Fishers Loft Inn - Port Rexton Canada

I could picture myself living here. The staff were incredibly friendly, from the gardener to the cleaning staff. The decor, the views, and the in-room amenities were all exceptional—even the walking sticks by the door and the binoculars on the windowsill. We enjoyed breakfast and dinner here, and the meals were worthy of a Michelin star.

This is an inn rather than a bed and breakfast, so meals are served à la carte. A cold breakfast featuring gourmet handmade cereals, yogurt, porridge, fresh fruits, and baked goods costs $10 CAD, while a made-to-order hot breakfast is priced at $16 CAD. The dining and living areas are spacious, open, and inviting. Guests have access to a computer, a library of books, and wide porches adorned with artwork available for purchase. I enjoyed a cold breakfast each morning and one dinner. The dinner menu changes daily and is displayed on chalkboards throughout the common areas, all for a set price of $55 CAD. The interior dining space includes a small bar and remains open until around 10 PM. The food is sourced locally or grown in their extensive gardens, offering excellent value for the region. While I gladly rate this property five stars, there are a few points worth mentioning. Like many places in Newfoundland, information can be scarce, and one often has to ask for details. There was minimal information provided in the rooms themselves. On my second morning, I inquired about having coffee before 8 AM, the official start of breakfast service. I learned that if you're eating breakfast, they are happy to bring a thermos of coffee with cream and sugar, along with a mug, to your room at your preferred time. I also asked about laundry services; there was a bag in the closet, and I found out it was $13 CAD per load, with delivery to my room the next morning. On several occasions, I went to the reception area of the Mansard building only to find a paper sign on the door indicating it was closed, with no hours posted. However, calling the designated number would elicit a response. I also discovered that other hotels and B&Bs in Newfoundland might not even provide shampoo—just a bar of soap. Fisher's Inn offers L'Occitane products but lacks Q-tips or cotton balls. There was no sign regarding towel service; I left my towels on the floor to be replaced and while they were taken, they weren't refilled—though there were extra towels in the room. The pillows were feather-filled; I've learned to pack my own supportive pillow when I travel. The inn is adjacent to the Skerwink Trail, which Travel + Leisure magazine has named one of the top 10 hiking trails in Canada. Yet, I had to ask for a map at the reception, which turned out to be quite basic. Despite these minor issues, the overall experience of being a guest at Fisher's Inn was so enjoyable and unique that I was happy to overlook them. The trails meander through the wild gardens leading to the main buildings. The Skerwink Trail is the most incredible and accessible trail I have ever walked; I hiked it three days in a row, equipped with a packed bag of fruit, muffins, water, and a book. This is a place where you're compelled to slow down, observe, listen, smell, and simply find peace. It is the only lodging in the Bonavista area that I would eagerly return to!

The Fisher family and their team have dedicated themselves to creating a charming escape that showcases the genuine warmth of Newfoundland's hospitality and its stunning scenery.

Dinner is served as a four-course prix fixe menu, beginning with a delightful amuse bouche of smoked mussels. The second course features fresh, delicate salad greens drizzled with a touch of extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. If you take your time, you can savor some truly spectacular sourdough bread served with butter and sea salt. The bread arrives at the table quickly, and it's hard to resist. For the main course, there is a choice between pork tenderloin with apricot chutney or blackened salmon served with lemon couscous and steamed green beans. Dessert is a lovely panna cotta. Overall, dinner was enjoyable. The setting is stunning, and the restaurant has an intimate atmosphere. However, I found myself wishing the dishes offered more flavor and complexity, from the mussels to the salad and the pork tenderloin. The salmon was likely the highlight of the meal, and that bread was delicate, flaky, and fresh. Still, it lacked some of the true blackened flavor that one would expect. With a range of dining options emerging around Trinity, Port Rexton, and Bonavista, Fishers' Loft faces some stiff competition and might want to consider ways to enhance its culinary offerings a bit more.

Upon arrival, we were awed by the beauty of the property and its buildings, which gave off a charming 19th-century vibe. We later learned that the oldest structure dates back to 1997, but you can find plenty of information and lovely photos online about the inn itself. My focus here is the restaurant, which boasts a lovely view of the town. The menu offered a choice between fish (cod) or meat. I opted for the cod but requested a substitute for the mashed potatoes. They happily provided delicious small boiled potatoes instead. Everything served was sourced directly from local farms and the sea. The service was impeccable—genuine and friendly without any pretentiousness. The wine selection was excellent, and the dessert was truly indulgent, crafted by local girls with training from professional chefs. Overall, it's hard to find a meal that's more satisfying in its simplicity and beautiful setting.