Detour Destinations for Newfoundland and Labrador History Buffs
- Tales from The Rock
- Jan 15
- 5 min read
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) continues to be on many Travel Bucket Lists - whether visitors take in our natural beauty, our culinary delights, or our marine wildlife, everyone has something special on their 'must visits' list.
Have you heard of the recent trend of DETOUR DESTINATIONS? DDs, as they are affectionately called, are special vacation spots that are 'off the beaten path'. These locations offer an incredible experience and awesome insight, away from the crowds of main stays like St. John's and Gros Morne. These DDs are perfect if you love hidden historical gems - maybe you want to dig deeper than the typical travel experience, offering a chance to explore ancient archaeological sites, forgotten fishing settlements, and locations where real stories of courage and survival come to life.
Some of these spots might not have a single hotel or restaurant for miles. We're talking pure, raw Newfoundland and Labrador - where the landscape tells more stories than any guidebook ever could. Pack your favourite snacks, bring a good camera, and prepare for the kind of travel memories that'll make everyone back home jealous!
Whether you're a history buff, an adventure seeker, or just someone who loves discovering the unexpected, these Detour Destinations will show you a side of Newfoundland and Labrador that most travellers never see.
1. Battle Harbour Historic District, Labrador
A meticulously preserved 19th-century fishing community that offers an immersive historical experience on a remote Labrador island.
What Makes it Special
- Authentic preservation of a traditional Newfoundland and Labrador fishing settlement
- Provides insight into maritime life from the 19th century
- Offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience historical coastal living
Where to Stay
Visitors can stay in restored historic buildings within the Battle Harbour site, offering authentic accommodation that matches the historical experience.
2. Kitjigattalik - Ramah Chert Quarries, Northern Labrador
An ancient quarry site revealing prehistoric Indigenous tool-making techniques.
What Makes it Special
- Evidence of prehistoric Indigenous stone tool production
- Rare archaeological site demonstrating ancient technology
- Insights into Indigenous trade and efficient ways to use the resource you have
Where to Stay
Extremely limited accommodations, you’ll likely require specialized expedition arrangements.
3. Fleur de Lys Soapstone Quarries, Northern Peninsula
A national historic site showcasing ancient Indigenous stone extraction techniques.
What Makes it Special
- Evidence of Dorset people's soapstone quarrying (500 BCE - 500 CE)
- Unique preservation of Aboriginal stone technology
- Visible quarrying marks and soapstone extraction sites
Where to Stay
Accommodations in Fleur de Lys or nearby communities on the Baie Verte Peninsula.
4. Conche, Northern Peninsula
Conche is a small, picturesque fishing village on the eastern side of Newfoundland's Northern Peninsula, rich in history and cultural significance. This remote location offers visitors a unique glimpse into Newfoundland's French heritage and fishing traditions. Don’t be fooled by the name though, because this English-speaking community has welcomed visitors from all around the world.
What Makes it Special:
-home to the French Shore Tapestry (at the French Shore Interpretation Centre)
-its a 227-foot long embroidered tapestry that depicts the history of the French Shore
-this remarkable piece of folk art, created by local women, illustrates 400 years of history and is often compared to the Bayeux Tapestry in France
Where to Stay:
Accommodations often changes, but there are a couple of great spots, like Birdie's by the Sea. Another option might be boon-docking at the Interpretation Centre or by Sailor Jack's Hill.
5. Cape Ray Lighthouse, Port aux Basques Region
A historic lighthouse site dating back to 1871, offering a unique blend of maritime, telecommunications, and archaeological history on Newfoundland's isolated southwest coast.
What Makes it Special
- First light seen when crossing the Gulf of St. Lawrence to Port aux Basques
- One of five lighthouses that piloted Marconi's telegraph invention
- Houses a museum and interpretation centre in the former keeper's dwelling
- Site of a Dorset Paleoeskimo archaeological dig
- Designated as a "Receiving the World Communications" site
- Rebuilt multiple times due to fires, showcasing its enduring importance
Where to Stay
While there are no accommodations at the lighthouse itself, visitors can find lodging options in nearby Port aux Basques, about a 30-minute drive away. The town offers a range of hotels, motels, and bed & breakfasts catering to various budgets and preferences.
6. Provincial Seamen's Museum, Grand Bank, Burin Peninsula
A museum dedicated to preserving the maritime heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador.
What Makes it Special
- Housed in a building resembling schooner sails
- Artifacts depicting sea and land life from 1800s to mid-1900s
- Unique architectural design
- Seasonal exhibits and programs
Where to Stay
Accommodations available in Grand Bank and surrounding Burin Peninsula communities.
7. Boyd's Cove Beothuk Interpretation Centre, Eastern Newfoundland
A significant archaeological site marking the location of a large Beothuk village, now an Interpretation Centre (aka museum) dedicated to this vanished Indigenous culture.
What Makes it Special
- Site of a 300-year-old Beothuk village
- 1.5 km interpretive trail showcasing archaeological findings
- Bronze sculpture "The Spirit of the Beothuk" by Gerald Squires
- Exhibits featuring artifacts of the Beothuk people
Where to Stay
Nearby accommodations in Notre Dame Bay region, with potential options in Lewisporte or Twillingate.
8. Cupids Cove Plantation, Avalon Peninsula
Canada's first English settlement, offering archaeological insights into early colonial life.
What Makes it Special
- Established in 1610
- Ongoing archaeological excavations
- Preserved artifacts from original plantation site
- Represents the earliest European settlement in Canada
Where to Stay
Accommodations in Cupids and nearby Conception Bay communities.
9. Colony of Avalon, Ferryland, Avalon Peninsula
A meticulously reconstructed 17th-century settlement providing deep historical insights.
What Makes it Special
- Archaeological reconstructions
- Ongoing archaeological digs
- Interpretive exhibits about early European settlement
- Comprehensive historical interpretation
Where to Stay
Accommodations in Ferryland and surrounding Avalon Peninsula communities.
10. Chamber Cove, St. Lawrence, Avalon Peninsula
A historically significant location commemorating a dramatic World War II maritime rescue.
What Makes it Special
- Site of the USS Truxtun disaster rescue
- Trails of Valour highlighting local heroism
- Powerful historical narrative of community resilience
Where to Stay
Local accommodations in St. Lawrence or nearby communities on the Burin Peninsula.
As you embark on your journey through these Detour Destinations, you'll discover that Newfoundland and Labrador is a land where history and legend intertwine, much like the stories in Tales from The Rock. These hidden gems aren't just places on a map; they're chapters in the grand narrative of NL, waiting for you to uncover them.
Speaking of stories, you might find yourself captivated by some of the letters we've collected from past travellers. Their words paint vivid pictures of unexpected encounters, breathtaking vistas, and moments of connection with the land and its people. Who knows? Your own adventure might inspire the next great tale from the Rock.
These Detour Destinations aren't just stops on a journey; they're the beginning of your own NL legend. So pack your bags, bring your sense of wonder, and prepare to write your own chapter in the ongoing story of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Note: While we aim to provide accurate information, please research each location to confirm schedule and SEASONAL opening hours before planning your trip.
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