5 Things to do in Port au Choix

Port au Choix, a scenic fishing village, located just off the Viking Trail on route 430-28 West on Newfoundland’s Northern Peninsula, has a rich and vibrant history spanning 6,000 years. Here, you’ll experience the historic intersection of Indigenous and European cultures, while enjoying some of the best ocean and coastal views in the province.

Here are 5 things to do when you visit.

Discover one of North America’s most fascinating archaeological finds

Long before the Europeans arrived, the sea and her bounty brought the Maritime Archaic, Dorset, Groswater and Beothuk to the region. At the Parks Canada Port au Choix National Historic Site, tour the interactive exhibits and get engrossed in the domestic, hunting, and ritual practices of these cultures, and see original artifacts, from stone-and-bone tools to exquisite carvings. There's also a replication of a life-size Dorset dwelling.

 While here, you can also take a guided tour to explore the area's fascinating limestone barrens, where you'll find ancient shoreline fossils and rare Arctic plants—some are not found anywhere else in the world. 

Enjoy fresh baked bread smothered in local jam at the French bread oven

Visit the French Rooms Cultural Centre to learn about the French fishermen who fished in this region. Then, head over to the reconstructed French bread oven...your nose will lead the way. Dressed in period costumes, local guides will demonstrate the firing up of a reconstructed French bread oven, and you’ll get to delight in freshly baked bread with local jams. 

Back inside the centre, you can learn more about the Resettlement Era and view artifacts from the Point Riche Lighthouse. 

Hike one, two, or all three, short scenic trails

 Amid a rugged coastline of unique limestone barrens, forests, and bays, you'll find three short trails to explore. The Coastal Trail is the shortest at just 1-kilometre one-way, and starts at Old Port au Choix. It crosses gentle terrain featuring a coastal tuckamore forest and ocean views, that often include whales and small fishing boats. The Dorset Trail (3 kilometres one-way) leads you to Phillip’s Garden, and features limestone barrens, tuckamore, and panoramic views from Crow Head—keep your eyes open for caribou and birds.

 The last trail, Point Riche Trail, is also 3 kilometres one-way, and features an octagonal lighthouse built in 1892. You can also expect to see limestone barrens, rock formations and incredible coastal sights.

Take a leisurely guided walk with a local (Lassy buns included)

Join Carolyn, your guide and former town mayor, for a walkabout along the seacoast. You’ll experience first-hand the craggy beauty of this region, while hearing stories about the landscape and local history, including yarns from the fishing industry.

 You may even see a moose or caribou, and you’ll definitely enjoy some lassy (molasses) buns...baked especially for you by your guide.

Shop locally made one-of-kind art at Ben’s Studio

Creating folk art from recycled lobster trap laths and individually hand-carved sculptures, local artist, Ben Ploughman crafts colourful stories about Newfoundland, and its distinct people through his rare art.

 Take a piece of place home; when you look at it, it’s guaranteed to bring fond memories of your time spent here.  

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