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Newfoundland-Labrador
BEST KEPT SECRET
Seek ye first the kingdom of God
The province of Newfoundland and Labrador is
located at the most eastern edge of Canada and is one of the country's best
kept secrets.
The island of Newfoundland boasts North America's oldest city, St. John's, as
one of its main attractions. Stroll down the streets of this idyllic town and
take in the awesome view of the harbour from historic Signal Hill, St. John's
most recognizable attraction and a designated National Historic Site.
Newfoundland's craggy shoreline is the perfect place for picnicking, exploring
and bird watching.
Fishing, always the primary industry in the province, has spawned a number of
quaint traditional villages along the inlets and bays, the streets of which
are lined with colourful clapboard houses and exceptionally friendly and
gracious locals.
Visit Gros Morne National Park, designated a world-class heritage site because
of its unusual geography, by travelling to northern tip of the island. The
untamed wilderness of Labrador offers the perfect destination for outdoor
adventurers.
A former colony and dominion of the United Kingdom, it became the tenth
province to enter the Canadian Confederation on 31 March 1949. The province's
population is estimated to be 510,272. Approximately 94% resides on the Island
of Newfoundland.
Confederation Building, St. John's, Newfoundland
St. John's
The Capital of NFL & Labrador
Come discover one of the oldest cities in North America. A
city unlike any other. Cradled in a harbour carved from 500 million year old
rock.
Surrounded by hills running down to the ocean. Quaint side streets of a
thousand colours. Friendly faces wait to greet you. Where old and new, city
and nature, live as neighbours.
St. John's and its surrounding area bound with spectacular ocean, scenery,
wonderful urban parks, charming streetscapes and significant historical sites.
Visitors quickly discover why St. John's calls itself 'The City of Legends'.
St. John's, Newfoundland.
Attractions
Anglican Cathedral of St John the
Baptist: Also dedicated to St John the Baptist, the Anglican
cathedral on Church Hill (a short distance south of the basilica) is likewise
a National Historic Site. The cathedral, the foundation stone of which was
laid in 1849, was designed by Gilbert Scott and ranks among the finest
examples of pure neo-Gothic architecture in North America. It also has fine
interior furnishings.
Arts and Culture Centre: Strikingly modern
in its architecture the Arts and Culture Center in St John's, on Prince Philip
Drive was built in 1967 for the centenary celebrations. It plays a leading
part in the province's cultural life and incorporates a quite exceptional
theatre, two art galleries, a museum of the sea, three libraries and a
commercial art school.
Basilica of St John the Baptist: Also in
Military Road, on the highest point of the ridge above the city (fine view
over the Narrows), stands Newfoundland's architecturally most important
building, the Basilica of St John the Baptist (1842-92). Built in the form of
a Latin cross and graced by slender twin towers 42 m (138 ft) high, the
Basilica is noted for some fine statues and its beautiful ornate gold leaf
ceiling.
Cabot Tower: was built in 1897 to mark the
four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of Newfoundland. It also now
commemorates Guglielmo Marconi's reception here in 1901 of the first
transatlantic radio telegraphy signal, transmitted over a distance of 2700 km
(1700 mi.) from Poldhu in England. In the tower are exhibitions on the history
of Signal Hill and the history of communications with a special section on
Marconi.
George Street: Come kiss the Code, with
its many restaurants George Street is a popular city center rendezvous in St
John's.
Quidi Vidi: a delightful little fishing
community which forms part of St John's, is situated on a small cliff-enclosed
inlet on the north side of Signal Hill. A narrow channel links the inlet with
Quidi Vidi Lake, where the oldest sporting event in North America, the annual
St John's Regatta, is held.
Signal Hill: the steep cliffs of which
make up the north side of the harbor entrance in St John's, was the scene of
the final engagement of the Seven Years' War between Britain and France.
During the annual Military Tattoo, held here the battle is commemorated by the
sounding of the last post.
Water Street: For more than 400 years
Water Street, one of the oldest streets in North America, was the commercial
center of St John's. It is still the meeting place for sailors from all over
the world, with a host of inviting shops, restaurants and bars.
Cabot Tower atop Signal Hill, St. John's.
