Central Newfoundland in eastern Canada is attracting more tourists every year. This picturesque region with its birch, spruce, and pine trees is a unique spot. As well, visitors are entranced with the winding roads of the north-eastern Kittiwake Coast and its quaint fishing villages. The Kittiwake Coast is known as a perfect place to watch breaching whales and majestic icebergs. The surrounding waters are home to 22 species of whales and six types of icebergs.
Terra Nova National Park is a Central Newfoundland treasure. Within this park, families can vacation in a natural paradise. They can camp by the Atlantic coastline or the lush forest. If camping is not your style, the area has excellent Newfoundland hotels and island cottages.
Tourists can go bird watching or enjoy leisurely hikes. There are 55 marked trails in Central Newfoundland. Hikers are always impressed with the region's scenic trails including the Alexander Murray Trial in King's Point.
The area's archaeological sites and impressive museums always attract attention. Visitors can tour the Dorset Soapstone Quarry Site where an earlier people, the Dorset Paleo Eskimo, made oil lamps and cooking pots. An on-site museum holds 1200-5000 year-old artifacts belonging to early aboriginal groups.
The Mary March Museum in Grand Falls-Windsor remembers Mary March, one of the last Beothuks (early inhabitants of the region). In addition, this museum also celebrates aboriginal culture and local history. At Boyd's Cove, a community in Notre Dame Bay, tourists can explore two Beothuk sites.
The largest one is above a glacial moraine consisting of debris remaining from the presence of glaciers. Outlines of Beothuk houses are even visible at this location. Boyd's Cove has an interesting Beothuk Interpretative Centre which displays artifacts from the site.
The North Atlantic Museum is located in the town of Gander known as "The Crossroads of the World." This museum honors Gander's aviation history. Aircraft lovers are enthralled by the collection of vintage air planes. The Lockheed Hudson Bomber is the star of the show.
Although Gander has a lengthy aviation history, no event in its past can compare to the happenings in town on September 11, 2001. On the day of the tragic attack in New York City, several airplanes were diverted to Gander. The town made news worldwide but not just for the airplane landings.
Gander gained international respect for the manner in which its residents went above and beyond normal efforts to make stranded passengers feel at home. Since that time, numerous passengers who were stranded on that horrific day have returned to visit Gander and the people who came to their aid at a difficult time. From a tragedy, people have discovered gentle people and a friendly town as well as the beauty of the surrounding areas in Central Newfoundland.
Visitors to this splendid region can choose from several types of comfortable and affordable accommodations. Tourists can stay in Newfoundland hotels and motels, charming bed and breakfasts, and Newfoundland inns, as well as rustic cabins. Come celebrate with us in Central Newfoundland.
