Newfoundland & Labrador - Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island - page 376

Argentia

Argentia's main purpose is to play host to the Marine Atlantic ferry ( 800-341-7981;
www.marine-atlantic.ca ; adult/child $112/54, per car/motorcycle $225/113) , which connects Ar-
gentia with North Sydney in Nova Scotia - a 14-hour trip. It operates from mid-June to
late September with three crossings per week. The boat leaves North Sydney at 5pm
Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It returns from Argentia at 5pm Tuesday, Thursday and
Saturday. Cabins (four-berth $172) are available. Vehicle fares do not include drivers.
A provincial visitors center ( 709-227-5272; Rte 100) is 3km from the ferry on Rte
100. Its opening hours vary to coincide with ferry sailings.

Placentia

In the early 1800s, Placentia ( www.placentiatourism.ca ) - then Plaisance - was the French
capital of Newfoundland, and the French attacks on the British at St John's were based
here. Near town, lording over the shores, is Castle Hill National Historic Site (
709-227-2401; www.pc.gc.ca/castlehill ; adult/child $3.90/1.90; 10am-6pm Jun-Aug) , where
remains of French and British fortifications from the 17th and 18th centuries provide
panoramic views over the town and the surrounding waters.
The fascinating graveyard next to the Anglican church holds the remains of people of
every nationality who have settled here since the 1670s. The O'Reilly House Museum (
709-227-5568; 48 Orcan Dr; admission $2; 11:30am-7:30pm Jun-Aug) , within a century-
old Victorian home, gives you more of an inside look at the town and its past luxuries.
Wander past the other notable buildings, including the Roman Catholic church and the
stone convent . A boardwalk runs along the stone-skipper's delight of a beach.
Philip's Cafe (170 Jerseyside Hill; mains $3-7; 7:30am-3:30pm Tue-Sat; ) is a must
pre- or post-ferry ride for yummy baked goods and creative sandwiches such as apple
and sharp cheddar on molasses-raisin bread. The chef also owns the five-room Rosedale
Manor B&B (

877-999-3613; www.rosedalemanor.ca ; 40 Orcan Dr; r $99-129; ) . It's a

10-minute drive from the Argentia ferry.

Cape St Mary's Ecological Reserve & Around

At the southwestern tip of the peninsula is Cape St Mary's Ecological Reserve
( www.env.gov.nl.ca/parks ) , one of the most accessible bird colonies on the continent.
Birders swoon over it, and it's impressive even for those who aren't bird crazy. Stop at
the Interpretive Centre ( 709-277-1666; 9am-5pm May-Oct) and get directions for the