Summary
A Unique Welcome to Happy Adventure
The welcome sign made me do a double-take. I was road-tripping on the island of Newfoundland and had just arrived at the Eastport Peninsula, where I was apparently entering some sort of fictional town called “Happy Adventure.” Except it was real, and that was the actual name. Later that day, when I was sitting on a deck overlooking Powell’s Cove with a crisp pint of Iceberg beer and arguably the best fish and chips I’ve ever had, tired but content from a full day of exploring, it would all make sense.
Exploring the Charm of Happy Adventure
The town of Happy Adventure is small—tiny, really—and has probably inspired many-a-postcard. A quaint coastal community with a picturesque backdrop and fishing at its core, this hamlet sits on the edge of the Atlantic with a trio of idyllic coves. In the summertime, there’s a solid chance you’ll see whales or icebergs go by.
If you’re anything like me, you’re wondering how a town gets a unique and lovely name such as this without being the setting for a children’s book.
The origin of the name is at the center of an ancient dispute that started in the 17th century. According to local folklore, the name pays homage to Captain Peter Easton, who used the harbor to escape the French Navy. Other popular theories believe the first settlers found it such a beautiful and welcoming place they were inspired to deem it a “happy adventure” or that the British hydrographer, who sheltered in one of the coves during a wild Atlantic storm, was responsible for the name. Regardless of its origin, the vibes here are undeniably delightful, leaving me content and satisfied.
Accommodation and Dining
The one place to stay that’s actually in Happy Adventure is a one-stop shop for sleeping, eating, drinking, and adventuring—and a stellar one at that. The aptly named five-room Happy Adventure Inn overlooks scenic Powell’s Cove and boasts an on-site restaurant and bar, Chucky’s Seafood & Wild Game Restaurant. With limited dining options on the peninsula, this place is the perfect home base and a welcome respite from the fast food usually associated with road trips.
Dishes such as calamari, seafood chowder, scallops, moose steak, and cod-au-gratin dazzle, but the menu’s star is hands down the fish & chips. Order it like the locals do, with dressing and gravy on the side. Trust me, it’s exquisitely delicious.
Saddle up to the cozy bar or outdoor deck with your beverage of choice to recount your day’s endeavors pre- or post-dinner. Ensure to take a gander at the oil paintings that adorn the inn’s walls, created by one of the owners, who is also a local artist.
Adventure Activities
With a name like Happy Adventure, you can expect exceptional exploration options. One highlight is the Damnable Trails, a network of hiking paths weaving through the rugged coastal headlands and boreal forest. These trails feature historical points of interest such as old graveyards and heritage homes, as well as beaches with sweeping views. Although recently revamped, these trails date back to the 1800s when footpaths linked communities in this region of the peninsula. They vary in difficulty, but if you’re short on time, the Round Head Lookout trail is a quick jaunt that leads to beautiful vistas, including views of the town of Salvage and the surrounding ocean. You can also create a longer loop and look for whales at Net Point or Old Harry Cove.
Don’t miss the opportunity to hop aboard a boat to take it all in from the water. Happy Adventure Tours offers a variety of boating expeditions, from fishing tours that include a stop at Little Denier to visit the resident puffin colony and explore sea caves, to whale watching, iceberg hunting, and sunset rides.
They also provide guided kayaking tours and rentals, launching from the picturesque Salvage Harbor or within Terra Nova National Park, the easternmost national park in Canada. While I paddled in the park, keeping my eyes peeled for a whale or two, I saw other marine life like jellyfish, sea urchins, and fish while occasional eagles soared above.
Relaxation on Scenic Beaches
A little relaxation is in order too. The peninsula’s photogenic beaches are just a hop and skip from town. Sandy Cove Beach is a long expanse of sand, tucked into the hillside that, if you visit in July, is dotted with vibrant lupin flowers in shades of purple and pink. Eastport and Northside Beaches are also nearby, frequented by locals and tourists alike on warm summer days.
A few days filled with land and sea adventures fueled by fish and chips that have set a new standard for comparison left me feeling fulfilled and, indeed, happy. This is a true testament that Happy Adventure truly lives up to its name—and then some.
