We had been driving for several hours when we arrived in Dildo. We spotted the Inn at once. Upon entering we were greeted as if we had just arrived home. We stayed for 2 nights in the George room. I cannot remember a more relaxing night. We opened the window to enjoy the evening breeze off the bay.
The next morning we were invited into the dining room for breakfast. The view of the bay was spectacular. Todd and Warren could not do enough to make you feel at home. Breakfast was light and delicious. The coffee was wonderful. We had wanted to book for dinner but our outtings lasted longer than anticipated. We did the next best thing, my wife purchased the cook book.
The next visit will take in dinner and I can assure you that our next visit to NFLD will include a few days at the Inn By The Bay. Thank you Todd and Warren for your hospitality.
Family is important to all of us ~ and especially when we travel. We want to check in on our children, grandchildren and our parents. Sometimes we cannot connect with email or text messages these days and often a quick telephone call is all that is needed for peace of mind.
Beginning May 15th, 2011 the Innkeepers of Inn By The Bay www.dildoinns.com and George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast www.georgehousebnb.com have decided to provide free unlimited North American long distance to all of their guests, in addition to the free local calls that they have always provided.
Todd Warren, Innkeeper and Owner/Operator, notes “We really saw the need for free long distance last year when many of our guests were stranded trying to get from Dildo to other parts of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. They needed to change their reservations for other accommodations and not every property offers a toll-free number. In addition, there were many travelers who wanted to connect with their families back home to let them know that they were ok, that they had a change of plans and to alleviate any concerns that their families may have had after seeing a news clip about the devastation that Hurricane Igor left on our province.”
“While we offered the guests our phone and didn’t even think to charge for long distance it certainly made us aware that while we rely on text message and smart phones and the internet, it is not always available or the best way to get your message out. We researched the best long distance plan that we could find and then decided that as an added service to our guests that we would provide free unlimited local and long distance to our guests as part of our overall service. We believe that this is just another way of providing the types of services that guests are coming to expect in other parts of the world that they travel to and we need to keep up with our own offering.”
In addition to providing the long distance service both Inn By The Bay and George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast offer free high-speed wireless internet along with a guest computer access terminal and printer. Guests can use the terminal to check email if they are traveling without a laptop, upload and send photos, or print of air line tickets or make additional travel plans. Later in the summer we will be providing the ability for guests to access Skype so they can use it to connect as well.
“My parents use Skype when they are in Newfoundland and want to connect with my siblings and their grandchildren. It is a great tool and we thought the investment in the hardware to provide this service to our guests is our way of keeping the guests connected with their families” says Todd.
Inn By The Bay is a proud Canada Select rated 4 1/2 star country inn and is home to the Sea Level Dining Room which has a star of distinction from Where To Eat In Canada. George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast is one of only three Canada Select 5 star rated properties in Newfoundland and Labrador and offers special packages for stays on their website.
To contact the Inn or B&B call toll-free 1-888-339-7829 or email us at info@dildoinns.com.
Tourists arrive in Newfoundland and Labrador every day and they come from points near and far. Some utilize a travel agent, tour operator, some book by themselves online, other attempt to ‘wing it’ and see what accommodations and attractions they can find upon arrival. There is a whole myriad of choices a traveler can decide upon when it comes to selecting accommodations in Newfoundland and Labrador – and we thought it was important to point out the Canada Select program as a key part of any travelers decision making process when determining where to stay.
The best way to select a property in Newfoundland and Labrador is to check the Canada Select website to see if it is indeed licensed and rated. For instance, Inn By The Bay has a Canada Select 4 ½ star rating and George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast has a Canada Select 5 star rating with Canada Select. Many guests who enjoy the level of accommodations of Inn By The Bay will enjoy similar experiences with other properties that have obtained the same star rating in the same category.
So, before you book your next accommodations in Newfoundland and Labrador check out the Canada Select website http://www.canadaselect.com and include your criteria to ensure that the accommodations you are staying at are rated and the property is properly licensed in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is buyer beware out there and there are many operators in the Province that are operating without being licensed or rated.
As a traveler in Newfoundland and Labrador you need to be weary of booking accommodations in properties that are not licensed as they may not have had a fire inspection or other important inspections that could affect your safety. And, there may be a reason as to why they are currently not licensed with the Province or rated by Canada Select. Would you want to spend your money in a property that may not be safe! Why would you risk ruining your vacation by booking in an unrated, unlicensed property that may not meet your needs and could cause you have an unfavourable view of our beautiful province.
As staycation travelers in Newfoundland and Labrador we have stayed at many 2 ½ star rated properties and had a great time and they live up to all of our expectations upon arrival. The same goes for many properties that we have booked accommodations at in every star rating – so simply use the star rating as a guide and as a note of caution stay clear of any unlicensed property that isn’t proudly licensed or rated within Newfoundland and Labrador.
