Hi there driving St. John’s to bonivista and spending two nights. We would like to make the most out of the drive there to see things and maybe a hike. Suggested route to take? Should we do the skerwink trail on the way there or save for the next day? Any suggestions and help welcome! We are coming mid August
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55 helpful votes There’s not really a variety of routes to take to get to Bonavista. It’s Route 1 (Trans Canada Highway) from St.John’s to Clarenville, then Route 230 all the way to Bonavista. On this route you will pass Trinity and Port Rexton, so its possible to do the Skerwink Trail. But Trinity is well worth some time too. There are lots of historic properties and it’s a great little walkable village.
The one alternative, which we take all the time, is Route 235. You follow the above routes 1 and 230 until you reach the turnoff to Southern Bay (route 235). This is a very nice drive with lots of picturesque communities on the side roads - my favourites are Tickle Cove, Keels and maybe Hodderville. You will eventually end up in Bonavista coming into town beyond the Ryan Premises. In Tickle Cove, stop to see the Sea Arches. In Kings Cove you could walk to the lighthouse, the start of the little trail is behind the school and church.
If you choose to do route 235 (either going to or leaving Bonavista) be aware that some stretches of that road are poor, the part between Bonavista and Newmans Cove is the worst with ruts, potholes and cracks.
I’ll be driving that road on Wednesday, back to our summer home, so I’ll see if there have been any repairs or improvements made since our last trip.
I am just finishing my stay in Bonavista and did the Skerwink trail on my drive to Bonavista. I think it took me about 2 1/2 hours to hike, but I spent time at one of the lookouts because I saw a whale and I also spent some time at the top of the lookout which is a side trail. I got a lot of useful information on what to see at the visitor centre on highway 1. I would suggest you stop in Trinity to see the historic buildings and maybe hike up Gunner hill and then do the Skerwink trail which is in East Trinity before heading to Bonavista. Elliston, Spiller Cove and Cape Bonavista are all very close to Bonavista. I also drove to Kings Cove and Keels and Tickle Cove. Kings Cove has a nice hike if you like the rock formations. Really good representation on this trail
Thanks so much for the info. If you could get back to me about the highway that would be great that sounds like a nice scenic route
Thanks very much!
I did the Skerwink trail last week…….highly recommend it, if it’s a nice day you won’t be disappointed with the views…..
9,090 posts
55 helpful votes Info on Bonavista route 235. We drove the entire length of this today. There are places where there are some very large potholes and ruts in the road, one section there were white lines painted around all the holes. (Not sure if the community did this or one individual). The section between Birchy Cove and Bonavista (which was so bad when we used it a few weeks ago) has been somewhat patched. Pavement not redone, just some of the potholes filled in.
This road is a lovely drive, with so many pretty communities al long the way. But it’s still “users beware” as there are some very rough sections.
Edited: 2 years agoThank you so much!
We are currently in Bonavista. The drive from st. Johns takes longer than you think. We stopped in Trinity, needed about 1 hour here, and the Port Rexton Brewery. The brewery is highly recommended and well as the food truck on its premises. Elliston is a must stop for the puffin viewing site. We’ve gone there three times in the last 2 days, but I take many photos. There are so many whales which can be seen from the Bonavista light house are currently. Use your time in this area.
Thank you