1. A VISIT TO CAPE SPEAR NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
history, activities, and story to tell, and all are worth taking the time to get to know. It takes about 2 hours to drive from the South Side community of Trout River Pond to the furthest North community of Cow Head. The Northern portion of the park is home to the communities of Cow Head, St. Paul’s and Sally’s Cove, and features stunning sandy beaches, the breathtaking Western Brook Pond (a must-see attraction), and several Parks Canada hiking trails interpretive site, and campgrounds. Rocky Harbour, the largest town in the region, serves as the “gateway” to Gros Morne and offers a wealth of amenities and activities for visitors. Norris Point, a picturesque town nestled on the shores of Bonne Bay, boasts a host of outdoor activities on the water and in the surrounding community trails. The south side communities of Trout River Pond, Woody Point, and Glenburine-Birchy Head-Shoal Brook can be accessed via route 431 and offer four seasons of fun, from exploring the unique “Tablelands” to enjoying the many Parks Canada hiking trails, campgrounds, and interpretive sites. 3. TAKE A STEP BACK IN TIME AT THE MISTAKEN POINT ECOLOGICAL RESERVE One of Newfoundland & Labrador’s UNESCO sites is Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve nestled along Newfoundland’s Southern Shore is a haven for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This site is one of the best places on the planet to step back into a world frozen in time as you explore over 100 bedding planes adorned with fossils dating back 580 to 541 million years ago. Known as the Ediacara biota, these fascinating creatures offer a glimpse into the dawn of the oldest and largest complex multi-cellular life forms found anywhere on Earth.
Cape Spear National Historic Site is the most easterly point in North America and the perfect place to be the first to see the sunrise. If you stand at the Cape Spear Lighthouse – the oldest surviving lighthouse in the province with your back to the sea, the entire population of North America stretches out in front of you. And there’s nothing behind you until Ireland. Constructed in 1836, Cape Spear Lighthouse is a striking example of the unique lighthouse architecture of the period. Rising up from the centre of the square lightkeeper’s residence, the all-important light was a beacon of safe passage until 1955, when a new lighthouse tower was built nearby, using the original light. 2. A VISIT TO THE TABLELANDS AT GROS MORNE NATIONAL PARK In the heart of Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland lies an otherworldly landscape that defies expectations and reveals a glimpse into the Earth’s ancient past. The Tablelands, a geological wonder only seen in a few places on the planet, showcases a rare phenomenon where a portion of the Earth’s mantle has been thrust up through the crust. This extraordinary natural site, forged over half a billion years, stands as a testament to the remarkable forces of geology and these rocks are some of the oldest on the planet offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness the Earth’s inner soul exposed like never before. There are several ways to enjoy the Tablelands, regardless of the season Gros Morne National Park is home to seven communities roughly located in the southern, central, and northern portions of the park. Each area has its own colorful
132 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 25 ISSUE 2
HEALTH & WELLNESS • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE 133
Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting