Route 235 from Bonavista to Knight's Cove

Travelling along Route 235 out of Bonavista, you will drive through Birchy Cove, Newman's Cove, Amherst Cove and, just off the highway, Upper Amherst Cove. Where Route 235 meets Route 237 (near Upper Amherst Cove), you can cut across the peninsula again and end up in Catalina or continue on Route 235 toward Knight's Cove.

Route 235 to Route 236 –
Stock Cove to Lockston Path Provincial Park

Local lore says that the name Knight's Cove actually comes from Night's Cove, because people from neighbouring communities found “the attractions of Knight's Cove more welcome for a night's stopover.”

At Stock Cove, you can take Route 236 to Lockston Path Provincial Park. This park has 56 campsites, is wheelchair-accessible and has a comfort station with laundry, shower facilities and a dumping station. Visitors wanting to cool off may do so at the large sandy beach or drop by for a picnic at the day-use area. Visitors can also hike the 1.7-km trail that leads through stands of fir, birch and many species of wild flowers to a viewpoint overlooking the park.

You may continue on Route 236 where it meets Route 230 near Port Rexton, or you may backtrack to meet Route 235.

Route 235, King's Cove – Southern Bay and Route 230

Turn off Route 235 onto Route 235-20 at King's Cove. Here, steep cliffs frame the early fishing station dating from the 1700's. King's Cove is known as the Athens of the North because of the many well-educated people from here, such as Gerald S. Doyle. While in King's Cove, visit the Gerald S. Doyle Museum, a truly unique museum with local artifacts. The museum provides free internet access to visitors, as well as barbecue pits, picnic tables and campsites free of charge. Next door to the museum is the local, outdoor swimming pool. The large rock at the end of the pool, used for diving, is known as Sampson's Rock.

The Monks House is a home from the 1880's, occupied once by Kenneth Monks who was a watch maker and carpenter. Some of his furniture is on display at the Newfoundland Museum in St. John's. This is currently a private residence owned by Collin Simms. The Kelly House overlooks beautiful King's Cove and was built by Edward Fitzgerald of Open Hall for Edward Brown, a fish merchant in the 1910's.

Be sure to hike to the King's Cove Lighthouse Trail. A former country road once known as Batterton's Path, it connected the lighthouse on the headland to the community of King's Cove. Now restored, the traditional path provides access to spectacular coastal scenery. Take the Brook Point Trail (off King's Cove Lighthouse Trail) down to the edge of the ocean for a truly remarkable view of the ocean, caves and geological sequences, see photo on page 47.

Pat Murphy's Meadow overlooks Bonavista Bay. See whales, boats, and even Bonavista. Just a little walk down through the meadow is Lady's Beach – the perfect spot to have a small campfire and roast marshmallows. Follow along the trail to the whale watching lookout site (free binoculars available) – stop and breathe the fresh, saltwater air; continue along to the King's Cove Lighthouse. Lots of space to camp and enjoy a night in the wilderness. Visitors should feel free to camp overnight; just don't forget to pick up your garbage on the way out.

The King's Cove Historical Society offers free walking tours of King's Cove to groups and individuals. The schedule for the walking tours is available at the Gerald S. Doyle Museum. Drop by and check it out!

From King's Cove, head on to Duntara, a community that has been painted by many artists. Next is Keels, one of the oldest communities in the area. Mentioned on maps as early as 1582, by 1675 it was an English fishing station, and legend has it that the name comes from the place where the famous explorer, John Cabot, drew the keel of his ship, Matthew, ashore to be cleaned and repaired after a long voyage across the Atlantic. Keels is also known locally for The Devil's Footprints. In the rocky outcrops, you can find geological formations that resemble cloven hoofs which some residents liken to those of the Devil himself. Just stop and ask one of the locals to lead you to the best places to view these interesting anomalies.

A few kilometres farther along Route 235 from King's Cove, turn off onto Route 235-19. This route leads you to some of the best kept secrets of the area, the communities of Open Hall, Red Cliff, and Tickle Cove.

Open Hall was called Open Hole when it was first settled in the 1770's. Visit the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2008. The wooden church is open daily for visitors who wish to view the inside..

Red Cliff is a excellent example of a rural Newfoundland community holding excellent opportunities for photographers or painters. The breeding grounds of seabirds such as the Northern Tern, which is known locally as the ‘Stearin' can be found here. Whales and icebergs also frequent the area and are often seen from shore.

Continue on to the community of Tickle Cove. People come from far and wide to see the Arch Rock, a sea arch formed by the crashing Atlantic Ocean on the rugged shore. The movie “Bayo” was filmed here, and the famous song Tickle Cove Pond was written by Mark Walker about the area. Each summer in early August Dory Day races are held at Tickle Cove Pond. Residents visitors are welcome to enjoy the festivities! Take a leisurely walk around Tickle Cove Pond Trail, beginning at the beach and looping around the pond.

Back on Route 235, continue on to Plate Cove West and Plate Cove – one side of the community fished, the other side farmed! The name is said to come from the fact that the sloping land around the harbour is shaped much like a bowl or plate.

Explore Summerville and Princeton along the way. Local folklore tells of Beothuk Indians living in Summerville many years ago. In fact, the community was once called Indian Arm. Some residents believe there is an Indian burial ground nearby. In Princeton, you will find The View Golf Course, perched on a hill with breathtaking views of the bay and surrounding countryside.

Route 235 brings you back to Route 230 at Southern Bay. A left turn will take you to the Trinity Bight area; a right turn leads back to Clarenville and the TCH. Don't forget to stop att the Discovery Trail Visitor Reception Centre!