So, a great travel rule of thumb while planning to visit Newfoundland and Labrador is to:
Check Canada Select’s website to see what type and grade of accommodations best suit your needs for your travel destination.
Ask the Accommodator if they are licensed, have a Canada Select rating at the time of booking your accommodations and confirm that it is still the same as what is on the Canada Select website.
If you are making travel plans on the fly and see a billboard sign on the highway or brochure or ad simply ask if they are licensed and what their Canada Select rating is.
Some great indicators that a property may not be licensed is as follows:
They are not listed in the Province of Newfound and Labrador’s tourism travel guide. These listings are free for all licensed properties and while there may be omissions at the time of printing of the guide you can always check their website at www.newfoundlandlabrador.com as well to see if they are licensed.
They do not appear in the listings on Canada Select’s website.
They state at the time of booking that they don’t have a rating, they are waiting to be rated or that they don’t subscribe to Canada Select indicating that it is a membership based option for accommodators.
We have included some information on the Canada Select program in brief below.
“Canada Select” is an accommodation rating program that reflects the needs of today’s traveling consumer. It provides the public with a consistent and reliable rating standard that is nationally compatible and comparable. Canada select is the only national accommodations rating program for bed and breakfasts, cottages, hotels, motels, inns, resorts, and fishing/hunting lodges in Canada – and it is mandatory as part of being a licensed property in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The program is defined as “the rating of like accommodations based on the basics of cleanliness, comfort and safety, as well as the extent and quality of facilities and amenities.”
You can go to http://www.canadaselect.com/NewfoundlandandLabrador/CanadaSelectNewfoundlandandLabrador.cfm and the site will help direct you to the most appropriate accommodations to suit your needs – whether you are seeking a Hotel, a Motel, an Inn, a Cottage, a Bed and Breakfast, a Resort, a Hunting or a Fishing Lodge – and then you can select the rating that best suits your travel needs and budget.
Canada Select inspects and rates all participating properties to ensure they meet consumer expectations. Ratings are based on extent and quality of facilities, services and amenities. The higher the star rating, the more extensive are the facilities, guest services and amenities.
Canada Select uses the tag line “No surprise is the best surprise” and that accurately sums up most travelers experiences as they end up booking accommodations in properties that meet or exceed their needs.
Once a property has been categorized it is evaluated for physical quality of the property, content of facilities, services and amenities provided. All properties, regardless of their star level, must also meet stringent cleanliness and state of repair guidelines.
Each category and star level has distinct criteria which must be achieved. A star rating from (1 to 5, in ½ star increments), is awarded based on the results of the evaluation. Each star level reflects specific consumer expectations.
A one star rating reflects that a property is clean and comfortable and has met or exceeded nationally accepted criteria in the areas of facilities, services, amenities and quality of the accommodation. Additional stars are awarded depending on the extent of facilities, services, amenities and quality of accommodations.
Where the quality of facilities is superior, a property may be awarded a half-star above its criteria rating, ie. a two star property may warrant a 2½ star rating, depending on the overall quality assessment.
The following are the star rating descriptions:
* At this level, guests should expect clean and well-maintained accommodations providing the necessary facilities for an enjoyable stay. Criteria includes standards such as room size, window screens and coverings, clothes storage, linens, door lock, smoke detector, and parking facilities.
** This level equates to what is popularly considered “mid-range” accommodation. It exceeds the 1 star level in quality of mattress, bed linen, floors/window/wall coverings, and in provision of bedside and seating area lighting, additional room furniture, and parking space.
*** These properties will offer larger units with additional room furniture, coordinated furnishings, better quality mattresses and linens, and will be equipped with clock/alarm, extra amenities in washrooms, etc. Private baths for all BB rooms is a requirement for a 3 star and higher rating. Three star properties offer above average facilities and services.
**** This rating indicates exceptional quality in all areas of facilities and services offering superior quality throughout the property in areas of guestrooms, bath and common areas. The property typically provides laundry/valet service as well as many additional amenities.
***** A 5 star property is luxurious at a world standard, offering outstanding facilities, guest service and amenities.
Remember book your accommodations and rental cars early when thinking of your vacation to Newfoundland and Labrador – and always check the Canada Select website to find a licensed accommodator waiting to provide you with excellent service in a friendly and warm inviting atmosphere – after all isn’t that why you are coming to visit our wonderful province in the first place. And to make sure you have happy and fond memories of your visit don’t stay at or support unlicensed accommodators!
The Sea Level Dining Room at Inn By The Bay in Dildo, Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a star of excellence in the 2011-2012 edition of ‘Where To Eat In Canada again this year – Canada’s national restaurant guide. Each year some 500 restaurants in more than 200 cities, towns and village across Canada are reviewed. The guide give you information on what the restaurant does well, what the atmosphere is like, what the average meal cost is and operational hours.
