Dog Cove — Guest Guidebook
Guest Guidebook

Dog Cove

Port Rexton  ·  Newfoundland & Labrador
Hello & welcome
We're so glad you're here
Dog Cove was designed as a place to truly exhale — to feel the salt air, slow down, and settle in. We hope it becomes one of your favourite places on earth.

Perched above Trinity Bay on the wild Bonavista Peninsula, Dog Cove is a place apart. Spend your mornings with coffee and coastal views, your afternoons on the Skerwink Trail, and your evenings warming by the ESSE woodstove with a pint from Port Rexton Brewing. Everything here was made with intention — we hope you feel it.

A few things to know before you settle in
  • The hot tub, sauna, steam shower, and ESSE woodstove are all yours to enjoy — guides for each are in the Amenities section
  • The Skerwink Trail trailhead is just minutes away — one of Atlantic Canada's finest coastal hikes
  • Port Rexton Brewing is a short drive up the road — treat yourself to a flight or two
  • If anything isn't quite right, please reach out — we want your stay to be wonderful
WiFi — Starlink satellite

Fast and reliable, though you may notice brief dips during heavy weather — part of the charm of being truly at the edge of the world.

NetworkStarlink
PasswordD0gC0ve2025!
Arrival & departure
Come as you are, leave it as you found it
We want your arrival to feel seamless and your departure unhurried. Here's everything you need.
4:00 PM
Check-in from
11:00 AM
Check-out by
Finding your way in
  • The key lockbox is located [LOCKBOX LOCATION]
  • Lockbox code: [YOUR LOCKBOX CODE]
  • Parking is available [PARKING DESCRIPTION]
  • Don't hesitate to call or text if you have any trouble finding us — we're always happy to help
Before you head off
  • Give the kitchen a tidy — dishes washed, counters wiped, garbage bagged and left by the door
  • Ensure the ESSE woodstove fire is fully extinguished and the ash door is closed
  • Secure the hot tub cover, turn the sauna power off from the closet control, and switch off the breaker
  • Return the key to the lockbox
  • We'd love to hear how your stay was — a review means the world to us
The space
Everything at your fingertips
Dog Cove was designed with comfort and craft in mind. Here's how to make the most of every feature.
🪵
ESSE woodstove
Firewood & kindling provided
♨️
Hot tub
Year-round, pre-heated
🧖
Sauna
Finnish-style dry sauna
🚿
Steam shower
Primary bathroom
Smeg espresso
Bean-to-cup, fully automatic
🍳
Gaggenau kitchen
Combi-microwave & oven
📡
Starlink WiFi
Satellite high-speed
🌊
Ocean views
Trinity Bay panoramas
The ESSE Ironheart woodstove

One of Dog Cove's most special features — there's nothing quite like a fire crackling against the black marble wall on a Newfoundland evening.

  • Firewood and kindling are stacked in the basket beside the stove
  • Use 2–3 pieces of kindling and a firestarter to get going; add larger pieces once the fire is established
  • The two vents on the front of the stove do all the work — the lower vent (below the fire door) controls how intensely the fire burns; the upper vent (above the fire door) helps the wood combust cleanly and keeps the glass clear. Open both fully when lighting, then ease them back once the fire is going to settle into a long, slow burn
  • Please never leave the fire unattended, and ensure it is fully extinguished before sleeping or leaving
Hot tub
  • Pre-heated to [TEMPERATURE] and ready for you on arrival
  • Use the side panel arrow buttons to adjust temperature as you like
  • A quick rinse before entering helps keep the water clean and fresh
  • Maximum [NUMBER] guests at one time
  • Always secure the insulated cover after use to retain heat overnight
Sauna

The controls live in the utility closet beside the woodstove — it takes just a moment to get everything going.

TO START

  1. Head to the utility closet beside the woodstove and flip the breaker on
  2. Press the power button on the control panel on the outer left side of the closet
  3. Set your desired temperature using the controls
  4. Allow about 15 minutes to heat up, then step in and enjoy

WHEN YOU'RE DONE

  1. Press the power button on the closet control to turn the sauna off
  2. Flip the breaker off in the utility closet

Towels and a wooden ladle for the water bucket are provided inside. Drink plenty of water and take a cool-down break between rounds if you'd like.

Disenia steam shower — primary bathroom

A genuinely luxurious experience — the steam shower takes a few minutes to build up, so start it just before you're ready to step in.

  • Close the shower door fully before starting — a good seal is important for the steam to build properly
  • Use the wall control panel to switch on the steam function; set your preferred temperature and session duration
  • Steam will begin to fill the enclosure in approximately 5 minutes
  • The steam head is positioned near the floor — do not touch it during use as it becomes very hot
  • We recommend sessions of 15–20 minutes; step out to cool down if needed between rounds
  • Before opening the door, briefly run the regular shower to clear any remaining steam and avoid a rush of hot air when you exit
  • Turn the steam function off on the panel when your session is complete
  • Please take care when stepping in and out — wet surfaces can be slippery
Smeg bean-to-cup coffee machine

Freshly ground, barista-quality coffee at the touch of a button. The machine does everything for you — just add beans, water, and a cup.

