Route 230 to Routes 239 & 230-21, Trinity & Area (Trinity Bight)

This area is historically significant and much work has been done to preserve and recreate the architecture, sites, history and culture. Twelve communities make up the Trinity Bight; Trinity, Goose Cove, Dunfield, Trouty, Old Bonaventure, New Bonaventure, Port Rexton, Trinity East, Champney's East, Champney's West, Champney's Arm and English Harbour.

Route 239, Trinity

From Route 230, turn off onto Route 239 to Trinity. Trinity is one of the most historic and picturesque communities in the entire province and home to Newfoundland's best-loved professional theatre company, Rising Tide Theatre. Every Summer and Fall, Rising Tide presents an award-winning blend of drama, culture and history set against the backdrop of Trinity Harbour. From mid-June to October, visitors can enjoy the Seasons in the Bight Theatre Festival. The anchor event of the festival, running from July to September, is the New Founde Lande Trinity Pageant, an outdoor historical pageant that takes you on a journey through the lanes of Trinity. Keep an eye out for upcoming events for the 2007 fall season.

The best way to experience Trinity is by foot. You don't want to miss any of the centuries-old buildings, colourful B & B's and the warm hospitality of the people. Make your first stop at the Trinity Interpretation Centre located on West Street. Information is available on the following attractions: Lester Garland Premises and Hiscock House, Green Family Forge, Trinity Archives and Museum, St. Paul's Anglican Church and much more.

Route 239 – Goose Cove, Dunfield, Trouty, Old Bonaventure, New Bonaventure

From Trinity, take Route 239 to explore the communities of Goose Cove, Dunfield, Trouty, Old Bonaventure and New Bonaventure. While in Dunfield, don't miss Admiral's Fort Point, a boardwalk with interpretative panels that will give you a history of the area. Continue on to Old Bonaventure, a typical outport community with an active fishery, and finally on to New Bonaventure. While in New Bonaventure, visit the Random Passage Film Site. This site was constructed in 2000 for the filming of the international TV mini-series, “Random Passage.” It offers visitors the opportunity to imagine the life of our ancestors in a typical fishing outpost in the early 1800's. The site contains houses, a church, school, gardens, fish flakes and traditional animals such as sheep. On Sunday mornings, Random Passage hosts present the “Sunday Series”; Newfoundland musicians and storytellers will entertain visitors to the site (included in the price of admission).

The abandoned communities of Kerley's Harbour and British Harbour are accessible from New Bonaventure. There you will see the remaining evidence of resettlement as the 2-km Kerley's Cove Harbour Trail takes you past remnants of foundations, root cellars and into a picturesque harbour. Further on is the 6-km British Harbour Trail that passes by the Random Passage Film Site and through a variety of landscapes, including dense forests, rocky barrens, wetlands and ponds.

Route 230 – Port Rexton, Trinity East

Back on Route 230, just a short distance down the road, you come to the turn-off of Route 236 to the 56 campsite Lockston Path Provincial Park (see page 44 for more details), and still on Route 230 the communities of Port Rexton and Trinity East. Stop to explore the old harbour of Port Rexton, view the Randell House (private residence) which was built at the end of the 18th century.

While in this area, hike the world-renowned Skerwink Trail, ranked among the top 35 trails in North America and Europe by Travel & Leisure Magazine. The 5.3-km loop, majestic coastal trail begins near St. Andrew's Church in Trinity East. The Skerwink Trail provides an opportunity to view and photograph seabirds, eagles, sea stacks, ice bergs (in season) and surrounding communities. If you are lucky, you may even see whales feeding on schools of caplin in season (generally late June/early July - ask a local resident).

Route 230-21 – Champney's, English Harbour

Turn off Route 230 at Route 230-21 to Champney's. While in this area, hike the Fox Island Trail, a 3-km loop that begins at the end of Champney's West. Fox Island is not, however, an island; it is connected to the mainland by an isthmus. Hikers of all ages will enjoy exploring this trail with its history and scenery. Make sure to stop in English Harbour where you can walk towards Horse Chops, along this road you can often spot whales in season.