Trifter

Brigus is a historic community along the Baccalieu Trail. It is the hometown of the famous Arctic explorer, Captain Bob Bartlett, who was the greatest ice captain of the 20th century. It was he who carried Admiral Robert Perry to the North Pole in 1909. You can visit his former home at Hawthorne Cottage, which has the designation of being a National Historic Site. 2009 is the centennial of the famous North Pole trek and many activities are being planned along the Baccalieu Trail to commemorate this historic person and event.

Hawthorne Cottage

Cupids is officially the oldest settlement in Canada. It was here that Jon Guy and a group of settlers began a community in 1610. They named the location Cupers Cove. The archaeological excavations of the late 1990’s have unearthed many artefacts dating back to this time. Cupids is preparing for its 400 years of settlement, which are to be held in 2010. Visit the museum in the community to learn all about its history and to view the artefacts on display.

Cupids

Drive through the scenic communities of South River, North River and Clarkes Beach before reaching the exit to Route 72 that will take you into the fishing community of Port de Grave. You can drive along the coastline to take in spectacular views of Conception Bay or hike along the top of the cliffs. The Fishermans’ Museum in Hibbs Cove will give you an indepth look into the life of a fisherman in the past and the present. Here you can also visit a one-room school that was typical of small outports in the province.

The town of Bay Roberts is a bustling community with many malls, restaurants and stores. The Cable Building on Water Street houses the Mercantile Museum and the Christopher Pratt Art Gallery. The majestic shoreline of the Mad Rock Heritage Trail is sure to please even the most discerning visitor.

Spaniard’s Bay is named for the early Spanish settlers who fished for cod in the waters off the coast. Upper Island Cove is known for its unique culture and Harbour Grace was originally settled by the French in the 16th century. Peter Easton, a famous pirate, made this harbour his base of operations. In this town you can visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, which is the oldest stone church in the province as well as the starting point of Amelia Earhart’s first successful solo flight across the Atlantic.

Harbour Grace

Carbonear is only a few minutes drive from Harbour Grace. During the summer, Paddy’s Garden is home to the Carbonear Folk Festival and the Rorke Stores Museum will give you a glimpse of the seafaring history of the town. Walk the secluded sandy beach at Salmon Cove, where you can dip your feet in the North Atlantic or take one of the walking trails where the eagles accompany you on the trip.

The Blackhead National Historic Site marks the place of the first Methodist Church in Canada in the community of Blackhead. One of the best beaches in the province can be found at Northern Bay where there are camp sites and cottages to rent.

Northern Bay Sands

Follow Route 70 to the town of Old Perlican and then on to Bay de Verde. This is a picturesque fishing village with processing plants for crab and shrimp in operation. See the famed Baccalieu Island from a look out in Bay de Verde or from the neighboring community of Red Head Cove. Bay de Verde Heritage House has exceptional displays of the past residents of the community as well as a virtual display of Baccalieu Island. You will feel as if you are actually on the island, which is an ecological seabird reserve that is home to the world’s largest population of Leach’s Storm Petrels.

Bay de Verde

Grates Cove is a small fishing village nestled beneath the hills and on the top of steep cliffs. It is the site of the Rock Wall National Historic Site. Legend has it that John Cabot actually landed here in 1497, since this location is the closest point in North America to Ireland. Visit the Cabot Rock Heritage site and read about this legend. Take the boardwalk to the top of the Big Hill from which you can see the village spread out before you and the outlines of the rock walls the early settlers used as fences for their gardens.

When you return to Old Perlican, you can take Route 80, which is the drive along the Trinity Bay side of the Baccalieu Trail. Visit the lighthouse at Hants Harbour and learn the story surrounding the Willow Tree. Winterton is the site of a Boat Building Museum where you can learn about the boat building heritage in this area and in all of the province.

Hearts Content is the location where the first transatlantic cable came ashore in the mid-1850’s and you can learn all about this event at the Cable Station Museum, which is a Provincial Historic Site. As you continue your travels back to the Trans- Canada Highway, Route 1, stop at the Whaling and Sealing Museum in Dildo or take a boat tour to Dildo Island.

Sculpture in front of the museum in South Dildo