Trinity, Newfoundland
Image courtesy of Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism / Gord Follett

Return to the New World — August 5-18, 2027

Join our small group of writers as we return to Newfoundland, a remote and charming island off the East Coast of Canada

Costs start at $8,395 CAD (approx. $6,015 USD) based on double occupancy. Details below. Contact us to register or if you have questions.

**Join us for a summertime writing adventure: Return to the New World, August 5-18, 2027**

Jellybean Row houses in St. John’s
Image courtesy of Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism / Barrett & MacKay Photography

During August in Newfoundland, summer lingers like a pleasant dream you wish would never end. Fresh, salt air invigorates the soul. The music from George Street heats up and drifts through the alleyways, while the cliffs and valleys ring with both history and optimism.

You’ll want to come and stay a while, where Vikings first settled almost 500 years before either Columbus or Cabot sailed the ocean blue, and hear the ancient voices that linger on the wind while the promise of the present steadies your breath. All around you is a world of wonder unlike anything else you’ll encounter on this vast continent, just waiting for you to write it down.

Over two weeks, from vibrant St. John’s to peaceful Trinity and back again, we’ll take you from one wondrous place to another, where past meets present—you’ll explore a historic city that never grows old and refresh your soul in a fishing village that’s widely known as the most beautiful in the province. All that, plus a writing retreat in a place that’s renowned for genuine, grassroots support of brilliant artists.

In Newfoundland, story is king, and legend rises up from the ancient rocks and deceptively sleepy bays. Everyone from the taxi drivers to the innkeepers, the myriad writers and artists, fisherfolk, and even the politicians: they all have a story to tell, and they’ll certainly tell it to you if you’ve a moment to listen. Just be sure to write some of it down, because in the morning, it will all seem like a hazy dream.

Newfoundland’s independent streak

Newfoundland is neither here nor there: it is its own thing, with its own distinct music, literature, and art. And let’s not forget that famous Newfoundland accent, which is, in itself, made up of dozens of different dialects, depending on where you go in the province. It’s not unusual to sit in a pub in St. John’s or a restaurant in Ferryland and think you’ve landed somewhere in Ireland.

There remains in Newfoundland a fierce autonomous streak, derived, in large part, from living on a rock in the middle of the Atlantic. If Newfoundland is known for its harsh weather, its people are known for resilience.

Newfoundland was officially known as a Dominion until 1934, essentially meaning it was an independent country with its own prime minister and monetary system. Newfoundland coins and bills can still be found in museums, old houses, curio shops, and, if you’re lucky, during a walk through the Battery or some hidden alley of one of the oldest cities in North America.

Many Newfoundlanders have adopted the pink, white, and green flag as the flag of the old republic. The green is for Ireland, pink for the English rose, and white for supposed unity of those two nations on Newfoundland soil... or an actual divide, it might be suggested.
The first paper money for general circulation in Newfoundland were notes of £1 and £5 drawn on the provincial treasury. The Newfoundland government continued to issue notes well into the 20th century. — Source: Newfoundland, 1 pound, treasury note, 1850 | NCC 1964.3.1
The last of Newfoundland’s paper money featured a mining scene: an industry in which the island had high hopes to put its economy back on the road to prosperity after the decline of the cod fishery. — Source: Newfoundland, 2 dollars, note, 1920 | NCC 1963.14.3
The vignette of the loyal, stoic and alert Newfoundland dog on this Union Bank note could not protect the bank from imminent failure. It was a victim of the same financial troubles that afflicted the Commercial Bank, and Newfoundlanders who had faith in the banks to protect their savings lost almost everything. — Source: Union Bank of Newfoundland, 10 dollars, note, 1889 | NCC 1964.37.6

In 1949, Newfoundland joined Canada as the tenth—and youngest—province. The vote was approximately 51% to 49%, and many suspect the vote was rigged by Great Britain, which was protectorate of Newfoundland because of perceived financial difficulties stemming from the Great Depression and the severe losses incurred by the first World War. Britain saw Newfoundland as a burden they wished to unload with a clear conscience, and, to keep her out of American hands (as union with the U.S. was also on the ballot), rumours still abound that Great Britain colluded with Canada to ensure the vote went the Canadian way. Thus, Newfoundland seemingly surrendered its independence by an extremely close—and some would say questionable—vote.

Men, hurrah for our own native Isle, Newfoundland,
Not a stranger shall hold one inch of her strand;
Her face turns to Britain, her Back to the Gulf,
Come near at your peril, Canadian Wolf!

~ “The Anti-Confederation Song,” taken from Gerald S. Doyle’s Old-Time Songs and Poetry of Newfoundland

Regardless of the truth about 1949, which largely split the province between urban (who tended to be for self-government) and rural (who leaned toward confederation), Newfoundlanders today pretty much accept and embrace their status as Canada’s youngest province. They are proud Canadians, though many would still consider themselves Newfoundlanders first, particularly if their parents and/or grandparents were born before 1949.

After an amendment to the Canadian constitution in 2001, Newfoundland changed its name to “Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.” Labrador, which is adjoined to the mainland and is much larger than the island of Newfoundland, is sparsely populated but rich in natural resources, and its ownership has long been contested by the province of Quebec, which might explain why the NL government felt a need to lay claim to it in this way.

All of this, and more, suggests why Newfoundland has always maintained a sense of independence. It’s hard to get here, and it even has its own time zone (“half an hour later in Newfoundland” being a common refrain of CBC television scheduling). More importantly, this province has its own unique sense of humour, which is as twinkling dark as that of any Irish person, and for very good reason.

What is it about Newfoundland and the arts?

One question we often hear is, “Why does Newfoundland produce so many great artists and writers?” The answer probably lies in its rebellious streak. With a long history as an outpost and underdog, despite its wealth of natural resources from cod stocks to oil and gas, Newfoundland was the butt of jokes. At times, with ill-considered government “giveaway” bad deals and resettlement plans that might easily be taken for cultural genocide, it seemed Newfoundland was relegated to the losing side of history.

But in the mid-1960s, following the purge of the outports in a harsh relocation scheme and accompanied by the popularity of American and Canadian media content, some Newfoundlanders began to find their voice. In a grassroots movement led mostly by singers, stage actors, playwrights, and archivists—with the solid foundation of a folklore department at Memorial University of Newfoundland—something seismic happened.

In short order, the past began to feed the present and the province generated its own literature, led by writers like Michael Crummey, Lisa Moore, Michael Winter, and our own Gerard Collins’ pioneering contributions to the Newfoundland Gothic genre. Newfoundland bands and musicians, like Figgy Duff—with Pamela Morgan along with singer Anita Best—and especially the comedy troupe Codco began mining both past and present with the purpose of showing Newfoundlanders to themselves through home-grown entertainment. The distinctive Newfoundland music and comedy flourished, with groups like The Wonderful Grand Band featuring Ron Hynes and members of Codco spawning The Irish Descendants, Great Big Sea, even This Hour Has 22 Minutes, and much more.

Eventually, outsiders began to discover the distinctive Newfoundland culture, and it became “cool” to be a Newfoundlander. It still is. Newfoundland is a place that has learned to tell its stories, to unbury secrets, to tell the dark truths, to own its dark humour, and to sing as loud as you liked. A people who had been told to “burn your boats” and “don’t make a show of yourself” was suddenly singing old folks songs and writing new tales built on a foundation of repression, sadness, and a craving for something greater.

Come ‘ere till I tells ya—a gallery of Newfoundland greats

Ron Hynes – the “Godfather of Newfoundland Culture,” is the writer and singer of, in his own words, “a thousand songs,” particularly the well-known “Sonny’s Dream,” which has been covered by Mary Black, Emmylou Harris, Christy Moore, and numerous others.

Michael Crummey – winner of a slew of prestigious awards for novels like Galore, Sweetland, and The Adversary, as well as his books of poetry.

Lisa Moore — Lisa teaches creative writing at Memorial University and has written Canadian classics such as February, Caught, and This is How we Love.

Gordon Pinsent — a screenwriter, director, playwright and best known as the velvet-voiced actor who starred in The Rowdyman, Away From Her, and The Grand Seduction, among dozens of other roles.

Alan Doyle — co-founding voice of Newfoundland trad band Great Big Sea and author of the bestselling memoir Boy on the Bridge. Acted in Robin Hood and remains friends with Russell Crowe. Sang for U.S. Presidents Biden and Obama.

Mary Walsh — founding member of the Codco comedy troupe, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, and need we say more than “Marg Delahunty, Princess Warrior”?

Joel Thomas Hynes — a Governor General’s Award winner, author of Down to the Dirt and We’ll all Be Burnt in Our Beds, Joel is also an accomplished actor, director, and musical recording artist.

Kathleen Winter — author of Annabel, a finalist for the Scotiabank Giller Prize, a Governor General’s Literary Award, the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize, the Orange Prize for Fiction, and CBC’s Canada Reads.

Wayne Johnston — Born and raised in the Goulds, his works include The Colony of Unrequited Dreams, Jennie’s Boy, Baltimore’s Mansion, and many more.

Jessica Grant — her debut novel, Come, Thou Tortoise, won a Winterset Award, the Amazon.ca First Novel Award, and the Books in Canada First Novel Award.

Rick Mercer — comedian and television personality, best known for CBC TV shows This Hour Has 22 Minutes and Rick Mercer Report. He is the author of four nonfiction books.

Bernice Morgan — writer of Random Passage and Waiting for Time, which spawned a CBC mini-series about the first European settlers of Random Island, near Trinity.

Kenneth J. Harvey — internationally bestselling and critically admired author, Ken has turned to filmmaking in recent years, appearing on red carpets from TIFF to Cannes. His novels include Inside, Blackstrap Hawco, The Town that Forgot How to Breathe, and many more.

Damhnait Doyle — singer, songwriter, and CBC Radio host. Former member of Shaye with Kim Stockwood and Tara McLean. One of the most recognizable voices in Canada.

Christopher Pratt — painter whose mentor was Alex Colville. Best known for his typical Atlantic settings and as designer of the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial flag.

Donna Morrissey — bestselling and award-winning author of novels including Kit’s Law, Downhill Chance, Sylvanus Now, and the memoir Pluck.

About Gerard and Janie

Go and Write! with Dr. Gerard Collins and Janie Simpson

**Dr. Gerard Collins,** originally from Newfoundland, is an award-winning author and educator who has taught university literature and mentored emerging writers for three decades. His works have won and been nominated for national and international awards, such as the NL Book Awards, the Sunburst Award for Canadian Literature of the Fantastic, and the International Dublin Literary Prize, and he has been invited to read and teach at festivals and at universities in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. Gerard has published in numerous journals and anthologies, had his work taught in multiple university courses, and all of his books have been placed in libraries around the world. He was recently invited to be a featured author and workshop leader at the Louisiana Book Festival and to offer a Masterclass through the Frye Festival. See Gerard’s detailed bio here, or visit www.gerardcollins.ca.

