Flights to Stephenville

The scenery will blow you away

After your flight to Stephenville, prepare to be blown away by the surrounding beauty.

This provincial park derives its strange name from the Blow Me Down Mountains. Most of the time, these striking mountains sit quietly on the horizon. However, when the breeze picks up, winds crash together on the mountains, before barrelling into the bay below.

The mountains’ name, which sounds more like “blomidon” in the local accent, comes from a sailor who had set anchor in the waters of the bay. In the local lore, Captain Messervey, looking up at the mountains, shouted: “I hope they don’t blow me down!”

Rising up 650 metres from sea level, the Blow Me Downs make for a challenging climb even on calm days. The windswept summit of these mountains is accessible by a 16 km hike, passing the sheer cliffs and deep valleys that scar the peak. If you’re looking for a more leisurely path, take the Governor’s Staircase. This easy stroll takes you through volcanic rock dating back 450 million years, sparkling with veins of quartz.

After stepping down the Governor’s Staircase, climb to the top of the observation tower. From the heights of this tower, you’ll be able to see most of Blow Me Down Provincial Park. Keep an eye out for the Blow Me Down Mountains’ shorter neighbours, Tortoise and Murray Mountains. Gaze out onto the water, to see the crowded collection of islands that give the Bay of Islands its name.

Day-trippers can take a lunch break in the park’s designated picnic area. If you plan on staying the night, close to 30 campsites are scattered throughout Blow Me Down Provincial Park. Wherever you set your tent, you’ll be treated to a stunning view of the ever-present Blow Me Down Mountains.

Natural beauty at high altitudes

Just under a 2-hour drive from Stephenville, Gros Morne is a must-see for any traveller.

Second-largest National Park in Eastern Canada, Gros Morne National Park contains a rich variety of landscapes within its 1,805 square kilometre area. Some of the park’s features consist of fjords, forests, beaches, bogs, and towering mountains.

Hard not to miss, the Gros Morne Mountain stands at a towering 806 metres, though its peak is usually hidden in fog or snow. Gros Morne’s unique ecosystem allows travellers to experience the climate of the arctic tundra, without having to travel too far north. Watch for the woodland caribou and arctic hare that make their homes along the mountain.

Impressive hiking trails are available throughout the park year round. The Tablelands Trail is an easy trek to the peaks of Winterhouse Brook Canyon. More experienced hikers will enjoy the challenge of Snug Harbour Trail and its views of the 650-metre cliffs of Western Brook Pond Gorge.

Explore the park’s thick forests for rare plants, animals and various bird species. Or run your hand over the ancient sea floor that has been exposed by the collision of the earth’s tectonic plates.

If you’re planning to stay the night, sleep under the stars with various campgrounds throughout the park. Pitch your tent along the shores of the ocean, ponds, lakes or rivers. While Gros Morne features a variety of campgrounds, Rocky Harbour, Cow Head and other nearby villages offer hotels as well.

During the summer months, boat tours are available to take you through the fjords. If you’re lucky, perhaps you’ll sail close enough to feel the fresh water spray on your face from the waterfalls cascading over the cliffs.

In the winter, swoosh through the groomed trails with a pair of cross-country skies. Visit the communities in the park and enjoy the hospitality of restaurants, festivals and events that take place all year round.

Before flying back home, make sure you take in this geological and visual wonder only found in Stephenville.