Twillingate
To reach Twillingate you will go north on HWY 330 from TCH (Trans Canada Highway) in Gander. After about 40 km take HWY 331 Northwest. When you reach HWY 340 turn right onto it and head north. Using a number of causeways you will cross over to New World Island, and finally to South Twillingate Island. On your left, as you are crossing the bridge you will see the Prime Berth Fishing Heritage Centre. It is an amazing place, privately owned by a family and built as a tribute to their fisher forefathers. Short of going out in a boat and harvesting the fish yourself this is the closest you are going to get to knowing and understanding what it was like to earn a livelihood in this manner.
Continue on HWY 340 until you reach Twillingate. You will have gone across South Twillingate Island from the southeast corner to the northwest corner. The town wraps around the southern end of Twillingate Harbour.
We were told to take in All Around the Circle Dinner Theatre in Crow Head. It has since been renamed The Twillingate/NWI Dinner Theatre. It is now located in town just before your cross the causeway onto North Twillingate Island.
When we arrived a number of people were busy taking tickets and confirming our seats. Once seated the same group of people began to bring out our food and provide sevice during the meal. The same group then proceeded to clear the tables. By this time we already knew all the people sitting around us, where they were from, places to check out and hearing stories about the islanders and their kindness and humour. A few of these people had seen the show earlier in the week and were back for more! Finally the show began, the actors, being the same people who had been serving us all evening! Turns out they did all the cooking too! The show was extremely funny, entertaining, self depricating, the singing and music playing were true to Newfoundland. We had a wonderful evening. We now make a point of looking into any local dinner theatres that might be running when we are in a new area.
We took a boat tour to check out icebergs one afternoon. Once you leave the protection of the harbour the waters can get rough. Always have gravol on hand just in case. Even on a warm day, out on the open water, hats, gloves and even an extra sweater can come in handy. The service and the staff were excellent. They welcome the opportunity to increase your appreciation of their home.
When to See Icebergs
May and June are the best times to see icebergs in Twillingate. After that it becomes increasingly less likely that you’ll see one. If you are travelling in July, we’d recommend St. Anthony or Southern Labrador.
Hiking in Town
You don’t have to leave town to go on a hike. When you are in the town you will notice a massive cross on a hill that overlooks the town. While not referenced as a trail you can follow your nose and climb the hill. Take Smiths Trail Rd to the west past the causeway linking to North Twillingate Island. It is quite uneven ground but from the top you get great views of the town. We were told the cross was erected by the Salvation Army.
The Hospital Pond Walking Trail was a relaxing amble, with a gravel trail encircling the pond behind the Twillingate Hospital. There are places to sit and enjoy the birds and flowers. There is even a swimming area. It is a great after dinner walk.
Lots to See and Do
Between all the trails, museums, boat tours, gift stores and art galleries you could easily fill a week in Twillingate. The town has become one of Newfoundland’s top destinations and you’ll find that there is a lot more hustle and bustle in Twillingate than other destinations. Twillingate is a good base to visit many quieter hidden gems on New World Island, just to the south.
