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Why I love....


NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR


The Eastender


Erin Skinner, who works in travel trade and media relations for Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism, explains why she loves her job and home region


Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site





There’s a saying that when you meet a Newfoundlander & Labradorian in heaven


they’re the only people who want to go home,” says Erin, who has lived on the island of


Newfoundland her whole life. “I’m a Newfoundlander born and bred and I’ll be one till I die,” she adds, quoting from a famous song, The Islander, by Shanneyganock.


Erin lives in the capital St.


John’s, the most easterly city in North America and, surprisingly considering it's so remote, just


three-and-a-half hours behind British summertime.


Her house, in the centre of the city, is close to Memorial University, amid mature trees and some of the city’s best walking routes, like the Grand Concourse Walking Trail, which runs for 100 miles and links the capital with several towns.


Geographically similar in size to California, Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) is the largest of the Atlantic provinces and


Erin with


Botswain the dog and a sentry


probably the most diverse. Erin says this and the region's people are the main reasons why she so


enjoys a job which involves promoting her home to trade and media groups. “I really love living here,” she says. “In spring and summer we get to see Mother Nature’s most majestic artwork, in the form of icebergs. And we have 29 different species of marine mammals that call our shores home.” Erin’s favourite


leviathan is the humpback whale and


each year she takes a boat tour out to 24 SUMMER 2014 • SELLING CANADA


see them playing among the icebergs. “They come here to feed so they dive deep and then breach, jumping right out of the North Atlantic! I never get tired of seeing them out there – it amazes me and makes me smile.” Erin is a passionate advocate of the variety of experieces on offer in her home region, from the capital St. John’s, where she loves to hike from along the Avalon Peninsula on the East Coast Trail, rated the ‘Top Coastal Destination’ in the world by National Geographic Traveller, to Gros Morne National Park, one of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Newfoundland and Labrador. The cuisine is a huge plus for the region too. “The cold North Atlantic makes our lobster, shrimp and fish sweeter, and everything is caught that day and served from pot to plate,” Erin says, as well as recommending the Newfoundland version of fish & chips, served with dressing and gravy on top! Erin suggests that Newfoundland and Labrador has some of the most


memorable accommodation in Canada! “From remote lighthouse keeper accommodation on Quirpon Island to the historic properties of Battle Harbour and Heritage Properties in Labrador, you’ll be amazed by the comfort but also the


experiences you’ll find in each of these places,” she says.


“The people here are truly


proud and passionate about their province. “Tourism employs a lot of people and we have the friendliest people you’ll ever meet! If you’re lost just stand on the sidewalk with a map in hand – someone will soon stop their car to show you the way!”


HOW TO RELAX... ON A SUNDAY Morning “One of my favourite ways to relax on a lazy Sunday is to start with a sumptuous lobster benedict brunch amongst the colourful row houses of downtown St. John’s.” Midday “I sometimes head to


Ferryland Lighthouse, an hour’s drive south of St. John’s. You order sandwiches, fresh lemonade and homemade desserts from inside and receive a blanket and a ship’s signal flag to identify your order. Then you just need to pick a spot along the rolling cliffs and they’ll bring your picnic right to you. As you eat, watch for whales breaching, icebergs breaking in half and even leatherback sea turtles!” Afternoon/Evening “I often visit the historic fishing community of Quidi Vidi, a short walk from downtown St. John's, for an Iceberg beer. The microbrewery here crafts its beer using 10,000-year-old iceberg water. I like to sit on the picnic tables and watch the fishermen with their catch of day.”


Regional


colours at Joe Batt's Arm


Erin with her husband Aaron and dog Remy in Quidi Vidi Village


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