What to bring home from Newfoundland

When we travel, we always do some research on what products are unique to the area that we are visiting.  In the sometimes crowded market and shops, it makes it easier to pick out things that are handcrafted and unique to the area.  There doesn’t seem to be much written on this for Newfoundland, so we thought that we’d share our insights on Newfoundland gifts and souvenirs.  

Newfoundland and Labrador was once a country of its own. In 1949, a closely contested vote determined its future, with a narrow majority choosing to join Canada. Or, as we like to say, when Canada joined Newfoundland.  There is still a distinct culture in Newfoundland that is separate from the rest of the country.  That strong sense of identity lives on in the products made here, from locally crafted goods to items inspired by the land, sea, and traditions that make Newfoundland so unique.

Things to Eat and Drink 

Newfoundland and Labrador has unique berries from the rest of Atlantic Canada.  In the late summer and early fall, bakeapples (our local name for cloudberries), marsh berries, and partridgeberries join the more common blueberries.  You can sample jams on toast at breakfast, as a topping on ice cream or cheesecake, or even in a jam tart.  Bottles of your favourite flavours are available to take home to savour long after your trip is over.  Nanny Hayley’s jams are made in nearby Elliston with berries harvested from the Bonavista peninsula and a century old family recipe.  You can find Nanny Hayley’s Jams at Manna Bakery in St. John’s and on the Bonavista peninsula at Dock Marina Restaurant and Gallery in Trinity and Home From The Sea, or you can call Nanny Hayley’s at 709-476-2213.  

The Newfoundland Salt Company, based out of Bonavista, uses the pure water of Trinity Bay to make sea salt.  This salt is lovely just as it is but there are also different flavoured ones to try.  They pair well with both sweet and savoury dishes.

In Port Rexton, there is a craft brewery located in the old community centre.  It is a wonderful place to visit to sample a flight, take in local entertainment or just relax after a long day of exploring.  Port Rexton Brewing‘s beer can be purchased in cans that are easy to take home in your checked bags.  East Coast Glow, a popular self-care product company located in Bonavista makes soaps with Port Rexton Brewing beer as well.  Their soaps, bath bombs, and skin and hair care products are another wonderful souvenir of your trip to our province.

Aunt Sarah’s Chocolate is made right in Trinity and is a tasty treat to take home.  Their store front is on the waterfront and is not to be missed.  Our favourites include the After 8:30 Chocolates and Butter Crisp.  They also make ice cream in Trinity under the name Sweet Rock Ice Cream, which is definitely not to be missed but somewhat difficult to take home!  

Trinity Coffee Company is a coffee roaster located in the village of Trinity.  They have a loyal following of coffee enthusiasts and can be found across the province in Coleman’s grocery stores, as well as at several shops in Trinity.  Our favourite is Broad Cove Blend, a delicious medium roast.

Things to Wear

Newfoundland is famous for its knitted products.  We tell passengers coming for a Sea of Whales Adventure, no matter the time of year, to bring a warm hat or mitts.  You could also leave yours at home and keep an eye out for something special to bring home from your trip.  Trinity Crafts, located at Hiscock House Provincial Historic Site in Trinity, is one of our favourite places to purchase knitted goods.  They showcase work from several local knitters and crocheters.  They have a beautiful whale tail pattern that is only knit by women who sell their wares in this shop that will be featured in a textile exhibit at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris!  

Kind Seas, located in Bonavista, is a shop filled with work by independent artists from across Atlantic Canada.  It is owned and operated by Claire MacDonald, a jewellery designer who uses the textures from the Bonavista peninsula to make beautiful jewellery.  Silver is hammered against rocks to create beautiful textures that are made into one of a kind rings, pendants, and earrings.  

Located on the waterfront in Trinity is Elizabeth Burry Design.  Each piece is handmade with care, using a mix of unique findings, gemstones, pearls, and cultured sea glass sourced from around the world.  We particularly love her labradorite jewellery, which is a stone that is found in our province.

Sea of Whales Adventures has its own clothing line available at our booking shop, located at 12 Ash’s Lane in Trinity.  Shirts and hoodies with unique whale designs by owner Shawna Prince as well as other locally hand-crafted products are available in our store. 

Things For Your Home

Hooked rugs make a wonderful addition to any home.  These are available in nearly every craft shop in the province.  Local artist Anastasia Tiller makes beautiful rugs. Wild Cove Pottery, in Trinity Bay North is a local ceramic maker of beautiful pieces. Their rain, drizzle, and fog collection is a great way to remember the soft colours of a foggy morning in Newfoundland.  We love the steins and cappuccino mugs for savouring a cup of tea in the morning.   

The Green Family Forge in Trinity is an active blacksmith shop marking beautiful iron décor and functional pieces.  Our home has coat hooks and door handles all made at the forge.  You can visit the forge to see the products being made and then head next door to the Lester Garland House to purchase them. 

In Newfoundland, we have lots of damp and cool weather, so its important to be able to curl up with something to keep you warm and cozy.  Quilts and knitted and crocheted blankets will be a commonly spotted item in craft shops across the province.  Keep an eye out for something to match your home’s décor.   

We know you’ll fall in love with Newfoundland and Labrador, and we hope this guide helps you discover unique Newfoundland gifts to bring a piece of it home.