I've asked on this forum in Oct 2006 about places where I could play music (bodhran player) in NFL, and was suggested: "The Captain's Quarters Hotel has a bar that features good live local music, and you might try O'Ryan's, Bridget's or the Duke of Duckworth. I've heard that the Ship Inn is also a good place for live music but never saw it myself.". I have not been so far, but I'd assume the above mentioned are in St John.
On Cabot Trail, there is a nice little youth hostel in Pleasant Bay. There are a few bedrooms in the hostel itself, accomodating 2 to 4 people, and a bunkhouse next door. Kitchen facilities. Staff not always present (in case you try to ring them endlessly....). Whale-watching very near. See info and a clip at: http://www.cabottrail.com/hostel. Music in Cape Breton, as far as I could see and hear it, is more concentrated on the west coast.
While searching for the hostel's website, I found a trip report you might enjoy reading. And may you enjoy Nova Scotia enough to go back in October ...
Have you left for your trip yet? Lots of good advice already in previous posts - and anyone with a Celtic flute and an honest face will have no trouble making friends just about any place along the Canadian part of your route. And if you have to choose between the two, bring the flute. Newfoundland IS (or can be) chilly in June - if you are planning to camp, bring your warm sleeping bags.
Something you may encounter (and may not be prepared for) is how friendly people can be in that part of the world. Don't be surprised to be invited to stay in people's back yards or even in their homes - especially if they hear you are camping. Don't be surprised if you are invited for a meal, or to go to a party (with your flute), or if someone offers to take the morning off to show you around. I won't guarantee that this will happen, but it's not unlikely.
Sorry - another thing - the places mentioned in Post #10 are all is St. John's (not St. John, which is in New Brunswick). But those names are a mere drop in the proverbial bucket. Any place with a sign on it that even hints at the possibility that there may be alcohol somewhere inside is a likely place for music. And if the name has anything Irish about it - and I mean ANYTHING - you're golden.
I adore reading the last 2 posts ... "Something you may encounter (and may not be prepared for) is how friendly people can be in that part of the world." When I think my 1st goal in visiting Ireland for the 1st time was to check out for myself if it was true, what so many people said about Irish people ... I went and became hooked forever. I must prepare my mind for NFL then ...
My wife and I travelled for 3 weeks in Newfoundland as part of a round the world trip in July 2001, and are finally returning again this year (2008). The people there are amazingly friendly and accomodating, with unsurpassed generosity.
GROS MORNE
I would recommend getting to see local group Anchors Aweigh in Rocky Harbour (Gros Morne National Park) - check online for dates.
We camped for a week at Berry Hill camp site near Rocky Harbour - watch out for the squirrels there which are totally fearless and will take food virtually right off your fork. They also chewed through my ruck sack to get at a loaf of bread.
The view from the top of Gros Morne was fantastic.
There is also a scenic fjord at Western Brook Pond in Gros Morne with boat trips in season.
ST. JOHN'S
If you can get over to Witless Bay / Bulls Bay south of St. John's, you can see hump back whales very close to the coast.
St. John's harbour is also very impressive.
There is a good camp site in St. John's.
ST. ANTHONY
L'Anse aux Meadows at the northern tip of Newfoundland was also worth a visit, purely for the stupendous feat of the Vikings in reaching this far from home across the rough seas.
You can also see icebergs from some places in Newfoundland, generally down the east coast I think.
Given your time constraints, you might be limited to getting the ferry from North Sydney and just visiting Gros Morne National Park / Rocky Harbour / Western Brook Pond.
Dave, Reading, UK
I'd like to be able to cycle around Nova Scotia but since I had my last accident I decided to quit this hobby. I ruined my knee and now I can barely walk without letting anyone see I have a problem.
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