Fodor's Expert Review Government House

The lieutenant governor—the Queen's representative in Newfoundland—lives at Government House, which was built in the 1830s. Myth has it that the 12-foot ditch surrounding the structure was intended to keep out snakes, though Newfoundland is one of the few regions in the world to have no snakes. The original governor, so the story goes, was expecting a warmer colony where serpents might be a problem. In fact, the moat was designed to allow more light into the basement rooms. House tours (free) can be arranged by appointment. The marvelous garden is open all year for you to explore on your own.