Nobody can buy their way into the book and you cannot buy your way out of the book – it is an essential travel tool for the savvy traveler. Every restaurant in the guide has been personally tested. Their reporters are not allowed to identify themselves or to accept free meals. They accept no advertisements, no payment for listings.
For the past nine years the Sea Level Dining Room and Inn By The Bay has been recommended by the guide and they finally received their first star of excellence in the 2010 – 2011 edition. Over the years the guide has been a chronicle of the menu and food that has transformed the property to its present day offering. While many guest favourites such as Maude’s Berry Butter Cake with hot By The Bay Rum Sauce with a touch of Newfoundland Screech in it have stayed with the menu over the years, there are also some new and interesting dishes to tempt the palate.
Inn By The Bay A Perennial Favourite In Where To Eat In Canada
Todd Warren is the Co-Owner/Operator of Inn By The Bay and is happy to be included in the latest guide. “It is important to us, our staff and our guests to be mentioned and to be awarded a star of excellence is the icing on the cake. We use the guide when we travel and its a handy resource and we hope and trust that visitors traveling to Newfoundland and Labrador will find us in the guide and get to experience our culinary talents.”
The Sea Level Dining Room at Inn By The Bay is open 7 days a week and offers two seatings daily; 5:30pm and 7:30pm and features a 4-course prix-fixe dinner for $45/per person plus tax. Dinner is by reservation at 1-888-339-7829 or locally at 582-3170. The menu features an array of choices and always features fresh cod and salmon on the menu. www.dildoinns.com
After working in the hospitality industry for several years, both in Newfoundland and Labrador as well as in various regions of Ontario, Todd Warren decided to move back to his home community of Dildo, Newfoundland and he hasn’t looked back.
Todd says “Initially I wanted to run my own business but I needed to have some practical experience in the hospitality industry that would complement my formal education. I learned as much as I could and then tried to take the best practices back to Newfoundland with me to create my own experience. In the early days after purchasing an old home, once known as Rowe House, and doing some initial renovations to turn it into a bed and breakfast it was difficult. The Department of Tourism said my concept was not right and it wouldn’t work, and the banks agreed with them. To this day I still have those discouraging letters and they motivated me then and today to create the best tourism product I could.”
Inn By The Bay, built in 1888, began as a three room house and over the past 15 years it has gone through many minor renovations as well as a few major ones. The square footage has more than tripled and the property now has seven guest suites, a fully licensed dining room and is proud to have a 4 1/2 star Canada Select rating.
Inn By The Bay has been recommended by many travel guides including Fodor’s, Frommer’s, Lonely Planet, Moon and many others. In addition the property has received press from newspapers such as the New York Times, the UK Independent, the London Times as well as the Globe & Mail and National Post. In addition, the dining room has received much praise and is a perennial favourite of Where To Eat In Canada.
A key to the success in Dildo for Todd has been managed growth. He has slowly added guest rooms and services that are sought after by savvy travelers and he has continually changed his business plan to meet and exceed the travelers expectations. Many things have changed for him though and he fondly remembers his first signs on the highway, his first guest to check-in and the many hours of work that has gone into his product.
Just over 10 years ago he purchased the neighboring property and created George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast. Today the bed and breakfast is one of only three Canada Select 5 star rated properties in Newfoundland and Labrador. “We saw a niche and decided to fill it and it has paid off. Today our George House property is fully restored inside and out and has the modern amenities that guests are looking for when they wish to ‘indulge’ a little. We still offer the same friendly service and great food but have some added touches” Todd informs us.
In 2009 Todd and his property were given the industries Pride Award for his professionalism and excellence in the industry. In 2010 he was recipient of Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Technology in Tourism Award for his award-winning website presence. However, the award that he wears as a badge of honor is receiving Gourmand Internationals nod for Best Canadian Cookbook – English in his category for 2010 in Paris, France.
Todd co-authored the cookbook George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast Kitchen Recipes and he has his second cookbook Best Dishes From Inn By The Bay about to be published. “The cookbooks have been fun to do and a lot of work but it is so gratifying to have someone mention that they bought your cookbook and made a recipe and absolutely love it” notes Todd.
When asked what his future plans are Todd is secretive and his grin says it all “with service to remember!”
I wanted to send a quick e-mail to say how pleased my wife and I were with the service at your inn. We finished the tournament with 1 win and 4 losses but in a couple of days the kids won’t remember the Wins and Losses just the fun times they had with their friends at the inn and b&b.
I will definitely recommend your business to all my friends, family & co-workers and look forward to staying with you again in the near future.
The level of down to earth service at the Inn by the Bay seemed to come from the same classic time period as the decor of the house. Immediately upon check-in my wife and I were made to feel comfortable and welcome by the owners. This level of respectful care lasted for our entire stay as the owners offered any assistance we needed but also respected our privacy.
