More kind words

“To top it all off we all got screeched in.”

We’re just about to fly out of St. John’s and I thought I should take a moment to let you know what a wonderful experience the CapeRace adventure was. From the accommodations, to the destinations, to the tours - even the car rental! We can’t say enough about everything! Jaime and I have travelled a lot over the years and nothing else compares. We’ve stayed at many vacation rentals and nothing beats the combination of comfort, style and cleanliness (kudos to your housekeeping staff) that your houses provide. I’m particular too so that says a lot. I think the hi-light of the week was the kitchen party with the band, Jerry, Elizabeth and their friends and Lizzy and her friends. To top it all off we all got screeched in. Lizzy and her friends were very nice girls, we would have drank with them longer if we could. I jokingly told Jerry I was expecting to see him in Bonavista since he dropped by at Hipditch while we were there. Such a lovely group of people in Heart’s Delight.

I could go on and on, but the bottom line is that the CapeRace experience is second to none. We were blown away. On top of it we fell in love with Newfoundland...but I guess that’s the whole point.

Do you offer anything similar on the western side of the province? We would love to come back some day.

Thanks for a wonderful holiday Ken,

- Paula

“There is so much to see and do in each town, so many hikes, so many vistas, so many wonderful people to meet, and you are given so much help in making this adventure one of a lifetime that I cannot find enough superlatives in my vocabulary to describe it.”

All I can say is, “Unbelievable trip!” I can’t thank you all enough for your guidance and help with our experience, and you will have my strongest recommendation to any who asks.
I have attached a draft of a review which I will post in Trip Advisor. Wish we had met you, but maybe in the future….!
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Our first encounter with CapeRace Cultural Adventures, an Eco-Culture Experience, came from an article we saw in National Geographic. The review was so positive we pursued a trip to Newfoundland with this company, and our experience with all we worked with putting this trip together was truly exemplary. The experience is self-guided, but travellers are supplied with a Traveller’s Diary outlining the trip over the 10 or so days, with all kinds of information covering things to do and see, and three different houses in strategic areas of the Avalon and Bonavista Peninsulas. Basically, one is supplied with a car and access codes to three fantastic houses, in our case, one in The Battery in St. John’s, one in Heart’s Delight, and one in Elliston, a stone’s throw from Bonavista. A few things are planned for you, and included, though dates and times are flexible, including a Lighthouse picnic, a boat tour with Bruce’s Rugged Beauty Tour company, and a downhome kitchen party – all absolutely don’t-miss experiences. There is so much to see and do in each town, so many hikes, so many vistas, so many wonderful people to meet, and you are given so much help in making this adventure one of a lifetime that I cannot find enough superlatives in my vocabulary to describe it. The experience has taught us not only the history of this magnificent rock, but introduced us to the people and culture of Newfoundland. It will forever hold a special place in our hearts now, as the people, despite enduring unbelievable hardship and abuse, remain spirited and with a sense of humor that warms the heart. We were there off-season, so saw few whales (we did see Minke whales), but no icebergs, and we encountered a fair amount of rain and fog. We embraced the weather as being part of the experience, and were rewarded with days of incredible beauty, whether it was brilliant blue skies and sunshine, or fog and light rain along the rocky shores, sometimes with wind whipping the waves into crashing beauty. This trip was a gem, unexpected, but magnificent.

-Ed

“I can’t say enough about how much we all enjoyed our time together and, as you comment, it is often the unexpected that make the trip more memorable”

Well, it’s been a couple of weeks now since our return from Newfoundland, and I wanted to let you know what a truly wonderful experience it was for us, and to thank you for providing this service. There are always reservations when one begins a new adventure and this was no different; however, from my initial contact with you, through our last day there was nothing that could have been better.

The homes were super and the locations perfect. Having the travel diary helped us decide what was a must-do for the day and what, sadly, would be left for a return visit. Having young
grandsons with us meant hikes and exploring were important and they were never disappointed. Yes, the weather was cool for July – but it just didn’t matter! We always had smiles on our faces
and each night we went to our super comfy beds excited for the next day.

I can’t say enough about how much we all enjoyed our time together and, as you comment, it is often the unexpected that make the trip more memorable … like stopping when a crowd on the shoreline caught our eye and discovering the capelin had come in. This was heaven to two boys ages 10 and 11. They rolled up their pant legs and into the ocean they went to catch the fish.
In a text home to his parents near the end of our stay, one grandson wrote … “I love Newfoundland and I’m not ready to come home. Can we move here?” I think that says it all!

