Month: October 2024

For generations of mariners navigating the treacherous waters off Newfoundland’s coast, the light at Cape Bonavista was a vital guide, offering a reassuring connection to land as they sailed through the darkness.

Standing tall against the rugged coastline, this historic lighthouse has been a beacon of safety and hope since its construction in 1843.

As one of the few lighthouses in the world where visitors can still climb the stone tower, Cape Bonavista Lighthouse offers a rare opportunity to experience maritime history firsthand. Ascend the stairs, and you’ll find the original catoptric light apparatus, …

Immerse yourself in the history of Canada’s east coast at historic fishing premises where the story of a 500-year-old industry comes to life. This site is more than just a museum – it’s a place where the past and present meet, offering a unique glimpse into the deep-rooted culture that has shaped the region for centuries.

As you explore the premises, you’ll have the opportunity to hear firsthand the reminiscences of the site’s interpreters. These knowledgeable guides, often with deep connections to the fishing industry themselves, share stories passed down through generations.

Their accounts bring to …

In the mid-16th century, the frigid waters of the Strait of Belle Isle, off the coast of Labrador, became the center of a thriving and perilous industry. Drawn by the abundance of right and bowhead whales, whalers from the Basque region of Spain and France embarked on a daring venture that would leave a lasting mark on the history of North America.

Over 450 years ago, Basque whalers established a major whaling port at Red Bay, a remote and rugged harbor that would become one of the most important whaling stations in the world. For nearly 70 years, these whalers braved the dangerous, month-long journey across the Atlantic, driven…

At the northernmost tip of Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula, history comes alive in a way that few places on earth can match. Here, at L’Anse aux Meadows, lies the first known evidence of European presence in the Americas – a remarkable testament to the Norse expeditions that set sail from Greenland over a thousand years ago.

L’Anse aux Meadows is where the Vikings, led by Leif Erikson, established a small encampment of timber-and-sod buildings, marking the earliest European settlement on this continent.

As you explore this ancient site, you’re transported back in time, surrounded by the …

Imagine stepping back in time to a place where the modern world feels a million miles away. Battle Harbour, a remote island in Canada, offers such an experience. Here, the distance from the present is measured not just in miles, but in centuries.

Your adventure begins with a boat journey, the only way to reach this secluded haven. As you approach, you’ll notice the absence of power lines, cell towers, cars, and even paved roads. The island is a preserved snapshot of the past, where footpaths worn by generations of fishermen and merchants guide your steps.

This is a place where the hustle and bustle of modern life…