How to Spend 2 Days in Trinity, Newfoundland

Last Updated on September 19, 2026

Trinity is one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s best-preserved historic towns, and after visiting, it’s easy to understand why it’s considered one of the province’s highlights. 

Honestly, I wasn’t prepared for just how beautiful Trinity and the surrounding area would be. As we drove along the coastline and wandered through the historic streets, I kept thinking to myself that it felt like I was in a movie. 

Between the colourful houses overlooking the harbour, the rocky cliffs, and the ocean views, it ended up being one of my favourite stops on our Newfoundland road trip.

I’ve seen that some people visit Trinity as a day trip while exploring the Bonavista Peninsula, but I really think it’s worth spending at least one night here. My partner and I spent two full days in Trinity, and would have stayed longer if we’d had more time. 

Staying a little longer gives you the chance to experience the town after the day-trippers leave, enjoy a slower pace, and visit more of the surrounding area. 

In this guide, I’ll share exactly how to spend 2 days in Trinity, including the best things to do, where to eat, where to stay, and a few worthwhile stops nearby.

Ktaqmkuk, the Mi’kmaq name for the island of Newfoundland, is the traditional territory of the Beothuk and the Mi’kmaq.

Where is Trinity, Newfoundland?

Trinity is on the Bonavista Peninsula on Newfoundland’s east coast, it’s about a 3-hour drive from St. John’s, and a 2.5 hour drive from Gander.

Trinity’s location makes it perfect for an eastern Newfoundland road trip, especially if you’re planning to travel around the Bonavista Peninsula, to places like Elliston, Bonavista, and Cape Bonavista.

Where to Stay: Port Rexton

If you’re spending two days in Trinity, I highly recommend staying at Fisher’s Loft Inn in nearby Port Rexton, which is just a 10-minute drive away from the town. 

This family-run inn began as a four-room bed and breakfast in 1997 after owners John and Peggy Fisher fell in love with the area and made the move from Ontario to Newfoundland. 

Today, it’s a collection of traditional Newfoundland-inspired buildings overlooking Trinity Bay, which are thoughtfully designed to reflect the region’s historic architecture and heritage.

Our room was bright, comfortable, and had ocean views. Every morning, we wandered down to another building to have breakfast in a cozy dining room, where they serve locally inspired dishes and fresh baked goods.

Between the peaceful setting, warm hospitality, and gorgeous property, Fisher’s Loft was the perfect place to come back to after a day of hiking, whale watching, and exploring the Bonavista Peninsula.

Day 1: Explore Historic Trinity

Stop at the Trinity Viewpoint (Red Chair Lookout)

Your first exciting stop in Trinity will happen before you actually get into the town itself.

As we drove into Trinity, we noticed a pull-off on the side of the road. A few cars were parked there, and several people were standing at the edge of the pull-off. We could see as we drove past that the view from this point of the town was incredible!

So, later that day we walked back up to this viewpoint to check it out for ourselves. The viewpoint is marked as “Red Chair Lookout” on Google Maps. We didn’t see any red chairs at this lookout, but that’s okay, because we were there for the view.

From this lookout, you have a view of Trinity, the harbour, the bay, and the ocean. When we stopped at this lookout, gorgeous purple lupines (wildflowers) were in bloom which made the views extra pretty!

This view point is on Trinity Road just before you enter town. It’s basically just a roadside pull-off, with a decent amount of space for a few vehicles to safely park.  

If you don’t stop on your drive into town, or there isn’t space to safely park at this viewpoint, it’s still easy to visit on foot, which is what we did. It was only about a 10-minute walk from Trinity’s centre.

Wander Trinity’s Historic Streets

Trinity is so beautiful, you really will want to set aside a morning or afternoon to wander around the town without a concrete plan. 

We spent about three hours doing this on our first day in Trinity, and we found the town super walkable. 

As you walk, you can admire all of the colourful saltbox houses. These traditional homes, with their distinctive long sloping roofs, were designed to shed heavy snow and withstand Newfoundland’s strong coastal winds. 

Many of the homes you’ll see on Trinity’s residential streets date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when Trinity was a thriving centre of the cod fishery. 

It might be tempting to peek inside the windows of these traditional homes, but it’s best not to, because many of them continue to be lived in. It’s important to respect the privacy of local residents. 

This is something I talk about more in my guide to what not to do in Newfoundland, including a few things to keep in mind when visiting Newfoundland’s smaller communities.