Again, thank you so much for providing such a wonderful adventure!

P.S. It was wonderful meeting Elizabeth and Jerry in Heart’s Delight. Fresh chocolate chip cookies on the table when we arrived was unexpected and were delicious, and then Jerry showed us a fresh catch of Cod which was a big hit for Jim and the boys – a big thank you for their kindness and thoughtfulness.

-Jim & Charlotte, Cody & Timothy

“Each neighbourhood had so much to offer and all the neighbours are so welcoming that we felt we belonged.”

Hi Ken.  We are settled in now after our wonderful experience with Cape Race and we would be pleased to be a reference.  Our travels have taken us to many countries and each has been very interesting and has had it's own unique beauty.  However, as Canadians, nothing can compare to our visit to eastern Newfoundland--you certainly planned a cultural experience that made us feel immersed in Canadian culture.  

You asked what makes your trip plans different from other companies:

The location of each of the houses is so unique--each place offers a very different experience in its scenery, activities, and people and each place was so homey and decorated so that we felt we were part of that era.

Your suggestions as to itinerary are just that; great suggestions.  We chose freely from your travel planner and not once did we feel that we should have done more as we were thoroughly satisfied with the activity or activities we had chosen.  We felt that each day was a day well spent and enjoyed. 

Each neighbourhood had so much to offer and all the neighbours are so welcoming that we felt we belonged.  They answered questions, told directions, told us about the history of the areas, about the fishing history and seemed genuinely interested in us. We know the BBQ was just good timing but we will never forget it--to be invited to be part of something that is for the people who live there was one of the things that sets you apart. You must know that you have a treasure in Elizabeth--her welcome to the Sooley house in Heart's Delight was memorable--just like a good friend and neighbour arriving at the door with fresh muffins!  And then, the lobster dinner (fantastic surprise), the kitchen party with Jordan's musical talent and meeting Elizabeth's mother, Mary and her sister Donna (another fantastic surprise--we love them all)  When we got to Bonavista and couldn't find the key I did not hesitate to call Elizabeth for help--30 seconds later we were in the house. (There was no answer at Lloyd and Hazel's number and we were sorry not to have met them but we met so many other wonderful people on our walks around the Mockbeggar neighbourhood).

Finally, it is your attention to detail that made everything fall into place--you and your sister Sharon provided us with all the help we needed to make such a trip and we thank you.  Your willingness to communicate through e-mail and telephone gave us a clear picture of everything.  Your patience and willingness to write back and forth until we knew the answers we needed certainly sets you apart from the others. We are looking forward to hearing about the loyalty programme and who knows, maybe one day we'll meet you on the Segwun and we'll come back to your Muskoka dock for another Canadian experience:) Thanks again for everything, Ken.  We wish you continued success in your very creative venture.

John & Nancy

“We'd like to import Elizabeth and Gerry and live next door to them. They made us feel part of the family.”

We had a really great trip. After my initial apprehension about how it might unfold, we settled straight in to it. Couldn't have been smoother in fact. The houses were amazing and the landscape, wildlife, people and destinations all surpassed our highest expectations. The car rental and swap over went smoothly. On balance, while I loved St. John's, I preferred the outports. We probably have a split jury on that though.

Lighthouse picnics and Bruce's Rugged Boat Tour were both memorable and we were glad to have them on the itinerary. We saw whales everywhere but we're really impressed by the pod of Orcas that passed the lighthouse at Ferryland.

Picked up some great local music cds and poetry at Fred's and Broken Books, respectively.

Loved the people. Everyone working in shops, restaurants, filling stations or just standing at their front gates were all friendly, helpful and engaging.

We'd like to import Elizabeth and Gerry and live next door to them. They made us feel part of the family. Elizabeth baked a cake for Liam's birthday while we there. We could be firm friends if we lived nearby.

Approaching my train stop now so I'll need to finish up. Hope we get to have that pint sometime. The SJS at yellowbelly brewery goes down very easily.

Hope all is well with you and yours.

Talk soon.

-Brendan

“See........you are so right about the importance of being flexible and open to new people and events while traveling!”

