Town of Kippens
Kippens Attractions
Explore the unique attractions of Kippens, where nature, culture, and history come together. From scenic outdoor activities like birdwatching and hiking to local festivals and cultural events, Kippens offers something for everyone.
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Attractions & Adventures
Ancient Carboniferous Fossil Trees, Stephenville
In the heart of Stephenville, you can discover fossilized samples of the first seed-producing trees in the shallow riverbed of Blanche Brook. Follow the signs on Riverside Drive, off Hansen Highway.
For more information, (709) 649-2038
Birding By Season, Stephenville
A series of birding events available year-round, designed for individuals and small groups in Southwestern Newfoundland. Our experiences are customized to suit your needs and offer options ranging from half-day excursions to multiple consecutive single-day outings.
Gravels Rest Stop and Danny’s Trail, Port au Port West
Enjoy a viewing area and a 3.5-km seaside stroll along the scenic Port au Port Bay. Observe interesting limestone rock formations and take in views of the Port au Port isthmus.
Our Lady of Mercy Heritage Church, Port au Port West
The largest wooden structure in Newfoundland and Labrador showcases exceptional Newfoundland craftsmanship, featuring Marble Stations of the Cross, original statues and altars, and stunning stained glass, and is over 100 years old!
Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, Lourdes
A beautiful grotto built in 1987 and located at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Flower gardens, water fountain, Stations of the Cross, rosary beads made of fishing net buoys, statues, and gift shop.
Mi’Kmaqei Mawiom-Mikmaw Centre, Degrau Port au Port
Our regional Mi’kmaw cultural centre, operated by the Benoit First Nation, showcases our proud history, culture, traditions, and friendliness.
Walk-A-Ways Park and Trails, Stephenville
The Walk-A-Ways Trail Network features 16.5 kilometres of gravel and sidewalk trails throughout Stephenville. This network consists of six interconnected trails. A main trail sign is located at the entrance to the We Care Nature Trail, which is adjacent to the Kindale Public Library. Each trail is equipped with directional markers and trailhead signage at its entrance. The trails range from easy to moderate difficulty, and they are compacted and dry, making them suitable for normal footwear. The design of the trails promotes the safety and enjoyment of walkers.
Secret Cove Brewing Company, Port au Port East
We are a locally owned craft brewery, and our secret is in the water. We create legendary beer, and our product is our pride!
Festivals and Events
The Friendly Invasion, Stephenville
The Friendly Invasion is an annual festival celebrating the strong friendship established between 1941 and 1966 between the local community and American military personnel and their families.
Stephenville Theatre Festival, Stephenville
The Stephenville Theatre Festival, established in 1979, operates under the guidance of a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors. The festival runs every summer from June to August, guaranteeing guests a theatre experience that entertains, engages, and enlightens!
Black Duck Brook Festival / Un Plaisir du vieux temps, Black Duck Brook
Join us for a lively traditional folk festival celebrating both French and English artists. Enjoy delicious food, fun games for kids, and a vibrant atmosphere full of music and community spirit.
Cape St. George & Mainland Folk Festival / Regional Bilingual Folk Festival
Experience a vibrant bilingual folk festival on the Port au Port Peninsula, showcasing traditional music, dance, crafts, and fun activities for children. Celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the region through lively performances and community spirit.
Museums
K’Taqmkuk Mi’kmaw Historic Museum, St. George’s
St. George’s is steeped in Mi’kmaq history, with Seal Rocks being the largest Mi’kmaq settlement on Newfoundland’s West Coast. Established in 1804, it served as a permanent home for Mi’kmaq from both Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. To honor this heritage, the local historic courthouse has been transformed into a cultural museum and interpretation center, celebrating the rich Mi’kmaq culture and history of the region.
For more information, visit the museum online.
Stephenville Regional Museum/Stephenville Historical Society, Stephenville
Discover a fascinating and diverse collection of artifacts that offer insight into the lives of early settlers in the Bay St. George Region. Visitors are encouraged to explore, read, and interact with the exhibits. Each visit reveals new changes, providing a fresh experience for returning guests.
For more information, visit the museum online.
Our Lady of Mercy Museum, Craft/Gift Shop and Tea Room, Port au Port West
Next to Our Lady of Mercy Heritage Church, the restored 1952 rectory now houses a museum, tearoom, and craft shop offering unique products. The museum showcases artifacts highlighting the rich history and culture of the local community.
For more information, visit the museum online.
Sisters’ Dream School Museum, Mainland
The Sisters’ Dream School Museum offers a unique look at life in the early 1900s, highlighting the Francophone roots of the Mainland (La Grande Terre). Originally a one-room schoolhouse built in 1910 by French fishermen, it later became a chapel. Thanks to the dedication of Johanna Cornect, Maggie Benoit, and their families, the building was transformed into a museum in 1972 to preserve the area’s cultural heritage.
For more information, visit the museum online.
Historical Sites
Mainland Cultural & Heritage Centre, Mainland/La Grand’terre
The Mainland Cultural & Heritage Centre features Tea By The Sea and La Boutique de Ma Grand-Mère, offering traditional dishes like seafood chowder and classic desserts with a French twist. The craft shop showcases local Newfoundland art by skilled artisans. Visitors can also engage in weekly cultural activities, such as lobster trap building, for a hands-on experience of the area’s heritage.
