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The Tip of the Rock

Exploring the Tip

The tip of the Northern Peninsula has so much to experience…so much to explore. Travel south along the Grenfell Drive highway, Routes 432 and 433. Enjoy small logging communities, the French Shore history and watch for sightings of moose. Walk to the “Underground Salmon Pool” where you will witness a natural phenomenon: An Atlantic Salmon River surfacing from an underground cave caused by thousands of years of the erosion of a vain of limestone.

The communities of Conche, Croque, & Grandois are located along the coastline known historically as the “French Shore”. Although the French have been from these shores for nearly 100 years, traces of their presence remain with foundations of abandoned bread ovens, crosses and gravesites.

Stand where the Vikings once stood at a restored 1000-year-old Norse village, L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, the only authenticated Viking settlement in North America, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After getting the history of the Vikings visit Norstead Village, a living history attraction representing a Viking Age Village and Port of Trade. Come see the replica Viking Ship, Snorri, and experience how costumed interpreters bring this site to life.

Boasting several plants unique to Newfoundland, Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve is located near the community of Raleigh. Burnt Cape is the only Newfoundland site for the Arctic dwarf hawk’s beard. The reserve is part of the Strait of Belle Isle Barrens, one of nine eco-regions in the province.

Visit the museum of the Grenfell Historic Properties and learn about the medical missionary Sir Wilfred Grenfell. Visit the Rotunda, the best kept artistic secret in Newfoundland and Labrador. A display of ceramic murals that depicts the culture and the history of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, found in the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital. Take in an unforgettable boat tour experience of Iceberg Alley with Icebergs, Whales, and seabirds being some of the highlights. Visit a Polar Bear exhibit and learn the story of how Polar Bears visit this area in the spring, all of which is located in the community of St. Anthony.

Extend your stay and embark on a Labrador adventure filled with rugged coast line and breathtaking mountain ranges. A region that is rich with native wildlife, significant histories and distinctive cultures. Massive icebergs are a common sight along this adventure.

A key point on this trail would be a visit to the Red Bay National Historic Site of Canada, where 16th Century Basque whalers established the new worlds first Whaling Station. Where the oil produced on these shores lit all of Europe in its soft glow. It’s thought that William Shakespeare would have used this light to write his many sonnets and plays. Amazing!

Climb the tallest lighthouse in Atlantic Canada and be marveled by a fantastic 360 degree panoramic view of the deep blue waters of the Straits of Belle Isle and watch as icebergs and whales frolic in the sea. Step back in time to a restored historic fishing village on an isolated island in the Labrador Sea, Battle Harbour. A National Historic District that is an ideal destination for the adventure tourist interested in history, nature, rugged and spectacular scenery.
 

2 Responses to “The Tip of the Rock”

1. Jack Watson says:

   August 29, 2012 at 3:47 pm

   Where is the Hodding Carter’s Viking ship Snorri which he donated to
   the Canadian museum after replicating Leif Erickson’s voyage from
   Greenland to L’ance aux Meadows, Newfoundland? Thank you.
   Jack Watson

   Reply
   • admin says:

     November 7, 2012 at 10:48 am

     Hi Jack. Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. Snorri is kept at Norstead Viking Village in L’Anse aux Meadows. You can check out their site at norstead.com.

     Reply