Centuries of history and quaint fishing villages coexist with modern design and outdoor adventure in Newfoundland and Labrador. These attractions arrive at all these stops.
Signal Hill – Crédito: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism
Canada's Signal Hill National Historic Site
What if I told you that a large part of your daily life has been influenced by what happened on top of a hill in St. John's, Newfoundland? HeSignal Hill National Historic Siteit's not your daily milestone. British and French soldiers fought for control of this strategic location during the final battle of the Seven Years' War. Then, in 1901, on Signal Hill, Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic radio signal, making communications history and starting the innovation that finally led to the cell phone you may be reading this on. Today, that history is on display for visitors. Hear cannons and muskets fire as the Royal Newfoundland Regiment recreates centuries-old military exercises at Signal Hill Tattoo. Take a self-guided tour to learn about the site's military history and Marconi conquests. Hike some of the three miles of surrounding trails and enjoy spectacular views of St. John's and the ocean, and maybe even a few whales or icebergs in your wake.
cape spear lighthouse
Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site of Canada
Have you ever felt an entire country behind you? This is the unique opportunity offered bycape spear lighthouse. Canada's easternmost point, a steep cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, is also the site of Newfoundland's oldest lighthouse. Originally built in 1836, the Cape Spear Lighthouse has been restored to its original appearance. Take a self-guided tour and see how the Cantwells, the family that ran the lighthouse for 150 years, lived in the attached residence. During World War II, a fort was built at Cape Spear to keep watch over German U-boats. Remains of the bunker still exist, but instead of looking for jumping submarines, you can look for jumping whales. Enjoy the end of the world.
Ostküstenweg
Regardless of your fitness level, skill level or preferred terrain, theOstküstenwegdesigned a path for you. Do you want to take an easy ride on the water? Have it. Would you like to walk among a series of lighthouses? He can. Prefer to get a good workout climbing in rocky terrain? Oh, there are many of those. From a 50 m suspension bridge to geysers and archaeological digs, the 340 kilometers of developed and undeveloped east coast trail offer plenty of opportunities to find the hike you're looking for.
Gros Morne National Park
Gros Morne National Park
If Jurassic Park came to be, it would be hard to find a more fitting setting than this.Gros Morne National Park. The forces of nature took 485 million years to transform this park into a breathtaking wonder. Pictures can hardly do justice to the beautiful green river valleys nestled between high cliffs. These prominent flat rocky mountains are actually the Earth's exposed crust, and the location allowed geologists to test their theory about plate tectonics. Gros Morne really is a walkers dream, full of marked and unmarked trails to explore and enjoy. Forests, plains and swamps are home to a variety of rare plants and animals, so keep an eye out. Bring your camping gear; You'll probably want to stick around for a while.
Fogo Island – Credit: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism
fire insel
fire inselIt is the largest island on the long coastline of Newfoundland and Labrador. While the province is often considered a destination for outdoor adventurers and cultural explorers, Fogo Island has become a unique and prominent destination for art and architecture lovers. Central to this shift is the Fogo Island Inn, a truly beautiful luxury hotel on the waterfront along the rocky coastline. The hotel offers rooftop hot tubs, a library and decor based on local traditions, but in an award-winning building and setting that you simply won't find anywhere else. On Fogo Island, you can tour the island with a friendly islander, explore local artists' studios, enjoy simple and delicious Newfoundland specialties and tasty local delicacies, as well as indulge in traditional music and storytelling. .
Bonavista
Bonavista
If you imagine small fishing villages on the coast, the image in your head is probably not too far away.Bonavista. The town is steeped in history as the historic site of Cabot's Landing, where Italian explorer Giovanni Caboto discovered North America in 1497. Today Bonavista is a picturesque town with colorful houses along rocky coastlines and pebbled beaches. The area has a variety of historic sites, from old buildings and museums to classic coastal lighthouses, but the oldest thing you'll see on your visit are the 20,000-year-old icebergs that float by. Keep an eye out for whales and, of course, visit the full-size replica of Cabot's ship.
L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site – Bildnachweis: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism
L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
Speaking of history and discovery, it's in theL'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Siteyou will find the first evidence of a European presence in North America. Long before the Vikings visited Cabot, Newfoundland and Labrador, you can see the remains of one of their settlements at L'Anse aux Meadows. The excavated wooden structure and turf buildings date back to the 11th century and are similar to those found in Greenland and Iceland during that period. Immerse yourself in this history with the help of costumed guides, see 1,000-year-old artifacts and live like a Viking for a day in a truly befitting setting, surrounded by cliffs, coastlines and marshes.
Twillingate - Crédito: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism/Barrett and MacKay
Twins
Seafood and scenery are words you will find common when talking about them.Twins. This small and colorful fishing village on the islands of the same name is one of those places where the fish arrives fresh from the water straight to your plate. It's also the iceberg capital of the world and a great outdoor adventure destination with whale watching, beaches and kayaking to pass the time. Hiking in particular attracts many visitors, as you can wander along rocky coastal paths and pick berries on your way to a picturesque lighthouse. And if you can plan your trip for the last week of July, head over to the Fish, Fun and Folklore Festival for music, bonfires, fireworks and more.
Red Bay – Crédito: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism/Barrett and Mackay
Red Bay National Historic Site
Just a few years ago, UNESCO named themRed Bay National Historic SiteA World Heritage Site, but that title has actually been earned over the past five centuries. In the 16th century, thousands of Basque whalers hunted sea creatures in the waters of Red Bay for blubber. The whaling village remains where it was originally built, and you can still explore the remains of its furnaces and other equipment. Visit the education center to see a 26-foot 'sloop', a boat used in whaling, and compare it to the much larger whale skeletons at the site. Then, head out on your own to walk the beach or kayak through the water, keeping an eye out for large shadows moving below.
Battleport – Crédito: Benjamin Heath
combat harbor
“The Saltfish Capital of Labrador” may not sound like a particularly powerful slogan, but forcombat harborThis nickname made it the social and economic center of the region. Two centuries of history have been preserved or restored here, from fishing buildings to churches and homes, many of which are yours to stay. You can stay in what used to be a merchant or policeman's home before heading into town to explore its workplaces and other historic structures. Then settle in for a fresh meal and enjoy the same entertainment Battle Harbor has enjoyed for the last 100 years. You might come for the orcas, icebergs and hikes, but it's the atmosphere that will keep you around.