Avalon Region
Harbour Grace, Placentia, St John's, Torbay, Trepassey and Wabana
Welcome to the Far East. Where Newfoundland and North
America begins. And where the sun shines first, at Cape Spear National
Historic Site.
It was here, in the easternmost city of St. John's, that Alcock and Brown took
off on the very first non-stop air crossing of the Atlantic in 1919. And it
was here that Marconi ushered in the modern era of long-distance wireless
communications, receiving the first transatlantic signal atop Signal Hill in
1901.
Back in 1866, the first successful transatlantic telegraph cable was landed at
Heart's Content. The old Cable Station turned Provincial Historic Site is now
open for tours.
History runs deep in the capital city of St. John's, where people have been
living since the 1620s. Today, the lively city that grew up around its perfect
sheltered harbour continues to thrive.
In Historic downtown St. John's you'll find all the nightlife and restaurants
for which the port city is famous. The Grand Concourse, a series of walking
trails that covers the city from hills to lakes to coast to valleys, is a
great way to explore its many charms.
Outside St. John's, life is a little quieter. Conception Bay is filled to the
brim with older fishing towns, where Old World traditions still hold sway.
Some of the best whale-watching territory in the province can be found along
the Irish Loop. Because here, thousands of mammoth humpbacks cross paths with
southbound icebergs in the midst of millions of seabirds breeding and raising
their young. It's a triple natural treat..
George Street, St. John's
Attractions
Castle Hill National Historic
Site: Castle Hill National Historic Park is between Placentia and
Highway 100. It is the site of English and French fortifications, whose
history is told in the Interpretive Center. Fort Royal was built by the French
in 1693 then handed over 20 years later to the British, who renamed it Castle
Hill. There is a magnificent view from here over Placentia Bay, and from Le
Gaillardin, 10 minutes' walk away, a redoute built by the French in 1692.
(Placentia)
Cape Spear Historic Park: Open all year
round, Cape Spear National Historic Park, 11 km (7 mi.) south of St John's, is
the most easterly point in North America, and has Newfoundland's oldest
lighthouse. Dating from 1835 it was in operation until 1955 and is now an
interesting museum. In addition there are massive half-ruined gun emplacements
from the Second World War, including the barrels of two guns each weighing 30
tons and having a range of 13 km. (St John's)
Flat Rock: has a history going back at
least to 1689. The village, where the sea has a very heavy swell, has indeed a
huge flat rock forming a natural jetty and beach. Flat Rock is also known for
its cave containing an altar to the Virgin which brings many pilgrims to the
village every year. (Flat Rock)
Marine Drive: one of the oldest roads in
Newfoundland, begins in St John's on Highway 30 and meets Highway 20 in Torbay.
There are good views of the Atlantic from several points.
St. John's: see The Capital of NFL &
Labrador top of page.
Bishop Falls Dam, Newfoundland.
Central Region
Bishop's Falls, Buchans, Burgeo, Gander, Grand Falls, Lewisporte, Morrisville, Wesleyville and Windsor
The interior, covered with huge stands of birch, spruce,
and pine, provides sustenance for surrounding mill towns like Grand
Falls-Windsor. Scores of bays, big and small, and dotted with islands, the
northeast coast attracts humpback whales and towering icebergs each spring. On
the south coast, a handful of remote communities nestled around secluded
harbours are still only accessible only by boat.
Discover the story of the Beothuks, a people who once hunted and fished here,
at the Beothuk Interpretation Centre at Boyd's Cove. Notre Dame Bay is teeming
with humpback whales and icebergs. See them from the coast or from a tour
boat. For the more adventurous, explore the coastline and all of its visitors
up close and personal from the seat of a kayak.
Heading northeast on Route 340 off the main highway, clapboard houses sit atop
the rocky coast as wharves and boats testify to the continuing importance of
the centuries-old fishing industry.
The Barbour Living Heritage Village in New-Wes-Valley is a must-see featuring
architectural gems, historic buildings, tours, and dinner theatres that tell
the stories of this fascinating part of the coast. Just down the road, find
impressive stretches of light sandy beaches (without the usual crowds) at
Windmill Bight, Musgrave Harbour, and Lumsden.
Dubbed the Crossroads of the World due to its international airport, the town
of Gander features an outstanding aviation museum complete with vintage
aircraft like a Hudson Bomber.