MAKING A COFFEE

  1. Check that the water tank (at the rear, under the lid) has fresh water — fill if needed
  2. Check that the bean hopper (the middle compartment under the lid) has coffee beans — top up if needed
  3. Adjust the spout height to fit your cup, then position the cup underneath
  4. Press the ON/OFF button — the machine will heat up and run a quick self-cleaning rinse. When the lights stop flashing, it's ready
  5. Press your preferred drink button — Ristretto, Espresso, Lungo or Americano — and the machine will grind and brew automatically
  6. For a lighter strength, press the programme button to switch to the light menu before selecting your drink

FROTHING MILK (BCC02 only — if the steam wand is present)

  1. Fill a small jug about halfway with cold milk
  2. Position the steam wand just below the milk surface and activate the steam function
  3. Move the jug gently in a slow circular motion to build a smooth, velvety froth
  4. Turn the steam off when done and wipe the wand immediately with a damp cloth
The machine runs a short self-cleaning cycle when switched on and again when switched off after use — this is completely normal and keeps everything tasting its best.
Gaggenau BM450/451 combi-microwave oven

Functions as a microwave, convection oven, grill, or a combination of all three — excellent for reheating, baking, and everything in between.

  • Touch the display to wake the appliance from standby if the screen is blank
  • Use the function selector dial to choose your cooking mode — microwave, hot air (convection), grill, or combination
  • Use the rotary selector to set time or temperature
  • Press I to start; touch H to pause at any time
  • To cancel, turn the function selector back to 0
  • Do not use metal cookware or foil in microwave-only mode — microwave-safe dishes only
  • An audible signal sounds when cooking is complete
Quick tip: for reheating, select microwave at 600W for 2–3 minutes. For baking, select Hot Air at 170°C and allow the oven to fully preheat before placing food inside.
Gaggenau BO 480/481 built-in oven

A precision-engineered oven with a touch-sensitive panel and an automatic door that springs open at a gentle touch.

  • Touch the ! symbol to open the door — stand to the side as hot air may escape
  • Turn the function selector dial to choose your heating mode:
    • Convection — even heat throughout, ideal for baking and roasting
    • Top/bottom heat — traditional baking, great for cakes and bread
    • Grill — for browning, gratins, and flat cuts of meat
    • Defrost — gentle defrosting without heat
    • Proof — gentle warmth for rising yeast doughs
  • Set temperature with the rotary selector, press I to start
  • A preheating bar fills the display — a signal sounds when temperature is reached
  • The oven has 5 shelf levels, numbered bottom (1) to top (5)
  • Turn the selector back to 0 to switch off — the cooling fan will run briefly; this is normal
  • Always use oven gloves — everything inside gets very hot
Quick tip: for most roasting and baking, use Convection at 160–180°C. Always preheat fully before placing food inside.
The peninsula
A little wild, entirely wonderful
Port Rexton sits at the heart of one of Newfoundland's most beloved corners. The sea, the trail, and the brewery are all on your doorstep.
Skerwink Trail
Trinity East  ·  Open 24 hrs  ·  Free  ·  ~5 min walk from Dog Cove
★ 4.9
Consistently ranked among the finest coastal hikes in Atlantic Canada, and for very good reason. The 5.3 km loop traces dramatic sea cliffs high above Trinity Bay, with lookouts that will genuinely stop you in your tracks. Allow 1.5–2.5 hours and wear sturdy footwear — some sections near the summit are steep, but the views reward every step.
5.3 km loop Moderate Dogs welcome Benches along route
Port Rexton Brewery + Tap Room
6 Ship's Cove Rd  ·  Fri 4–10 PM  ·  Sat 12–8 PM  ·  ~5 min drive
★ 4.7
A craft brewery with genuine soul — warm, welcoming, and making some of the best beer in the province. The tap room has wonderful atmosphere (often with live music on weekends), and the food truck on site serves outstanding grilled cheese and poutine. The salted stout is legendary. Closed Monday through Thursday, so plan your visit for the weekend.
Craft beer Food truck on site GF options available Live music weekends
More to savour nearby
  • Trinity village — one of Newfoundland's oldest and most charming settlements; perfect for a slow afternoon wander
  • Whale watching from shore — humpbacks and minkes frequent Trinity Bay through summer; the Skerwink cliffs are an exceptional vantage point
  • Iceberg season — typically May through June, the bergs drifting past the peninsula are a sight unlike anything else
  • Nearby dining — [ADD YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS HERE]
A few gentle guidelines
Helping us take care of this place
Dog Cove was made with a great deal of love and care. We trust our guests to treat it as their own — the kind of home you're proud to leave as you found it.
1
Smoking is not permitted indoors. A designated spot outdoors is available — please dispose of cigarette ends responsibly.
2
Guest numbers should not exceed those on the booking. We're happy to discuss larger groups in advance.
3
Pets are [WELCOME / NOT PERMITTED] — please let us know ahead of arrival if you're bringing a furry companion.
4
We kindly ask for quiet after 10:00 PM — the neighbours are wonderful, and we'd love to keep it that way.
5
The ESSE stove should never be left unattended while burning, and must be fully extinguished before sleeping or leaving the property.
6
Please don't rearrange furniture, artwork, or outdoor features — the space was thoughtfully designed and we'd love it to stay that way.
7
Accidents happen — if something breaks or isn't working, please just let us know. We appreciate honesty above all else.
8
A tidy departure — dishes done, surfaces wiped, rubbish bagged — is a small kindness that makes a big difference. Thank you.
We're here for you
Get in touch anytime
We genuinely want your stay to be exceptional. If anything at all isn't right, please reach out — no question is too small.
Your hosts
Name[YOUR NAME]
Phone / WhatsApp[YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Email[YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS]
Response timeWe aim to reply within a couple of hours
In an emergency
Emergency services911
Nearest hospitalJames Paton Memorial, Gander  ·  approx. 1 hr
Property address[YOUR FULL CIVIC ADDRESS], Port Rexton, NL

If Dog Cove brought you even a little of the peace and wonder it was made for, we'd be so grateful to hear about it. A review on [AIRBNB / VRBO / GOOGLE] is the kindest thing you could leave behind — it helps others find their way here too. Thank you, truly, for being our guest.