Red Bay
Unesco World Heritage Site
Whalers from the Basques regions of Spain and France established a major whale port here. On the shores of Red Bay, the Basques rendered whale oil that lit the lamps of Europe. Today, you can wander around the former whaling town and UNESCO World Heritage Site and immerse yourself in the traditional life of a Basques whaler.
There are several trails and other things to take in while visiting historic Red Bay. Click the box below to learn more.
Battle Harbour
Battle Harbour was once the salt fish capital of the world and is now a restored, 19th-century fishing village on a small island in the Labrador Sea. It is a beautiful National Historic Site with amazing scenery and lots of informing and interesting culture stories. There are many activities to take advantage of, such as guided walking tours, traditional culinary lessons and sightseeing.
It is located 9 miles off shore from Mary’s Harbour (101km/1h 42min drive from the lodge) and the ferry ride is 1hour and 15mins. A short boat ride from Mary’s Hr brings you back in time to this amazing settlement which has been beautifully restored to it’s original state.
Overfall Brook Trail
Forteau
This another beautiful walking trail located in Forteau (55.5km/45 min drive from the lodge) is called the Overfall Brook Trail.
The trail travels along the shoreline of Forteau Bay. The view from the trail overlooks Forteau Bay and you can see Point Amour Lighthouse in the distance. Humpback and minke whales are also commonly sighted in the bay. The trail leads to a beautiful broad waterfall which cascades over rocky cliff into the ocean.
Duration: 1 hour
Degree of Difficulty: Easy but with a challenging section up the cliff face. Choose to hike the bottom path if the water level allows.
Directions: Turn off Route 510 at intersection across from Town Centre, drive to the Labrador Pioneer Footpath trail head parking lot overlooking Forteau Bay.
Raleigh Trail
Point Amour
This trail is located at Point Amour, (32km/30min drive) away from the lodge. Follow the "Raleigh Trail" to the site of this famous wreck. The Trail follows the shoreline and is an excellent place to watch for whales, icebergs, seabirds, seals, and also see an interesting variety of arctic alpine plants.
Duration: 30 minutes
Degree of Difficulty: Easy
Point Amour Lighthouse
At 109ft, this is the tallest lighthouse in Atlantic Canada, with 127 steps to climb. When you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view of the coastline. It is still a working lighthouse that is now automated of course. The lighthouse tower and surrounding buildings have been designated a Provincial Historic Site. The residential part of the lighthouse, now renovated and partially restored to the 1850s period, houses an extensive series of exhibits portraying the evolution of lighthouse technology and the maritime history of the Labrador Straits.
L'Anse Amour
Burial Mound
About 7,500 years ago a Maritime Archaic adolescent died and was buried with reverence and ceremony near the present-day community of L'Anse Amour. The body was wrapped in a shroud of bark or hide and placed face down in the grave with the head to the west. The construction of a large mound of rocks over the grave completed the burial. The burial at L'Anse Amour has now been designated a National Historic Site of Canada. You can learn more about the Maritime Archaic Burial Mound from the interpretation panels and the commemorative plate at the site. There is also an exhibit of reproduction artifacts from the site at the Labrador Straits Museum.
Labrador Pioneer Footpath
The Labrador Pioneer Footpath takes you on a hiking adventure following traditional walking routes along the shores of the Labrador Straits. These footpaths, once the only link by land to each community, take you to historic sites and some natural wonders of the area. The Footpath, which is located near the shore, provides magnificent scenic views and lookouts for whales and icebergs. Trailheads are located at scenic locations near communities. Interpretive panels at the trailheads highlight the natural and cultural history of the region.
Bouquet Hill Trail
Located in West St Modest (12km/12 min drive) from the lodge, is a the beautiful boardwalk trail of Bouquet Hill.
The walking tail starts at the Town Centre. There are 683 steps to the top of the rail which overlooks West St. Modeste, Pinware Bay, and the Strait of Belle Isle. The trail has been used by residents in the Early to mid 1900's to access firewood and pick berries.
Duration: 30 minutes
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Length of Trail: 1.2km