The comfortable , non-intrusive atmosphere was demonstrated by a willingness to assist us with information on local walking trails, artists and restaurants. The owners went out of their way to move a cumbersome lawn chair and provide us with blankets and hot coffee/ tea so we could enjoy the spectacular ocean view on the side deck.
We ate in the sea level dining room for dinner and were impressed with the prompt service and the care that went into the preparation of the gourmet food. The meal was full of the refined flavour of a gourmet meal without the snobbery of similar five star establishments we have been to. The fresh salmon, cod and partridge berry cake were a few of the items that demonstrated the flavour of the local ingredients. Breakfast was another example of fresh, hot food made with excellent ingredients.
Our room (Warren room) was cozy and clean with a very comfortable bed which had a luxurious duvet. The room and the house as a whole was accentuated by furniture and art that helped to create an overall classic atmosphere. Overall, we had a great stay and will be returning in May for my wife’s birthday to enjoy the jacuzzi suite at George House (a sister establishment) and another stay that offers true relaxation. Thanks Todd and Dave for a wonderful experience!
George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast says “B&Bs Kick Gas”
Stay any two (2) nights and receive a $30 gift card for gas – our way of saying take a drive out beyond the overpass and see the beautiful Baccalieu Trail.
Better yet, simply carpool with another couple for a savings of $50 credit each room any for two (2) nights stay. What a great friends getaway.
Start each morning with our with our “filling” gourmet breakfast and then after you checkout “fuel up” and save!
Just mention the B&B’s Kick Gas promotion at time of booking! Valid until the end of June 2011 – not valid with any other promotion and subject to availability.
George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast is proud to be a Canada Select 5 star rated property in Dildo, Newfoundland and Labrador. Our five guest suites offer full ocean views or Jacuzzi ensuites and Dildo is only 50 minutes from St. John’s and is centrally located for touring the Baccalieu Trail, Irish Loop and for visiting Cape St. Mary’s – or enroute to Trinity and Bonavista.
Book your room today by calling toll-free 1-888-339-7829 or go to www.georgehousebnb.com and reserve online.
With the summer hospitality season almost underway for many tourism operators like Todd Warren, hiring is top of mind.
“Each year we are pleased to welcome back our full-time seasonal employees and we recognize that our employees are the backbone of our business. While the tourists love to visit Newfoundland they not only want to see the majestic beauty Newfoundland and Labrador but also to savour the food, take in cultural events and ultimately to make a connection with the people of our land. Our staff help to make that connection” states Todd Warren, Owner and Operator of Inn By The Bay and George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast in the community of Dildo.
“We pride ourselves in hiring some of the best in the hospitality industry and we work hard to retain good staff. All of our staff must attend a paid two-day workshop that includes customer service training, a tourism overview including updating our staff on what is going on in the tourism industry both locally, provincially as well as nationally and internationally. In addition, we provide refresher training in dining room service, housekeeping and orientation for any new staff” notes Todd.
Inn By The Bay and George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast provide upwards of 18 full-time seasonal positions and pride themselves with providing opportunities for employment to students as well as to those re-entering the workforce. Dale Cameron, who looks after hiring, training and retention, says “hiring is just the first step in a process. As an astute employer you must be willing to train, provide areas for advancement where possible, as well as mentor your staff. After all they become part of the fabric of the business. We celebrate diversity in our workplace so we are pleased to have a great mix of students, mature workers and those with a varied work background. It is what makes us a great place to work and for our guests a great visitor experience.”
In the 2011 tourism season Inn By The Bay and George House will be hiring of the following new positions:
Seasonal Full-time Sous Chef
Seasonal Full-time Kitchen Assistant
Seasonal Full-time Host Concierge
Seasonal Full-time Dining Room Server
If you are interested in any of the above noted positions you can email your resume to careers@baccalieuhospitalitygroup.com or fax them to (709) 582-3175. No phone calls please. Previous applicants need not apply.
Inn By The Bay is an award-winning Canada Select 4 ½ rated country inn and George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast is also an award-winning Canada Select 5 star rated bed and breakfast, one of only three in Newfoundland and Labrador and the only one outside of metro St. John’s.
For more information on Inn By The Bay you can go to www.didloinns.com and for information on George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast you can go to www.georgehousebnb.com
Inn By The Bay will be opening for the 2011 season as of April 22nd. This is the earliest the Inn has been open in the past number of years and according to Innkeeper and Owner/Operator Todd Warren it looks like a great season ahead. “We’ve been fortunate to have early bookings this season and we are ready to welcome guests from throughout Newfoundland and Labrador as well as from Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and from places as far away as New Zealand, Australia, Germany and the UK” says Todd.
“We attribute much of our early season bookings due to our guest friendly on-line booking reservation system that we’ve had in place for the past two years, as well as all of our on-line marketing including the use of social media. We consider ourselves early adopters to the technology and found it to be a cost effective way to promote our business and offering to our guests. In addition, we’ve been fortunate to receive some spin-0ff publicity from our recently published cookbook ‘George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast Kitchen Recipes’ and the book winning Best Canadian Cookbook in 2010 by Gourmand International in its category” notes Todd.