**Janie Simpson** is an award-winning writer and the founding executive and artistic director of the Arts and Culture Centre of Sussex, where she worked until she began pursuing a full time writing career. Her stories have been published in *Grain Magazine* and *Riddle Fence*, and she recently received creation grants from the Canada Council for the Arts and the New Brunswick Arts Board to complete the first draft of her current project, a novel set on White Head Island, New Brunswick, where she spent much of her childhood. See Janie’s detailed bio here, or visit www.janesimpsonwriter.ca.

Our Return to the New World begins in St. John’s

While the entire province of Newfoundland and Labrador boasts a plethora of beauty and riches, the capital city of St. John’s is the epicentre of it all. Here, you’ll find artists of all kinds, a bustling downtown where arts and commerce live side-by-side, colourful houses that overlook the harbour, and people who inspire stories and make you wish you could stay. So it’s only natural we start our journey in the oldest capital city on the continent.

The JAG Hotel—to make life easy, we’ve included a night here at the very beginning of the retreat, along with four nights at the end.

We’ve simplified things for participants by arranging an overnight stay in St. John’s on the first day of the retreat, August 5, 2027. It’s an easy taxi ride from the St. John’s International Airport (a.k.a. YYT), and you can check into our St. John’s venue, the stylish JAG Hotel, at 4:00 p.m. or sooner, if your room’s ready—just ask at reception when you arrive, and if an early check-in isn’t possible, they’ll hold your luggage while you explore. We’ve also secured reduced rates for our participants on either side of the retreat, should you choose to arrive a few days in advance or linger for a few days afterwards.

The JAG, located on George Street West, was recently named by the New York Post as one of the “5 Best New Hotels in Canada,” and it’s in an ideal location: close enough to the world-famous George Street bar district—with as much great food, drink, and music as you’ll possibly need—but a bit removed from the hustle and bustle.

Your registration includes an upgraded King Room with a view of the St. John’s Harbour

You’ll want to plan your flight so you arrive by no later than mid-afternoon on the first day, August 5, giving you time to get checked into your gorgeous room—we’ve secured upgraded rooms complete with King beds and stunning views of the St. John’s Harbour—before gathering with the group for supper at Zimmy’s, one of the JAG’s onsite restaurants. Here, we’ll have a chance to put faces to names and begin to get to know our fellow writers.

The JAG Hotel’s onsite restaurant, Zimmy’s, where we’ll gather for supper on our first night

After supper, some folks may wish to check out the St. John’s nightlife, while others will simply want to relax in their rooms or do some quiet writing on their own—either way, there’s no pressure to do it all, since we’ll be returning to this historic city for several days at the end of the retreat.

The next morning, after breakfast—all breakfasts during the retreat are included in your registration—we’ll board our private coach and wend our way to the beautiful fishing village of Trinity, with a stop in New Bonaventure and the set of Random Passage. But don’t despair, we’ll be back to St. John’s!

And we’re off! Next stop, Cape Random for a tour and a bite to eat.

We like to stay put in one place for long stretches of time in order to soak in the local atmosphere, relax, and do some writing. As such, whenever we need to travel, we try to visit unique, storied places en route, rather than take an entire day for a road trip. This deliberate “along the way” approach differentiates Go and Write! from other tour companies—we don’t like to disrupt your creative flow, and yet we seize the day when adventure appears, as sometimes the digressions themselves provide inspiration.

With this philosophy in mind, we’ll stop for a group lunch and guided tour of Random Passage, a historically-inspired, 19th-century outport village originally built as the filming location for the Random Passage television series, based on the best-selling novel by Newfoundland author Bernice Morgan.

The peaceful atmosphere and rugged landscape combine with the rustic architecture—”a composite of houses, a church, fishing stages, flakes, and work yards”—to recreate, as much as possible, life in Newfoundland at the time of early settlement.

Random Passage is a short drive from Trinity, so we thought it was too great an opportunity to pass up. After our lunch, and possibly some music and stories, we’ll get back on our coach and finish the trek to the gorgeous town of Trinity, where we’ll spend eight whole, peaceful nights living in some of the most beautiful housing in the entire province.

Before we continue on to Trinity, we’ll stop for some supplies at the local grocery store—because Trinity doesn’t have a convenience store in the village, we know you’ll want a chance to grab a few things, particularly if you’re staying in a house with a kitchen.

The Freshmart is well-stocked with the basics for those who wish to have a few essentials on hand during our nine days in Trinity: https://www.facebook.com/freshmartportrexton

All of the Artisan Inn Rooms and Vacation Homes have at least a small refrigerator, coffee maker and kettle, with regular coffee and tea, sugar and sugar substitute, and coffee whitener, and the historic homes have full kitchens. There are also dining options within easy walking distance in Trinity, but we figure a stop at the local grocery store is in order, in case you want to pick up some snacks, herbal teas, a bottle of wine, etc.

The Artisan Inn has also said you will be able to make private arrangements for an additional grocery run through them, if needed, but before you do a big grocery shop (and all those dishes!), remember that we’ve included all breakfasts and three suppers in Trinity, and there are dining options a very short walk away from all residences.

Now that we’ve had a chance to stock up on a few supplies, we’ll pile back onto our coach for the 10-minute drive to Trinity!

The Historic Town of Trinity, part of the Bonavista Peninsula

Trinity, our home for eight nights
Image courtesy of Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism / Gord Follett

One of the prettiest towns in all of Canada, Trinity traces its roots to the 16th and 17th centuries, first as a migratory and then permanent fishing station. Here, we’ll have exclusive use of several historic homes and rooms—including one of the oldest heritage properties in Newfoundland—and all breakfasts and three suppers will be included at the award-winning Twine Loft restaurant.

On our last retreat to Newfoundland, we were only able to spend a few days in Trinity, and it was so gorgeous and peaceful, we weren’t ready to leave. Quite simply, Trinity stole our hearts, and so, as with most places we come to love, we decided to go back for an even longer spell. This time, we’ll have nine days in this historic fishing village—plenty of time to settle in, get creative, and do some solid writing in one of the most beautiful outport communities on the East Coast.

Gover House—one of the oldest heritage properties in Newfoundland—is just one of several historic homes and rooms set aside for our writers’ exclusive use

For this leg of our writing retreat, you’ll have a good stretch of time to unwind and truly immerse yourself in Trinity’s serenity and salt air. We’ll gather for three group suppers, two group writing sessions, and an evening reading, and you’ll also have your one-on-one chats with award-winning Newfoundland author Dr. Gerard Collins while we’re here—these relaxed meetings are a wonderful opportunity to discuss your writing, exclusively, with someone who’s invested in your work and has read it closely, in advance.

We’ll also have an evening of music with Gerard and Janie. For a wee taste, here we are in our kitchen a few years ago singing the Newfoundland classic, “Saltwater Joys”.

Aside from gathering for the occasional group meal, writing workshop, or a night of literary readings or traditional music, one of the reasons we love Trinity is the solitude. Our group got a LOT of writing done here when we last visited, and we’ve added even more days in this outport fishing community so you can really sink into your creative headspace and stay there.

A living history blacksmith museum, the Green Family Forge pays homage to the six generations of family members who operated the smithy from 1750 to 1955. Under the direction of blacksmith Wade Ivany (pictured in the photograph), the museum produces hand crafted items for sale on the premises. — Image courtesy of Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism
Rising Tide Theatre's production of the New Founde Land Pageant, an outdoor theatre experience that takes audiences on a journey through the lanes and roads of Trinity — Image courtesy of Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism / Kara O'Keefe
Cod filleting on a wharf in Trinity — Image courtesy of Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism
Coastline near Trinity — Image courtesy of Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

Trinity is well-known for its natural wonders, including its friendly people and dedication to the arts, and it’s one of the most walkable towns in Newfoundland—in fact, there are walking trails all around the village, and we’ll walk at least a short distance for all meals and some programming in Trinity, in all weather. But all of our exclusive use venues are within easy walking distance (1-4 minutes), and really, this is what we mean when we say we’re offering an authentic experience of life in rural Newfoundland. It hearkens back to a simpler time, when you could stroll with the sunrise on the cove or meander through the fog that rolls over the hills—some of the gentlest awakenings you can imagine anywhere—or take a meander as the sun sets over Fisher Cove and the lights come on all over town. This vibrant town represents a living testament to the traditional Newfoundland way of life.

We encourage you to take a walking tour of the historic town, offered Monday-Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Photo credit: NL Tourism

We created a map showing our accommodations and some points of interest—for context, it’s a 7-minute walk from the Twine Loft (bottom left) to the Rising Tide Theatre (top)

As mentioned above, all of our accommodations are within a four-minute walk of each other (see the blue houses on the custom map), and we’ll have all breakfasts, three suppers, and our group writing sessions at the Twine Loft restaurant, overlooking Fisher Cove. To put distances in context with the map, the Twine Loft is less than a 1-minute walk away from most bedrooms/houses, with the Lighthouse View being a 4-minute walk from the Twine Loft.

If you find you need a break from your writing (and we all do, at some point) there’s plenty to do in Trinity. We encourage you to take a guided walking tour of the town so you can get your bearings and learn a bit of the deep history of this place. You can check out the Museum, tour the Green Family Forge—one of the few operational forges still in existence on the island—go on a whale-watching excursion with Trinity Eco Tours, take in a play at the Rising Tide Theatre (more below), or simply stroll to one of the restaurants or cafés. You’ll be able to spend the days writing and feeding your soul, right in the heart of historic Trinity.

Another exceptional experience in Trinity is the Rising Tide Theatre. Formed in 1978, Rising Tide began by writing and producing political plays that addressed controversial issues for Newfoundland and Labrador (remember that part at the beginning where we said the province has a complicated history?). In 1993, the company began performing an outdoor theatre experience that takes audiences on a journey through the lanes and roads of Trinity, and they continue this tradition today, featuring immersive outdoor performances that invite audiences to explore the streets of Trinity while engaging with the stories that have shaped the place.

The cast of This Marvellous, Terrible Place

Rising Tide also has a fabulous indoor theatre that hosts original Newfoundland plays, contemporary Canadian works, and a celebrated Broadway musical, alongside the long-running Shenanigans: Dinner Theatre, a lively and welcoming evening of food, music, and comedy.

