Travel Group February 24, 2022

Circumnavigation of Newfoundland

Presented by John and Sylvia Aldrich

Newfoundland has its roots in its relationship with the sea, so there is really no better way to see the island than from a ship. In fact, many communities cannot be visited without access from the sea. St. John’s is a marvellous place to walk around - so much to see on the harbour front and in the brightly coloured houses near the harbour. We sailed in a counter clockwise direction around the island, stopping at 11 locations including St. Pierre et Miquelon before ending up back in St. John’s. Among these locations were Bonavista with its famous lighthouse and where John Cabot stepped ashore in 1497; Little Bay Islands, once a thriving outport, where most of the residents have been relocated:  St. Anthony - famous for Dr. Grenfell and his medical missionary work. His house is beautifully preserved. Nearby is L’anse aux Meadow, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only authenticated Norse/ Viking site in the Americas. On to the west of the Island and Gros Morne National park for some guided hikes.

On the south coast the highlights were François, a small hamlet (population<100) which has no road access, and Miawpukek, a First Nations territory where we were treated to dancing and a drum circle.

If you are currently not on the email list of the EC travel interest group and wish to receive our mailings, please contact Paul Steinbok at psteinbok@cw.bc.ca.

A zoom link will be sent out 2 days before each meeting.