Attractions
Barbour Heritage Village: explores the lives of the Barbour family, a typical merchant family involved in the sealing and fishing industry in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. The village, with its many historic buildings. (Newtown)
Central Newfoundland:
is still largely untouched wilderness. Mostly marsh and moorland, it is
covered with typical northern vegetation such as sheep laurel, caribou moss
and Labrador tea, from which the Indians used to make a brew when they
traveled.
Terra Nova National Park: The Terra Nova National Park on the
shores of Bonavista Bay south-east of Gander is a heavily glaciated region of
wooded hills and indented coastline, with deep, narrow fiords extending far
inland. In spring the coastal waters are dotted with icebergs carried down by
the Labrador current. The beaches in the Park are extremely beautiful but the
coldness of the water makes them unsuitable for bathing.
Trinity Battery: Above the Trinity marina
can be seen the remains of the Battery at Admiral's Point, which was destroyed
by the French in 1762. It had been surrendered by the British garrison in the
middle of the 18th Century. (Trinity)
Trinity Museum: Over 1000 items are on
display in the historical little Trinity Museum and Archives, built in 1880
and open every day in summer; these include models of ships and items
connected with whale-catching and with handicrafts such as shoe-making and
barrel-making. (Trinity)
Cape Bonavista, Newfoundland.
Eastern Region
Bonavista, Goobles, Marystown, Port Blandford and St. Lawrence
The Eastern Region stretches from John Cabot's historical
landing place on the Bonavista Peninsula to the gateway of France on the Burin
Peninsula, with many points of interest in between.
Explore villages established in the 16th century during the expansion of the
British migratory fishery. And hear the distinct lilt of the language and
colourful colloquialisms along the way.
John Cabot's landing at Bonavista in 1497 is commemorated with a statue at
Cape Bonavista. For an intriguing history lesson on the fishery, the economic
mainstay of the area for five centuries, visit the Ryan Premises National
Historic Site. And see a replica of Cabot's ship nearby.
Down the coast at Trinity, find everything from Shakespeare to comedy to
walking tours of Trinity at one of the season's biggest attractions.
On the Burin Peninsula, you'll find yourself closer to the Grand Banks and the
very last bit of French territory in North America. A short ferry ride from
the town of Fortune brings you to the islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon,
where you can enjoy breads and wines straight from France. It's also a great
place for birdwatching and nature viewing.
And here, along a coast that has seen many maritime tragedies, including the
1942 sinking of two U.S. warships and the heroic rescue of scores of sailors
from nearby Chamber Cove, the epic story is commemorated in sculpture in the
centre of town.
Attractions
Cape Bonavista: A very
beautiful stretch of road leads to Cape Bonavista which is probably that
sighted by John Cabot in 1497 and which he named Bonavista, or "beautiful
view". The cape is quite magnificent with its breakers, clear blue sea and
interesting rock formations. Here stands a statue of Cabot in memory of the
first man to discover North America, although more recent research throws
doubt on the authenticity of his claim. The old lighthouse, a Provincial
Historic Site, dates from 1843 and was restored about 1870.
Southern Newfoundland Seamen's Museum: In
the Southern Newfoundland Seamen's Museum, built in triangular blocks to
imitate sails, will be found some interesting exhibits illustrating the
history of fishing on the "banks" and the lives of the fisherfolk. Of special
interest are photographs of ships and fish, as well as models of the ships
which were used. (Grand Bank)
Cartwright as the Sir Robert Bond prepares to set sail.
Labrador Region
Cartwright, Happy Valley, Goose Bay, Hopedale, Red Bay and Twin Falls
A journey through Labrador, one of the last great
wilderness areas on the planet, is the perfect antidote to all those previous
prepackaged vacation transgressions.
A big land in every sense, stretching from the Strait of Belle Isle in the
south to Cape Chidley in the far north, it boasts towering mountains, massive
rock faces, and an infinite supply of lakes and rivers. Here, you'll find
plenty of fresh air, crystal clear water, and the most authentic people all
under the same big sky.
North of Saglek Bay, eons of glacial action, erosion, and internal upheaval
have collectively carved a landscape that stands as a monument to the earth of
a million years ago in a mysterious beauty of a place called the Torngats.
This is where outdoor aficionados can indulge their passion in every way, with
thousands of square kilometres to hike, photograph, and explore. And where
rivers challenge even the most adventurous whitewater canoeists.
