Central Newfoundland

Explore the Area

From WWII flying boat history to world-class salmon fishing, there is plenty to see and do within a short drive of the hotel. Here are some favourites.

Botwood

Home base

A harbour town on the Bay of Exploits with deep roots in aviation history and a growing arts scene.

Botwood Heritage Centre and Flying Boat Museum

WWII-era museum covering the town’s aviation history, railway heritage, logging, shipbuilding, and Beothuk culture. Antique snowmobiles and a long gun collection round out the exhibits.

Town Murals

A self-guided walking tour of murals along Water Street, each paired with a bilingual storyboard. Run by the Botwood Mural Arts Society.

Walking Trails

Four interconnected trails: Killick Island (WWII bunkers), Lighthouse Point (seaside), the Old Railway Link, and King Ridge Lookout with panoramic views.

Bay of Exploits

Kayaking, boat tours, seasonal iceberg viewing via the Labrador Current, whale watching, cod fishing, and visits to resettled fishing villages on the islands.

Grand Falls-Windsor

~20 min

The commercial hub of central Newfoundland, built along the Exploits River gorge.

Exploits River Whitewater Rafting

Calm stretches near the gorge waterfall for floating, plus a canyon run for more intensity.

Exploits Extreme Ziplines

Six ziplines crossing the gorge with sweeping views over the river.

Salmonid Interpretation Centre

Atlantic salmon exhibits on the Exploits River with underwater viewing windows.

Mary March Provincial Museum

Indigenous cultures of Newfoundland spanning over 5,000 years, including detailed Beothuk history.

Corduroy Brook Nature Trail

Over 15 km of trails ranging from accessible boardwalks to more demanding backcountry hikes.

Thunder Brook Falls

Two waterfalls with deep pools, great for swimming on warm summer days.

Grand Falls-Windsor Heritage Centre

Downtown museum with thousands of historical photos, documents, and artifacts from the town’s early days.

Arts and Culture Centre

Live programming, theatre performances, and the Gwendolyn Cooper Art Gallery.

Exploits Valley Salmon Festival

Annual summer festival running 30+ years. Salmon dinners and headline concerts.

Bishop’s Falls

~15 min

A railway and salmon town on the Exploits River with trails, parks, and some of the best fishing pools in North America.

Historic Railway Trestle Bridge

The longest trestle east of Quebec, now part of the Newfoundland T’Railway (Trans Canada Trail).

Salmon Fish Ladder

A short hike along the T’Railway to watch Atlantic salmon jumping the ladder on the Exploits River.

Salmon Fishing

Some of the best Atlantic salmon pools in North America, walkable from Fallsview Municipal Park.

Fallsview Municipal Park

Camping, picnic shelters, and a viewing area overlooking the falls with a bandstand for events.

Heritage Centre

Former railway station with exhibits on the town and Newfoundland’s rail history. Restored train on display outside.

Lewisporte

~25 min

A gateway to Notre Dame Bay with a large marina, provincial park, and boat excursions to the islands.

Lewisporte Marina

250-berth marina with boat cruises to Exploits Island, Sturgeon Cove Lighthouse, and seasonal iceberg and whale viewing.

Notre Dame Provincial Park

Boreal forest campground with a sandy beach, swimming, canoeing, and fishing.

Woolfrey’s Pond Boardwalk

A 2.2 km trail with three lookouts over Mount Peyton and Lewisporte Harbour.

Train Park and Hiking Trail

Restored trains, a picnic area, and a scenic trail following a brook.

Hanns Point Theatre

Live shows during the summer season.