Dining in Trinity

One thing you’re NOT going to find in Trinity is a chain style, fast-food restaurant. Instead, there are some charming dining options in the village, all within easy walking distance of the accommodations we’ve secured for our participants, and we’re also pleased to be partnering with the Artisan Inn’s Twine Loft Dining to offer three exquisite suppers and all breakfasts as part of your registration. You can also book individual suppers at the Twine Loft on other evenings, if you wish.

The Twine Loft—a “Fodor’s Choice” restaurant—is recommended by “Where to Eat in Canada” and was designated one of TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best for 2025. The restaurant offers a 3-course dining experience with a set menu that changes daily and hosts late afternoon drinks on the waterside deck. If you decide to book an individual supper at the Twine Loft, you’ll need to make your arrangements in advance as it’s extremely popular. Have a look at the Twine Loft Evening Dining page for details.

Other great places to eat in Trinity include the Dock Marina Restaurant and Gallery, a waterfront restaurant that’s open seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. The Dock Marina is approximately a 7-minute walk from all accommodations, and you’ll find traditional Newfoundland dishes like cod, snow crab, mussels, shrimp, scallops, salmon, lobster, and their famous lightly battered fish and chips. There are also steaks, burgers, chicken, ribs, homemade soups, and more.

The Dock Marina offers a delicious, casual dining experience and has a great gift shop upstairs

And bonus, the Dock Marina is right next door to the Rising Tide Theatre, so if you’re planning to catch a live performance, the Dock Marina is a great place to grab a bite to eat before you go. There’s an extensive gift shop, too, right above the restaurant, with lots to browse.

Another lunchtime favourite from our previous visit was the Vintage Grind, a dining establishment in the Eriksen Premises Inn, a.k.a My Trinity Experience (approximately 1-4 minute walk from all accommodations). Vintage Grind Café by day, this year they’ve begun serving evening meals, transforming into the Vintage Supper Club by night.

Eriksen’s Premises has the Vintage Grind and Supper Club on one side, and Polly’s Pantry Gift Shop on the other, featuring hand knits and other fine crafts for sale and antiques on exhibit

The Eriksen Premises has been lovingly restored from its former life as an 1880s general store, and adjacent to the restaurant café is Polly’s Pantry Gift Shop. The original plank floors, weathered counters, and display shelves echo the days when the Eriksens sold dry goods to local fishers and their families. Today, those same walls are adorned with unique artifacts and antiques from the 1800s and early 1900s, each telling a story of Trinity’s bustling past. Among the historic displays, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of homemade preserves, Newfoundland literature, and locally crafted artwork, jewelry, and fine handicrafts that celebrate the creativity and culture of the province.

Aunt Sarah’s Chocolate Shop makes a great cappuccino!

If you’re looking for a decadent treat or a nice cup of coffee, check out Aunt Sarah’s Chocolate Shop, featuring handmade artisanal chocolate and ice cream, right there between the Dock Marina and the Rising Tide Theatre. It’s open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and if you find you’re missing it after we leave Trinity, they also have a storefront in St. John’s.

While some participants will choose to stay in historic houses with kitchens so they can make some of their own meals, the Town of Trinity is friendly to walkers, with restaurants and shops close by. For context, the Dock Marina, Rising Tide Theatre, and Aunt Sarah’s Chocolate Shop are a 7-minute walk from the Twine Loft, while Eriksen’s is under a minute from the Twine Loft.

Accommodations in Trinity

The Artisan Twine Loft and Historic Homes

Things are different in Newfoundland—just as you won’t find fast-food restaurants here, you’re not going to find cookie-cutter, chain-style hotels in these outport fishing communities, either. Instead, think traditional Newfoundland saltbox or biscuit box style homes (there is a difference, believe us!) in vibrant colours, with antique furnishings, comfy quilts, and clean, unfussy lines.

We’ve partnered with Artisan Inn and Vacation Homes to secure several of their impeccably-maintained, historic accommodations for our stay in Trinity. These accommodations include self-contained bedrooms with no common areas, as well as private bedrooms within historic homes, with shared kitchens, living rooms, patios, etc.

In the shared housing, some bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms, while other bedrooms have private bathrooms not directly attached to the bedroom—in that case, you will be assigned a private bathroom for your use only.

On all Go and Write! retreats, regardless of accommodation type, participants are expected to respect boundaries, and silence is the default—this is particularly critical in shared housing on a writing retreat.

The staff at the Artisan Inn and Vacation Homes will also place a writing table and chair in all bedrooms, perfect for those moments when you absolutely require alone time for deep focus and privacy.

There are different retreat price points based on the fees set by the Artisan Inn and Vacation Homes, and all rooms and houses are an easy walk to the Twine Loft restaurant, where we’ll have all of our breakfasts, several group suppers, and our workshops. Rooms in Trinity are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and you’ll find details around the various costs at the bottom of this webpage.

All accommodations have WiFi, and due to their historic nature, all homes and rooms require you to be able to navigate at least some stairs. We’ve included individual room and house descriptions provided by the Artisan Inn below, as well as hyperlinks back to their website so you can get more information. And if you have questions as you go along, just reach out to us and we’ll do our best to answer them or get more information from the folks at Artisan Inn and Vacation Homes.

The map above shows our exclusive use accommodations in the small town of Trinity. For reference, it’s less than a 4-minute walk from the Lighthouse View House to the Twine Loft.

The Artisan Inn and Vacation Homes has also prepared a helpful Frequently Asked Questions page about Trinity and its amenities.

An important note about our accommodations in Trinity

The vast majority of writers who take a Go and Write! retreat are women—for the comfort of our female participants, only women can register for shared housing. Men are also most welcome on our retreats, and the self-contained accommodations are open to male or female participants.

Couples/friends with male participants may also share an entire 2-bedroom house together, but they must register at the same time, and different payment terms and cancellation policies will apply.

Barbour House
Self-contained units and a suite

Barbour House is adjacent to the Twine Loft restaurant and has 3 self-contained units with no common areas

The Barbour House building is located right beside the Twine Loft restaurant, and each of the three bedrooms within the building is self-contained; there are no shared/common areas in Barbour House.

The Trinity Room at Barbour House (ensuite)

The Trinity Room—so named because it overlooks the charming town—features a Queen bed, ensuite bathroom, and a writing desk

Located on the 2nd floor and adjacent to the Twine Loft restaurant, the Trinity Room has a Queen bedroom and a spacious ensuite bathroom with a full tub and shower, and there’s air conditioning in this room, too, as well as a fan.

You’ll also find a cube mini-fridge with a small freezer compartment, a coffee maker and kettle with regular coffee and tea, sugar/sweetener, and coffee whitener. There’s a dresser and an area to hang your clothes, and perhaps most important of all, a writing desk.

The Trinity Room—so named as it overlooks the charming town—features a Queen bed, ensuite bathroom, and a writing desk
The Trinity Room has a large, ensuite bathroom
There's a bathtub with shower in the Trinity Room's spacious ensuite bathroom
Participants who stay in the Trinity Room or Cove View Room will have free access to the Twine Loft Deck, just steps away from their rooms
View of the Twine Loft deck from inside the restaurant

Participants who stay in the Trinity Room and the Cove View Room are also encouraged to use the Twine Loft restaurant’s deck, which is right next door—you’re welcome on the deck without purchasing anything from the Twine Loft, but you cannot bring your own alcohol onto the restaurant deck.

You will have access to use the laundry facilities at the Campbell House, or you may choose to pay staff for laundry service. If you require special laundry detergent, please bring it with you.

Read more about the Trinity Room on the Artisan Inn website.

The Cove View Room at Barbour House (ensuite)

The Cove View Room is self-contained, with a Queen bed, ensuite bathroom, and lovely views of the water

The Cove View Room is located on the 2nd floor and is steps away from the Twine Loft restaurant. Offering views of Fisher Cove from the bedroom and ensuite bathroom windows, the Cove View Room is spacious and has a Queen bed, a mini-fridge, and an ensuite bathroom with a full tub and shower as well as toiletries (body wash, hand soap, shampoo, conditioner). You’ll also find a Keurig coffee maker and kettle with regular coffee and tea, sugar/sweetener, and coffee whitener, as well as space to store your clothes, and a writing desk.

The Cove View Room has air conditioning and a fan, and there is also a Smart TV (you’ll need to use your own streaming account) with cable.

The Cove View Room is self-contained, with a Queen bed, ensuite, and lovely views of the water
The Cove View Room has an ensuite bathroom with a bathtub and shower
Participants who stay in the Trinity Room or Cove View Room will have free access to the Twine Loft Deck, just steps away from their rooms
View of the Twine Loft deck from inside the restaurant

Participants who stay in the Cove View Room and the Trinity Room are also encouraged to use the Twine Loft restaurant’s deck, which is right next door—you’re welcome on the deck without purchasing anything from the Twine Loft, but you cannot bring your own alcohol onto the restaurant deck.

You will have access to use the laundry facilities at the Campbell House, or you may choose to pay staff for laundry service. If you require special laundry detergent, please bring it with you.

Read more about the Cove View Room on the Artisan Inn website.

The Studio King Suite at Barbour House (ensuite)

The Studio King Suite is a self-contained, ground floor suite with your own deck

The Studio King Suite is a multi-room, self-contained ground floor suite with a private entrance, King bed, living room/kitchenette area, and bathroom. This suite is just steps away from the Twine Loft restaurant and has a private deck with views of the water, a full kitchen with a microwave, oven/stove top, a Keurig coffee maker and kettle with regular coffee and tea, sugar/sweetener, and coffee whitener, as well as a mini-fridge with a small freezer. The kitchen has cooking items, oil, salt, and pepper, as well as tableware, glassware, and cutlery.

The suite has air conditioning and a fan, and it’s bright and spacious, with a living room, dining room table that’s great for writing, and a smart TV (you’ll need to use your own streaming service) with a “digital concierge” to help you explore activities in the area.

The Studio King Suite is a self-contained, ground floor suite with your own deck
The Studio King Suite is spacious, self-contained, and located on the ground floor
The Studio King Suite bedroom has a King-sized bed and its own library
The Studio King library and reading chair
The Studio King Suite has an ensuite bathroom with tub and shower
There's a full kitchen with a mini-fridge, oven and stovetop, coffee maker and kettle, and a microwave in the Studio King Suite
The Studio King Suite has its own deck with a view of the water

The Studio King Suite bedroom is bright, too, with a King bed, a dresser and an area for hanging your clothes, blackout blinds, and a library and reading chair. The bathroom is located off the living room and has a full tub with shower and a detachable handheld shower head, toiletries (hand soap, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner), and a hairdryer.

Perhaps one of the greatest features of the Studio King Suite is your private deck, with a view of Fisher Cove and the Twine Loft.

