Eastport Beach in Central Newfoundland is a refreshing surprise with its white sandy shores—a delightful contrast to the more typical rocky coastlines of the area. After trekking through the Damnable trail system, my travel companions and I headed to Eastport Beach for a well-deserved cool-down.

Swimming in the ocean next to such beautiful sandy beaches felt a bit surreal in Newfoundland, known for its rugged landscapes rather than beach getaways. Despite the later hour and slightly chilly water, I braved a quick dip.

It's rare for me to swim in the ocean here, so the fact that I could enjoy the water without an immediate need to warm up afterwards is noteworthy. And Eastport isn’t alone; I’ve heard that Burgeo and Lumsden also boast some of the best beaches in Central Newfoundland.