Inn By The Bay is entering its 14th season in Dildo and continues to be a landmark property on the Baccalieu Trail, the George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast which is the only Canada Select 5 star rated property outside of metro-St. John’s and only one of three 5 star rated properties in Newfoundland and Labrador. In addition, they operate the Dildo Trading Post and the Sea Level Dining Room which has been rated and recommended by Where To Eat In Canada for several years.
The Dildo Trading Post in Dildo, Newfoundland was pleased to host the Canadian Army Veteran Motorcycle Unit as they traveled through our town. The bikers were treated to coffee and some wonderful hospitality. George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast also provided a prize for a draw.
Since the Canadian Army Veteran (CAV) Motorcycle Units were started in 2003, they have assisted, and continue to assist, numerous charities in achieving their monetary goals. Charity Event Riding and Community Support Events are an integral part of many of our members CAV/VAC Adventure-No one ‘Has’ to participate in these as members but there are always those willing to assist International, National and local charities. There are certain charities such as ICROSS and the Tony Stacey Centre for Veterans Care that the CAV/VAC supports directly with all the monies raised going directly to these charities. The CAV/VAC also assists other events such as the Red Ride and Ride for Dad by providing volunteers and participating in the rides. The CAV/VAC will continue to support charities and fund raisers and all members are to be congratulated for the continued support that they offer.
Their History
In 1941 a recruiting image was used to identify a type of Canadian citizen that was needed to serve in Canada’s Military. It depicted a mounted soldier, on a motorcycle, with the image of his ancestors surrounding him in the form of a ghostly mounted warrior Cavalryman. This image was entitled in French and English as: “Notre Armee A Besoin De Bons Canadiens/Our Army Is Looking For Good Canadians”.
Many Canadian Veterans have formed into tightly knit Units to continue the Traditions and Bonds formed in War and Peace. These Unit’s origin’s were a common respect for it’s member’s histories and needs. The C.A.V was formed by Canadian Army Veteran’s who’s common history was as motorcyclists, on and off duty, serving our Country in every Theatre and Operation, and the need to continue that service as Motorcyclists
The Dewey’s stayed at Inn By The Bay this past week and asked to take our photo. We obliged and then they asked for us to take a photo with Bear and Button Bear. And, of course we obliged. Here is her photo she sent to us along with one of her family.
All the best to the Dewey Family – travel safe! Todd, Dale & Staff at Inn By The Bay dildoinns.com
“What a wonderful spot in Newfoundland where you can find top notch customer service, friendly staff, immaculate accommodations all in a quiet and quaint community – a must see destination.” Ron & Nancy Greenough
Newfoundland and Labrador may lie in the Atlantic a time zone ahead of the rest of North America, but visiting Canada’s easternmost province is like taking a step back in time.
With 11,000 miles of spectacular coastline and 180,000 square miles of pristine wilderness in Labrador alone — not to mention nearly two dozen species of whales, hundreds of thousands of moose and caribou, 35 million seabirds and the 10,000-year-old icebergs floating offshore — it’s small wonder that few places on Earth can match the natural wonder of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Its unspoiled forests, mountains and shores is a glimpse into the long-ago past, way before the first Viking explorers settled here more than a millenium ago.
When it comes to such diverse natural splendors, size does matter. Comprised of the large island of Newfoundland and the Canadian mainland region of Labrador (which more than lives up to its nickname, “The Big Land”), the province spans such a huge area that it would be the fourth-largest American state, behind Alaska, Texas and California.
To explore and experience everything such a vast expanse has to offer, many travelers divide their visits into touring the four main regions of Newfoundland — the Avalon Peninsula in the southwest, central Newfoundland, and the eastern and western coasts — plus the southern coast of Labrador.
The first stop in Avalon is typically Newfoundland’s capital city of St. John’s, the island’s historic epicenter (and site of its main airport). A main attraction of the city’s bustling downtown are the colorful, late-19th century rowhouses and national sites reflecting its long history as a major shipping and fishing port.
Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America, is a prime location for spotting icebergs and watching whales. Also in St. John’s harbor is Signal Hill and the Cabot Tower, built more than 100 years ago to commemorate English explorer John Cabot’s landing in 1497. The tower also is where inventor Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic radio transmission in 1901.
Further along the Avalon coast are the ecological preserves of Witless Bay and Cape St. Mary’s, summer home to the area’s immense population of seabirds.
Nature abounds on Newfoundland’s east coast as well, where Terra Nova National Park offers a chance to see moose, black bears, birds and whales along with plenty of hiking, camping, kayaking and fishing.
A highlight of central Newfoundland, known for its vast forest and abundance of beautiful bays and tiny islands, is the town of Gander and the North Atlantic Aviation Museum.