Be sure to spend some time walking around West Street, one of the town’s main historic streets, before making your way down toward the harbour. 

From there, wander through the smaller side streets that climb the hillside, where you’ll find some of the best views over Trinity Harbour and a chance to appreciate the town’s historic architecture from different angles.

Visit Trinity’s Historic Landmarks

Trinity was established by European fishing crews in the 16th century and quickly became an important centre for Newfoundland’s cod fishery. 

For centuries, fishing crews from England went to Trinity each summer to catch and process cod before shipping it back across the Atlantic. Many of the buildings you’ll see today date back to Trinity’s prosperity during the 18th and 19th centuries.

One of the town’s most recognizable landmarks is St. Paul’s Anglican Church, which overlooks the harbour from the top of a hill. Built in 1894 after an earlier church was destroyed by fire, it’s worth stepping inside to admire the woodwork and stained glass windows.

After visiting the church, I wandered into the churchyard’s cemetery. I found an interpretive sign there which explains that it’s one of the oldest European cemeteries in North America, and explains how the cemetery is home to “migrating stones.” 

I learned that many of its oldest gravestones aren’t made from Newfoundland rock at all. Wealthy settlers imported limestone, marble, and sandstone from England, Ireland, and elsewhere to mark their final resting places. 

If you’re interested in learning more about Trinity’s history, I recommend stopping at the Mercantile Premises Provincial Historic Site. 

The restored waterfront buildings help bring the town’s fishing history to life, explaining how the cod trade operated and the important role merchants played in shaping Trinity and communities across Newfoundland.

And if you want a deeper understanding of the town, I’d also recommend joining one of Trinity’s guided walking tours. 

I always find these tours add so much context that you would otherwise miss, and they’re a great way to learn about the people, buildings, and history that make Trinity unique.

I didn’t have time to go on the Trinity walking tour, but it runs almost daily (in the morning) and is $15 per person. You can find more information here: Trinity Historical Walking Tours.

Browse Local Shops & Galleries

One of the things I enjoyed most about Trinity was popping into the small independent shops scattered throughout town. I always try to support local businesses when I travel, and Trinity has several that are worth a visit.

Don’t miss Aunt Sarah’s Chocolate Shop, where you’ll find handmade chocolates, fudge, and other sweet treats made right in Newfoundland. It’s a great place to pick up an edible souvenir or something to snack on while you walk around town.

I also loved browsing Elizabeth Burry Studios, which specializes in handcrafted jewellery. Elizabeth’s distinctive designs incorporate sterling silver, gold, and colourful gemstones, making this a great place to find a meaningful, locally made souvenir. 

Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth stopping in to admire the craftsmanship and learn about the inspiration behind the pieces.

And, don’t miss grabbing an ice cream from the town’s ice cream shop, Sweet Rock Icecream. Their homemade ice cream is made fresh daily in Trinity!

Have a Meal at Dock Marina

When you get hungry, I recommend heading to the Dock Marina Restaurant & Gallery. This restaurant and gift shop is right on the waterfront, and it’s one of the best places in Trinity to enjoy fresh seafood while looking out over the harbour. 

The menu has lots of Newfoundland favourites like fish and chips, cod tongue, chowder, and mussels.

Dock Marina has both indoor and outdoor seating. The patio seating overlooks the harbour, so if the weather’s warm, it’s worth sitting outside so you can take in the views.

After your meal, head upstairs to browse the small gallery and gift shop, which has artwork, handcrafted gifts, books, and products made by Newfoundland artists and artisans. 

Hike Gunn Hill

For the best views of Trinity, hike Gunn Hill. This short but rewarding trail climbs above the town, and when you reach the top, you have panoramic views over Trinity Harbour, Trinity Bay, and the historic buildings below.

The trail begins near the centre of town and is approximately 1.5 km round trip to the upper lookout. 

While it’s a relatively short hike that takes 30–45 minutes round trip (longer if you stop to enjoy the views), it is steep in sections, so wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for a bit of a climb.

Your first stop is the Lower Lookout, which is reached after just a few minutes. At this lookout there are interpretive signs explaining the history of Gunn Hill, including the cannons that were once used to help defend Trinity Harbour. 

Today, several historic guns are on display, along with Adirondack chairs where you can sit, catch your breath, and take in the spectacular harbour views.

