Local events
The Codroy Valley hosts many regularly occurring as well as annual events. Darts, pool, open mic, dances, and various fundraising events occur on a weekly basis throughout the 15 communities. Just down the road from Bert Bark at the local community centre is a fun open mic/dance that occurs every Wednesday evening in the summer.
The Codroy Valley Folk Festival is a fun family event that occurs during the last week of July/first week of August. Apart from tons of local music at the fairgrounds over the weekend, there are various indoor and outdoor activities planned throughout the week for both community members and tourists
The Codroy Valley Winter Carnival is a week-long even that occurs in February of every year. All sorts of indoor and outdoor activities are planned throughout the week for all ages.
Book available on site!
Book available on site!
Codroy Valley Provincial Park
A short drive or bike ride away is the Codroy Valley Provincial Park. Swim, sunbathe, birdwatch, or dig for clams on the beautiful, sandy Searston Beach or hike to Point Rosee, which many believe might be the second Norse settlement in North America after L'Anse aux Meadows.
Hiking
Codroy Valley has several first-class hikes just minutes from the hostel, including the popular Starlite Trail (part of the International Appalachian Trail), which crawls up into the Long Range Mountains and offers a breathtaking view of the valley as well as Campbell's Lake, where swimming is also possible. There is also the Wetlands Trail, an easy 2 km interpretive hike in Doyles, its trail head just opposite the Codroy Valley Wetland Interpretation Centre, and the brand new and absolutely stunning Coastangs Trail, an easy 3 km connecting St. Andrew's and Searston along the coast. Apart from Point Rosee, Mark Rock Trail in South Branch, Table Mountain hike, and some smaller walks around the valley, there are plenty more hikes within an hours drive, such as the Port aux Basques coastal trail, Harvey Trail in Isle aux Morts, hikes in J.T. Cheeseman Provincial Park, and many more. Plenty of opportunities to see some wildlife, too!
Water activities
Kayaking, paddle-boarding, canoeing, sailing, surfing, and just plain swimming are popular summer activities here in the Codroy Valley. We have two singles and a double kayak for rent (life jackets included), which you can launch right from the hostel grounds into the Little Codroy River. Paddle to the ocean or just relax on the river and enjoy the beautiful view of the mountains.
Murray's Beach is a few minutes walk from the hostel and there you can swim, sunbathe, stare at the mountains and the serenity of the valley, or even have a dance party (our personal favorite) while playing frisbee! Best of all, you don't have to worry about driving back all wet and sandy since Bert Bark Inn is a hop skip and a jump away.
Surfing. Yes, surfing! Cape Ray beach has one of the best surfs around. You just gotta bring your board and check the swells.
Kayaking at Bert Bark Inn
Piping plover at Searston Beach
Birding
The Codroy Valley houses the greatest diversity of birds in Newfoundland, some species unique to the valley, and rare bird sightings are very common here as well. The endangered piping plover is a very common sighting here. We can recommend some good birding sites near the in!
Salmon Fishing
If you are gonna fish for wild salmon, there are few world class salmon spots right here in the Codroy Valley. You may contact the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for details on obtaining a fishing license. Other fish commonly caught are brook and mud trout.
Winter activities
The Codroy Valley doesn't die in the winter! There are lots of fun outdoors activities and events for all ages. Apart from the Winter Carnival in February as well as weekly activities around the valley like darts and poker, there are lots of opportunities for snowshoeing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and of course quinzhee building!
Other stuff
There's a beautiful 9 hole par 35 golf course down the road at St. Andrew's Na Creige Golf Course. There's also the Cape Anguille Lighthouse at the most westerly point in Newfoundland a short drive away. And then there's always berry and flower picking, mushroom foraging, biking, quadding, snowmobiling, whale watching, wildlife sighting, photographing, shopping at local shops, etc.
Surrounding areas
Port aux Basques, Cape Ray, Rose Blanche, Stephenville, Port au Port Peninsula, Corner Brook, Deer Lake Airport, Gros Morne National Park. All within a few hours drive from the hostel.
