Salvage Harbour in Newfoundland

Newfoundland is the world's 16th largest island and Canada's most easterly province. Its rugged and beautiful landscape has produced a hardy and friendly people. Newfoundland experiences harsh winters and short, hot summers.

Newfoundland's unique appeal lies in its history and relatively recent "modernization". Only joining Canada in 1949, many of Newfoundland's out-port villages did not have roads until the 1960s and 1970s. The bone-chilling coastal winters provided only one option for ice-locked villages - cooperate or die - and the sense of community and honestly that resulted still prevails.

On the west coast of Newfoundland, Gros Morne National Park is a year-round destination for camping, snowshoeing and hiking. Its unique geographical features include steep coastal fjords and lush green valleys. In the summer, be sure to check out the Gros Morne Theatre Festival where Newfoundland's up and coming actors, comedians and musicians hone their skill.

Marble Mountain, also on the island's west coast, provides arguably the best skiing east of the Canadian Rockies and a warm, lively base lodge pub.

Newfoundland's capital, St John's, is the oldest city in Canada. It was established in 1497 by John Cabot and throughout history, it has been the centre of struggles among Dutch, English, French and Basque peoples for control of the fishing industry. Some of the city's historical sites include Signal Hill and Cabot Tower, the Anglican Cathedral of St John the Baptist and the Roman Catholic Basilica of St John the Baptist.

Whale watching has grown in popularity in recent years. Boat tours abound, giving visitors the chance to get up close and personal with whales, puffins and icebergs. Charter operators are located in St John's and Ray Bulls, among other coastal towns.

Whether you're chatting with a moose at Gros Morne National Park or bar-hopping in the capital city's George Street, Newfoundland is a true hidden gem and one of the best kept tourism secrets on the planet.

Several major airlines serve Gander and St John's, and smaller regional airports are located at Goose Bay, Stephenville and Churchill Falls. A ferry service is available between Port aux Basques and North Sydney, and between Goose Bay, Black Tickle, Nain, Cartwright and Rigolet.