he Eastern region of Newfoundland is alive with history, teeming with wildlife and speckled with coves, inlets, and towns. There is much to see, do, and explore. But with so much geography to cover, you need somewhere to set up camp. Centrally located in this region is Kilmory Resort, a perfect home base. The resort is nestled in a wooded grove on Cape Pine just south of Route 1 at the head of a long ocean inlet off Placentia Bay. Right on the doorstep of both the Burin and Bonavista peninsulas.

The 17 rustic log cabins are simple but offer a splash of luxury through a full compliment of amenities. All units contain a full kitchen and bath plus living and dining spaces. The single bedroom chalets are all on one level while the larger two-bedroom units have a loft overlooking the vaulted living space.

Outside, heavy natural vegetation provides screening from neighbouring cabins. Your private deck overlooks the estuary along the base of the Bears Folly Mountains. The narrowing shape of the river forces ocean tides to move quickly resulting in a visible churning of the water. The adjacent community of Swift Current is named for this phenomena.

Although a waterfront property, the beach is accessible only at low tide via a steep stairs. But once on the shore, exploring tidal pools and watching for wild life is a fun way to spend the afternoon. Boat rentals are also available, so you can enjoy a pastoral paddle out into the bay.

Hiking trails and a salmon river make the near-by Pipers Hole River Park a popular attraction.

One path was originally intended for a rail line but the track was never laid. Today the abandoned rail bed is a great passage into the country for bird watching, wildlife viewing, or just enjoying a day in the woods. In winter, these same trails are ideal for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The river is named for a piper who died in an eighteenth century battle between the French and English. Legend has it that you can still hear a mournful pipe tune being played by the spirit of a French soldier.

Day trips in either direction take you to varied journeys of espial. To the north, the Discovery Trail explores a world of history dating back to 1497; the date John Cabot discovered Newfoundland. He came ashore on a point of land now known as Bonavista. Along the way, delight not only in the natural scenery and wildlife but take in some of the human-made spectacles, like the architecture in the historic town of Trinity. From whale watching and icebergs to dinner theatre and museums, the Discovery Trail has something new around every corner.

Up for a round of golf? The Twin Rivers Golf Course is less than an hour west of Kilmory near the town of Port Blandford. This course is magnificent. It is home to several nesting bald eagles, traversed by two salmon rivers and bounded on one side by the Atlantic Ocean. No wonder it is ranked as one of the top 30 courses in Canada.

South from Kilmory Resort, the Heritage Run winds its way down the Burin Peninsula. The vast open spaces of rolling hills carpeted by low shrubs illustrate a textbook definition of maritime barrens. Aside from endless acres of stunted vegetation the landscape is speckled with glacial erratics, large boulders dropped by melting glaciers 10,000 years ago.

The east side of the Burin Peninsula, along Placentia Bay, is good bird watching territory. Sizable pockets of various bird populations await, including Bald Eagles, Leach's Storm Petrals, Manx Shearwaters and Great Black Back Gulls.

Or how about a trip to France? That's right - France. A 90-minute boat ride from Fortune takes you to the French owned and governed islands of St. Pierre & Miquelon. For centuries the French and English fought over the rich fishing grounds off the south coast known as the Grand Banks. The English finally took control of Newfoundland but the French islands of St. Pierre & Miquelon remain under French control to this day, a testament to the once larger French presence here. The traditional culture is alive and well. Enjoy fresh pastries and authentic French wine. The only true European escape this side of the Atlantic.

Whether you are looking for a peaceful reconnection with nature, access to wilderness activities or a romantic getaway you will enjoy Kilmory Resort.