We have just returned from touring in Atlantic and Maritime Canada and had the privilege of staying at Neddies Harbour Inn. It is just wonderful. The location is superb - on the waterfront of Bonne Bay with wonderful views. The atmosphere is very friendly and the service is excellent, always with a smile! The restaurant has stunning views and serves excellent freshly prepared food, bursting with flavour. There is a communal lounge with a selection of books and games which leads onto an outdoor verandah with views over the bay. Even binoculars are provided. Gros Morne is an area of outstanding beauty and we would recommend anyone to stay here when visiting this area.

We have just returned from a lovely stay at the new Neddies Harbour Inn. It is a levely spot and fairly priced at Cdn 170 for peak season. The restaurant was splendid as well. It is a great way to enjoy the splendour of Gros Morne.

My wife and I briefly visited Gros Morne National Park (a Unesco world heritage location) in western Newfoundland a number of years ago, and found it to be one of the most spectacular places on earth, especially for those that like the outdoors. We hiked the mountain (6-8 hrs), and took the Western Brook Pond boat tour, but it seemed that the only type of accomodations available at that time were clean but very modest housekeeping cottages.

Last weekend (May 18-21), I was fortunate enough to be able to return to Gros Morne with my 13 year old son for 3 days of hiking and sea kayaking. The mountain path itself wasn't open (until July 1), the big boat tours weren't in the water yet, and the weather was wet and still cool, but we had a fantastic time anyway, through a combination of doing whatever we wanted to despite the weather (rain gear and layers are the key, even in summer), and the Neddie's Harbour Inn, a beautiful new inn that just opened on May 12th.

We had found it by chance over the internet, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. The owners, Bettina and Herbert, originally from Switzerland, have spent the last few years (and lots of $) creating a tiny perfect boutique hotel/inn right on Bonne Bay (an ocean inlet) in Norris Point, one of the towns that is completely surrounded by the national park, and it had just opened the week before we were going to arrive.

The rooms are beautiful and spacious, with hardwood floors and furniture, flat screen cable TV (appreciated by my son), a touch of Newfoundland quilting on the beds, and views over the bay. There is also a lounge on the second floor that anyone can use, for an even more spectacular view, as the inn is right on the water's edge. When my son (or maybe it was me) did finally get worn out from all the hiking and kayaking, it was a great place to relax and while away an afternoon, reading and watching the rain (which is that much more enjoyable if one is in beautiful surroundings).

There is also a first class restaurant (? the first in the park?), with sparkling new china and linens (modern with a European flare), and great food, with a local chef.

Prices were a little higher than what one would pay for a local housekeeping cottage e.g. our room was $155 Cdn (~$140 US these days) plus tax in the 'shoulder-season' (vs $100-120 for a cottage), but a gourmet breakfast was included, which was probably worth $50 itself.

Dinner was $80-100 for 2, without wine, but for a couple or a small family that appreciates a bit of luxury, beautiful surroundings, attentive service, etc., this place makes the trip even more special, although Gros Morne is worth visiting no matter where you stay.

For a family that has more children, and wants to make their own meals to save money, there is no question that a 2 BR housekeeping cottage would make more financial sense, but if you fit the profile, don't miss Neddie's Harbour Inn.

GS, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,

PS Although I know that this review sounds too perfect, I had never even heard of the hotel or the owners before our trip. However, as we loved our stay so much, and the place is virtually unknown because it is brand new, I wanted to post this review to let everyone know about this very special spot. If my suspicion is correct, within a year, it will be very difficult to ever get a room here in high season.

Re local hikes, tours, restaurants, etc., that info is all available on the internet or at the park visitor centres, but in the off-season, but I would especially recommend the Green Gardens hike (rain or shine), the Tablelands hike, Gros Morne Adventures in Norris Point for sea kayaking (rain or shine) or major hikes (1-5 days), the Java Jacks restaurant in Rocky Harbour for dinner (the hotel restaurant was full one night for a festival dinner), and the Treasure Box in Rocky Harbour for a cheap and cheerful home-made lunch (including mooseburgers if you're adventurous!), plus getting to meet some of the local residents.

Fly in to Deer Lake and rent a car, or there are ferries from Maine and Nova Scotia, although that involves a lot more driving (but it's worth it). Try not to drive late at night, or go very slowly, or you will have a high risk of hitting a moose.

Well, that's about all, but bravo again to Herbert and Bettina for creating such a beautiful inn within Gros Morne, and I hope everyone goes to visit.