Golf Course
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Harmon Seaside Links began in the 1960s as a 9-hole course for U.S. servicemen and has since expanded to an 18-hole course designed by Graham Cooke. Set against a backdrop of hills and a refreshing sea breeze, the course blends links-style play with treed holes, offering golfers a unique experience. Players can enjoy panoramic views of the Stephenville area while navigating the course’s windswept challenges.
For more information, visit Harmon Seaside Links or call (709) 643-4322.
Accommodations
Acadian Hotel, Stephenville
The hotel, with a rich history of hosting dignitaries like Eisenhower, and Churchill, and entertainers such as Sinatra and Hope, has been undergoing significant renovations since 2020. Interior upgrades include new furniture, flooring, kitchens, and updated bathrooms. Future plans include external work such as new siding, windows, air conditioning units, and improved parking with a carport. Completion is expected by the end of the summer.
Days Inn, Stephenville
At Days Inn Stephenville, located near Stephenville International Airport, we focus on offering exceptional value and comfort to all our guests. Our hotel features thoughtful amenities designed to enhance your stay, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Dhoon Lodge, Black Duck Siding
Dhoon Lodge R.V. Resort offers 32 spacious, fully serviced R.V. sites, each over 3000 square feet with electrical and septic services. In addition to the campground, we provide rustic motel-style units for those seeking a different experience. Our property, nestled on 23 acres next to Harry’s River, one of Newfoundland’s premier salmon rivers, offers a scenic and peaceful setting. Enjoy our fully licensed lounge and restaurant for a complete stay.
Dreamcatcher Lodge, Stephenville
Dreamcatcher Lodge, located in the historic community of Stephenville, Newfoundland & Labrador, offers guests a unique experience surrounded by the rich Mi’kmaq and Acadian heritage. Situated in the culturally vibrant Southwest Coast, the lodge provides an ideal location to explore the diverse history of the region.
Keyano Motel, Stephenville
Enjoy a peaceful atmosphere with a cozy lounge featuring a fireplace, a patio, and a sunroom overlooking the brook. Nearby, you’ll find the Blanche Brook and Ned’s Pond walking trails, as well as access to ATV trails for outdoor adventure.
For more information, (709) 643-4600
Hawthorne House, Kippens
Experience the comfort of home in a peaceful residential neighborhood. Our accommodations provide a welcoming atmosphere with unmatched service, ensuring a relaxing stay.
For more information, (709) 649-8987
Inn at the Cape, Cape St. George
Whether you seek a peaceful retreat with the soothing sound of the ocean or an opportunity to connect with travelers from around the world, the Inn at the Cape is the perfect starting point for your Newfoundland adventure.
Razoolies Inn, Stephenville
Razoolies Inn was originally constructed as the Airmen’s Open Mess Building 201 at Ernest Harmon Air Force Base. Over the years, it has undergone several name changes, including Eldorado, Loralie (Lounge), and Razoolies, a well-known nightclub in the Bay St. George area. Today, Razoolies has been reimagined as Stephenville’s newest inn, now proudly known as Razoolies Inn.
RV Parks/Campgrounds
Barachois Pond Provincial Park, Robinson’s
One of the province’s largest and most beloved parks, it features a spacious lake perfect for swimming, boating, fishing, and kayaking. Hike the Erin Mountain Trail to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the land and sea.
Dhoon Lodge, Black Duck Siding
Dhoon Lodge R.V. Resort has something for everyone! We offer 32 spacious, fully serviced R.V. sites—some of the largest in Newfoundland at over 3,000 square feet each. Each site includes electrical and septic services, plus access to our fully licensed lounge and restaurant. Prefer a cozy stay indoors? Our rustic motel-style units provide charming, country-style comfort. Situated on 23 acres, our property borders Harry’s River, one of Newfoundland’s top salmon fishing spots.
Harmon Seaside Park, Stephenville
For more information, view more information online.
Pirate’s Haven ATV Friendly RV Park, Robinson’s
Pirates Haven Chalets and RV Park are conveniently located right off the T’Rail (Trans Canada Trailway System). Guests can relax on their chalet’s front patio while enjoying views of Robinsons Salmon River and the Robinsons trestle. The T’Rail’s easy access makes it a perfect stop for bikers traveling east or west. After a day of riding, unwind in the outdoor hot tub and sauna to soothe your muscles.
For more information, View more information online.
Zenzville Campground, Kippens
Zenzille is a full-service campground offering 148 sites for a peaceful camping experience. Located in Western Newfoundland along the French Ancestral Route 460, it’s perfectly positioned between Stephenville and the Port au Port Peninsula. This area boasts unique cultural attractions and stunning natural scenery, with the communities of St. George’s Bay to the east and south. Nearby, the town of Stephenville offers shopping, dining, gift shops, malls, and the Harmon Golf Course.
The campground features a variety of wooded and open campsites to suit your preferences. Additionally, six cozy cabins are available for rent, providing an excellent alternative for your stay.
For more information, view more information online.