Photography by Rugged Rock Media except for one shot; let me know when you find it.

I’ve been fortunate to spend nearly three weeks in Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador over two visits. I can see why everyone I’ve spoken to who’s been there admires it and why it’s one of Canada’s most beautiful destinations.
I’ve written on the most popular things to do in Newfoundland & Labrador including St. Johns, Ocean Quest Adventures, Petty Harbour, Signal Hill and more.
I’ve done extensive kayaking in Newfoundland & Labrador as well and written about my memorable experiences, including sea cave kayaking by Bell Island.
There are videos as well that captured my time there, which I feel wasn’t long enough.

Here, I’ll share some lesser-known attractions that are certainly worth visiting as you road trip in Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador.
We’ll start in Carbonear, which is only 75 minutes outside of St. Johns, go for some nice long drives, soak in the scenery and wrap up in Trinity, on the other side of Trinity Bay.

Carbonear Railway Museum & Tourist Chalet

A former railway station that was in operation from 1919 to 1984, it has changed tracks and is now a museum. Inside, you’ll find the rich history of archeological digs, the history of Carbonear Island along with interesting pieces of railway equipment.
A short walk from here is where you’ll find the rare CN Locomotive 803. It’s powerful 800 horsepower engine is only one of two remaining in Canada. Owned by the Town of Carbonear, it was slated to be scrapped in a December 2022 vote but that was rescinded and it still stands as an important piece of history.

Rorke Stores Museum

Since you’re already in Carbonear, take the two minute walk from the Railway Museum along Water Street to a truly “old-school” building made entirely of wood. The building itself is astounding with the massive pieces of timber and the excellent engineering and unsurprisingly, it’s been a Registered Heritage Structure by the province since 1988.
There are several historical items scattered throughout, including a “Balancing the Scales” piece and an antique hearse.

Dark Star Coffee Roasters

Complete the trilogy with a four minute walk again along Water Street and fresh-baked treat yourself to a splendid cup of fresh coffee and some sweet treats at Dark Star Coffee Roasters. They work with small batches and roast the beans in-house and when go, try a hand pie since you spent so much time walking here. Ok, ok, I’m kidding about the long walk but absolutely serious about the pie.
There’s an upstairs sitting area or you can take your drink to go and stroll the streets.

Victoria Heritage Village

Get in the car and drive a mere 10 minutes northeast to be brought back in time via Victoria Heritage Village. This was built on the site of a World War Two POW camp, originally built in 1940 and was in operation for three years until it was taken down.
Stroll the 1,500 foot boardwalk and experience pieces of the past via a general store, railway station, forge, an old barn, church, fire hall, school and barber shop.

Bay de Verde

Take Highway 70 northeast for about an hour from Victoria Heritage Village to Bay de Verde.

Start by exploring this quaint part of the province via their Heritage Premises.
Attractions include the Blundon Heritage House, a traditional fish store and flake, a very cool historic root cellar, a waterfall, scenic boardwalks, and hiking trails.
Be sure to visit the Bay de Verde Brewing Company, housed in an old saltbox, complete with its brewery on site. Sample some delicious beer and enjoy their lunch menu, all while you admire the grand beauty of this small town.

Champney’s West Aquarium

Get comfy, crank up the tunes and settle in for a four-ish hour drive around Trinity Bay that brings you to Champney’s West Aquarium. For 2025, they’ve got an exciting and new interactive display; Corals and Sponges of Atlantic Canada. This adds to their dozens of other species of marine life, plus other educational aspects throughout the facility.
There are hands-on experiences here and the staff is friendly and engaging.

ATV Adventures with Trinity Eco Tours

A short 15 minute drive from the aquarium brings you to your departure point for an adventurous ATV experience via Trinity Eco Tours. Get a unique perspective of this part of the province as you’re exposed to birds, scenery and possibly wildlife. We can send the wildlife an email asking them to be available but no promises.
They’ve got scheduled 3.5 hour late-afternoon tours or opt to work with the team to create a custom tour.
It was my first time on an ATV and with a short learning curve, if I can do it, anyone can do it.

As much as you’ll want to capture quickly and often with your camera/smartphone, it’s a matter of safety first so don’t capture content while in motion. Use an action camera suctioned to the ATV or mounted to your helmet. Or simply unplug for the ride and enjoy your natural surroundings.

There’s a certain magic to finding these lesser-known places when you travel. They’re not “hidden gems” because while they’re gems, they’re certainly not hidden.
Besides, it’s a silly term that’s been watered down.
As you plan your visit, set aside a couple of days, one at least, to experience at least a few of these. You’ll get a different appreciation for the province, it’s people, their small towns and you’ll likely stumble upon other unexpected spots on your journey.