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1km trail to Bird Rock. It's an easy footpath through fields of sheep and blue irises, and
then suddenly you're at the cliff's edge facing a massive, near-vertical rock swarmed by
squawking birds. There are 70,000 of them, including gannets, kittiwakes, murres and
razorbills. The reserve is isolated, so you'll have to travel for lodging.
The Cliffhouse ( 709-338-2055; www.thecliffhouse.ca ; Rte 100; r $100) , in the wee town
of Branch 22km away, is strongly recommended. Set high on a hill, you can see the
ocean and spouting whales from everywhere: the front yard's Adirondack chairs, the
porch, the front picture window and all three guest rooms. It's owned by a local family -
Chris is a naturalist at the reserve, wife Priscilla is the town mayor and mum Rita cooks
breakfast.
Near the reserve turnoff is Gannet's Nest Restaurant ( 709-337-2175; Rte 100; mains
$8-15; 8am-8pm) , frying some of the province's crispiest fish and chips and baking a
mean rhubarb pie.
EASTERN NEWFOUNDLAND
Two peninsulas seem to grasp awkwardly out at the sea and comprise the sliver that is
Eastern Newfoundland. The beloved, well-touristed Bonavista Peninsula projects north-
ward. Historic fishing villages freckle its shores, and windblown walking trails swipe its
coast. Clarenville ( www.clarenville.net ) is the Bonavista Peninsula's access point and ser-
vice center, though there's not much for sightseers.
To the south juts the massive but less-traveled Burin Peninsula, another region of fish-
ing villages. These towns are struggling to find their way in the post-cod world. The
ferry for France - yes, France, complete with wine, éclairs and Brie - departs from For-
tune and heads to the nearby French islands of St-Pierre and Miquelon, a regional high-
light.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Trinity
POP 250
Let's set the record straight: Trinity is the Bonavista Peninsula's most popular stop, a his-
toric town of crooked seaside lanes, storybook heritage houses and gardens with white
picket fences. Trinity Bight is the name given to the 12 communities in the vicinity, in-
cluding Trinity, Port Rexton and New Bonaventure.
While Trinity is movie-set lovely, some visitors have complained that its perfection is
a bit boring. But if you like historic buildings and theater along with your scenery - and
 
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