The eastern region stretches from John Cabot’s historical landing place on the Bonavista Peninsula to the gateway of France on the Burin Peninsula, with many points of interest in between.
Explore villages established in the 16th century during the expansion of the British migratory fishery. And hear the distinct lilt of the language and colourful colloquialisms along the way.
John Cabot’s landing at Bonavista in 1497 is commemorated with a statue at Cape Bonavista. For an intriguing history lesson on the fishery, the economic mainstay of the area for five centuries, visit the Ryan Premises National Historic Site. And see a replica of Cabot’s ship nearby.
Down the coast at Trinity, find everything from Shakespeare to comedy to walking tours of Trinity at one of the season’s biggest attractions, the annual Seasons in the Bight Theatre Festival. This is also a great area to go whale-watching or hiking, catch a glimpse of an iceberg, and explore the many historic buildings.
Port Union is the only union-built town in North America. Visit the home of its founder, Sir William F. Coaker, and hear the unusual story of the Fishermen’s Protective Union.
Another off-the-beaten-path destination is Elliston, a place with almost as many root cellars as houses. Some of the cellars, carved out of the earth, are still used to store veggies today.
On the Burin Peninsula, you’ll find yourself closer to the Grand Banks and the very last bit of French territory in North America. A short ferry ride from the town of Fortune brings you to the islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon, where you can enjoy breads and wines straight from France. It’s also a great place for birdwatching and nature viewing.
Grand Bank stages a series of plays each summer that illuminate the town’s long and colourful history. Stroll down the main streets and enjoy the old architecture. Learn about the sometimes tragic but always proud fishing heritage of the area at the Seamen’s Museum.
Explore the Burin Peninsula’s natural history through the talks and walks of the ecomuseum in Winterland. Bring your binoculars for some wonderful birdwatching here, along the coast, and in Placentia Bay.
Despite a rich fishing history, mining tells an important story in St. Lawrence. Learn about the realities of a mining life at the St. Lawrence Memorial Miner’s Museum.
And here, along a coast that has seen many maritime tragedies, including the 1942 sinking of two U.S. warships and the heroic rescue of scores of sailors from nearby Chamber Cove, the epic story is commemorated in sculpture in the centre of town.