Teeming with game and fish, Labrador is also a pristine paradise for sports
fishermen and hunters. And there are plenty of experienced and resourceful
outfitters to guide you along the way.
Attractions
Churchill Falls: has
what is considered to be one of the world's greatest hydro-electric power
site. The main reservoir, covering an area of 3520 sq. km (1359 sq. mi.), is
as big as Sicily, and the water drops 300 m (985 ft) over a distance of about
32 km (20 mi.)
Labrador Heritage Society Museum: Learn
the history of Labrador, the land and its people through the many photographs,
book collections and historic manuscripts held at this museum. Trapping
displays consist of a "tilt" (a rudimentary form of shelter used in the
wilderness), tools of the trade and many beautiful native furs including
beaver, red fox and silver fox. (Goose Bay)
Northern Lights Building: Nature scenes
and life-like displays of Labrador wildlife can be viewed at the Northern
Lights Building. Animals included in the displays are the black bear, wolf,
fox, lynx, otter, beaver, bald eagle, loon, duck and the Canada Goose. Visit
the trapper's brook complete with running water and sound effects and catch a
view of the Aurora Borealis. Also on display (on the lower section of the
building) is one of the largest collections of O Gauge Lionel toy trains on
the east coast of Canada. (Goose Bay)
Western Brook Pond Fjord, Gros Morne National Park.
Western Region
Bartletts Harbour, Big Brook, Corner Brook, Deer Lake, St. Andrews and St. Georges
This little corner of the island, which stretches from
Channel-Port aux Basques on the southwest corner of Newfoundland to the Viking
site at the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula, is anything but small.
With ancient mountains, fjords, and thousands of miles of coastline, it's more
like a small country. This wild and rugged kingdom sports abundant breathing
room and a unique geological history going back 1.25 billion years, as well as
a relatively young human history ' a mere 4,500 years old ' that is still
being uncovered today.
Headliner Gros Morne National Park, offers more than 100 kilometres of hiking
trails for leisurely strolls and challenging treks through rock formations
thrown up from the earth's core in a spell of tectonic upheaval. A climb to
the top comes complete with panoramic views of the spectacular mountainous
landscape and glacier-carved fjords.
Stumble across the very first European settlement of the new world at L'Anse
aux Meadows. This Viking village features a reconstructed complex of sod huts
that gives you a true day in the life of Nordic visitors a thousand years ago
- half a millennium before Columbus.
From Corner Brook, you can let the drama prevail at summer theatre festivals
in Cow Head or Stephenville. Or, head down to the sandy shores of Burgeo to
enjoy a day at the beach where you can sea kayak around the unspoiled
coastline in complete serenity.
Attractions
Corner Brook Museum and Archives:
is housed in a building completed in the 1920's. It served as a Post Office,
Telegraph Office, and Court Room. The heritage of Corner Brook is highlighted
along with guided tours, community archives, children's activities and
educational programs. (Corner Brook)
East Arm Fiord: Route No. 430 from
Wiltondale to Rocky Harbour on East Arm Fiord is another beautiful road. After
Baker's Brook there is a lovely stretch along the coast, with views of the
mountains around Bonne Bay to the south.
Gros Morne National Park: is undoubtedly
one of the most impressive natural features in eastern Canada, a magnificent
landscape of fiords and mountains, partly covered with dense forest, and with
wildlife and plant life adapted to cold conditions which are found scarcely
anywhere else so far south.
The slopes of the Gros Morne (French for "big bleak hill") end in a plateau at
about 600 m (1970 ft), with cliffs dropping down to the deep fiords (750 m
(2460 ft)) of the Gulf of St Lawrence.
The park clearly shows the results of 400 million years of continental drift
followed by successive ice ages which ended 12,000 years ago. The Long Range
Mountains are amongst the oldest mountains.
Western Brook Gorge: cutting through the
Long Range Mountains, is one of the most spectacular sights in North America.
It is 200 m (656 ft) deep, with steep faces towering as high as 600 m (197 ft)
on either side, and an 8 km (5 mi.) circular trail on a wooden walk-way leads
through magnificent forests and marshy meadows to the edge of the "Pond" the
central part of which can only be reached by boat.