You will have access to use the laundry facilities at the Campbell House, or you may choose to pay staff for laundry service. If you require special laundry detergent, please bring it with you.

Read more about the Studio King Room on the Artisan Inn website.

Campbell House
Shared house with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (one ensuite)

Campbell House, built in 1840, boasts a gorgeous patio with an incredible view of Fisher Cove

Campbell House is under 1-minute’s walk from the Twine Loft

Campbell House is a registered heritage structure built in 1840. The ceilings are lower than average—around 6′ 2″ in height in some areas—so you’ll want to bear that in mind if you’re a taller person. Located just a minute’s walk from the Twine Loft restaurant, Campbell House sits on a hill that offers views of both Trinity Harbour and Fisher Cove.

The main floor has a spacious sitting room and dining room area, and an incredible historic kitchen with a traditional cooking hearth (for looking only). The Artisan Inn normally doesn’t open the full kitchen for guests—that’s why they refer to it as a “suite” on their website—but they’re opening the newly-renovated kitchen for us. There’s an oven and stovetop, dishwasher, microwave, and refrigerator, along with a coffee maker and kettle (regular coffee and tea, coffee whitener, sweetener, sugar provided). You’ll also find cooking items such as oil, salt, and pepper, as well as tableware, glassware, and cutlery.

Campbell House is located just steps away from the Twine Loft restaurant
The Campbell House kitchen is just one of the fine and inspirational common areas in the historic home
The sitting room in Campbell House is comfortable and cozy, great to curl up and read or daydream
Sunset over Fisher Cove from the Campbell House back patio
Another view of the Campbell House kitchen—the full kitchen (through a door off this room) is not normally open to the public but will be made available for your use
The Adirondack chairs on the Campbell House patio are a great spot for writing

There is a laundry room at Campbell House which the Artisan Inn has also opened especially for our group’s access; it will be shared by those staying in the Lighthouse View and the self-contained units at Barbour House, since those venues don’t have laundry capacity. If you require special laundry detergent, please bring it with you.

There is an air conditioner on the 2nd floor of Campbell House to help keep the rooms cool, and the bedrooms have fans.

Now, to choose your bedroom!

Campbell House Bedrooms—the Fort Point Room (private bathroom, not ensuite)

The Fort Point Room has a Double bed, a daybed for lounging, and a private bathroom across the hall

Located on the 2nd floor, the Fort Point Room has a Double bed and a daybed for lounging. The room is bright and spacious, with a vanity table and chair—great for writing in privacy—and multiple windows with views of the town and Trinity Harbour.

The private bathroom is directly across the hall from the bedroom and is dedicated for your use only. The Artisan Inn will supply one bathrobe for your use, and the bathroom has a full bathtub and shower, with toiletries (hand soap, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner) as well as a hairdryer.

The Fort Point Room at Campbell House—a Double bed for sleeping, a day bed for lounging, and a vanity table and chair for writing
The Fort Point Room's private bathroom is at the top of the stairs, directly across the hall from the bedroom
View of the Fort Point Room from the private bathroom across the hall
The Fort Point Room's private bathroom has a full tub and shower
The Fort Point Room has lots of windows, making it bright and airy
The Fort Point Room enjoys views of the town and Trinity Harbour
The view from the Fort Point Room's daybed

Campbell House Bedrooms—the Fisher Cove Room (ensuite)

The Fisher Cove Room has a Queen bed, a writing table and chairs, and en ensuite bathroom

The Fisher Cove Room in Campbell House is on the 2nd floor, with a Queen bed and ensuite bathroom. There’s a dresser and hooks with hangers for your clothes, a cable television, and the windows (with blackout blinds) boast views of Trinity and Fisher Cove.

The Fisher Cove Room has a Queen bed, a writing table, and en ensuite bathroom
The Fisher Cove Room in Campbell House
The Fisher Cove ensuite bathroom
The Fisher Cove Room ensuite has a full bathtub and shower with handheld shower head

The Fisher Cove Room has an ensuite bathroom with a full tub and shower with hand held shower head, toiletries (hand soap, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner), and a hairdryer.

Note: There is a 3rd floor loft with single beds in Campbell House, but those will remain empty.

Visit the Artisan Inn and Vacation Homes website to read more about Campbell House.

Nathaniel House
Shared house with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (one ensuite)

Nathaniel House has a 4.5 Star Canada Select rating

Nathaniel House is under 1-minute’s walk from the Twine Loft

Nathaniel House is a mid 19th century home (c. 1862) that has undergone extensive renovations, yet still retains its original Newfoundland character. Originally owned by Nathaniel Morris—a.k.a. “Gentleman Nat”—this two-and-a-half-story dwelling is built from local fir and is located in the heart of Historic Trinity, less than a one-minute walk to the Twine Loft restaurant.

Nathaniel House offers up a peaceful retreat from the world and enjoys a 4.5 Star Canada Select rating.

The first floor of Nathaniel House has a sitting room with television, a separate kitchen and dining area, and a back deck with a barbecue. The kitchen has cooking items, oil, salt, and pepper, as well as tableware, glassware, and cutlery.

The 2nd floor has two bedrooms—we will only put one participant on this floor, so you can choose between the King or a Queen room and you’ll have your own private bathroom. The 3rd floor of Nathaniel House has a Queen bedroom with a large, ensuite bathroom.

All bedrooms have air conditioning and fans, and there is a washer and dryer for your use. If you require special laundry detergent, please bring it with you.

Nathaniel House is just a one-minute walk from the Twine Loft restaurant
The patio at Nathaniel House
The living room at Nathaniel House, with a wood stove, comfy furniture, great views, and wood paneling
The kitchen at Nathaniel house has an oven/stovetop, a fridge, microwave, toaster, dishwasher, coffee maker, and kettle
The dining area at Nathaniel House
The view from the Nathaniel House front door
Nathaniel House is a designated heritage property with a 4.5 Star Canada Select rating
Nathaniel House

Nathaniel House Bedrooms—King OR Queen Bedroom, 2nd floor

The King bedroom on the 2nd floor of Nathaniel House
The Queen bedroom on the 2nd floor of Nathaniel House
The bathroom on the 2nd floor has a full tub and shower and is designated for the guest on that level

There are two bedrooms and a full bathroom on the 2nd floor, but we will only place one participant on this floor so you don’t have to share your private bathroom; that said, if you wish to bring a travel companion, they can take the other bedroom on the 2nd floor, but you will also share the private bathroom, and different payment and cancellation terms will apply for you both.

If you register to have the floor all to yourself, you’ll be able to choose between the King and Queen Rooms after you arrive, and the Artisan Inn will supply one bathrobe for you, or two should you bring a travel companion who takes the other bedroom.

Nathaniel House Bedrooms—Queen Ensuite, 3rd floor

The Queen Ensuite Room on the 3rd floor of Nathaniel House
An incredible writing nook in this 3rd floor ensuite bedroom
The writing and reading nook in the 3rd floor Queen Ensuite Room, Nathaniel House
The Queen Ensuite on the 3rd floor has a jet tub as well as a separate standup shower
The Queen Ensuite on the 3rd floor has a shower stall and a separate jet tub
The view from the 3rd floor Queen Ensuite at Nathaniel House

We “oohed and aahed” over this room when we took a tour of Nathaniel House last year. Talk about a writer’s dream!

Located on the 3rd floor, the crowning jewel of this Queen ensuite bedroom is the bay window overlooking the two churches and Fort Point. What a view! There’s also air conditioning in case we luck out with great weather, but nothing beats an open window to take in the fresh air from the harbour.

Visit the Artisan Inn and Vacation Homes website to learn more about Nathaniel House.

Gover House
Shared house with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Note: You must walk a short path to access Gover House—there is no driveway access. We are all required to manage our own luggage, so participants who choose to stay at Gover House should also take into consideration their luggage size and type, and must be able to navigate the path and take their own bags to and from the house.

The gorgeous deck at Gover House overlooks Fisher Cove

Gover House is a show-stopper, no doubt about it. Situated on the shore of Fisher Cove, with breathtaking water views from both bedrooms, the living room, and deck, this peaceful retreat venue is perfect for writing and offers a prime vantage point for Trinity’s breathtaking sunsets.

This 1840s restored saltbox-style home is a registered heritage structure and is one of the oldest properties in Newfoundland that one can privately rent, allowing guests to experience history while also enjoying modern amenities. See a great description of the historic home from Heritage NL below:

Gover House is accessible down a short, stepped path and enjoys a private patio and incredible views of Fisher Cove

Gover House is under 1-minute’s walk from the Twine Loft

Trips to Discover named Gover House one of 11 properties in the world with a view worth travelling for. The historic property is situated at the end of an English garden path in a peaceful area of town, and it’s less than 1 minute’s walk from the Twine Loft restaurant.

The main floor has a wood-panelled, L-shaped sitting room with comfortable seating and gorgeous views of Fisher Cove beyond. There’s also a cable television with the ability to stream channels, but honestly, with that view, why would you bother with TV?

There’s a full kitchen with oven and stovetop, dishwasher, fridge with freezer, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, kettle and regular coffee and tea, sweetener, sugar, and coffee whitener. The kitchen has cooking items, oil, salt, and pepper, as well as tableware, glassware, and cutlery.

There is also a washer and dryer for your use. If you require special laundry detergent, please bring it with you.

The comfortable sitting room at historic Gover House
The sitting room at the Gover House heritage property is a great place to curl up and read or write
There's a small library in the kitchen
The kitchen table in Gover House is one of several great writing spots
Gover House has a full kitchen
The full kitchen at historic Gover House
Wild roses outside Gover House overlooking Fisher Cove
Gover House is less than a minute's walk to the Twine Loft restaurant
Sunset at historic Gover House
The gorgeous deck at Gover House overlooks Fisher Cove
Another sunset at Gover House

Gover House Bedrooms—Queen Room, 1st floor, with private bathroom on the 2nd floor

The Queen bedroom on the 1st floor at Gover House with exceptional views of Fisher Cove

There are two bedrooms at Gover House, and each room has a designated private bathroom. The Queen room is on the 1st floor—the staircase is just outside the room and the designated private bathroom for that room is right at the top of the stairs. This ground floor room has a dresser and a gorgeous fireplace, and boasts incredible views of Fisher Cove.

The Queen bedroom on the 1st floor at Gover House with exceptional views of Fisher Cove
Just outside the 1st floor Queen Room is a staircase that leads directly up to your private bathroom on the 2nd floor
Another shot of the Queen Room's private bathroom, located on the 2nd floor
The view of Fisher Cove from a window in the Queen Room on the 1st floor

Gover House Bedrooms—Double Room, 2nd floor, with private bathroom across the hall

The Double Room at Gover House is on the 2nd floor, at the end of the hall, and the designated private bathroom for that room is directly across from the bedroom. There are painted wood floors, a dresser, and a great little writing nook.