Western Newfoundland, along the Gulf of St. Lawrence, is where mountains, glacier-carved fjords and rugged coastline combine to make a visit to this part of the island an unforgettable experience.
Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has more than 60 miles of hiking trails — and a 10-mile trek up Gros Morne Mountain, the second-highest on Newfoundland (almost 2,600 feet), that offers stunning panoramic views.
If Newfoundland’s breathtaking landscape isn’t enough, Labrador and all its charms is just a short boat ride away.
From Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula, hop a car and passenger ferry for the 90-minute trip across the Strait of Belle Isle to Blanc Sablon, Quebec, which is right at the boundary of Labrador.
A drive up the Labrador coast on Route 510 begins at the scenic town of L’Anse-au-Clair, known for its trout and salmon fishing, and continues north alongside an amazing ocean view – dubbed Iceberg Alley for obvious reasons – rustic villages caught in a time warp, and endless miles of untamed wilderness to satisfy even the most adventurous of souls.
Click on the link to read the article that appeared in the March 2nd edition of The Compass regarding George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast winning the Tourism Atlantic Technology Award.
18th Annual Conference
July 28 – Aug 1, 2010
St. John’s, Newfoundland
Canada Council for the Arts
Grant Information Session
Thursday July 29th, 2010 – 3:15pm – 4:00pm
Paul Seesequasis is a program officer with the Canada Council for the Arts. One of his programs is the Spoken Word and Storytelling program, which provides grants to individual storytellers, collectives and storytelling festivals. Seesequasis is also a writer and journalist.
Paul Seesequasis will present a grant information session for storytellers, including such issues as the jury process and what juries look for; what kinds of support material often works best; and how to present a clear and persuasive grant application and budget.
Session open to all conference participants. Registration open at:
The fourth annual Trails, Tales and Tunes Festival will take place from May 14-23, 2010 in Norris Point, Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Enjoy a unique blend of daytime walks in spectacular Gros Morne National Park, afternoon workshops with artists and photographers, and evening entertainment by very talented local musicians and storytellers performed in churches, halls, theatres and pubs throughout Norris Point.
Check out their website at www.trailstalestunes.ca or visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=49636491147 and join their group.
We plan on attending the festival this year and enjoy the festival. Cheers!
Historic Bed and Breakfast recognized as a leader in technology by the tourism industry
Gander (NL) – February 22, 2010 – Dale Cameron and Todd Warren, owners of the George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast in Dildo, NL, were named this year’s recipient of the sixth-annual Tourism Atlantic Technology Award. The pair was recognized for adapting their business practices to incorporate technology and social media in their day-to-day work.
The award was presented this past weekend at Hotel Gander as part of Lookout! Tourism Summit 2010, the annual convention and tradeshow for Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador.
“The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is pleased to be a part of a project that recognizes the success of tourism operations working to achieve best practices in technology,” says the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Gateway. “When a member of the tourism industry makes great strides in advancing their business, they help advance the region as a result.”
The Lloyd George House, built in 1885, is a landmark in the community and a symbol of the lasting influence of the George family. Before being converted into a bed and breakfast, the ‘second empire’ style house was used as a post office for almost 40 years. While upgrades, renovations and the use of technology have brought the house into the 21st century, it maintains a strong Victorian-period atmosphere.
The introduction of new technology included an on-line reservation system which allowed potential guests to check availability and make reservations for the room of their choice. Since it’s implementation, in October of 2009, rooms rapidly started filling up well into 2010.
“We have had tremendous success with the on-line reservation system,” said Mr. Cameron. “It has helped streamline our day-to-day responsibilities and allows us to book further into the future. Without our new system, that would have been difficult to do at this time of year.”
“We’ve updated Google.com and Google Maps with our GPS coordinates and contact information and we have been keeping our new blog up-to-date,” added Mr. Warren. The George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.”
In 2004, ACOA created this annual award to acknowledge one tourism operator in each Atlantic province for his or her innovative and creative use of technology to improve and grow their tourism operation.
If you have been considering a visit to Newfoundland and Labrador, 2010 is right time. Cupids, which is approximately a 30 minute drive from Dildo, is celebrating the 400th Anniversary of the birth of English Canada in 1610.
The Cupers Cove Colony
John Guy and a group of brave colonists arrived in Cupids in August of 1610 to establish the Cupers Cove colony in the name of James I, King of England and Scotland. Due to extensive journals, letters, and documents, the general site was well known, but it was not until 1995 that William Gilbert, chief archaeologist with the Baccalieu Trail Heritage Corporation, found actual physical evidence of the site. Since then, the Cupids site has been declared one of top ten active archaeological digs in Canada. About 140,000 artefacts and five early 17th century buildings have been uncovered, including the oldest English coin found in Canada.
