We’ve braved June-uary and made it to July, and begged you spill your secrets for the greater good, and tell us your favourite one-day getaways in NL, so we can all get the most out of our short-lived summers. 

“Grates Cove! An afternoon ramble through the stone-walled meadows at the stunning tip of the Baccalieu Peninsula with 360 views. Top it off with the most amazing scoff ever at Grates Cove Studio where Cajan and Newfoundland cuisine mingle with just a hint of Korea. Courtney and Terrence are imaginative chefs and hosts, exuding the warmth and wonder of the place.” – Tom Gordon

“St. Vincent’s beach — Take a drive all the way around the Irish Loop (Route 10) and plan to stop at this beautiful beach. Last summer, we happened to have perfect timing with whales near shore jumping and playing. Stop at the restaurant/inn in Trespassey for supper!” – Anon

“Soldiers pond is the most beautiful swimming spot in the city. Just a 10-minute hike (straight up) from Fort Amherst, and there is a calm and beautiful pond to swim in. It feels almost exclusive!” – Shawna

“Clarke’s Beach for the Newfoundland Distillery seaweed gin drinks in their bar, and Stone Jug in Carbonear for a feed! Or Out to Trinity Bay to fadder’s to go cod jigging.” – ANON

“If you don’t mind a bit of a drive the Bonavista/Trinity Bay area is a great place for a day trip. You could start your day with a coffee and a treat at the Two Whales Cafe in Port Rexton, then go for a hike on the Skerwink trail. After your hike, head to the Bonavista Social Club (which is actually in Amherst Cove, don’t let the name deceive you) for lunch: It’s the best pizza around, and a great view. Follow up lunch with a dip in Rattling Falls, a small water fall/swimming hole off route 230. End your day at the Port Rexton Brewery, or if you have the time, a drive through Trinity would also be worth it.” – Victoria

“Salmon Cove Sands, tolerable distance for a day trip to a sandy beach in a genuinely picturesque cove, stop off in Brigus on the way!” – Ivy Profun

“Dart out to Twillingate, b’ys. Spiller’s Cove or Lower Little Lighthouse Trail are deadly hikes, right along the coast, like, RIGHT along the coast, so it’s a thrill. Then refresh yourself with a pint from Split Rock Brewery, the best damn brewery on the island! Toss in a pop into the Prime Berth Fishing Museum if you have time, it’s a kooky little spot, sure to get into your Instagram feed.” – Dyke

“Twillingate, for Experience Twillingate’s award-winning culinary excursion, “From Sea To Plate Tour – cooking over fire with saltwater.” – ANON

“Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve. Make the day out of it by going down Salmonier Line and coming back through Placentia. Set aside a good 2 hours for the reserve itself, to take in the Interpretation Centre, walk to Bird Rock, and whale watching. Other mini highlights along the way are Cataracts, Gooseberry Cove, Castle Hill. Cape St. Mary’s is a special spot for birders, hikers, nature lovers, and those just going for the Sunday drive. Met my husband there, so it’s also our special spot!” – Mercia Conway Harris

“Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve and have lunch at The Loft in Branch! Beautiful drive, magnificent gannets at Cape St. Mary’s and great food at The Loft!” – Anon

“Take a drive south from St. John’s along route 10 (the Irish loop). Stop at Witless Bay and take a boat tour to see some cool birds (puffins), or just stop and look out on the four islands of the Witless Bay ecological reserve. Then keep going south to La Manche park, and take a short hike into the suspension bridge, which connects to the east coast trail. You might even spot an iceberg. If there’s still a few hours of daylight left, you can head onwards to Ferryland and check out the lighthouse there. They do picnic lunches made in-(light)house from Wed-Sun until 3:30pm, book in advance! From there you can enjoy the sunset during the roughly one-hour drive back to St. John’s central.” – Betty

“Ferryland! Lighthouse Picnics, Colony of Avalon Archaeological Site (and Gift Shop), Southern Shore Folks Arts Council Tetley Tea Room & Dinner Theatre, and so much more! Plus the nicest views this side of Ireland!” – Janine

“Cupids! The Burnt Head Trail that starts behind the outdoor theatre there is short, with spectacular views. There are nice spots to stop and picnic, and possibilities for off-trail exploration. You can stop in at E&E for a milkshake on the way back too!” – ANON