Just letting you know how very much we enjoyed our Caperace trip to the "rock"! Thanks for all of your planning and suggestions. The houses were all wonderful with their own uniqueness, and were very comfortable, and welcoming.
We especially loved the planned events along the way and the great suggestions for stops between places. The timing was perfect (so thanks for that, too!) with beautiful weather (we brought our summer weather.......the musicians were dripping from the heat but everyone else loved it!), the whales, the baby puffins practicing flight, only one day of rain! Wow!
Just one suggestion for you........we stopped in Cuslet on our way
back from Argentia and fortunately meant Arlene Morrisey, who was so delighted to share her history with us. However, apparently no-one else has stopped for years and she had forgotten that she was on your list of stops. The theater project has not been funded since 2012 so even though she enjoyed talking about it it is not something that still exists. My suggestion is to reconnect with some of the people on your list to be sure they are still interested in being approached (she certainly was, but was surprised!) When I mentioned it to Elizabeth we pondered the possibility of
her no longer being there and that might have been embarrassing! Having said that, she truly was one of our favorite connections and now works at the ferry terminal..........told us about the new memorial upstairs to the historic base that was there during WWII.......David's father had a life-changing event there as a navy pilot and so we were very pleased to be able to visit the memorial. See........you are so right about the importance of being flexible and open to new people and events while traveling!
Thanks again for offering this wonderful travel experience.

- Marcia & David

“The outstanding detail was in our beautifully restored accommodations , our specially picked and included excursions and our travelers diary.”

We have been home for 10 days now and have not stopped talking to each other and to our friends about how wonderful our trip was!
From start to finish every day was an adventure. What we loved about our trip was your attention to detail which meant that everything ran smoothly.
The outstanding detail was in our beautifully restored accommodations , our specially picked and included excursions and our travelers diary.
It meant so much to us to do this trip on our own and we also loved finding our own adventures , as you suggested, and yet we knew that you were only a phone call away if needed.
Thank you, we plan to return as we are in love with Newfoundland!

- Craig & David

“My sisters logged that we climbed the equivalent of 400 flights of stairs on their Fitbits in the four days we were there. “

We had a wonderful time. We loved the hiking and the dinners out and the kitchen party and the brewery tour (guide was great!). We did not make it to nearly as many places as you suggested for a drink - we obviously don’t have the constitution of a Newfoundlander when it comes to alcohol, however we braved wind, rain and fog and hiked all over Cape Spear, Signal Hill and Quidi Vidi and up and down the streets of St. John’s. Next time we will have to forgo a fancy dinner and just head straight to a good pub for music and pub grub. We thought Hare’s Ear was an amazing place to stay - and caught some late afternoon rays on the porch yesterday while we put our feet up. My sisters logged that we climbed the equivalent of 400 flights of stairs on their Fitbits in the four days we were there. We looked into a whale and iceberg tour but it was too cold and foggy and the promise of seeing both seemed pretty slim. We had fish and chips for lunch at a place called “BY the Beach” in Portugal Bay and tour around Petty Harbour. I think we packed a lot in in a short time. Didn’t make it to the Basilica or the Rooms, but we have to leave something to come back for including more music next time.

We felt completely spoiled at Raymond’s (the food was amazing and we were treated royally - despite our slightly casual attire for the setting, and Chinched was also amazing. The Mallard was a great atmosphere - the waitress was the most enthusiastic describer of food we have ever met. When we flew out - we caught a beautiful glimpse of a great iceberg from the air. They bent over backwards at all three dinner places to make us feel welcomed!

-Karen

“This is a place everyone needs to come see at least once in their lifetime.”

Well... What an adventure! This trip was a surprise for me for our 10th anniversary from my husband, and it was incredible! This province is stunning with so much to offer. From fancy fine-dining where I felt like an adult again with a dress and heels and NO KIDS! To hiking 15 km in one day along the most beautiful coastline with my soulmate. It has been an amazing experience I will never forget and one I will be sharing with all my friends and family. This is a place everyone needs to come see at least once in their lifetime.

So I had to write this before the kitchen party and last night just made the trip 10X better. What a fun time. Music was AMAZING and the people are just such fun!

Thank you a thousand times over for such an incredible end to our trip. Much love for the two prairie kids!. If you are ever out west PLEASE look us up so we can try to repay you for this awesome time.

-Ashley & Ryan

“I shook hands with Zita. Boy she has done some remarkable things.”

Ken, we just returned from one of the most enjoyable trips of our lives. If one were to ask ‘what were your favourites’ I would answer: Fogo Island; Raymonds Restaurant; the lighthouse in Cape Bonavista where we saw humpback whales and icebergs. The meal at Raymonds was worthy of a Michelin star. The accommodations at the Battery and Bonavista were sumptous. Hazel dropped in and we had a good chat. We found Elliston a very interesting place. The John Crosbie museum on the sealing industry really opened our eyes. And I guess the best part was the Fogo Island Inn. We treated ourselves to this as it was our 47th anniversary last month. I shook hands with Zita. Boy she has done some remarkable things. I think she has saved the Island. We had a three hour tour with Helen which broadened our understanding of the fishing industry, how people lived, and what the future holds. We purchased some works of art by artisans—we always like to bring back mementos that remind us of place and time. For me, I spent 3 hours in the Afterwords bookshop on Duckworth Street in St. John’s. I emerged with a dozen books, one by Joseph Boyden I had been looking for a long time. Now, are there other tour organizers like yourself who operate in other parts of Canada or are you one-of-a-kind?

