Sole Sisters Discover Soul of Newfoundland 🇨🇦 - Lorraine Kopetzki

 Lorraine is retired and living on beautiful Vancouver Island with her husband and their beloved dog, Stormy. She enjoys hiking (especially while leading Duncan Sole Circle outings), playing pickleball, and is currently training to walk the Portugal and Spain sections of the Camino next spring—all while serving as a proud Community Manager for Sole Sister Ramblers.

A midlife adventure of hiking, history, puffins, screech-ins, and shared discovery

The idea for this trip came to life on the trails of Cowichan Valley, BC, Canada, where seven Sole Sister Ramblers imagined a journey that would mix rugged beauty with cultural stories and the bond of friendship. With support from Intrepid Tours and three more women from the Sole Sister Ramblers' community (hello Cindy, Lee, and Claire!), the group became ten strong. What followed was a memorable Newfoundland tour filled with outdoor adventures, heartfelt moments, and plenty of laughter.

Day 1: St. John’s & Signal Hill

We kicked things off with a scenic hike over Signal Hill along the North Head Trail to Quidi Vidi—a mix of fresh air and Atlantic views. Lunch at the brewery brought good food and a chance to connect with new faces. A great start.

Day 2: Signal Hill Stories & Screech-Ins

We explored Signal Hill again, this time learning about its role in defense and communication—including Marconi’s historic wireless signal. Whale sightings and scenic lighthouses capped off the afternoon. That night, the classic Newfoundland "screech-in" officially welcomed us—all in good fun and full of local charm.

Day 3: Trinity & Coastal Resilience

Trinity’s history came alive during a rain-soaked walking tour. The 1929 storm that took the lives of local fishermen reminded us of the hardships woven into Newfoundland’s past. Dinner at Dock Marina was all about lobster and storytelling, and our cozy stay at the Bishop White House gave us time to unwind.

Day 4: Puffins & Remembrance

Elliston offered incredible puffin viewing and a sobering visit to the memorial for the 1914 sealing disaster. At Cape Bonavista, we walked in John Cabot’s historic footsteps and admired the old lighthouse. The Twine Loft dinner was a culinary highlight.

Day 5: Icebergs & Local Hospitality

After reflecting on Gander’s generosity during 9/11, we headed to Twillingate for an iceberg boat tour. We found one! And later—just off the shore—another beauty awaited. Dinner was memorable not just for the food, but for the owner’s warm welcome. It felt like visiting an old friend.

Day 6: Indigenous Stories & Music

A visit to the Beothuk Interpretive Centre sheds light on a lost culture and its history. Tokens were hung in the Spirit Garden in remembrance. That night, music and stories at Cow Head lifted everyone’s spirits after a long drive.

Day 7: Western Brook Pond & Rock Time Travel

Glacier-carved fjords and dramatic cliffs set the tone at Western Brook Pond. Our guide entertained us as waterfalls poured down the rocks. At Green Point, we stood on what was once the ocean floor. The day ended with views from Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse and the Anchors Aweigh show.

Day 8: Tablelands & Canada Day

The Tablelands hike was like walking on another planet—barren, iron-rich, and geologically rare. After saying goodbye to Cindy and Lee, we watched Canada Day fireworks from the beach. A fitting celebration.

Day 9: Fog, Flexibility & Farewells

Our plans to hike Gros Morne Mountain were dashed by sideways rain and low visibility. Green Gardens Trail wasn’t doable either. Luckily, Lookout Trail offered a clear view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence—a perfect Plan C. After dinner, we said goodbye to Claire, a last-minute addition whose warmth and spirit had truly woven into the fabric of our group.

Reflections from the Trail

This wasn’t a luxury or a checklist escape. It was something more meaningful—a chance for women in midlife to challenge themselves, share stories, and form deep bonds in a wild and welcoming place.

Some of us arrived solo. Some brought friends. All of us left with a greater sense of connection—to each other, to Newfoundland’s resilient spirit, and to ourselves. We hiked through rain, wind, history, and fog. We adapted, we laughed, we learned.

Trips like this remind us that midlife isn’t a pause—it’s a wide-open trail with plenty more to explore.

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