Known as “Newfoundland‘s prettiest village,” Quidi Vidi is a small fishing village filled to the brim with history and charm. From its colourful houses, idyllic cottages and delightful pubs, it’s a must-see while you’re visiting Newfoundland. Quidi Vidi is a beautiful destination that has had a profound impact on the lives of those who live there. The town of Quidi Vidi is just at your fingertips, being only 10 minutes by car from St. John’s. Making a day in the village an easy day trip from St. John’s. From its rich history and culture to fun fishing attractions and hidden gems, this complete guide will make your trip to Quidi Vidi unforgettable!
The name Quidi Vidi is a real mystery. Even locals can’t agree on where the name comes from. Some say it was named by the Portuguese, who called it “quey de video,” meaning, “what a beautiful sight.” Others claim it’s Latin, since…well it sounds like Latin. There is also a local legend that says it’s named after a hotel bar that once sat on the edge of the lake. The owner of said bar was named “Kitty Vitty” and they went about naming the whole area after her. Up until the 1900s, the area was even written as “Kitty Vitty” on local maps.
However you pronounce it (or spell it), everyone can agree that the history of Quidi Vidi revolves around fishing. In the 1600s, fishermen arrived every Spring to fish the rich sources of cod they found in the area. The fishermen liked to set up small fishing huts on the harbour until the cold weather arrived. They found the harbour at Quidi Vidi to be very inhabitable as its inlet enabled it to be sheltered from the harsh winds. Soon, men began to stay behind to face the cold winter. By staying behind there were able to set up in advance for the fishermen who would arrive come the Spring. These “overwinterers” were some of the first to build homes in the area. Many of these immigrants were from southeast Ireland. But instead of returning home in the spring, they remained forever. Calling Quidi Vidi their new home.
In 1762 the French built the Quidi Vidi Battery. The French were constantly at war with the English, and vice versa. They were in a heated battle over control of the rich fishing waters around Newfoundland. When the French finally departed once and for all, the Batteries all became occupied by the local Newfoundland army. Although it was once a National Historical Museum, the Battery closed in 2011.
If you can book your stay months and months in advance, there is no better place to stay than at the old Christ Church. The old building has been restored and converted into a stylish Airbnb! The original church was built in 1834. It was designated as a combined church for the Anglicans, Methodists, and Congregationalists who lived in Quidi Vidi. It’s such a wonderful example of the ecclesiastical architecture of the time. The white siding is framed with bright red and green highlights. The stunning bell tower was added in 1890.
The building was sold to the Newfoundland Historic Trust in 1966. Over the years, it served as the town hall, antique store, furniture restorer, and theatrical rehearsal space. It was even used in the first feature film (with sound) made in Canada, called The Viking. It was recently purchased by Aiden and Elizabeth Duff who lovingly renovated to be a magical two-bedroom Airbnb. Is there anything better than staying inside a piece of Newfoundland history? I think not!
$359 / NIGHT
If the Christ Church is booked, consider staying in the charming Inn by Mallard Cottage. Run by the same owners as the famous Mallard Cottage restaurant, two original cottages have been renovated into this incredibly chic hotel. The building now contains seven king suites and one common area/meeting room. Each room is decorated with this perfect blend of bright modern colours and vintage Newfoundland cottage vibes.
$279 / NIGHT
Honestly, my favourite part of visiting Quidi Vidi was simply wandering the harbour and hillsides. Soaking in the atmosphere and brightly coloured houses along the harbour is a journey of discovery. Houses on stilts popping out of the water surprise you around the water’s edge. Colourful fishing huts can be spotted a mile away. And old fishing equipment is strewn about like sprinkles on a cake, haphazard but seemingly a method to the madness
Still to this day, the people in the area make their living on the water fishing for cod. Almost any time of day as you explore the village you’ll see fishermen cleaning their lines, bringing in the catch of the day or repairing their boats for the winter.
One of the best ways to get in touch with nature around the village is to go on a hike. The nearby Cuckold’s Cove and Signal Hill Loop is a great introductory trail. It spans 6.9 kilometres and loops up into the hillside and around the Quidi Vidi Lake. It will take about 2-3 hours, depending on your fitness level or how often you stop to take scenic pictures! During the late summer and early fall, there are many berries to be picked along the trail. And in the springtime, it’s a great place to collect wildflowers.
Since Quidi Vidi’s history is steeped in the fishing industry, there is no better way to get acquainted with the waters than on a boat. Where you can try your hand at fishing for yourself! Quidi Vidi Charters takes small groups of people out on the water to teach them the time-old traditions of cod fishing. While out there you’ll also hear charming historical stories and local legends. They run tours from January to September when cod is in season. The tours last about three hours and cost $150 per person. Keep your eyes peeled for whales and seabirds on your journey out on the Atlantic. After bringing in your catch of the day, the guide will even show you how to clean and gut a fish! Plus, you’ll be able to eat your catch right there on the wharf. Nothing could be fresher!
