A Local’s Guide to the Best Stays in Central Newfoundland (2026 Edition)
Central Newfoundland isn’t a place you just “visit”—it’s a place you feel. For travellers who value the smell of salt air over high-speed Wi-Fi and meaningful conversations over room service, these stays define the experience of the Rock.
Based on firsthand stays and deep local connections, here are my top picks for an authentic 2026 itinerary.
Quick Choice Guide: Which Stay Suits Your Vibe?
- Cultural Luxury: Choose the Fogo Island Inn for a design-forward stay that is deeply rooted in the local community and architecture.
- Family Adventure: The Happy Adventure Inn offers immediate access to dockside boat tours and a vibrant sunset patio scene.
- Pure Nostalgia: For a cozy, authentic experience, the Seven Oakes Island Innprovides home-cooked meals and historic maritime charm.
- Wild Solitude: Find early morning quiet and excellent moose-watching opportunities at The Homestead Adventures.
- Modern Escapism: Experience unique luxury at the Hare Bay Adventure camps, which feature stargazing opportunities from private geodesic domes.
1. Fogo Island Inn — Joe Batt’s Arm
The Benchmark for Regenerative Luxury
📍 210 Main Rd, Joe Batt’s Arm, NL
A stay at the
Discover Fogo Island Inn is a masterclass in regenerative travel. Every cent of profit is reinvested into the community via the Shorefast Foundation.
- The Experience: Floor-to-ceiling windows that make you feel suspended over the North Atlantic.
- 2026 Highlight: The “Community Host” program remains the gold standard, pairing you with a local for storytelling walks that no guidebook can replicate.





2. Happy Adventure Inn — Happy Adventure
Family-Friendly Comfort on the Eastport Peninsula
📍 18 Main Rd, Happy Adventure, NL
Perfect for those who want adventure right at their doorstep.
Happy Adventure Innmanages to feel both trendy and deeply traditional.
- The Food: Do not miss the local seafood at Chucky’s Seafood & Wildgamerestaurant onsite.
- The Gear: They partner with Happy Adventure Tours for RIB (zodiac) tours departing directly from their dock.



3. Seven Oakes Island Inn — Change Islands
A Step Back in Time
📍 10 Main Rd, Change Islands, NL
Known for “Grandmother’s house” levels of warmth. This 1800s merchant home is where you go to disconnect.
- Atmosphere: You’ll likely be asked to take your shoes off at the door, instantly making you feel like family.
- Authenticity: There is often no menu—just a verbal list of what’s fresh, like pea soup with doughboys or cod fish cakes.



4. Colleen’s Harbour Breeze B&B — Pilley’s Island
The Long-Awaited Reopening
📍 14 Church Road, Pilley’s Island, NL
✨ Big Update: After a hiatus, Colleen has announced she is reopening in March 2026.
- The Vibe: Famous for the 7-person hot tub with harbour views and what many call the best pancakes in the province.
- Pro Tip: Book early for her 2026 comeback season; her hospitality is legendary in the Green Bay area.


5. The Homestead Adventures — Norris Arm North
Glamping with Heart
📍 Route 350, Norris Arm North, NL
This is where “off-grid” meets “intentional.”
- Wildlife: Host Curtis leads early-morning moose-watching excursions that feel like a secret shared between friends.
- Comfort: Think firepits, canoes, and the kind of quiet that lets you finally hear your own thoughts.



6. Hare Bay Adventure – Hare Bay, NFLD
Island Domes and Coastal Charters
📍 Main Rd, Hare Bay, NL
For a modern twist on the rugged coast, stay in their geodesic domes.
- Unique Feature: Private dome stays that offer unobstructed views of the stars and the bay.
- Activity: Their catch-and-release charters are perfect for travellers looking to engage with the ocean responsibly.



7. Ida’s Place – Cozy Coastal Cottage with Heart
Cozy Coastal Heart
📍 Pond Head Heights, Greenspond, NL
A classic Newfoundland B&B experience that focuses on the “Three Cs”: Coffee, Cinnamon buns, and Conversation.
- The Stay: Recently renovated rooms that maintain a vintage, lived-in feel.



8. Riverwood Inn – Luxury in a Pristine Setting
Luxury in the Valley
📍 36 Riverside Dr, Springdale, NL
If you prefer a 4.5-star experience surrounded by forest rather than salt spray, this is it.
Dining: Nearby By the Sea Restaurant offers an elevated take on Newfoundland’s traditional diet.
Adventure: Use this as your base for guided ATV tours with Rob Clarke Motorsports.



Why I Love Central Newfoundland
Central Newfoundland has always inspired me through its balance of rugged coastlines and genuine human connection. It’s a place where travel feels deeply personal—where you slow down to the rhythm of the tides, listen to the crackle of a beach fire, and leave with stories that linger long after you’ve washed the salt from your skin.
The 2026 Perspective: Travel with Purpose
As we look toward 2026, the way we move through Newfoundland is shifting. We are moving toward Regenerative Tourism—leaving a place better than we found it.
- Support Local: Every stay on this list is either locally owned or deeply integrated into its community’s economy.
- Slow Down: I recommend staying at least two nights in each “hub” (like Fogo or the Eastport Peninsula) to truly absorb the atmosphere.
FAQ: Where to Stay In Central Newfoundland
May to October offers mild weather, open boat tours, and easy access to the islands. Winter brings quiet escapes and cozy indoor stays.
Yes — distances between towns are scenic but spread out. Renting a car lets you easily visit Change Islands, Hare Bay, and the interior. Book your rental 6-8 months ahead for high-season travel.
Absolutely. Happy Adventure Inn and The Homestead Adventures are perfect for families, while Fogo Island Inn and Riverwood Inn offer elevated experiences for couples.
Fresh lobster, cod tongues, turkey dinner poutine, moose stew, and homemade bakeapple jam are must-tastes across Central NL.
About the Author
Roland Bast is a Canadian travel photographer and visual storyteller based in Ottawa. His work focuses on capturing the emotion and quiet moments that define a place—from the jagged cliffs of the Atlantic to the faces of the people who call them home.
Roland’s guides are rooted in firsthand experience; he doesn’t just recommend places, he walks the trails, drinks the tea, and sits by the fires. His photography has been featured by Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism and is designed to help you see the world with more clarity and connection.
Keep exploring Newfoundland
Photography Guide to Eastern Newfoundland ·
3-day guide for Bonavista ·
St. John’s Guide ·
Fogo Island Inn: A Tether to the Edge of the World
Best Whale Watching Tours ·
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