-Barry

“With your expert advice and information,  we saw and experienced so much, and yet, as you suggest, couldn't do it all, even though we sure tried!”

Had an absolutely wonderful time on our adventure in Newfoundland with our good friends, David and Suzanne.  Your accommodations were so very well appointed and well equipped and the locations were superb!  With your expert advice and information,  we saw and experienced so much, and yet, as you suggest, couldn't do it all, even though we sure tried!  In Heart's Delight we were very impressed with Elizabeth, who couldn't have been more hospitable. I fell in love with St.John's and want to go back some day!  Of course, the charm of Hares Ears might have had something to do with that!!

How you try to tailor a trip to the tourist is very unique and special! Thanks to both you and Sharon for helping  make our  Excellent Adventure #11 such a success!

-Judy & David

“We have traveled to China, Italy, Japan, Hawaii, etc, etc. This was the best trip we have ever had!”

Our group ranged from 7 years old to 68 years old. Everyone loved it. The kids never complained of boredom.  We loved all the houses (everything was in perfect shape) and all the people we met. The scenery was amazing and your recommendations for things to see and do were great.  Thanks so much..."

-Pam

“I never wanted to leave my pied-a-terre on the Battery, and all the special touches you included there for our welcome (the soup, the soap, the chocolate, the partridgeberry, the crackers, the coffee, the tea, the yogurt, the EVERYTHING, not to mention the fresh tulips which continued to look perfect every single day!)”

I am still in the glow of NL, and I doubt it will subside any time soon! OMG, what a FANTASTICAL place!!! “Glen Larkin” was right, when we met him on the plane, and he warned that NL was theee most special place, and how he knew we would love it, and that he always loves coming home no matter where in the world he’s been, and that it’s THE PEOPLE who are SOOOO AMAZING and make it sooo special!

I have no idea how Michael found you, but OMG did he SCORE!!! I never wanted to leave my pied-a-terre on the Battery, and all the special touches you included there for our welcome (the soup, the soap, the chocolate, the partridgeberry, the crackers, the coffee, the tea, the yogurt, the EVERYTHING, not to mention the fresh tulips which continued to look perfect every single day!) I was in complete HEAVEN up there with the harbor lights and the passing ships (and wifi!).

Ok, so I never wanted to leave, but then we go to Fisher’s Loft. My room was perfection, but I admit, maybe not quite as cozy or homey as what you provided for us on the Battery (no tulips or personal partridgberry!), but OMG, that VIEW!!! and the gorgeous handcrafted furniture and the art and the food and THE PEOPLE were not to be believed!! (and by the way, my bathroom there was huge - as big as Bruce Miller’s cod prepping shed!)

I couldn’t imagine leaving there, either, but WOW!!! Talk about saving the BIG GUN for last!!! OMG!! I could not in a million years have imagined what awaited us at Fogo Island. And you know what?? It’s VERY DIFFICULT to explain it to anyone who hasn’t been there. I am a known (and proud!) design snob, and it just simply defies explanation! The thought, the concept, the design, the details, the juxtaposition of the whole project on that island, yet the totally integrated and organic beauty of it all. The SOUL. I ADORED IT, and could perfectly imagine staying there for 5 days or a week!

Yep, it’s almost impossible to articulate what Glen Larkin was trying to say: NL is a place that simply gets under your skin, it’s inexplicable, and you become instantly attached. And, I haven’t even mentioned yet the unbelievably delicious food EVERYWHERE we went — even at Greeley’s coffee shop and casino near Bonavista, LOL! — and…….THE MUSIC!!! I never imagined it would be such a music town!! Every bit has native and pervasive and intoxicating (no pun intended with all the “pints” we observed!). I had no idea about the Irish influence, so it makes perfect sense!!! In that way, it reminded me so much of New Orleans, and then Gary explained the historic relationship between NL’s music and NO’s music (via the Acadian people who migrated down to NO and became the “Cajuns”. FANTASTIC!!

