Quidi Vidi Lake
How to pass yourself off as a local sun lover in St. John's, NL.
Residents from St. John's don't have to be told twice. Jeans are thrown to the back of closets and short sleeves take priority when the temperature turns toward pleasant on the Avalon Peninsula. Newfoundlanders have been waiting all winter for those first few days in the double digits and when the sun shines “Sin Jawns” comes out in droves; hiking, biking, camping, drinking. If you're in St. John's looking to pass yourself off as a local in the great out of doors this summer you might start by heading to Quidi Vidi lake.
Pronounced Kiddy Viddy
Quidi Vidi lake, pronounced Kiddy Viddy, is located in the eastern most end of the city and part of the historical fishing village of the same name. The lake is fenced in by an unusual combination of St. John's landmarks. The north side houses one of the city's oldest Catholic cemeteries alongside a considerably downsized military base while the south side is home to one of the oldest Protestant cemeteries neighbouring Her Majesty's Penitentiary or “the pen.” Bringing up the west is Memorial Stadium which in glamorous days gone by harboured the St. John's Maple Leafs AHL team but found a Dominion grocery store more profitable regardless of area residents descent. And to the far east you find “the gut,” a beautiful Newfoundland geographical site worth digesting.
The Royal St. John's Regatta
The popular walking trail around the lake is approximately three and a half kilometers long and frequented by citizens of all ages and levels of athleticism. Quidi Vidi is home to the oldest continuing sporting event in North America, the Royal St. John's Regatta. The Regatta has been a proud part of the city's history for over 185 years and continues to draw crowds of up to 50 000. The first Wednesday of August is declared a city wide holiday with as many people coming out to socialize during the week as watch the races. It can most certainly be considered the “largest garden party in North America” and one of the hottest shindigs of the summer calender while being totally family friendly.
A Sense of Community
Though, it is the sense of community one feels walking around the lake, combined with Newfoundland's strong salty breeze that keeps locals coming back. Coxs' can be heard channeling the energy of their crews during the early morning rowing hours all summer long while people drink coffee on their balconies, walk their dogs, jog with their lovers or just wander gossiping with their best-friends. Quidi Vidi lake is as inclusive as the landmarks surrounding it and should be enjoyed by all this summer.
The Royal St. John's Regatta is scheduled for Wednesday August 5th, 2009 (weather permitting). Quidi Vidi lake is there for the taking everyday regardless of the weather.
Quidi Vidi Rower
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