The Double bedroom on the 2nd floor, overlooking Fisher Cove
A writing nook in the Double Room on the 2nd floor of historic Gover House
The view of Fisher Cove from the Double Room on the 2nd floor
Your private bathroom is located directly across the hall from the Double Room—both are on the 2nd floor

Visit the Artisan Inn and Vacation Homes website to learn more about historic Gover House.

Lighthouse View
Shared house with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (both ensuite)

The Lighthouse View has a 4 Star Canada Select rating and overlooks the Fort Point Lighthouse, Trinity Harbour, and the cliffs of Skerwink

Lighthouse View is under 4-minute’s walk from the Twine Loft

The Lighthouse View is a favourite spot for artists and writers seeking inspiration—nestled just across the street from the rocky shore of Trinity Harbour, it’s a 4-minute walk from the Twine Loft restaurant on a quiet gravel road with lots to see along the way. From the living room, kitchen, and deck, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Fort Point Lighthouse and the dramatic cliffs of Skerwink.

This historic, two-story home carries a rich history, having housed three generations of carpenters. Thoughtful interior renovations have preserved its traditional charm while adding modern comforts. On the main floor, you’ll find a cozy sitting room with comfortable furniture, a television, a separate kitchen and dining area, and a spacious deck overlooking Trinity Harbour, complete with a fire table and barbecue.

The kitchen has an oven with stovetop, a fridge with freezer, microwave, dishwasher, toaster, salt, pepper, oil, pots, pans, dishes, and cutlery. There’s also a coffee maker and kettle, with regular coffee and tea, sugar, sweetener, and coffee whitener.

You will have access to use the laundry facilities at the Campbell House, or you may choose to pay staff for laundry service. If you require special laundry detergent, please bring it with you.

The Lighthouse View overlooks the Fort Point Lighthouse, Trinity Harbour, and the cliffs of Skerwink
Shady trees and wild roses in the yard, a white picket fence, and Trinity Harbour and the dramatic cliffs of Skerwink across the road
Original stained glass windows in the Lighthouse View entryway
The stained glass windows in the entry and stairs leading up to the 2 ensuite bedrooms
The Lighthouse View living room has comfortable furniture to curl up in and read or write
The Lighthouse View living room
The Lighthouse View dining room and kitchen overlook Trinity Harbour, with a deck and barbecue just off the dining area
The Lighthouse View has a full kitchen
The Lighthouse View patio has a propane fire table and overlooks Trinity Harbour and Fort Point Lighthouse

Lighthouse View Bedrooms—Queen Ensuite, 2nd floor

Both bedrooms are on the 2nd floor of Lighthouse View, and they each have their own ensuite bathroom. Both have full bathtubs and showers as well as toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and hand soap), and a hairdryer.

The Lighthouse View Queen Room overlooks Trinity Harbour and the Fort Point Lighthouse
The Queen bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with a full bathtub and shower

Lighthouse View Bedrooms—King Ensuite, 2nd floor

You can’t go wrong with either room in this home—if you’re someone who likes a roomy bed, you might prefer the Lighthouse View King bedroom. See photos below.

The Lighthouse Keeper's King Room has views of Trinity Harbour and the Fort Point Lighthouse
The Lighthouse Keeper's King bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with full tub and shower

Visit the Artisan Inn and Vacation Homes website for more information about Lighthouse View.

While we’re here, let’s take a moment to talk about the writing…

On a Go and Write! retreat, you’ll travel in the company of like-minded souls, some of whom have written only a little and others who have published extensively. Our participants include emerging and published writers of all genres—poets, dramatists, children’s authors, romance writers, memoirists, and more—as well as their friends, family and spouses.

We recommend that you bring a writing journal everywhere to capture once-in-a-lifetime moments on the spot. There will be many opportunities to sketch with words on this retreat, and the immediacy encourages nuance and detail in your writing. There are some moments and characters that can only be captured vividly on the coach, enjoying a coffee in a quiet café, or watching the sunrise above the Atlantic Ocean.

Go and Write! retreat-goers, including non-writing folk, often have a tough time choosing their favourite part of our retreats, but the lasting friendships and memorable moments that could only happen when a bunch of writers go traveling together top most lists.

Participants

We host as many new or emerging writers as we do established writers who simply need time away from the daily grind, a refresher on best writing practices, and support to replenish their souls or kickstart their writing. There is no application process to attend our retreats, but we do meet with each new-to-us, potential participant by Zoom. This allows us to get to know each other a wee bit to help gauge if our retreats might be a good fit, and it’s an efficient way for you to ask us questions about specific retreats or how we shape our retreats in general.

If you have a desire to be in the company of like-minded souls—some of whom have written only a little and others who have published extensively—and you’re a lifelong learner who understands and respects boundaries and the inevitable vagaries of travel, our retreats may be a good fit for you.

Go and Write! retreat participants range from beginning writers who’ve never published and simply want to start jotting down their thoughts, to award-winning, experienced writers who’ve published extensively through traditional publishing houses. Previous attendees include playwrights, poets, fantasy and science fiction writers, children’s authors, novelists, television producers, romance writers, short story, travel, and memoir writers, and everything in between.

Gerard hosted the one-on-one meetings high on a hill in Trinity last year—here he is with author Susan Feilders

Writers can register as individual participants or bring someone to share their bedroom and costs, in which case, each party registers as a “double” registration. This second person can also be a writer or a non-writing spouse or adult guest, but please note the unique circumstances surrounding our accommodations in Trinity and the restrictions on shared housing vs. the self-contained units.

Unique to this Newfoundland retreat, we’ll have some shared housing options, where you may choose to share a historic home with someone you haven’t met yet, but we never ask strangers to share bedrooms. If you want to register as a double to share your bedroom, you’ll need to bring a roommate, and our numbers are limited on this small group retreat, allowing for a focused experience.

We often have non-writers join us on retreats (as part of a “double” registration, accompanying a writer), and they’re welcome to participate in as few or as many of the writing activities as they wish. These folks are invited to attend all of the meals, readings, writing sessions, and any outings that are part of the program, as these elements are included in everyone’s registration.

Group writing sessions and individual feedback

Gerard under the trellis at Kingsbrae Garden

We will host relaxed, private group readings on a couple of occasions throughout the retreat, where you’ll have the chance to share your writing aloud with your fellow participants, if you like, without pressure. We don’t do peer or group critiques, and we ask that participants avoid creating their own readings or critique sessions during the retreat—for more information about our rationale for this decision, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

We will also have two group writing sessions guided by Gerard, an award-winning author and university educator, and each participant will have two one-on-one chats with Gerard as well, where you’ll have the opportunity to talk with him about your specific writing projects, goals, and challenges.

All registered participants will be asked to submit a short writing sample in advance of the retreat. We don’t require potential participants to take writing “tests” or to have a minimum skill level to join us, but we do ask registered participants to be open to learning, and at a certain point before the retreat, participants will submit a short writing sample, for our eyes only.

We have a Go and Write! Alumni group of about 250 members, and we’re proud that several of these folks return for multiple retreats—it’s a rarity, in fact, for us to host a retreat without at least a few Go and Write! regulars.

Your sample stays with us and provides a foundation for your one-on-one discussion about your writing with Gerard, and it’s entirely up to you how and if you decide to implement any recommendations. Janie reads the sample to get an overall sense of your writing, and Gerard reads each sample multiple times and prepares his written commentary in advance, and he shares it with you—and only you—during the retreat. The writing samples also help Gerard customize the workshops for each retreat.

For those who are new to writing, you can trust that we respect the courage it takes to share your writing, and Gerard treats your submission with great care and respect as he’s preparing his written commentary. For those who are already experienced writers, Gerard is a multi-award-winning author who has taught writing for decades, and he’s also a professional editor and has privately mentored several authors who’ve gone on to win multiple awards; other published authors who’ve joined us in the past have said they got a lot out of his commentary and insights, and have applied them in their work going forward.

Time and again, writers tell us these one-on-one discussions and Gerard’s feedback are their favourite part of our retreats.

We invite you to have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.

All participants—including those who have joined us in the past—are required to review and agree to abide by our updated Expectations, Rules, and Conditions before we will accept registration.

A pleasant excursion around the bay…

After eight nights / nine days in the peaceful fishing outport community of Trinity, we’ll be ready to board our private coach for the capital city of St. John’s, known as the “City of Legends.” But, oh, there’s so much more to St. John’s than the past, and there’s also a stopover in a former French colony before we get there…

Gerard standing at the breakwater in his home town of Placentia
Image belongs to Go and Write!

Early Saturday morning, August 14, we’ll bid a fond farewell to our Trinity home-base as we make our way to St. John’s, the capital city of Newfoundland. But along the way, we’ll visit Gerard’s hometown of Placentia, the fishing village that inspired the town of Darwin, the setting for his award-winning, beloved novel, Finton Moon, as well as his short story collection, Moonlight Sketches, which won the prestigious Newfoundland and Labrador Book Award.

Also known as Plaisance—the old French capital of Newfoundland—Placentia was founded in 1662 and is one of the most beautiful towns in all of Canada. With a history going back hundreds of years, this ancient site of many naval battles between France and England was built at sea level, surrounded by ocean and hills, connected to the rest of the island by the only lift bridge in the province.

On our way into Placentia, with the lift bridge in the distance
Image belongs to Go and Write!

Exploring Placentia (or “Plaisance,” en français)…

On the morning we arrive in Placentia, we’ll venture to Castle Hill National Historic Site where we’ll explore the remnants of a 17th century fort and see where the English and French vied for control of the lucrative cod fishery.

On our writing retreats, we do our best to incorporate events and opportunities that support the local arts and artists, all while providing participants with authentic cultural experiences. After exploring Castle Hill, we’ll have some lunch and enjoy some arts and culture programming. While it’s too soon to guarantee a luncheon theatre event like what we were able to have in 2025 through the Placentia Theatre Festival, we’ll do our best to make this happen or provide a similar experience.

A Finton Moon tour, guided by the author

Finton Moon won the Percy Janes First Novel Award and was nominated for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award

Following our lunch, we’ll take a brief “Finton Moon Tour,” where you’ll get a glimpse of Gerard’s home town and gain rare, firsthand insight into the author by seeing the landscape that shaped his writing, settings, and characters.

Nominated for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, Sunburst Award for Excellence in Canadian Literature of the Fantastic, the Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage and History Award, and winner of the Percy Janes First Novel Award, Finton Moon features a magical young boy who comes of age in a place very much like Placentia.