If you’re up to it, you can continue climbing from the Lower Lookout to the Upper Lookout. 

The trail becomes a little steeper, but it’s worth the effort because when you get to the highest lookout you have an even wider panorama stretching across Trinity, the harbour entrance, and Trinity Bay. 

I recommend planning to climb Gunn Hill in the evening. This is what we did and it was worth it for the “golden hour” sunset lighting. And, it isn’t as hot if you do the trail later in the day. 

Day 2: Whales, Hiking & Craft Beer

Go Whale Watching with Sea of Whales

If you’re visiting Trinity between late May and September, getting out on the water should be at the top of your itinerary. 

Trinity Bay is one of the best places in Newfoundland to see humpback whales, and our tour ended up being one of the highlights of our entire road trip.

We went with Sea of Whales Adventures, a family-owned company run by husband-and-wife team Kris and Shawna Prince. 

The couple has more than 30 years of experience guiding visitors on the waters around Trinity, and their passion for whales and the local marine environment really comes through during the tour.

Kris and Shawna’s tours are run on small Zodiac boats with a maximum of 12 passengers. It makes the experience feel much more personal than a larger whale watching boat, and everyone had a great view no matter where they were sitting. 

Before heading out, you’ll be fitted with a warm flotation suit, so don’t worry if the forecast looks cool.

One of the reasons Newfoundland is such an incredible place for whale watching is the capelin run. Every summer, millions of capelin, a small forage fish, come onto Newfoundland’s beaches to spawn. 

Capelin are a major food source for humpback whales, seabirds, cod, and many other marine animals, so when the capelin arrive, the whales aren’t far behind.

The capelin run was one of the first things we got to see on our tour! Our boat got close to a beach where we watched thousands of tiny fish spawning along the shoreline. Meanwhile, there were lots of eagles and seabirds flying above. 

But what about whales? Well, we had bad luck that day.There were strong winds and a lot of fishing activity in the area, and Shawna explained that those conditions may have caused the whales to move elsewhere. 

It’s a good reminder that this is wildlife watching, not a theme park. The animals are wild, and sightings are never guaranteed.

Towards the end of our 3 hours on the water, we spotted a humpback whale, but it quickly became clear that something wasn’t right. 

The whale wasn’t swimming normally, and after watching it for a few minutes from a respectful distance, Shawna suspected it had become entangled in fishing gear.

She immediately contacted the Whale Release and Strandings Group, sharing the whale’s location so they could respond as quickly as possible. The whale was later found wrapped in two gill nets, but the team was able to safely free it. 

It was difficult to witness a whale in distress, but it also showed me the important role local guides play. If our tour hadn’t spotted that whale, it may never have received the help it needed.

Even though our day didn’t include dozens of whale sightings, I had a great experience. 

I learned about the capelin run, saw firsthand how closely connected Newfoundland’s marine ecosystem is, and watched as experienced guides put wildlife conservation ahead of creating the “perfect” tour. 

Walk Around Port Rexton

While Trinity is the main draw, I also recommend making time for Port Rexton, too. It’s only a few minutes away by car, and it has its own character and beautiful coastal scenery.

Port Rexton doesn’t have many shops or specific attractions to visit, but it’s a lovely, quiet community to walk around, especially in the evening. 

It’s known for its local craft brewery (more on that later in this guide!), hiking trails, and scenic shoreline. Even if you’re not stopping for a meal or a drink, it’s worth spending a little time walking around and taking in the views.

Port Rexton also has its own Gun Hill Lookout! It’s smaller than Gunn Hill in Trinity, but still worth walking up for the views. It’s only about 10 minutes to get to the top. 

Grab Coffee & a Fresh-Baked Treat at Two Whales

Open since 2009, Two Whales is a worker-owned co-operative that focuses on fresh, homemade vegetarian food, organic and locally sourced ingredients, and creating a welcoming community space. 

Many of the herbs and vegetables used in the kitchen are grown in the café’s own gardens, and just about everything is made from scratch.

I stopped in for a coffee and one of their bakeapple scones, which I highly recommend if they’re available. 

Bakeapple is a wild berry that grows in Newfoundland and Labrador’s bogs. It has a sweet-tart flavour that’s somewhere between apricot and raspberry, and it was one of my favourite local foods I tried during the trip.

If you’re looking for something more substantial, the café also serves homemade soups, sandwiches, paninis, breakfast items, and other baked goods. 