The large yellow trimmed building facing the harbour is the Quidi Vidi Village Plantation. Inside is a collection of local artists who are hard at work on their craft. You can just wander around the halls, watching the amazing creations in progress. But you also can buy some of these awesome handmade creations directly from the artists. It’s a great way to see what local creators are being inspired by here in Newfoundland.
You’ll notice rocks covered in crochet blankets all over the town. They are so adorable to spot along your journey and all the knitting is done right here! As a means to bring visitors into the plantation.
One of the best ways to start or end your day is with a visit to Mallard Cottage. The historic green and white cottage was built in the 1840s by the Mallard family. They had immigrated from southeast Ireland to make a new life here in Newfoundland. The cottage’s style was typical of the period, inspired by Irish cottages, with low hipped-roof and a large central chimney.
The Mallard’s passed the house down from generation to generation, eventually selling it off in 1950. Because it was so well cared for, it remained in pristine historic condition. Today, it is one of the oldest wooden buildings that remain in North America. It changed hands multiple times over the years and in 2013 was purchased and restored to become a five-star restaurant. This is no doubt the finest restaurant in all of St. John’s, let alone Quidi Vidi.
Walking into Mallard Cottage is what I imagine an old-fashioned inn from the middle ages would have felt like. Furs hang on the walls along with taxidermied moose and deer heads. Plus seems to grow out of the woodwork giving the room a breath of fresh air. The room is dim, lit throughout with candles and chandeliers. The kitchen is open to the room. Guests can sit at the bar to watch the chefs at work. The flames roar in the background, and the sound of excited chatted simmers in the air. Mallard Cottage is open Wednesday to Saturday for dinner, and an exclusive reservation is available for Sunday Brunch.
Their dinner menu consists of seasonal fare sourced in Newfoundland and Labrador. The menu changes along with the months, so there is always something fresh and delicious on the stove. The dinner menu features a Family Style option of $90 per person. It is a multi-course meal and includes one alcoholic drink.
The Family Style meal comprises a myriad of their favourite menu items. It is served “family style” on large platters brought to the table to share amongst your party. I would go with this option every time. We couldn’t decide what we wanted and figured this was the best way to sample a bit of everything. And it was A TON of food! Come hungry!
Their brunch menu is just as impressive! And the $45 prix-fix includes one main, two sides, a non-alcoholic drink and access to their breakfast cake table. You can grab whatever you want from their incredible dessert table, whatever can fit into your cake box!
The old wharf in Quidi Vidi Harbour has been reinvented into an incredible, modern event space! The Wharf is a new pop-up event featuring food vendors, artists and locally brewed Landwash craft beers. It’s a Newfoundlander beer garden by the water. The company is a non-profit helping Stella’s Circle‘s Clean Start program. Since Quidi Vidi is such a small village without much parking, they even offer a free shuttle to help with congestion.
The Sweet Spot is one of the popular spots on the Wharf. They serve delicious ice cream, baked goods, and hot coffee right off the dock. Their elaborate sundaes are the real star of the show. Such a perfect cool treat for a hot day near the water.
In a huge green building dominating the harbour is the Quidi Vidi Brewery. This old fish plant was transformed into a local brewery in 1996 by David Fong. Over the years, he has created one of the most beloved breweries all over Newfoundland. They brew over 25 different kinds of beer, including the infamous blue-bottled Iceberg Beer. The Iceberg Beer is made with 20,000-year-old iceberg water, harvested from icebergs off the coast of Newfoundland. Walk into any restaurant, grocery store or liquor store in Newfoundland, and you’ll find their brightly coloured cans.
But if you are looking to sample a bunch of their different brews, then head over to their taproom. You can get a flight sampler made to your preferred taste. Their fantastic beer hall and outdoor patio is brimming with energy. Live music is usually on every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There is nothing better to pair your beer with than a gaunty tune played by some local Newfoundlanders.
Although there is no food on offer at the brewery, not to fear! If you’re looking for something to eat, you can head outside to the Quidi Vidi Fish Company truck. This is parked outside the brewery and acts as their defacto restaurant. There are a small set of tables outside where you can eat on the water.
Tucked away on Old Quidi Vidi Road is one of the mainstays of village life, the pub. The Inne of Olde is better to know just as “Linda’s.” Linda is the owner and heart of the establishment. Walking in the door, you are immediately struck with the waves of personality that Linda has decorated the pub with. There are families photos all over the walls, trinkets, keepsakes and of course, seasonal decor. If you are looking to chat with a local, there is no better place than the Inne of Olde. You can find some real characters in here and the later the night gets the more stories they are prone to tell!
Quidi Vidi really makes for the perfect escape and feels like a village out of time, just minutes away from the centre of downtown St. John’s. Hopefully, this guide enlightened you into the incredible things to see and do here. You make a point of visiting on your next trip to the Maritimes.
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