In decline by the 1930s and abandoned in the 1960s, Battle Harbour was spared the wave of modernization that passed through Newfoundland and Labrador following Confederation with Canada in 1949. Its historical structures, some dating to the late 18th century, remained intact and untouched. Founded in the 1770s, Battle Harbour was considered the unofficial capital of Labrador, and a major centre of the salt fish trade. Sir Wilfred Grenfell established his first Labrador hospital here. When Peary returned from the North Pole, he telegraphed his triumph to the world from here. In the 1990s the Battle Harbour Historic Trust began to restore and preserve the community, for which it won a World Legacy Award from Conservation International and National Geographic Traveler. Today visitors can stay in historic residences - some without electricity - for a taste of what life was like. Battle Harbour was declared a National Historic District in 1997.
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The story goes that Jacques Cartier, the 16th century French explorer, dubbed Labrador "the land God gave to Cain." Hence the name of the 2006 snowmobile endurance race in western Labrador. The race will entail an approximate 1,200 km trek on ungroomed trails where teams of two riders and their snow machines race to the finish. Riders will travel rough terrain, brave sub-zero temperatures and test man against machine for a chance at the prize purse and of course bragging rights. For more infoirmation, please go to www.cainsquest.com.
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Both the feature film The Shipping News and the TV mini-series Random Passage were filmed in the Trinity Bight area on Newfoundlands Bonavista Peninsula. The Random Passage set, featuring 1830s-style houses and fishing buildings, is the province's first movie tie-in attraction. Its open to the public in summer and a local group is trying to preserve it as an ongoing attraction. For further information, contact Bernice Miller at 709-464-2233.
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Yet another feature film, the romantic comedy Rare Birds starring William Hurt, was shot on location in and around St. John's. Hurt plays Dave Purcell whose marriage is on the rocks and whose restaurant is empty until his neighbour, played by Andy Jones, hatches a scheme to attract bird watchers, with unforseen - and mostly comic - consequences. Since a lot of the story takes place in a restaurant, the producers brought in a food stylist and chef Bob Arniel of St. Johns who showed Hurt what a chef actually does in the kitchen of a top-notch restaurant. In learning the chef's role, Hurt also did kitchen duty for three nights at The Cellar, a top St. Johns restaurant. The customers had no idea there was a Oscar winner preparing their food. For more information, contact Gillian Marx at 709-729-2832.
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The Newfoundland Insectarium at Reidville on Newfoundlands west coast has added a butterfly house for 2002, to supplement is exhibits of live and mounted insects from around the world. In the house butterflies will fill their air and enchant visitors of all ages. For more information, contact Lloyd Hollett at 709-635-4545zap:/686-5111.
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Well, now you can learn to sail in the famous North Atlantic waters of Newfoundland & Labrador. The Sea School of Newfoundland offers five day sail-and-stay packages, and specialty boating courses. For more information, contact James Miller at 709-229-3334.
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Explore this famous trail along Newfoundlands Avalon Peninsula in style. Half-day to multi-day treks feature interpretive guides, meals, lodging, and van support. See whales, icebergs, and seabirds, visit the heart of Irish Newfoundland. For more information, contact Stan Cook at 709-753-1432.
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Come join us as we sail, row, and take a motorized trap skiff to traditional coastal fishing villages to view coastal wildlife like seabirds and whales, and a traditional beach boil-up. For more information, contact Loyola Pomroy at 709-364-3701.
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As in Quirpon Lighthouse Inn, which offers independent and group itineraries featuring whales, icebergs, and culture. This former lighthouse set on an island in northern Newfoundland is absolutely unique, overlooking Iceberg Alley where the bergs drift by the area with Newfoundlands longest iceberg season. Access is by boat or helicopter, the furniture and quilts are handmade, and the food is excellent. For more information contact Ed English at 709-634-2285.
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Coastal Safari takes you by boat to a wilderness camp on the shores of undiscovered Fortune Bay where you can hike, go sea kayaking, and see birds - including eagles - whales, and caribou. The food is great, and there are even hot showers, a real wilderness luxury. Small groups. For more information, contact Anna Buffinga at 709-579-3977.
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Our European ancestors came from the West Country of England, and from Ireland, Spain, Portugal, and France. They came to fish, pursuing what is still the most dangerous job in the world. Gradually many settled our shores and carved out an existence amidst the rocky terrain and merchants hostile to settlement. And they survived. For generations our people have made a living from the perilous sea. In spite of the hardships, and sometimes overwhelming adversity, they persevered and lived to tell the tale. Their stories, songs spirit have survived. Experience our unique heritage through a physical and cultural journey along our rugged shores of the Discovery Trail.
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Port Union, home of Sir William Coaker, founder of the Fishermen's Protective Union, an alliance that shook the foundation of the ruling merchant class in Newfoundland and Labrador during the early twentieth century. The FPU was the first major co-operative movement in Newfoundland. It also brought electricity to some rural communities and, most of all, dignity to its members.
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With over 130 root cellars - small storage spaces skillfully built into the hillsides - Elliston has an unusual heritage. Important to many in rural Newfoundland, the root cellars kept vegetables cool, yet frost free and edible during the long winter months. Elliston is also a great place to observe a variety of seabirds, including the colourful puffin, which can be viewed at close range in its natural habitat. The puffin spends most of the year at sea, coming to shore to nest and raise its young. Some are terrific divers. Once called Bird Island Cove, Elliston is surrounded by numerous tiny islands, one of the best puffin colonies in Newfoundland.
Media enquiries about happenings in Newfoundland & Labrador should be directed to:
Gillian Marx
Marketing Specialist - Media Relations
Tel: 709-729-2832
Fax: 709-729-0057
Email: gmarx@gov.nl.ca
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