vantage point of the town from above for the perfect photo opportunities. Gun Hill trail is also a Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark Geosite, and interpretation panels about the geology can be found on the viewing platform near the top of Gun Hill. If hiking is not your thing, you can take a stroll around town to take in the sites and head to Sweet Rock Ice Cream for a Trinity made cold treat and a view of the town, harbour, and lighthouse from an area known as the Hog’s Nose.
If you need something a little more substantial than ice cream and chocolates, there are four restaurants in Trinity. The Dock Marina Restaurant offers both inside and outside dining just below their gallery at the marina. Sofia’s, located inside the Eriksen Premises, offers drop-in service. The Twine Loft restaurant serves breakfast as well as dinner (both require reservations) as well as daily drinks on the deck overlooking beautiful Fisher Cove. Trinity Cabins offers grab and go daily specials, sandwiches (including the best breakfast sandwiches) and pizza on Fridays.
Trinity is also the home base of Sea of Whales Adventures. Sea of Whales offers premium whale watching experiences and geological tours around the Bonavista peninsula. Located at 12 Ash’s Lane, right in the heart of Trinity, is the Sea of Whales booking office. This location has ample parking across the street from the building, an 1850’s era salt box house. This is where visitors can check in for availability of seats on whale watching trips, the meeting place for their tours that are departing from Trinity, and the location of their retail shop which carries their own whale focused apparel, books, and locally made goods.
There are lots of things to see and do in Trinity all within walking distance. Don’t just come here to whale watch or take in a show, come and stay awhile. Use it as a home base to explore the rest of the Bonavista Peninsula. There’s something special about waking up in a historic village and getting to live in the slower pace of this place, if only for a little while.
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