One of the important objectives of the Colonists was to visit meet with the native people of the province, the mysterious and reclusive Beothuk, whose established hunting grounds were near Dildo at Russell’s Point in Blaketown. They attempted to meet them in two ways, they walked overland across the Baccalieu Peninsula, and they built two ships and sailed around the tip of the Baccalieu Peninsula into Trinity Bay. Their trail across the peninsula has been remade and is called Crout’s Way.
During their trip the Dildo area, the colonist wrote vivid descriptions of Beothuk homes on Dildo Island and nearby Blaketown pond. They also describe a meeting with the Beothuk which occurred at the bottom of Trinity Bay and was illustrated in a copper plate by Theodor de Bry (made some time later.)
Reading the journals of the colonists, many of the harbours and sites in the region are mentioned by name. Although the first colony was not founded until 1610, Europeans of many nations had been visiting the region as migratory fishermen during the 1500 and had named places. Baccalieu and Bay de Verde come from the Portuguese; Harbour Grace, Carbonear, Bay Roberts, and Port de Grave come from the French; and Spaniard’s Bay is named for the Spanish.
Events in 2010
Not only will there be celebrations and events in Cupids this summer, Cupids 400 Corporation is partnering with towns in the region to present many events throughout the region.
When visiting Newfoundland and Labrador there are many great trails and areas to visit. In addition to visiting Dildo on the Baccalieu Trail we highly recommend you check out the Southern Avalon Tourism Associations website for a listing of the many tourism offerings they have to offer. You can check out their website at http://www.southernavalontourism.ca/
One of our favourite attractions is to take a tour with O’Brien’s Whale & Bird Tours in Bay Bulls – we go every year and make it a must do attraction. We rate them as one of the best whale and bird boat tours on the Island. Check them out at http://www.obriensboattours.com/ and they are only a quick 45 minutes from Dildo.
If you are making your way around the Irish Loop then make plans to stay at Northwest Bed and Breakfast and stay with Harold and Marie Pennell. You can find them online at http://www.bbcanada.com/bbnorthwest/ – you’ll enjoy your stay.
Each and every spring we tour the entire Baccalieu Trail, Irish Loop, Cape Shore and Killick Coast to check on the many offerings in the areas and check on the road conditions so we can advise our guests accordingly.
Check out these recommended sites and make plans early to enjoy all that Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer.
Dildo, Newfoundland – The bay is pretty enough, in a bleak kind of a way. White wood-frame dwellings jostle for space along the shore, while the sea is dotted with ice slabs that have drifted south from Labrador. There is a fish processing plant but, like most in Newfoundland, it stands idle. Everyone understands, though, that it is not the scenery nor even the cod crisis that has drawn us here.
“You’ve hit the spot, all right,” exclaimed Diane George, apologising that she has no postcards for sale in her shop that we might remember our visit by. “It does rather stick out at you from the map, doesn’t it?” Well, indeed.
This may be Newfoundland, where the coasts are crammed with rude-sounding place names, like Come By Chance, Pushthrough and Tickle Bay but for the folk who live here, their home goes beyond suggestive innuendo. For this is Dildo.
Exactly how it came to be called Dildo is a matter of local debate. Gerald Smith, a fisherman washed ashore by the three-year-old cod moratorium, ventures that the name was introduced by Spanish sailors fishing in the area as long as 500 years ago. If Dildo was not a town in Spain, it might, he suggested, have been the name of a visiting ship or even its captain. “I guess we are hoping that it’s from Spain,” he concluded uncertainly.
In the tiny Dildo Post Office, the assistant postmistress, Stella White, is sure it had nothing to do with the word’s common modern usage, to wit – to quote Webster’s – a “substitute for the male sexual organ”. “I feel sure that we’ve been here a lot longer than artificial penises have been around,” Mrs White declared without the slightest embarrassment, adding that the name has never worried her.
“There’s a place in the United States called Intercourse and we don’t tease them about that,” said Mrs White. She conceded, however, that things did get awkward for her children when they, like so many of the young in Newfoundland, left the province to study and work elsewhere in the country.
After repeated embarrassment when he joined the Navy, her son eventually took the offensive. “He used to tell people: `Didn’t you know, that’s where they come from?’ They never knew whether to believe him.”
A brief effort was made about five years ago to collect signatures on a petition to have the name changed. The precedent had already been set by a community up the coast that used to be called Gayside, until the residents got sick of all the insinuations it provoked about their own sexuality.
With a nod to an altogether warmer beach locale on the Florida coast that is a favourite with Canadians, they renamed it Baytona.
The man behind the name-change campaign in Dildo was Robert Elford, a local electrician. He said that he, too, was only thinking about the young. “Things always got a bit sticky for my son when people asked him where he lived,” he explained. But many of the older people in the community were offended by his crusade and after being harassed on the street and on the telephone, he gave up and simply changed his own address from Dildo to New Harbour, the neighbouring village. “It all got too personal,” he says.
