Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
The easterly island of Newfoundland, though the most inaccessible province in Canada, is actually an interesting place to visit, filled with historical sites and traditions. Newfoundland boasts a number of achievements as well, considering that it is Canada's youngest province: discovered over 500 years ago, it was the area where the first wireless transmission was received as well as being home to the most easterly point in North America, and was the site of the beginning of the first transatlantic flight in 1919.
The capital city, St. John's, hosts many of Newfoundland's tourist attractions. The dual hills of Cape Spear and Signal Hill are both regular stops for visitors and native Newfoundlanders wanting to enjoy the beautiful view of the Atlantic or learn about the province's pioneers. Signal Hill, site of Marconi's reception of the first transmission from England, can be seen from most vantage points in the city, since the top of the hill is brightly lit at night. Walking trails surround it, and reportedly it is a beautiful place from which to watch the sunrise.
Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America, overlooks the ocean from a high cliff. The landscape hides many tunnels and underground rooms used as defenses in wars long past. Lighthouses are open for visitors to walk through and climb upwards in to see an ever greater area all at once.
Similar in both name and function to Signal Hill, Placentias Castle Hill overlooks the town of Placentia and the ocean. It was once a stronghold for the French in the seventeenth century, when Newfoundlands allegiance was being decided, and is now a national historic park. The neighboring town of Argentia housed a U.S. Naval base until recently, part of which can be seen when passing through en route to the Nova Scotia-Newfoundland ferry.
Elsewhere on the island, more appealing sites for travelers exist. On the northern peninsula is Lanse aux Meadows, the only authenticated Viking site. Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an excellent spot for hikers, climbers and campers on the western shore. It is the site of one of the most breathtaking inland fjords in the world via Western Brook Pond as well as magnificent scenery in the Long Range Mountains. Terra Nova, Newfoundlands other National Park, is located centrally in the province and is a beautiful spot for camping or renting a cabin so you can enjoy nature.
If you're planning a trip to Newfoundland, you probably know all about their bizarre weather. Summers aren't very hot and winters are mild, however, it is still ideal for outdoor activity. Dozens of parks and campgrounds around the island allow you to fish, swim or hike nearby. If you are visiting while on a cruise or are willing to charter a boat, even more opportunities to see the beautiful landscape await: whales, puffins and other birds are most enchanting when viewed from upon the water, and in early spring the beach is an ideal place to observe icebergs. They drift along the Labrador Current from the west coast of Greenland, and situate themselves in the sea on the east coast, weighing as much as one million tons.
If you have access to a boat, the south coast of Newfoundland boasts many beautiful fjords and rock formations dating back to the formation of the continents themselves. Breathtaking waterfalls and abundant wildlife are just some of the attractions of being on the provincial waters. Seabirds and whales are also in their highest concentration in July, August and September, and many boat tours are available to guide you to them.
Having the highest concentration of historical sites in Atlantic Canada, the youngest province is well-deserving of its reputation for being an enchanting place to visit. The people are friendly and welcoming and there is no end to the interesting things you will find in Newfoundland.
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