Stephenville Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Read our comprehensive travel guide now.


Introduction to Stephenville

Stephenville is a charming town in Western Newfoundland, in the Atlantic Canada region of Canada. This picturesque town is home to friendly locals, stunning natural landscapes, and rich cultural attractions. Visitors to Stephenville can explore outdoor adventures, visit museums and historical landmarks, enjoy delicious local cuisine, and more. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know to plan your trip to Stephenville.

List of Places to Visit in Stephenville

Whether you are a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast or a foodie, Stephenville has something for everyone. Here is a list of the best places to visit in Stephenville.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Bay St. Georges Museum: Learn about the town’s history and culture at this museum.
  • Discovery Geopark: Explore the geological wonders of the region at this UNESCO Global Geopark.
  • Harmon Air Force Base: Discover the military history of Stephenville at the Harmon Air Force Base museum.

Natural Attractions of Stephenville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Blow-Me-Down Mountains: Hike through the rugged mountain trails and take in the breathtaking views of the Bay St. George area.
  • Codroy Valley: Go bird-watching and explore the scenic landscapes of Codroy Valley.
  • Galliott Studios and Walking Trail: Explore the picturesque walking trail and browse the art galleries at Galliott Studios.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Stephenville

  • Robinson’s River Trail: This scenic trail is perfect for hiking and mountain biking.
  • J.T.C. Hepditch Trail: This challenging trail takes hikers through dense forests to the top of the Blow-Me-Down Mountains.
  • Jubilee Trail: This trail passes through scenic forests and quaint villages in the Bay St. George area.

Best Things to Do in Stephenville: Activities and Tours

  • Stephenville Theatre Festival: Watch musicals, plays, and concerts at this popular festival.
  • Long Range Mountains Adventure Tour: Take a guided tour of the Long Range Mountains.
  • Stephenville Dome: Catch a game of hockey or attend a concert at the Stephenville Dome.

Week-Long Itinerary for Stephenville

  • Day 1: Visit Bay St. Georges Museum and Discovery Geopark.
  • Day 2: Explore Blow-Me-Down Mountains and hike the J.T.C. Hepditch Trail.
  • Day 3: Go bird-watching and explore the scenic landscapes of Codroy Valley.
  • Day 4: Take a tour of the Long Range Mountains.
  • Day 5: Visit Harmon Air Force Base museum and Galliott Studios.
  • Day 6: Attend a live performance at the Stephenville Theatre Festival.
  • Day 7: Relax at the Stephenville Dome and catch a game of hockey.

Food and Drink Scene of Stephenville

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cod Tongues: Enjoy the local specialty of cod tongues at one of the many restaurants in Stephenville.
  • Toutons: Try this traditional Newfoundland treat which is fried dough served with molasses.
  • Jiggs Dinner: Feast on this hearty meal of corned beef, potatoes, and vegetables.

Local Beverages

  • Iceberg Beer: Sip on a cold beer brewed with pure iceberg water at the Iceberg Brewery.
  • Screech Rum: Sample Newfoundland’s famous rum, Screech, at one of the bars in Stephenville.

Where to Stay in Stephenville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Days Inn by Wyndham Stephenville: This modern hotel is centrally located and has comfortable rooms.
  • Hodge Premises Inn: Stay in an elegant historic home and enjoy breakfast included with your stay.
  • Grenfell Heritage Hotel and Suites: This charming hotel is adjacent to the Harmon Air Force Base museum.

What to Buy in Stephenville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Newfoundland and Labrador souvenirs: Buy souvenirs such as t-shirts, mugs, and keychains featuring the flag and symbols of Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • Handmade crafts: Shop for handmade wood carvings, knitted items, and other locally crafted souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Stephenville

Newfoundland and Labrador has a rich cultural heritage and visitors to Stephenville can experience this first hand. The people are known for their friendly dispositions and the town has a strong sense of community. It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Stephenville.

Best Time to Visit Stephenville

The best time to visit Stephenville is during the summer months (June to August). The weather is mild and perfect for outdoor activities. However, visitors should be prepared for sudden changes in weather. Fall (September to November) also offers stunning landscapes during the changing of the leaves.

Do’s and Don’ts of Stephenville

Do:

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
  • Take advantage of the beautiful outdoor scenery and go hiking or biking.
  • Try the local delicacies.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage natural landscapes.
  • Be loud and disruptive in public places.
  • Ignore the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the season.

Safety and Health

Safety in Stephenville

Stephenville is a safe town with a low crime rate. Visitors should exercise caution when hiking in the wilderness and be well-prepared for sudden changes in weather.

Health in Stephenville

Stephenville has a hospital and several clinics for medical emergencies. Visitors with pre-existing health conditions should bring enough medication and medical supplies for their trip.

Getting to Stephenville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Stephenville

Stephenville International Airport is the primary airport serving the town. It has regular flights to and from major Canadian cities such as Toronto and Halifax.

Bus Stations Near Stephenville

There are no bus stations in Stephenville, but visitors can take a bus to nearby towns and cities.

Other Options

The most convenient way to explore Stephenville and the surrounding areas is by renting a car. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also available in the town.

How to Get Around in Stephenville

Stephenville is a walkable town and many attractions are within walking distance. However, visitors can also rent a car or hire a taxi for transportation.

Where to Go Next from Stephenville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Corner Brook: This charming city is one hour from Stephenville and is known for its stunning natural beauty.
  • Gros Morne National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a three-hour drive from Stephenville and offers breathtaking natural landscapes.
  • Lark Harbour: This quaint fishing village is a 30-minute drive from Stephenville and is a perfect destination for a day trip.

Conclusion

Stephenville is a hidden gem in Newfoundland and Labrador with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Visitors to the town can explore museums and historical landmarks, go hiking and biking through the mountains, and enjoy delicious local cuisine. With this comprehensive guide, you can plan your trip to Stephenville and make the most of your visit.

Overlooking the town of Stephenville Overlooking the town of Stephenville