Fishing (Trout)
If you love fishing, then Western Newfoundland and the Bay of Islands should be on your map of places to go. Trout are bountiful in the numerous lakes and ponds in our area. From fly casting on a brook or a river, to spinner casting in a pond, there’s nothing quite like the feel of a fish on your hook! We can even help you prepare your catch for a delectable meal.
Things To Do
Fishing (Deep Sea)
Did you know that the Bay of Islands is deeper than some parts of the Gulf of St. Lawrence? This creates the perfect habitat for many deep sea fish including cod, mackerel, and herring. A day on the bay with an experienced guide will give you the time of your life! Go cod jigging or accompany a true fisherman, hauling lobster pots and nets. You never know what the “catch of day” will be! Ask us for details on how to arrange a Bay of Islands fishing tour.
Hiking
Hiking in the Bay of Islands is simply breathtaking. In fact, some say the trails of the south shore of the outer Bay of Islands on Newfoundland’s west coast are the best kept secret in Newfoundland! The Hidden Gem Trial Network offers scenic mountain vistas and shoreline adventures on remote beaches, with trails from easy to extreme. We’ll provide you with information on the trails, and we’ll even guide you to some of the best scenic areas the region has to offer.
Take a trip down the Governor’s Stairway and through a naturally carved rock cave at Blow Me Down Provincial Park and then continue to the top of Flapper Hill for a stunning panoramic view. Visit the Captain Cook Monument in Lark Harbour, the remote beach at Cedar Cove, and the sea caves at Bottle Cove. And don’t forget the incredible swimming hole at the base of Blow Me Down Mountain!
Learn more about hiking in and around York Harbour at https://www.obiec.ca/
On The Water
The view of the land from the water is a magical experience. If kayaking and canoeing are on your list of adventures, we offer the ideal place to launch your craft right from the beach in front of your cottage. Paddle around the coastline of the Bay of Islands and on good days travel across to Governors Island for a true “away from it all” experience.
Boat Tours
Take a trip on the Bay in an authentic “Lark Harbour Dory”. For over 50 years this small craft with its distinctive orange and green paint has been the main transportation for many fishers in the Bay of Islands. Its flat bottom allows for easy beaching and provides a sturdy, well-proven means for visitors to see and experience the Bay of Islands on the water. Ask us for details on how arrange a tour in a Lark Harbour Dory!
Outdoor “Boil-up” and Campfires
A true Newfoundland experience would not be complete without a “Boil-up”. Traditionally, a Boil-up is a lunch or picnic out in the woods. With the smell of an open fire and food prepared on site, your taste buds will be treated to true Newfoundland Hospitality. Our Beach Campfires are usually accompanied by local musicians who love to share traditional Newfoundland music.
Photography Tour
From scenic mountain vistas to spectacular ocean sunsets, our area is a photographer’s paradise. Only the locals know the best spots for photography, and we can take you off the beaten track to get incredible photos!
History
The history of the Bay of Islands is long and fascinating. From Indigenous first nations, to European explorers, this area is rich in human history. Ancient arrow heads believed to be made by the Maritime Archaic Indians have been discovered in the area of Bottle Cove. The Mi’kmaq have been present on the island of Newfoundland since precontact times. And Captain James Cook first charted the Bay of Islands in 1767 and all its islands and arms are detailed in his maps. His Charts were so detailed that they could still be used today.