Finton fell in love, fell out of love (and trees), reluctantly attended school, got into trouble, walked the roads of the fictional town of Darwin, and read books in “the foxhole” while living in his parents’ small bungalow at the edge of the forest, all beneath the broad Newfoundland sky.

Our brief “Darwin” tour, guided by Gerard, will touch on many aspects of both Finton Moon and Moonlight Sketches, and you’ll see with your own eyes what, perhaps, you’ve only previously imagined, if you’ve read the books. We’ll show you the woods, the sites of the old Bond’s Path school and a 17^th-century church, as well as the old courthouse and other sites where Gerard grew up and where young Finton’s eyes widened to the world around him.

What you’ll also get—with Gerard on the microphone as we wend our way through the narrow roadways of Placentia—is the unique view of Newfoundland history and culture from a writer who lived there and now has returned to his hometown so many years later. The first and only time we’ve done the “Finton Moon” tour, it turned out to be one of those unscripted, intimate moments where our writers had questions about a lot things, and they got honest, poignant answers about all of it. What you’ll see more than anything here is how much Gerard loves his homeland and how much of that complicated history still resides in his stories and daily life.

Bound for Old St. John’s

It’s only about an hour and half from Placentia to spirited St. John’s, the provincial capital of Newfoundland, where we’ll stay for the next four nights. Here, any night of the week, you’ll find traditional music in the pubs and on the streets of a city renowned for its variety of musical offerings.

Downtown St. John’s
Image courtesy Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism / Scott McClellan

Newfoundland is as close to Ireland as you’ll get without crossing over to the Old World. On Janie’s first visit to St. John’s, she was shocked at how familiar it felt—echoes of Dublin, Galway, and Ennis rolled into one—and yet, St. John’s is very much its own thing.

Revival, the JAG’s in-house spa and fitness centre, has a lap pool, sauna, hot tub, fitness area, and aesthetic services

Like Ireland, Newfoundland has its own storytelling tradition, its own literature and its own brand of music, all of which have come down from the Irish ways. And we’re returning to familiar territory, here, as we check back into to the beautiful JAG Hotel for four nights.

Not only is the JAG ideally located, it also has an in-house spa and lap pool, sauna, hot tub, and fitness centre, so you might consider booking some of their services during your stay. Theres’s also a brand new soft-seat theatre for concerts, shows, and films—check out The JAG Soundhouse to see if anything upcoming suits your fancy.

We’ve also secured discounted accommodations rates at the JAG on either side of our retreat dates for our participants, should you want to spend extra time in St. John’s before or after the retreat. Just a note, though, that the St. John’s Regatta Day is the day before our retreat begins, and it’s a huge event, so if you want to stay at the JAG—or at any hotel in St. John’s, for that matter—you’ll need to make arrangements in good time.

Don’t miss out on the chance to be dancin’ the St. John’s Waltz…

Alan Doyle of Great Big Sea fame sings one of Ron Hynes’ most beloved songs, the “St. John’s Waltz”—it’s amazing how many of St. John’s most iconic spots they’ve captured in this video.

We’ve had our share of history;
We’ve seen nations come and go,
We’ve seen battles raged
Over land and stage,
Five hundred years or more.

~ “St. John’s Waltz,” Ron Hynes

There’s so much to see and do in this beautiful city, it’s hard to know where to begin. But really, it starts and ends with the culture that permeates this place.

Take The Ship Pub, just up the street a-ways from our venue. Favourite Newfoundland son Ron Hynes regularly held court and sang his thousand songs at this iconic venue. Hynes, known as the “godfather of Newfoundland culture,” was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020 and is revered in the province and across the country. And, we’ve been happy to discover, he’s well known in Ireland, where his most popular song “Sonny’s Dream” has been performed by such Irish trad legends as Christy Moore, Mary Black, and Liam Clancy.

These days, you’ll continue to encounter great musicians and the occasional literary open mic in the city. There’s Broderick’s Pub, owned by D’Arcy Broderick, co-founder of The Irish Descendants and The Fables. Broderick’s Pub serves up hearty pub food and live music nearly every night, sometimes twice!

We’ve deliberately scheduled our time in St. John’s so you can take in the Jigg’s Dinner at Broderick’s on Sunday, if that’s to your liking. What’s Jigg’s Dinner, you say? Brace yerself: there’s a whole world wrapped up in there…

Basically, Jigg’s Dinner is a traditional Newfoundland and Labrador dish that’s considered a quintessential part of the province’s culinary heritage. Sometimes called “boiled dinner” or “Sunday dinner,” Jigg’s Dinner typically consists of several components cooked together in a large pot: think potatoes, carrots, cabbage, turnip, and salted meat, a.k.a. corned beef. Add roast turkey, traditional Newfoundland stuffing, and smother the whole works in gravy, and you’ve got the idea. If you want to do a deep dive into the cultural impact and the origins of Jigg’s Dinner, take a gander at this Canadian Food Focus article.

For those who want to try Jigg’s Dinner for themselves, we highly recommend Broderick’s—and you’ll need to get there when they open at 12:00 p.m., as they run out just about every Sunday. Bonus, there’s live traditional Newfoundland music starting at 1:00 p.m.

When you’re ready for a change from pub food, St. John’s offers a plethora of dining experiences, including Gingergrass, which serves authentic Thai and Vietnamese dishes—if you’re up for it, ask for the table with the swing set! Really, though, there are just way too many restaurants, pubs, diners, cafés, pizzerias, bistros, lounges (you get the picture) to name them all here, but if you want to do some serious culinary planning in advance, Destination St. John’s has provided a website to give you a great start.

The view from The Rooms
— Image courtesy of The Rooms’ Instagram page

Just up over the hill you’ll find The Rooms, which hosts internationally and locally famous artworks and boasts a café with great food and the best view of St. John’s Harbour in the whole city. On any given day in this multidisciplinary research facility—now home to the Newfoundland Museum—you’ll find world-class art exhibitions and workshops, musical performances, and literary readings and conversations with local authors. And that’s just the beginning.

The Newman Wine Vaults—Finton Moon was launched here in 2012
Image courtesy of Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

If you’re in the mood for some additional inspiration, check out the Newman Wine Vaults. Dating between the late 1700s to the early 1800s, the Newman Wine Vaults tell the amazing story of a 300-year connection between wine produced in sunny Portugal, aged in the cool climate of Newfoundland, and sipped by England’s aristocracy for generations. In summertime, a local theatre group sometimes performs macabre plays, including adaptations of Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado”. Along that same line, Finton Moon was launched here in 2012.

And just up the hill from the JAG you’ll find the newly renovated Majestic Theatre, with its soft-seat venue and the more casual Theatre Hill Bar and Café, a hub for creatives. Then there’s the storied LSPU Hall—formerly the Longshoremen’s Protective Union—with a proud history of supporting the creative arts in Newfoundland.

You can also wander up to Duckworth Street—maybe check out The Duke of Duckworth pub (made famous in the Republic of Doyle TV series), where you’re likely to encounter local actors, writers, and musicians enjoying great food and drinks, including what is possibly the best fish ‘n chips on the island.

And speaking of writers, while you’re on Duckworth Street, why not visit a bookstore? Gerard’s publisher, Breakwater Books, has a storefront at 263 Duckworth Street. Here you can purchase all three of Gerard’s books—which he’ll be happy to sign for you, of course!—and browse through other top-notch Newfoundland authors.

Another great place to check out for local books and authors is The Bees Knees and their connected sister store, The Travel Bug. Both stores are on Water Street, a 10-minute walk from our hotel, and between them, you can get just about anything you need, from kitchen supplies to local crafts, travel and tech gadgets, clothing and toiletries, and, of course, books and writing journals.

The Bees Knees carries local handcrafts and unique gifts

Whether or not you’re a shopper, you won’t run out of things to do in St. John’s, especially in summertime. That includes a Haunted Hike through the downtown, where the ghosts of history come to life, or a stroll through the colourful Battery (and check out the Battery Café while you’re at it!), or along the harbour, or a writing session at The Bagel Café, Coffee Matters, or any number of other pubs, cafés, and restaurants.

The Battery, just a 7 minute walk from our hotel
Image courtesy of Destination St. John’s

Now that we’ve shared just a taste of what St. John’s has to offer to whet your appetite, it’s time to take you on a wee tour.

Out and About

The fog rolled in—and out, and back in again—during our recent visit of Cape Spear. Here’s Gerard taking in the sights and sounds.

We’ll begin our day trip with the legendary Cape Spear, which features a great old lighthouse and the roaring, rolling sea at the foot of gigantic cliffs that will remind you of Ireland.

Cape Spear is the most easterly point of North America, which made the region ideal for pilots Alcock and Brown to launch the first successful, non-stop, trans-Atlantic flight in 1919, landing in the town of Clifden—which happens to be one of our favourite retreat locations in Ireland!

Cape Spear — Image courtesy of Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism / Troy Maher
Cabot Tower on Signal Hill — Image courtesy of Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism / Jason Hill
A narrow channel of water between Quidi Vidi Lake and the Atlantic Ocean, Quidi Vidi Gut is lined with fishing sheds (or stages) on stilts that are still used today by local fishermen to bring in their catch and store their gear — Image courtesy of Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

On this day tour, we’ll also visit Cabot Tower on Signal Hill, which you can actually see from Cape Spear on a clear day. In fact, it was here in St. John’s that Italian native Guglielmo Marconi received the first trans-Atlantic wireless transmission.

Signal Hill is possibly the most famous landmark in Newfoundland, and it’s a touchstone of sorts for those who live in St. John’s, where they look each day to be reminded of how special this place is and how far back the history goes. For centuries, it’s been the first sight seen by sailors as they enter the harbour from the North Atlantic.

Lupines on Signal Hill
Image courtesy of Destination St. John’s

“The lamps are lit. The stories are waiting. The tables are set for new memories in a place that has been making them for generations.”
~ From the Mallard Cottage Facebook page

Newfoundland has its own time zone (its far-east location means it greets the sunrise half an hour earlier than anywhere else on the continent), and Signal Hill is where St. John’s residents go to welcome the New Year, a half hour before anybody else. Newfoundland has seen its share of sea and land disasters, hardships, and triumphs; every day, there’s a sense of having survived together. To be part of that feeling, that daily life, has inspired the songs and stories that Newfoundlanders have kept close to home and carried with them to far-off lands.

Along the way, we’ll stop in Petty Harbour for a group lunch before we visit picture-perfect Quidi Vidi, a colourful, quaint fishing village within the city itself. Quidi Vidi just happens to be one of the oldest fishing villages in all of North America, dating back to the 1600s.

