Newfoundland

Battle Harbour: Experience History at the Edge of the World

No Wi-Fi, no vehicles, no streetlights—no problem.

Last summer, Liam and I, along with his family, enjoyed one of the most unique destinations I’ve ever visited. Hidden along the coast of Labrador, the small village of Battle Harbour welcomes visitors in the summer and early fall, inviting them to experience a taste of what life was like as a fisher before the collapse of the cod fishery.

The setting sun shines beyond the clouds through the railings of a building on Battle Harbour. In the foreground is tall green grass shining in the sun's rays, with a beaten footpath leading away. In the background are several old white houses, and the ocean just beyond them.

The visitor experience is a heightened version of what the residents of Battle Harbour once lived—having three high-end meals made for you every day, for example. But the feeling that the small community cultivates makes it easy to understand what kept the village going, and why those involved are so passionate about sharing their small piece of history with the world.

(more…)

A Guide To Whale Watching In Newfoundland

Updated for summer 2020 and COVID restrictions.

There are some experiences Newfoundland offers that are straight-up magical. One of those experiences is whale watching.

Every summer whales arrive in our bays and close to our shores, putting on a show for onlookers. I’ve watched whales swim and feed near me for decades, and it never ceases to amaze me.

A humpback calf fully breaches in Witless Bay. Photo by Jeannine Winkel of Molly Bawn Tour
A humpback calf fully breaches in Witless Bay. Photo by Jeannine Winkel.

Visitors may wonder about whale watching in Newfoundland. So I’m here to answer your questions!

All photos in this article are generously provided by Jeannine Winkel of Molly Bawn Boat Tours.

(more…)

Page After Page: Come On We Goes by Karen Silver

So, my best friend is having a baby.

And you guys, I’m so excited. I’m going to be a de facto aunt, and I can’t wait to help raise this kid to be a wonderful human. I want to pass on some of my better skills and traits. I want to teach him to cook and bake. I want to help hone his music skills. And I want to show him how wonderful and unique Newfoundland is.

That’s why I can’t wait to read Karen Silver’s new book, Come On We Goes, to this sweet child.

Come On We Goes Karen Silver | Modern Nan

(more…)

12 Charities For Christmas: Day 10 – Thrive

Previous charities: Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5Day 6Day 7Day 8Day 9

If there’s a charity you’d like to add, please leave it in the comments!

Please share, and give if you can. If everyone gives just a little bit, we can make a surprising difference.


Today we’re looking at Thrive Community Youth Network, an organization that supports young people, particularly between the ages of 12-18. They offer a variety of services that youth in poverty may have difficulty accessing on their own.

12 Charities For Christmas: Day 10 - Thrive Community Youth Network

(more…)

12 Charities For Christmas: Day 9 – Mollie’s Dream

Previous charities: Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5Day 6Day 7, Day 8

If there’s a charity you’d like to add, please leave it in the comments!

Please share, and give if you can. If everyone gives just a little bit, we can make a surprising difference this Christmas.


Animal charities are very near and dear to my heart. There are so many unfortunate animals who need our help, and Mollie’s Dream provides it.

12 Charities For Christmas Day 9 Mollie's Dream

(more…)

12 Charities For Christmas: Day 8 – Ronald McDonald House NL

Previous charities: Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5Day 6Day 7

If there’s a charity you’d like to add, please leave it in the comments!

Please share, and give if you can. If everyone gives just a little bit, we can make a surprising difference this Christmas.


For day 8, I chose a charity that I’ve seen help people close to me. The Ronald McDonald House NL is hugely important for the local community.

12 Charities For Christmas: Day 8 - Ronald McDonald House NL

(more…)

12 Charities For Christmas: Day 7 – Choices For Youth

Previous charities: Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5, Day 6

If there’s a charity you’d like to add, please leave it in the comments!

Please share, and give if you can. If everyone gives just a little bit, we can make a surprising difference this Christmas.


For day 7, I was inspired by a Letter to the Editor in The Telegram. Written by Choices For Youth employee Erica Norman, it does a wonderful job painting a picture of the good this charity does in our city.

12 Charities For Christmas: Day 7 - Choices For Youth | Modern Nan

(more…)

12 Charities For Christmas: Day 6 – NL Special Olympics

Previous charities: Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5

If there’s a charity you’d like to add, please leave it in the comments!

Please share, and give if you can. If everyone gives just a little bit, we can make a surprising difference this Christmas.


For day 6, we’re looking at a suggestion that came from a private message on Twitter. The NL Special Olympics is a wonderful program that helps people with an intellectual disability. It enriches their lives by providing quality programs, and a healthy environment for everyone.

12 Charities For Christmas: Day 6 - NL Special Olympics

(more…)

12 Charities For Christmas: Day 5 – Canadian Mental Health Association NL

Previous charities: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4

If there’s a charity you’d like to add, please leave it in the comments!

Please share, and give if you can. If everyone gives just a little bit, we can make a surprising difference this Christmas.


Given the recent loss of Victoria Best from the music, mental health, and charity community, day 5 seems like the right time to spotlight the Canadian Mental Health Association NL.

12 Charities for Christmas: Day 5 - Canadian Mental Health Association NL

(more…)

12 Charities For Christmas: Day 4 – The Gathering Place

Previous charities: Day 1Day 2, Day 3

If there’s a charity you’d like to add, please leave it in the comments!

Please share, and give if you can. If everyone gives just a little bit, we can make a surprising difference this Christmas.


For day 4, we’re looking at The Gathering Place, a service centre that provides help to people who don’t have adequate social support.

12 Charities For Christmas: Day 4 - The Gathering Place | Modern Nan

(more…)