I have often experienced and treasured great tourist finds in Canada while taking for granted the treasures found right here in Newfoundland. We live in a beautiful province full of adventure, charm and wonder. One place of wonder with Newfoundland tourist attractions to fulfil our sense of adventure is in western and southwestern Newfoundland. What and where are those tourist attractions in Newfoundland?
Let’s look at some of the best tourist attractions in Newfoundland specifically those in western and southwestern Newfoundland. Take the ferry to Newfoundland and be introduced to the town where the ferry docks – Port aux Basques in southwestern Newfoundland. Have your camera ready to capture the barren, rocky landscape dotted with colourful houses, a landscape often capped in cloud and fog.
Lighthouses are popular tourist attractions in Newfoundland. In the community of Rose Blanche, some 44 kms from Port aux Basques, explore the must-see lighthouse built in 1871 from local granite. The original light apparatus was designed by D & T Stevenson, lighthouse engineers from Edinburgh, Scotland. Another southwestern Newfoundland lighthouse, also built in 1871, can be found at Cape Ray where the location today is a recognized Dorset Eskimo archaeological site.
Included in the many tourist attractions in Newfoundland are networks of hiking trails. Southwestern Newfoundland has its share of trails to entice the adventure traveller, one of which is the 6 km Grand Bay West Beach Trailway located within the Town of Channel-Port aux Basques Municipal Wetland Stewardship Zone. Along the trail find the breeding grounds for the Piping Plover, a bird on the endangered species list. A similar Newfoundland tourist attraction is the well groomed trail taking visitors through the Codroy Valley Wetlands known as an Estuary of International Significance. In spring and fall, view some of the 200 species of migratory birds that make this area a major resting spot in their travels.
Museums are common Newfoundland tourist attractions. In southwestern and western Newfoundland, several stand out as ones not to be missed. The Hook and Line Museum & Interpretation Centre in Burnt Islands is a “working museum” highlighting the fishing industry. The Railway Heritage Center in Port aux Basques highlights the railway, fishery and ferry service in Newfoundland’s history. Here learn about the Astrolabes artifacts which are medieval navigational instruments dating back to the 1600’s.
Travel to the town of Stephenville; encounter many Newfoundland tourist attractions including the Stephenville Regional Museum of Art and History which has artifacts such as an old traditional stove from resettled Sandy Point dating back to 1856. For those who enjoy exploring on foot, the Walk-A-Ways Trail Network includes 14.5km of gravel and sidewalk trails throughout Stephenville.
The town of St. George’s is where you will find the Mi’kmaw Museum, one of the great Newfoundland tourist attractions highlighting the Mi’kmaq people. Drive north from Stephenville to Corner Brook where similar cultural Newfoundland tourist attractions are found. Corner Brook is well known for its outdoor adventures including Marble Mountain Ski Resort in Steady Brook. While at the resort, take one of the most exhilarating tourist attractions in Newfoundland – go ZIP LINING. In summer test your courage on the Spider Challenge!
As the Dalai Lama said, at least “Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before”. Experience exciting Newfoundland tourist attractions found in western and southwestern Newfoundland!
