West coast boasts wonderful service
Many of the stories about good and bad customer service that I receive are focused on the Avalon region. Last week, I had the good fortune to visit Gros Morne National Park with my husband and some friends to experience what the beautiful west coast of this province has to offer.
I was lucky enough to receive some advice from my followers on Twitter as well as from family and friends, so I’d like to pass some of my experiences along to readers and all those who love to shop and tell. It was wonderful to play tourist here at home and be on the receiving end of all the best that the industry has to offer.
One of the first encounters on our journey was at Western Petroleum in Woody Point. Given the hot weather, it happened to be the last place in town with a full and functioning ice machine.
The gentleman behind the counter happily fulfilled my request and went out of his way to doublebag the ice to ensure that it wouldn’t leak. The service there was so prompt and friendly that one of the other customers even offered to go across the street and get a plastic bag for me.
Folks, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the so-called mythical friendly Newfoundlander is certainly alive and well, not just on the Avalon, but also on our west coast and beyond.
Later in the week, after a long hike in the spectacular Green Gardens, we once again stopped in Woody Point. We ate at The Old Loft restaurant on the recommendation of some locals that we encountered on the trail. Once again, the power of word-of-mouth was proven as we enjoyed an excellent lunch. Service was quick and friendly; both servers on duty during our visit hardly passed by our table without asking how we were enjoying our meals.
I ordered fishcakes and asked for mustard pickles on the side, which inspired my companions to order the same and they were served them at no extra charge.
If I had to complain about anything, it would be the fact that we were served an amazing partridgeberry sauce alongside — had I known there would be partridgeberry sauce I wouldn’t have bothered to order the pickles! All jokes aside, it was a lovely meal with service that perfectly complemented the view and the atmosphere of the Old Loft and the gorgeous town of Woody Point.
We had another positive experience with the Western Brook Pond boat tour by Bon Tours. The breathtaking views of the fjords were impressive, but the staff left another memorable impression on us.
While on the tour, we asked about their passenger ferry from Norris Point back to Woody Point later in the week.
Expecting to be handed a brochure or price list, our inquiry was instead met by the captain’s insistence to radio the headquarters in Norris point to find out the most up-to-date details. By the time we finished the tour we had all the information we needed to plan the remainder of our stay. The knowledge of the guides and the hospitality of Bon Tours staff was truly second to none.
Following another two days exploring the trails, our final day was spent in Woody Point. We took the passenger ferry from Norris Point and made a trip to the Tablelands courtesy of Martin’s Transportation, who arrived right on time at the ferry stop.
What a surprise to be greeted in the driver’s seat by the very same gentleman who assisted me with a bag and double bag of ice earlier in the week! A few anecdotes and memories about his 70-odd years living in the community were a welcome addition to the shuttle ride up to the trailhead and we were picked up and returned to the ferry with time to spare.
If you ever find yourself in the area, the Bon Tours crew and Martin’s Transportation will be sure to get you to your destination with a few laughs on the way.
We were also impressed by the excellent coffee and service at Galliot Studios, as well as the selection of unique local arts and crafts.
In the early afternoon, Capt. Mike and his staff ensured a hospitable and safe return to Norris Point. We had time for one last stop on that side of the park and spent it at Java Jack’s in Rocky Harbour.
What an amazing lunch of fresh and local food served with utmost care in a relaxed and homey atmosphere to see us off on the road back to reality after a magical journey through one of this province’s truly amazing regions.
If you have stories about being a tourist here at home and experiencing what the industry has to offer here in Newfoundland and Labrador here on the Avalon, in the west, or anywhere in between, get in touch via email or pass them along via Twitter.
I’d also be happy to answer any questions you might have about the sights and services offered in the Gros Morne area, so be sure to join the conversation @ishopandtell.