The village stands not far from Quidi Vidi Lake where the annual Royal St. John’s Regatta has run practically nonstop for more than 200 years on the first Wednesday of every August—a hugely popular annual event. You can stroll around the village and grab some refreshment at Quidi Vidi Brewery and check out the fine local crafts. Then we’ll gather for a group supper at the newly re-opened Mallard Cottage.

We were thrilled when we first started hearing rumours that the iconic restaurant was under new management and that plans to revive Mallard Cottage were in the works. After several months of thoughtful restoration, the venue has, indeed, opened its doors again, and we’re so pleased to offer our group the chance to enjoy a meal at this historic landmark. For more photos and videos of their space, you can find them on Instagram.

After supper, our private coach will take us back to the JAG, and for those who haven’t quite gotten their fill of the shops of Quidi Vidi, it’s a 10-minute cab ride away, or an hour’s walk, if you’re feeling adventuresome—you just go down Forest Road (yes, the same street where Gerard’s neo-Gothic novel The Hush Sisters is set) and just past Quidi Vidi Lake, there you are.

We’ve added four nights in St. John’s at the end of our retreat so you have time to explore the city at your leisure. For some, that will mean taking in as many cultural sights as possible, while for others, it’ll mean scouting out a favourite coffee shop or a quiet corner in a pub where you can settle in and write on these precious, final days of our retreat.

A note from a recent retreat participant

“It is not an exaggeration to say this retreat changed my life! I have been struggling for years to finish a personal memoir draft. Just a few days on our retreat, and my writing and I turned a corner. I had the breakthrough that had eluded me for years. The combination of Gerard’s insightful guidance, the support of the other writers who became instant soulmates, and the Irish tradition of storytelling in an 18th century castle proved to be life-changing.

“I am close to finishing my memoir draft, and I give all credit to Go and Write! for providing the environment that enabled me to write and organize my thoughts. I have opened myself up to the possibilities ahead, and I’m feeling better about my writing than I have in years.

“My deepest thanks to Gerard and Jane…”

~ Gloria R.B., Go and Write! alumnus

**To see more kind notes from our Go and Write! Alumni, visit our Testimonials page.**

Leaving on the Evening Tide

Tim Baker performs Ron Hynes’ haunting ballad, Leaving on the Evening Tide. Wait for those first haunting notes on the piano, with Ron’s image in the background, and check out the many talented musicians backing Baker up.

Before we know it, it’ll be time to say goodbye to one of the friendliest islands in North America, if not the world.

On our last full day, we’ll have an afternoon Fare-thee-Well gathering, where we’ll share our final literary readings and have some light refreshments. We’ve chosen to host our goodbye in the afternoon so you have the evening to pack, find a quiet spot to scribble down your thoughts, or go out and enjoy the last few hours in this incredible, vibrant city that’s like no other.

Our hope for this Return to the New World Retreat is that you’ll get a boatload of writing done and connect with like-minded folk; our even greater hope is that you’ll also take the songs and stories of Newfoundland back home with you to nurture your soul and your imagination for years to come.

Join us as we Return to the New World

We’ll take you places where you can look out to the Atlantic Ocean and envision the Vikings, fishers, pirates, and warriors who have entered the harbours and invaded the coves. Newfoundland is the unofficial arts and culture capital of Canada, a place that time has barely touched, and yet where the modern world meets the ancient.

This 14-day retreat is designed to satisfy both your desire for adventure and your need to find time to write, along with the thoughtful and respectful guidance of award-winning authors.

A Go and Write! retreat is not your average trip to Newfoundland (or anywhere else), or even your average writing retreat. As writers ourselves, we have designed every aspect of this retreat with creative souls in mind, combining the stimulation that can only come from travel and company with other writers with the quiet and solitude that’s an absolute must for writing.

Go!

- Small group (numbers limited to approx. 14 participants)
- 5 nights at The JAG Hotel in St. John’s (1 at the beginning, 4 at the end) in an upgraded King Water View Room
  - 1 group supper and complimentary drink at Zimmy’s, JAG Hotel
  - All breakfasts at the JAG Hotel
- 8 nights at the Artisan Inn and Vacation Homes in Trinity in a self-contained room or a private room with your own dedicated bathroom in shared historic, traditional home
  - All breakfasts at the Twine Loft Dining
  - 3 group suppers with a complimentary drink at the Twine Loft Dining
- Time to truly settle in both regions
- Private coach between St. John’s and Trinity
- Guided tour of the set of Random Passage
  - Group lunch at Random Passage with a complimentary drink
- Private tour of Placentia, guided by Dr. Gerard Collins providing special insight into the area that has inspired so much of his writing
  - Entry to Castle Hill National Historic Site
  - Group lunch and complimentary drink
- Private coach tour of essential St. John’s sites
  - Colourful Jellybean Row Houses
  - Visit to Signal Hill and Cabot Tower
  - Explore Cape Spear
  - Group lunch and complimentary drink at Chafe’s Landing in Petty Harbour
  - Time to visit Quidi Vidi Village
  - Group supper and complimentary drink at the historic Mallard Cottage in Quidi Vidi
- Fare-thee-Well gathering with light refreshments and a complimentary drink

Write!

- 2 group writing sessions
- 2 one-on-one chats with Dr. Gerard Collins
- Professional, honest, and thoughtful commentary on your pre-submitted writing sample from Gerard, an award-winning author and university educator—helpful regardless of your writing level
- The creative company of other writers
- Group readings and conversation on several evenings
- Non-writing participants are welcome to take part in as few or as many of the elements of the retreat as they wish
- Ample time and opportunity for writing, idea-gathering, and solitude

A major difference between Go and Write! and most travel companies or writing retreats is the personalized aspect of our tours. We ensure there’s both social time and alone time built into the itinerary, as well as plenty of time for wandering and gathering thoughts in a solitary fashion. We encourage writers to give each other space, although social time is also guaranteed, if that’s what you’d like.

In all, we pride ourselves on being open and inclusive and, being writers ourselves first and foremost, we imagine the best writing retreat possible and try our best to deliver on that ideal.

Cost

Costs include 15% tax, 18-20% gratuities for covered meals dependant on the policy of the venue, and a 4% tourism levy. Gratuity for accommodations, tours, and coach drivers at your discretion. Rooms are allocated on first-come/first-served basis, and there is different pricing depending on which room you select in Trinity.

See below for the payment schedule and specific cancellation policy associated with this retreat.

Please note that there is NOT a surcharge for single travellers. The true cost of the retreat is based on the single price, but if you bring someone else, you share the room costs, which lowers the price per person. See below regarding the unique considerations for accommodations on this particular retreat, due to some shared housing.

Numbers will be limited to approximately 14 registrants to allow for a more intimate, connected, and focused experience.

Additional notes about accommodations on this retreat

Regardless of which accommodation you choose in Trinity, all registrations include an upgraded room at the JAG Hotel in St. John’s, with a King bed and water view.

Artisan Inns and Vacation Homes charges different prices for the various rooms and houses we’re renting in Trinity—we’ve listed each room/historic house below, and the overall retreat pricing reflects the difference in cost associated with each space.

Our retreats tend to attract mostly women—for the comfort of our female participants, only women can register for shared housing. For male participants or participants with male travel companions, please see the self-contained accommodations in Barbour House. Alternatively, couples/friends, regardless of gender, may share a 2-bedroom house, but they must register at the same time, and different payment terms and cancellation policies will apply. Please reach out to us for details.

The costs listed below include the FULL cost of the retreat; you’re simply choosing your accommodations while in Trinity, and there are different costs depending on the venue/room you select, as per the hotel’s fees.

Full retreat costs with self-contained rooms in Trinity (NOT shared housing, no common areas). For detailed descriptions of the rooms and historic houses, scroll up this webpage to the Accommodations in Trinity section.

Trinity Room in Barbour House—Queen

Double occupancy: $7,343.48 + 15% HST = $8,445 CAD (approx. $6,050 USD) per person for the full retreat, sharing a bedroom
Single occupancy: $8,952.17 + 15% HST = $10,295 CAD (approx. $7,380 USD) for the full retreat

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Cove View Room in Barbour House—Queen

Double occupancy: $7,456.52 + 15% HST = $8,575 CAD (approx. $6,145 USD) per person for the full retreat, sharing a bedroom
Single occupancy: $9,213.04 + 15% HST = $10,595 CAD (approx. $7,595 USD) for the full retreat

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King Studio Suite in Barbour House—King

Double occupancy: $7,691.30 + 15% HST = $8,845 CAD (approx. $6,340 USD) per person for the full retreat, sharing a bedroom
Single occupancy: $9,734.78 + 15% HST = $11,195 CAD (approx. $8,025 USD) for the full retreat

Full retreat costs with shared housing in Trinity

Lighthouse View —Queen or King Rooms

Double occupancy: $7,300.00 + 15% HST = $8,395 (approx. $6,015 USD) per person for the full retreat, sharing a bedroom
Single occupancy: $8,865.22 + 15% HST = $10,195 CAD (approx. $7,305 USD) for the full retreat

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Campbell House—Fort Point Room or Fisher Cove Ensuite Room

Double occupancy: $7,343.48 + 15% HST = $8,445 CAD (approx. $6,050 USD) per person for the full retreat, sharing a bedroom
Single occupancy: $8,952.17 + 15% HST = $10,295 CAD (approx. $7,380 USD) for the full retreat

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Nathaniel House—King / Queen Room on 2nd floor* or Queen Ensuite Room on 3rd floor

Double occupancy: $7,500 + 15% HST = $8,625 CAD (approx. $6,180 USD) per person for the full retreat, sharing a bedroom
Single occupancy: $9,300.00 + 15% HST = $10,695 CAD (approx. $7,665 USD) for the full retreat

*If you wish to bring someone to share the 2nd floor with you and for them to have their own bedroom, you will also share a bathroom. Reach out for pricing details. Separate cancellation and payment terms apply.

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Gover House—Double or Queen Room

Double occupancy: $7,456.52 + 15% HST = $8,575 CAD (approx. $6,145 USD) per person for the full retreat, sharing a bedroom
Single occupancy: $9,213.04 + 15% HST = $10,595 CAD (approx. $7,595 USD) for the full retreat

As noted above, the listed price is in Canadian dollars and includes 15% provincial tax, 18-20% gratuities for covered meals (dependant on the policy of the venue), and a 4% tourism levy. Gratuity for accommodations, tours, and coach drivers is at your discretion. Rooms are allocated on first-come/first-served basis. Registration does not include beverages or meals not already specified, tours/excursions that participants arrange on their own, or transportation between the St. John’s Airport and the JAG Hotel at the beginning and end of the retreat.

We have estimated the price in US dollars for our American participants’ convenience, based on the rate of exchange at the time; the actual cost in American dollars will depend on the conversion rate at time of payment.