Today, the name seems, if anything, to be a source of pride. Each summer, the village celebrates “Dildo Day”, featuring a flotilla of decorated boats that circles the bay. In the prow of the first boat stands an effigy of an old Newfoundland seadog called “Captain Dildo”.
Baseball caps and T-shirts are printed. I have one with a picture of the captain sailing past a point called Dildo Head. I also have a Dildo Day ’94 cap, but I doubt I will ever sport it in Manhattan. Sadly, the “I Survived Dildo Day” T-shirts are all gone.
Check out this link below and scroll down the website to see some wonderful photos of Dildo courtesy of the Salvation Army. The Trinity Bay South Corps has a long history in Dildo and surrounding areas and they have graciously allowed us to provide a link from our Blog to their website.
Sunday, January 24th, 2010
Courtesy of Canwest News Service
From Tickle Cove, N.L., to Bacon Ridge, Man., to Bummers Roost, Ont., Canada does not lack for peculiarly named locales from coast to coast.
But what happens when residents in a town, near a creek or a mountain or a swamp outgrow a name and want a new handle that better reflects what their community has become?
That was the case last month when the New Brunswick government renamed Savage Island, a small island on the Saint John River. The new name, Eqpahak, is an homage to the isle’s aboriginal roots.
It was the first time the province had changed a place’s name because it is now considered discriminatory or inappropriate.
“It’s a drive to clarify the mystery in some cases of names of places,” explained Gilles Bourque, a manager at toponymy services for New Brunswick. Toponymy is the study of place names.
The proposal came from Percy Sacobie, a resident of the island, who sought the support of chiefs from six Maliseet First Nations to come up with an alternative name. Eqpahak is the Maliseet word meaning a “place where the tide stops coming in.”
Bourque said nearly all name change requests come to the provinces or territories from an individual, or group. Months of research needs to be done, studying the origin of the original name, whether there are any other places with the new name and evidence that there’s community consensus for a change.
“In some cases, some names aren’t known officially. It’s a discovery process,” he said. “It’s a cultural component that becomes a complement to the geographical feature to which it is associated.”
Last year alone, New Brunswick made 17 name changes in the province.
Residents of Elm Tree River, N.B., revived an outstanding request from years ago to change the name of their town to L’River Elm, to reflect that the town was majorly francophone. Meanwhile, those living in Shippagan were tired of all the misspellings of their town’s name, including Shippegan and Shippigan in the 1960s and 1970s, and got the name changed in the past few years.
According to the federal Geographical Names Board of Canada, which automatically approves name changes put forward by provinces and territories, the most common reason for a request is local usage.
For example, a number of features in Canada’s North, including mountains, lakes, streams and marshes, have been renamed in recent years to traditional names that reflect aboriginal culture.
Natural Resources spokeswoman Jacinthe Perras said although the agency does not keep statistics on the number of name changes approved across Canada, nor the reasons for the changes, larger provinces, such as Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia, submit the majority of requests.
But renaming is not always embraced by the community.
In late 2009, there was a significant backlash when mappers suggested a new name for a 14,244-square-kilometre area that includes Strait of Georgia and Juan de Fuca Strait in B.C. The term Salish Sea was finally approved in December 2009, and endorsed by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names and their counterparts in Canada. The name Salish Sea acknowledges that the land in the area was occupied by Coast Salish First Nations before white settlers arrived.
So goes the story of a community in Newfoundland called Birchy Bay North, which was renamed to Gayside in 1958 to avoid confusion with nearby Birchy Bay. But then, nearly 30 years later, it was renamed again to Baytona after residents grew tired of insinuations about their sexuality.
A bid to change his community’s name was put forward by a resident of the infamous Dildo, N.L., 15 years ago but was abandoned due to a lack of public support.
Robert Elford told media he was pushing for a name change so the members of the younger generation wouldn’t get teased.
The attempt failed and today, the town’s name is embraced with pride by the residents.
Resident Judith Pretty remembers the campaign well.
“People weren’t going to stand for that. We have a unique community,” she said, from the Whalers Wharf inn, in south Dildo. “It was all the mainlanders who were freaked out about it.”
Pretty said she enjoys the reactions she gets from people who ask her where she’s from.
“They ask me: `Um, do you really live in a place like that?’ and I ask, `Like what?’ People are curious,” she laughed.
Considered one of the “prettiest small towns” in Canada, Pretty said residents have definitely benefited from the interest the name has generated in tourists from around the world.
“Someone must be some kind of stupid if they try again to change the name, ” she said. “We stand firm on what we believe in, and we believe in our town. ”
Parker Hogan, a spokesman for Alberta Culture and Spirit, the department responsible for geographical name changes in that province said without a doubt, the name of a place should mean most to those who live in it.
“In many cases, the names would be recognizing some local significance or .. . recognize somebody’s initiative,” he said.
