Dildo is an ideal location to stay and take day trips to various parts of the Avalon Peninsula which contains almost 50% of the population of the province. The Avalon Peninsula has four quadrants - the Baccalieu Trail forms the northwestern quadrant, the Admirals' Coast is in the centre, the Killick Cost in the northeastern quadrant, the city of St. John's is at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean along the eastern side, the Irish Loop is in the southeastern quadrant, and the Cape Shore forms the the southeastern quadrant.
The Avalon Peninsula is steeped in history and cradled in cultural heritage. Besides having thousands of years of native settlement, the Avalon is one of the parts of North America first visited by Europeans of many nations. It is the home of the first English colony in Canada, Cupids, which was established in 1610. Most communities to this day, retain English and Irish heritage in music, stories, accents and foods.
The mix of urban and rural communities provide many contrasting scenes and activities. Largerurban areas such as St. John's, Mount Pearl, Conception Bay South (CBS), and Paradise are among the fastest growing areas in Atlantic Canada. The remainder of the Avalon is made up of "outport" towns and communities which retain a slow place of life and traditional activities.
St. John's and Area
St. John's, the capital city, and its twin city of Mount Pearl have many of the features of modern North American cities, but they are still unique in terms of way that people speak, the entertainment, and the scenery. From the city you can visit Cape Spear, the most easterlypoint in North America.
Cabot Tower Dominates the City
Day and Night
The Rooms - Provincial Museum
Features Modern Architecture
The Avalon Peninsula is a large diverse area. You can find maps and travel guides to each of the "scenic touring routes" on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Site.
The George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast is located on the Baccalieu Trail. "Baccalieu" means salt cod, and for centuries descendents of Europeans have lived in this region to fish for and salt cod. Artifacts (some of which are more than 4000 years old) from inhabitation by native people have been found by the Baccalieu Trail Heritage Corporation. Today, the population of the region is about 40,000 people, all of whom live in small towns and communities. There are many festivals and events in the region, especially during summer months
The Admirals' Coast
The Manuels River Linear Park
A Key to the Theory of Plate Tectonics, or Continental Drift
The Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club is in Manuals, and the Willows Golf Course is in Holyrood.
The Admirals' Coast is a study in contrasts. The rocky harbours and bays contrast with the idyllic rural communities which are among the best farming areas in the province, with good soil and the best weather conditions on the Avalon Peninsula. Peaceful rural communities, such as Harbour Main, contrast with fast growing urban centres, such as Paradise and CBS, which are are among the fastest growing urban areas in Canada.
The Killick Coast
Bell Island Light House
Trapper's Cove, Torbay
The Killick Coast stretches from Portugal Cove - St. Phillips to Logy Bay at the tip of the Northern part of the Avalon Peninsula just outside St. John's. (Bell Island, which has some of the most spectacular scenery in the province, can be reached by a short boat ride.) The people of these fishing and farming communities have held to their rural roots and rural way of life despite being so close to the city.
The Irish Loop
Sea Kayaking
near the East Coast Trail
La Manche Provincial Park
Hiking Trail, Wild Life, Plants
The Irish Loop contains a large portion of the East Coast Hiking Trail. The Trail wanders through small communities and along the shoreline. The area is known for its whale and puffin boat tours and for sea kayaking.
The Cape Shore
Placentia: Old French Capital
Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve
The Cape Shore is famous for the Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve, where the visitor can walk almost within touching distance of the large bird colonies which nest on the large rock at the edge of the cliff.