Everything is vegetarian, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options available.

Two Whales Coffee Shop

Hike the Skerwink Trail

If you only have time for one hike while visiting Trinity, make it the Skerwink Trail in Port Rexton.

This 5.3 km loop is widely considered one of the best hikes in Newfoundland and Labrador, and after hiking it myself, I completely understand why. This trail takes you along gorgeous coastline with really amazing views of the ocean. 

The trail is rated as moderate and took us about two hours to complete at a relaxed pace with plenty of photo stops. 

There are a few short climbs and descents, with roughly 260 metres (850 feet) of elevation gain over the course of the loop. 

The path alternates between packed dirt forest trails, wooden boardwalks, exposed roots, rocky sections, and coastal viewpoints, so I recommend wearing proper hiking shoes.

One of the things I loved most about the Skerwink Trail is how much the scenery changes throughout the hike. The route winds through quiet coastal forest before opening onto dramatic cliffs overlooking Trinity Bay. 

Along the way, you’ll pass towering sea stacks, rocky headlands, sheltered coves, and viewpoints.

Keep your eyes on the water as you hike. During whale season, humpback whales are often spotted feeding just offshore, making this one of the best land-based whale watching spots in the area. 

We didn’t get lucky enough to spot any, but hopefully you do!

Towards the end of the hike you’ll find yourself at White Cove, where there’s a sheltered pebble-and-sand beach. This was the perfect spot to relax for a bit before the final stretch back to the car.

Something worth mentioning is how well maintained the trail is. The Skerwink Trail is cared for largely by volunteers, and you’ll find donation boxes at the trailhead. 

If you’re able, consider leaving a donation to help support ongoing maintenance so future visitors can continue to enjoy this incredible hike.

Wrap Up Your Day With a Beer at Port Rexton Brewing

After a day of whale watching and hiking, head over to Port Rexton Brewing Co. This  Newfoundland craft brewery has a relaxed taproom and lots of outdoor patio space, making it the perfect place to unwind before calling it a day.

The brewery serves a rotating selection of craft beers brewed on-site, ranging from crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs and seasonal releases. Port Rexton Brewing offers some gluten-free beers, and if you’re not a big beer drinker, there are non-alcoholic options.

If you’re feeling hungry, grab something from the food truck outside. The menu features comfort food favourites like grilled cheese sandwiches and poutine, with a Newfoundland twist. 

I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich that came with partridgeberry jam, a tart, bright red wild berry that’s native to Newfoundland and Labrador. 

It has a flavour that’s similar to cranberry, but slightly less sharp and a little more earthy. Paired with the melted cheese, it was a combination I wouldn’t have thought to order, but it worked so well. It was delicious!

Whether you’re stopping in for a tasting flight or ending the evening with a pint and a meal, Port Rexton Brewing is the perfect spot to wrap up your day enjoying the Trinity area.

Spend More Than a Day in Trinity

It’s easy to see why Trinity is one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most popular places to visit. 

Between its historic streets, fascinating fishing history, excellent hiking trails, and incredible wildlife, there’s enough here to fill at least two days.

While a day trip is certainly possible, I think staying longer gives you a much better experience. It gives you time to learn about the town’s history, hike coastal trails like the Skerwink Trail, get out on the water to look for whales, and enjoy the quieter pace that makes this part of Newfoundland so special.

If you’re planning a road trip around the Bonavista Peninsula, I’d make Trinity one of your overnight stops. After spending two days here myself, I can confidently say it’s a place that’s worth spending more time in!

Want to have a more thoughtful trip? Here are some of my responsible travel tips to get you started.

• Learn the main tips for being a responsible tourist.
• Use sustainable tourism tips to travel eco-consciously. 
• Choose responsible wildlife tourism experiences.
• Travel to places that aren’t facing overtourism to reduce your impact.
• Be aware of cultural appropriation and avoid it. 
• Use second city tourism when you do want to visit more popular places.
• Be thoughtful in how you shop for souvenirs.
• Take and share photos and videos respectfully.
• Avoid tourism leakage by supporting local businesses.
• Consider your travel privileges.

I want to thank Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism  for hosting Lucas and I as media. All opinions expressed are my own. If you enjoyed this blog, you’ll love my newsletter, as well as my Facebook group. You’re welcome to join these communities – would love to see you there!

FAQs: Visiting Trinity, Newfoundland & Labrador