And then there was Gary…….omg, we could not imagine a more perfect person to accompany us on our journey. What a gem of a man, with the perfect demeanor for the job, and for us. I would label him a gentleman and a scholar, and so much more…..

Well, I could go on and on, but I have some “catch-up” weekend errands to do! My thanks to you (and Jane) a million, zillion times for the trip of a lifetime. I feel I could never, ever reciprocate with anything even close to the level you arranged/conceived for us.

With kindest regards and even fonder memories……

- Lynn

“What a lovely treat to find home made biscuits from Elizabeth.”

Just a short note to let you all know how much we enjoyed our trip (Melissa More ,my daughter, worked with you) to Newfoundland. The houses were: immaculate, in excellent locations and beautifully appointed. What a lovely treat to find home made biscuits from Elizabeth. Jerry, Carl and the kitchen performers were wonderful…full of energy and fun. I know that we would all come back to Newfoundland in "a heartbeat". The itinerary that you provided was so helpful and is a great keepsake. Thank you to all for the great energy and efforts. Best regards.

-Anne

“From Raymond's in St. John's where we were shown to the best table in the room (and since returning home have seen it listed as Canada's #1 restaurant) to the down home charm of Mifflins Tea Room with its helpful staff and patrons”

Hi Ken - two big thumbs up from us :-) Hope all is well there. My daughter & I had a short but marvellous trip to the east coast of Newfoundland in mid August. We found the suggestions in the Travellers Guide to be excellent. As a result, we visited with people & did things we would not have known about otherwise. It wasn't just a trip. It was-as Ken had promised- a cultural experience and a great one at that! Accomodation in St. John's & Bonavista was well thought out, comfortable & fun.
Every detail was looked after - from the comfy bedding to the welcome treats in the fridge when we arrived. We are both interested in food & found the reservations made by CapeRace were top notch! From Raymond's in St. John's where we were shown to the best table in the room (and since returning home have seen it listed as Canada's #1 restaurant) to the down home charm of Mifflins Tea Room with its helpful staff and patrons. The 2 nights at Fogo island Inn were outstanding. Thanks Ken and Sharon for your prompt replies to our questions while in Newfoundland. A super trip that exceeded our high expectations!!

-Ann & Margaret

“I wanted you to know what a great trip we had.  If someone  wants to see Newfoundland, experience the culture and does not have any friends and family there this is the perfect way to do it.”  

My husband and I had a great trip!    Elizabeth, Jerry and Donna are the best ambassadors that you could every hope to have for your company.  I can't wait to share with my family and friends what a great trip and experience this was.  We hope that we will be able to make it back to Newfoundland again.  Thanks for a great trip and wonderful memories we will cherish forever.

-Donna & Billy

"Well Ken I don't know that there's much I can say to let you know what a fantastic and special time I had with CapeRace.”

Everything that was promised was delivered and I had the BEST time in all three beautiful homes and meeting some amazing people. Thank you and Sharon for the awesome work you have done to make CapeRace a truly memorable experience. I had a blast!

-Ann

“We are already talking about a trip to western Newfoundland and Labrador at some point.”

Hi Ken - Hope you are enjoying the warm eastern weather …. We had snow this weekend! Our trip really was amazing. Thank you so much for your help in organizing it for us. The houses were all great – all quite different, but all amazing, and loved by all. Hazel kindly offered to do our wash as the washer did not work and the Laundromat was closed on the weekend. She was very kind and helpful, as was everyone. When I see the size of the list above, I am a bit surprised (and I likley missed something!) – we had lots of family time and spent a lot of time talking to the local residents….. all great. It was interesting that for a place that seems to depend on tourism, we did not encounter lots of them (at least it did not seem that way). Did you hear that Peter played harmonica at our kitchen party? I think he was a hit – everyone played along and it was so much fun. I think the guys were a bit surprised at his playing….

The trip was everything we were looking for, and more, and I honestly believe it would not have been nearly as great without you and Sharon – thanks so much. And thank you to all of the people there that you have helping out – particularly Elizabeth and Jerry – they helped us start the trip off GREAT. It is interesting that when we talked about trip highlights and ‘duds’, and what we would do differently if we did it again, we all had different favourites, but no one would take out anything we did…. I think that is a measure of a great holiday.

We are already talking about a trip to western Newfoundland and Labrador at some point. For us, Newfoundland was far nicer than Nova Scotia and PEI – although we really enjoyed our visit there a few years ago. All the best, and we have already been talking to friends that now want to go to Newfoundland. Please contact us should you want to discuss anything about the trip! Happy to!

-Jan, Peter, Rhys & Ellis