(click here to find Codroy on the map)
From the Trans Canada, take Route 406. You will take a pretty drive through the Codroy Valley to get to Codroy. There are some farms with livestock and alot of home gardens. You'll cross the Grand Codroy River in Upper Ferry. Before you cross the bridge there's a spot you can buy gas and get a coffee or lunch. The prettiest part of the drive comes after you cross the river.
Follow 406 until you get to Codroy. You'll see Holy Trinity Anglican Church on your left as you come into town. Stop here and check out the church and the views. The church is usually open and the interior is spectacular. As is so common, the cemetery has the best views around.
The original church was destroyed in a windstorm in January of 1912. With the community donating free labour and materials the first service in the new church was held on August 16, 1914, one year after construction began. To prevent it from twisting in the wind the new church was erected with beams across its width.
The church was declared a Registered Heritage Structure on May 15, 1993.
Traditionally the church has been used as a landmark by the local fishermen to locate their fishing grounds.
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The community of Codroy is just past the church. There is a small seniors home beside the church, the community hall and the fire station for the area. From Codroy you get beautiful views of the coastline in this area. If you look to the south you can see Point Rosee in the distance, site of the most recently found viking site.
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While we were in Codroy Valley (early June) we found out about the Codroy Volunteer Fire Department Lobster Dinner, part of the Feather & Folk Nature Festival. This is an annual event, that the Codroy Valley Volunteer Fire Department puts on to raise money for fire fighting equipment. The lobsters are donated by the local fishery, Codroy Seafoods, freshly caught. This is a huge event in the valley and I suggest you get there when it opens at 4:30 pm. At $12.50 a plate for a whole lobster, coleslaw, potatoes, dessert and coffee it is the best deal on the island. Your dinners MUST be preordered.
We were given a private tour of the fire station, part of the community hall, by the fire chief. He gave us a rundown of how past monies collected have been used to buy fire trucks. These guys are amazing at stretching every available dollar to the max. They cover a large geographic area and do their very best to serve their community. We were honoured to have spent time with Brian Osmond and his crew.
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Before you head to Newfoundland, you may want to consider one or more of the great field guides that are available. We have done short reviews of the following:
Newfoundland books available from Amazon.ca (Canada)
Newfoundland books available from Amazon.com (USA)