Tour Harbour Breton and Surrounding Areas
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Harbour Breton (Pop. 2079 in 2001) is located on the south coast of Newfoundland, Canada. Twelve miles east of Grand Falls-Windsor or forty-eight miles west of Gander, take the Bay D'Espoir Highway, Route 360, south for 200 kilometers. Your driving experience across the central interior of the province will surely provide you an up-close and personal touch with nature.
You may encounter along your way any number of moose and caribou for which the region is famous. As well, there are many streams and ponds near the highway where a meal of trout can be caught. Some streams are licensed and protected waterways and therefore we advise you to check for posted signs before trying your luck. If you are a birdwatcher, keep an eye out for the ever popular eagle that sometimes builds it nest in the treetops near the highway. Nearing the coast, the highway takes you over some very high country and then snakes along the tops of fiords offering a scenic, panoramic view of Connaigre Bay. There are many lookoff areas along the route allowing for safe, convenient places to do some sightseeing. Some hills are extremely steep so please exercise caution while driving in these areas.
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Before you have had time to take in the breathtaking scenery and wildlife, you'll be in Harbour Breton - the capital of Newfoundland's south coast. If you have any questions, please feel free to drop by the Town Hall, at the entrance to the town, where our staff will be happy to assist you.
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Visitor Services - Sunny Cottage Heritage Centre
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The local Tourism Committee is actively involved in uncovering the history of the town dating back to the 1600's. Stories about relationships gone bad, tragedy at sea and an early English business known as Newman and Company are being brought back to life. Visit the Sunny Cottage Heritage Centre, a Queen Anne style home built in the early 1900's for a local merchant, Mr. John J. Rose, and learn about our Town's history where for each room of the house, from the Servant's Quarters to the Widow's Walk, has adopted a theme.
The Sunny Cottage Heritage Centre has won the prestigious Manning Award. In 1997, the committee sponsored a training program in period costume research, design and production. Local people now make costumes consistent with the history of the town and wear them during special occasions such as the Tradition by the Sea festival - a celebration of the heritage of the town, it's historical dependency on the sea and it's people who have endured many hardships over the years to make Harbour Breton the town it is today.
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Visitor Services - The Elliott Premises
The Elliott Premises is a waterfront property located on the south side of Harbour Breton. Once used as a fishing premises, a herring plant, a general/grocery store and more recently a craft store it was purchased by the Town of Harbour Breton in 2003. During the period between March 2005 and January 2007 a redevelopment initiative was undertaken converting the facility into an interpretation centre, performance theatre, and a marina. This development was greatly enhanced as a result of efforts by the Federal and Provincial Governments to assist the community through a crisis resulting from the closure of the local fish processing operation.
Be sure to visit this unique facility during your Harbour Breton Stay. Click here to view The Elliott Premises Website.
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Adventure and Eco-Tourism
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| Sea Kayaking | |
Nestled along the North Shore of Fortune Bay, at the mouth of Harbour Breton Bay Fjord, Harbour Breton is surrounded by the wonders of nature.
Launch your Kayak in the protected Harbour and make your way east across the mouth of Harbour Breton Bay fjord to the resettled community of Jersey Harbour. There you can paddle up to a historic shipwreck that has punctuated the natural beauty of the harbour for decades. Land your Kayak and walk through the overgrown paths that were the sidewalks of the original settlers. Enjoy a "mug up" on the stone beach before returning to the thriving community across the bay.
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| Harbour Breton Bay Fjord | |
Perhaps you are more inclined to hire a local guide to take you on a boat tour of Harbour Breton Bay, an ancient glacial fjord, where the geologic process of isostatic rebound has resulted in sheer cliffs and wooded hillsides that drop 1000ft to the waters below. Grassy fields, gravel beaches and waterfalls dot the magnificent walls of the Fjord.
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| Rock Climbing | |
Newfoundland is known as "The Rock" for good reason. The topography around Harbour Breton has resulted in many exposed rock faces, ripe with opportunity for the experienced rock climber. Since most of these rock faces are adjacent to arms of the sea, arriving at the top of your climb will definitely be worth the effort it took to get there. Unimaginable unspoiled vistas unparalleled on earth, and you are also highly likely to see Osprey, Bald Eagles and countless species of Sea Birds. Make sure you don't forget your camera.
An overland hike on any of the bogs that sit atop the neighbouring hills will reveal remarkable, flora, fauna and photo opportunities. Make Harbour Breton your base for a multi-day excursion to the Bay du Nord Wilderness Reserve, one of the last natural reserves unspoiled by the activities of man in the world!
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| Rencontre East (photo by Billy Collis) | |
Visit the town of Rencontre East, one of the few remaining isolated fishing communities that were historically a common site along the rugged south coast of Newfoundland. Create your own adventure as you step back in time to a way of life that is becomming increasingly rare in our modern times. Historic houses, traditional fishing practices and uniquely Newfoundland Outport culture, cradled between the Hills of Fortune Bay's beautiful north shore and a short trip from Harbour Breton.
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Recreational Fishing
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The recreational groundfish fishery will be open for three weeks in the summer of 2008 from July 23 to August 12 and for one week in the fall from September 27 to October 5. As in previous years there will be a daily bag limit of five fish, and a boat limit of 15 fish when three or more people are fishing.
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accommodations - Hotel
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In 2002, the new Southern Port Hotel was opened. Featuring 15 modern rooms and 1 Executive Suite, the Southern Port Hotel also offers conference and meeting facilities for up to 165 people, as well as a comfortable lounge.
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accommodations - Camping
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Deadman's Cove Park
SCENIC Deadman's Cove has long been a destination for residents and visitors alike who come to relax on the sandy beaches and stroll along the coastal trail.
SERVICES:
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RATES:
DIRECTIONS TO THE PARK
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As you drive through the town of Harbour Breton take a right after the Local RCMP detachment office and continue for 1.2 KMs. You will discover the quiet surroundings of the campground in this popular and scenic location.
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