Rates shown do not include credit card processing fees charged by our provider. For those paying with a Canadian credit card, there is an additional 2.4% cost and that fee is non-refundable. As of March 1, 2026, in addition to the base processing fees, our provider charges an additional 1.5% to transactions made with cards issued outside of Canada.

For Canadians, we’re able to offer an e-transfer option to save you processing fees. Some Interac accounts place daily or dollar amount limits on transactions; you are required to schedule your payment(s) so the full balance of your invoice is paid on or before the due date.

For registrants from the United States and abroad, we also accept international bank transfers. There are often third parties involved with wire transfers, and while your bank may not charge a fee, an intermediary might. You are responsible to research and cover all associated processing fees so that the full amount of the invoice is deposited into our account. Wire transfers can also take a week or more; you are required to schedule your payment(s) so the full balance of your invoice is deposited into our account on or before the due date.

Most people choose to pay by credit card for convenience, and some cards also have an associated trip insurance policy. It is your responsibility to research and understand details around any insurance coverage associated with your credit card. For more information about the importance of trip insurance, see below, and also visit our Expectations, Rules, and Refunds page.

Contact Us

For more information, or to register, please contact us.

Payment schedule
* Payment schedule can be adjusted for later registrants, and we can create an individual payment plan at no additional cost.

* Different payment and cancellation terms apply for couples/friends who wish to rent an entire 2-bedroom home in Trinity. Please reach out to us directly for details.

At registration, to confirm your space: $1,500 CAD per person, non-refundable, non-transferable deposit
On or before January 15, 2027: next instalment of $3,000 CAD per person is due
On or before April 2, 2027: balance remaining is due

If you’re interested in paying in instalments within this schedule, please let us know so that can be arranged—we do not charge an additional fee for this service. Payment deadlines must be met or you risk forfeiting your space, and the cancellation and refunds policy and dates specific to this retreat apply. Registrants who run into difficulties meeting the payment schedule must contact us immediately to see if alternate arrangements can be made.

See additional details about missed payments, cancellations, and refunds below. We may extend these dates for later registrants.

Insurance, cancellations

You are responsible for arranging for trip insurance, including cancellation insurance! Life can throw curveballs at us: we HIGHLY recommend that all participants get travel cancellation insurance as soon as they register for a Go and Write! retreat, and also interruption and health insurance, and whatever policy fits your situation. Many companies also offer “cancel for any reason” policies, if you think this might suit your needs.

We have seen situations where participants who choose NOT to arrange for insurance lose all of their investment when they’ve had to cancel, and we’ve seen participants who HAVE chosen to arrange for insurance recoup 100% of their investment.

Participants are responsible to research and make arrangements for their own insurance.

Participants are also responsible to research the implications of travel restrictions and requirements at home and abroad before and at the time of travel. Ensure you have everything you need so you aren’t turned away from establishments or airports.

Missed payments, cancellation, and refunds—please note this policy and these dates are specific to this retreat

We strongly encourage you to purchase the appropriate travel insurance, and to do so at the appropriate time.

* Different payment and cancellation terms apply for couples/friends who wish to rent an entire 2-bedroom home in Trinity. Please reach out to us directly for details.

Payment deadlines must be met or you risk forfeiting your space and the cancellation and refunds policy and dates specific to this retreat apply. This also applies to e-transfers and wire transfers—Interac sometimes places limits on daily number of transactions and dollar amounts, and wire transfers can take a week or more. You are required to schedule your payment(s) so the full balance of your invoice is paid on or before the due date. If you run into difficulties meeting the payment schedule, you must contact us immediately to see if alternate arrangements can be made.

Your deposit as well as any processing fees associated with retreat payment(s) are 100% non-refundable and non-transferable, regardless of the timing or circumstances of your cancellation, including, but not limited to, injury, illness, death.
If you cancel on or before January 14, 2027, any other payments you’ve made to us are returned to you, less the non-refundable deposit and any payment processing fees.
If you cancel between January 15, 2027 and April 1, 2027, you forfeit 75% of all monies paid, in addition to the non-refundable deposit and any processing fees.
If you cancel on or after April 2, 2027, no fees paid will be returned.
You must notify us, in writing, of your intentions to cancel.

While we present our information in good faith, sometimes things happen that are beyond our control and circumstances may force us to change certain aspects of the retreat.

If the retreat or any aspect of the retreat needs to be postponed or adjusted, we will make every attempt to reschedule or offer an alternative.
We can only offer refunds if our providers also refund monies to us.
Prices are subject to change due to provider and supplier changes and availability, unforeseen travel conditions, cancellations, and culpability.

Due to contractual obligations with our suppliers, we cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy, regardless of the reason.

Expectations, rules, and refunds—required reading for all new and returning participants

We have updated our Expectations, Rules and Refunds page. All new and returning Go and Write! participants and travel companions are required to review and acknowledge agreement with the contents before registering for a Go and Write! retreat.

Additional, important notes

Amenities

Retreat programming and accommodations take place in historic venues—you must be able to climb stairs and be prepared to navigate uneven flooring and ground, low ceilings, etc.
You will be required to manage your own luggage, including taking it up and down stairs to your rooms at the historic venues in Trinity. For those staying in Gover House: there is no driveway access for that historic home; you are required to navigate a stepped path and take your luggage to and from the house, so pack accordingly! There are laundry facilities in the historic homes in Trinity, or you can pay the Artisan Inn and Vacation Homes for laundry service, so you shouldn’t need to overpack.
You will be required to walk to attend several meals and retreat programming, in all kinds of weather.
At some points during the retreat, there may be limited Wi-Fi and limited or no cell service.
Air conditioning is not included in all historic accommodations in Trinity—please read the venue descriptions carefully.
Rooms are assigned on a first-come, first served basis, and not all rooms are the same.
Trinity does not have a grocery/liquor store or pharmacy, and no taxi service. Ensure you have all medications required in advance. Our coach will stop at a small grocery store in Port Rexton on the way to Trinity for limited supplies, and the Artisan Inn and Vacation Homes has also agreed to coordinate transportation to the store for a fee.
A note from the Artisan Inn and Vacation Homes regarding emergency services in Trinity:
The closest hospital to Trinity is located in Bonavista, approx. a 40 minute drive from Trinity. A second hospital is located in Clarenville, approx. 60 minute drive from Trinity. An ambulance service is available in Trinity in case of emergency. Further information and contact numbers are provided in the Artisan Inn Room and Vacation Home directories.
Please visit the Artisan Inn and Vacation Homes Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page—they’ve answered lots of questions about cellular service, WiFi, emergency services, and activities in the area.

Logistics

The retreat begins in St. John’s on Thursday, August 5, 2027 and ends in St. John’s on the morning of Wednesday, August 18, 2027 (there is no formal programming on the last morning). The St. John’s International airport code is YYT. Do NOT confuse St. John’s, Newfoundland, with Saint John, New Brunswick! This would be a very expensive mistake.

There are also ferries that travel regularly between the provinces of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

When planning your arrival time on the first day, please bear in mind that we will gather for supper at approximately 6:00 p.m.

All participants (and travel companions, if applicable), new and returning, are required to review our Expectations, Rules and Refunds page and acknowledge agreement with the contents before registering for a Go and Write! retreat.

Return to the New World — August 5-18, 2027

Join our small group of writers as we return to Newfoundland, a remote and charming island off the East Coast of Canada

Costs start at $8,395 CAD (approx. $6,015 USD) based on double occupancy. Details below. Contact us to register or if you have questions.

Join us for a summertime writing adventure: Return to the New World, August 5-18, 2027

Newfoundland’s independent streak

What is it about Newfoundland and the arts?

Come ‘ere till I tells ya—a gallery of Newfoundland greats

About Gerard and Janie

Go and Write! with Dr. Gerard Collins and Janie Simpson

Our Return to the New World begins in St. John’s

And we’re off! Next stop, Cape Random for a tour and a bite to eat.

The Historic Town of Trinity, part of the Bonavista Peninsula

Dining in Trinity

Accommodations in Trinity

An important note about our accommodations in Trinity

Barbour House Self-contained units and a suite

The Trinity Room at Barbour House (ensuite)

The Cove View Room at Barbour House (ensuite)

The Studio King Suite at Barbour House (ensuite)

Campbell House Shared house with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (one ensuite)

Campbell House Bedrooms—the Fort Point Room (private bathroom, not ensuite)

Campbell House Bedrooms—the Fisher Cove Room (ensuite)

Nathaniel House Shared house with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (one ensuite)

Nathaniel House Bedrooms—King OR Queen Bedroom, 2nd floor

Nathaniel House Bedrooms—Queen Ensuite, 3rd floor

Gover House Shared house with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Gover House Bedrooms—Queen Room, 1st floor, with private bathroom on the 2nd floor

Gover House Bedrooms—Double Room, 2nd floor, with private bathroom across the hall

Lighthouse View Shared house with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (both ensuite)

Lighthouse View Bedrooms—Queen Ensuite, 2nd floor

Lighthouse View Bedrooms—King Ensuite, 2nd floor

While we’re here, let’s take a moment to talk about the writing…

Participants

Group writing sessions and individual feedback

A pleasant excursion around the bay…

Exploring Placentia (or “Plaisance,” en français)…

A Finton Moon tour, guided by the author

Bound for Old St. John’s

Don’t miss out on the chance to be dancin’ the St. John’s Waltz…

Out and About

To see more kind notes from our Go and Write! Alumni, visit our Testimonials page.

Leaving on the Evening Tide

Join us as we Return to the New World

Go!

Write!

Cost

Additional notes about accommodations on this retreat

The costs listed below include the FULL cost of the retreat; you’re simply choosing your accommodations while in Trinity, and there are different costs depending on the venue/room you select, as per the hotel’s fees.

Full retreat costs with self-contained rooms in Trinity (NOT shared housing, no common areas). For detailed descriptions of the rooms and historic houses, scroll up this webpage to the Accommodations in Trinity section.

Full retreat costs with shared housing in Trinity

Contact Us

Insurance, cancellations

Missed payments, cancellation, and refunds—please note this policy and these dates are specific to this retreat

Expectations, rules, and refunds—required reading for all new and returning participants

Additional, important notes

Amenities

Logistics

Check out our other current retreats!

**Join us for a summertime writing adventure: Return to the New World, August 5-18, 2027**

Barbour House
Self-contained units and a suite

Campbell House
Shared house with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (one ensuite)

Nathaniel House
Shared house with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (one ensuite)

Gover House
Shared house with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Lighthouse View
Shared house with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (both ensuite)

**To see more kind notes from our Go and Write! Alumni, visit our Testimonials page.**