Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP OF CHAPTER
Burin Peninsula
It's not exactly lively on the Burin Peninsula, as the besieged fishing economy is felt.
Still, the coastal walks inspire, and the region is a low-key place to spend a day or two
before embarking toward the baguettes of France (aka St-Pierre).
Marystown
is the peninsula's largest town; it's jammed with big-box retailers but not
much else.
Burin
is the area's most attractive town, with a gorgeous elevated boardwalk
over the waters of its rocky shoreline.
St Lawrence
is known for fluorite mining and
scenic coastal hikes. In
Grand Bank
, there's an interesting self-guided walk through the
historic buildings and along the waterfront. Just south is fossil-rich
Fortune
, the jump-off
point for St-Pierre.
Sights & Activities
Provincial Seamen's Museum
MUSEUM
( 709-832-1484;
www.therooms.ca/museum
;
Marine Dr, Grand Bank; admission $2.50;
9:30am-4:45pm May-Oct)
The impressive-looking Seamen's Museum depicts both the era
of the banking schooner and the changes in the fishery over the years.
Burin Heritage Museums
MUSEUM
(
709-891-2217; Seaview Dr, Burin; 9am-6pm Mon-Fri, 10:30am-6pm Sat & Sun Apr-Sep)
Displays in two historic homes tell of life's highs and lows in remote outports.
Fortune Head Ecological Reserve
PARK
(
www.env.gov.nl.ca/parks
;
off Rte 220; 24hr)
The reserve protects fossils dating from the
planet's most important period of evolution, when life on earth progressed from simple
organisms to complex animals some 550 million years ago. The reserve is about 3km
west, by the Fortune Head Lighthouse. Kids will appreciate the
Interpretation Centre
(
709-832-3569; adult/child $5/3;
9am-5pm Jun-Aug)
with fossils to touch; it's in town
by the St-Pierre ferry dock.
Hiking Trails
HIKING
Ask at the Burin Heritage Museum about locating the
Cook's Lookout
trailhead. It's a
20-minute walk from town to the panoramic view. Off Pollux Cres in St Lawrence, the
rugged, breath-draining
Cape Trail
(4km) and
Chamber Cove Trail
(4km) shadow the
Search WWH ::
Custom Search