Nestled in the heart of Newfoundland, Deer Lake is a hidden gem offering a blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and unique local experiences. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or someone looking to unwind, Deer Lake has something for everyone. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top things to do in Deer Lake, Newfoundland.
Are you a foodie looking for an adventure?
Discover one of the newest small businesses offering local farm and foraging tours, where you can immerse yourself in the local culinary scene while exploring the region's natural bounty.
Explore Deer Lake Beach
Start your adventure at Deer Lake Beach, a serene spot perfect for relaxation and water activities. The sandy shores and clear waters make it ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The beach is also equipped with picnic areas, making it a great place for family outings.
Tip: Visit during sunset for breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere.
Engage in Water Sports
photo credits: The Beach
Deer Lake's vast waters provide ample opportunities for water sports. Whether you’re into boating, fishing, or jet skiing, the lake is a playground for water enthusiasts. Visit The Beach for rentals and local beach grub.
Activities to Try:
Fishing: The lake is known for its trout and salmon.
Swimming: Shallow and warm waters make it easy to enjoy the Deer Lake Beach
Boating: Rent a boat and explore the expansive waters.
Paddleboarding: Experience the scenic beauty of Deer Lake by gliding across its clear, serene waters on a paddle board.
Visit the Insectarium
Deer Lake is home to the Newfoundland Insectarium, a fascinating attraction featuring live exhibits of butterflies, beetles, and other insects. It’s an educational and fun visit for all ages, offering a glimpse into the diverse world of insects.
Highlights:
Butterfly Garden: Walk among free-flying butterflies in a tropical setting.
Insect Displays: Observe various species from around the world.
Interactive Exhibits: Engage with hands-on activities and displays.
Discover Deer Lake’s Hiking Trails
The region around Deer Lake boasts several hiking trails that cater to all levels of fitness and experience. Trails like the Humber Valley Trail offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including forests, rivers, and wildlife.
Popular Trails:
Humber Valley Trail: A scenic route with moderate difficulty.
Deer Lake Nature Trail: Perfect for a leisurely walk with beautiful lake views.
Lomond River Trail: Ideal for those looking for a more challenging hike.
Enjoy Local Cuisine
No trip to Deer Lake is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. The town offers a variety of dining options, from cozy cafes to seafood restaurants. Be sure to try traditional Newfoundland dishes such as Jiggs' dinner, fish and brewis, and toutons.
Recommended Spots:
The Deer Lake Motel Restaurant: Offers a range of local and international dishes.
Mary Brown's: A must-visit for fried chicken enthusiasts.
UHS Foraging Tour: Forage for wild tastes of Newfoundland and with your guide prepare you own unique Newfoundland dish!
Attend Local Events and Festivals
Deer Lake hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, showcasing local culture and community spirit. These events are a great way to experience the town’s vibrant atmosphere and meet the locals.
Notable Events:
Deer Lake Winterfest: A celebration of winter with activities like ice skating, snowshoeing, and fireworks.
Deer Lake Strawberry Festival: Held in summer, featuring local produce, crafts, and entertainment.
Cormack Day: Immerse yourself in the rustic charm and vibrant community spirit of Cormack during a farm town festival day.
Robbins Family Farm near Deer Lake offers day camps for kids and scheduled visiting hours in their petting farm. During the farm visits, visitors can walk through the animal pastures, interact with the farm's animals, and learn about animal husbandry practices. In addition, the farm has a store where visitors can buy fresh meat, eggs, vegetables, as well as handmade soap and more.
The farm also contributes significantly to Newfoundland's Agriculture in the Classroom initiatives in the local school community. It is a local favorite for all families in the area and Robbins is proud to support other local producers. Overall, Robbins Family Farm provides a great opportunity for visitors to learn about local farming practices and support local agriculture.
Visit Cormack (just minutes North on the Viking Trail)
Take a Foraging Tour at Upper Humber Settlement
For a unique and educational experience, join a foraging tour at Upper Humber Settlement. These tours offer an immersive journey into the wild, where you can learn about and gather edible plants and mushrooms. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you’ll discover the rich biodiversity of the area and gain insights into sustainable foraging practices.
Why You Should Try It:
Educational: Learn about local flora and their uses.
Sustainable: Understand the principles of responsible foraging.
Unique Experience: Connect with nature in a hands-on way.
Explore Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park
(BIG FALLS)
photo credits: Go Western NL
Take a trip to Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park, home to the stunning Big Falls. This provincial park offers excellent opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and fishing. The Big Falls, a magnificent waterfall on the Humber River, is a must-see attraction.
Highlights:
Big Falls: A breathtaking waterfall that’s perfect for photography.
Hiking Trails: Explore the park’s diverse trails.
Fishing: Try your luck at catching salmon in the Humber River.
Take a Tour of the Cormack Bee Company
Learn about beekeeping and the importance of bees to our ecosystem with a tour of the Cormack Bee Company. This local business offers educational tours where you can see bees in action and learn about honey production. It’s a sweet and enlightening experience.
Highlights:
Bee Tours: Guided tours that are both educational and fun.
Honey Tasting: Sample fresh, local honey.
Shop: Purchase honey and other bee-related products.
Visit the Historical Veterans Settlement - Cormack's Day Park
For a relaxing day out, visit the Historical Veterans Settlement at Cormack's Day Park. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the park's serene environment. Learn about the unique history of the settlement, let your dog roam free in the designated dog park, and take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque surroundings.
Highlights:
Historical Significance: Learn about the veterans' settlement history.
Picnic Areas: Perfect for a family outing.
Dog Park: A great place for your furry friends to play.
Visit Reidville (just minutes North on the Viking Trail)
Go Horseback Riding at Cache Rapids Stable
photo credits: Cashe Rapids
Experience the natural beauty of humber Valley on horseback at Cache Rapids Stable. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, the stable offers guided horseback riding tours through scenic trails. It’s a fantastic way to explore the area and enjoy the great outdoors.
Highlights:
Scenic Trails: Ride through lush forests and along the Humber River.
All Skill Levels: Suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
Family-Friendly: A great activity for families and groups.
Reidville Walking Trails
photo credit: Town of Reidville
Located on the other side of the Humber River from the Humber River trail in Deer Lake. Reidville's trails take you through similar forested areas but with a different vantage point. This walking path is well maintained with lots of benches and sitting opportunities throughout and was actually just completed in 2021.
You can see a map of the trails on the Reidville Town Website and pictures of the trails on the Reidville Trail Facebook page.
Conclusion
Deer Lake, Newfoundland, is a destination that offers a rich blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences. From relaxing on the beach and hiking scenic trails to exploring the fascinating world of insects and embarking on unique foraging tours at Upper Humber Settlement, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your visit to Deer Lake and discover the charm and adventure that await in this picturesque town.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to explore Deer Lake? Start planning your trip today and make sure to include these top activities in your itinerary for an unforgettable experience in Newfoundland. Don't miss out on the chance to join a foraging tour at Upper Humber Settlement and dive into the wonders of nature like never before.
Comments