While hotspots like St John’s, Twillingate and Gros Morne National Park top most visitors’ lists, some of the region’s best-hidden treasures lie tucked away, waiting to be explored. With the help of Tom Cochrane (@tomcochrane), here are five gems to add to your Newfoundland and Labrador Bucket List.

Englee

Perched on the Northern Peninsula along Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula route sits the delightful fishing village of Englee. With its rows of brightly painted saltbox houses and stages lining the harbor, Englee resembles a scene straight from a storybook. Venture into Cozy Corner Cafe and Gift Shop to chat with locals over tea and freshly baked goods. They’ll happily share tales of days gone by in the remote outport. Don’t miss climbing up to the Whale Lookout either. From this vantage point, awe-inspiring views open up, with icebergs drifting across the ocean and whales swimming close to shore.

François

Accessible only by ferry or plane lies François (pronounced “Franceway”), a remote island off Newfoundland’s south coast. Around 140 full-time residents call this tranquil place home. Beach enthusiasts will love the lengthy sandy beaches perfect for beachcombing and spotting playful harbor seals. Avid birdwatchers also flock here as over 300 species of migratory seabirds frequent the island. With a car or bike, visitors can explore historic lightstations, quaint museums, coastal hiking trails and more on François’ 28 miles of roads.

Greenspond

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On the shores of Bonavista Bay sits historic Greenspond, one of Newfoundland’s best kept secrets. This former fishing town entrances visitors with its preserved old-world architecture set against lively blue harbor waters. Pop into merchants like Picket Fences Gift Shoppe hidden along colorful rows of traditional homes and fishing stores. Friendly locals happily share stories over a cup of tea. Don’t miss venturing out on a boat tour to spot puffins, whales, and icebergs too. Then finish off by indulging in the freshest seafood dinner imaginable plucked straight from the sea that morning.

Triton

While the nearby town of Twillingate draws tourists as Newfoundland’s acclaimed “Iceberg Alley”, fewer ventures make it up the coast to the tiny town of Triton. However, those who do will be rewarded with sublime scenery and an utter sense of stepping back through time. Clustered along Notre Dame Bay, Triton remains home to an intimate community of friendly locals, fishing wharfs and clapboard saltbox homes clinging to the rocky shores. The vistas look akin to a painting too - with tiny emerald islands dotted between glittery blue waters.

Trout River

Situated along Gros Morne National Park’s majestic Tablelands Mountains rests the remote outpost settlement of Trout River. This area not only appeals to avid hikers tackling trails through the renowned park, but also serves as a peaceful home base. Visitors can embark on boat trips to majestic Western Brook Pond, known as the “Landlocked Fjord” or cast lines for brook trout along pristine rivers. Fall ushers in spectacularly vibrant foliage set against rugged peaks. And with luck, a wildlife sighting of caribou or moose may just await those meandering along the town’s quiet streets too.

So next time visiting Canada’s far east coast, make sure to venture beyond the hot tourist draws and discover Newfoundland and Labrador’s finest under the radar gems for yourself. Englee, François, Greenspond, Triton and Trout River all await to charm visitors with their remote beauty, cultural treasures and the warmest hospitality around.