Step back in time and enjoy the historical landmarks that make Gros Morne one of the best places to visit in Newfoundland
After a few days of shopping, thrilling rides on a zip line and testing your courage on an obstacle course, you leave Corner Brook looking for something different, a place where you’ll veer further away from the ordinary , somewhere you can call one of your favourite places to visit in Newfoundland this summer. Known for adventure, scenic views and geological wonders, Gros Morne National Park has dazzled visitors for years. Gros Morne is also home to many historical landmarks making it one of the top places to visit in Newfoundland. When visiting the park this summer, drop into the following historical landmarks and get to know another side of the park.
Follow Route 431 to Woody Point, a beautiful spot with lots to do. To get a taste of Woody Point’s history, take a walk along Water Street and find Galliott Studios. If old fishing property turned into something beautiful is your drawing card for places to visit in Newfoundland, then Galliotts Studios is for you. The studio, once a fisherman’s fishing shed, is stilted over the water. Today this 100 year old fishing shed is converted into a great art studio/café. Go inside for a bite to eat, listen to some music or just go to the back of the studio and look out over Bonne Bay.
Continue exploring the waterfront and you’ll find The John William Roberts House. Constructed in 1898, it is typical of the type of house the early settlers built. The Roberts were among the first people to settle in Woody Point when John William’s father arrived in 1849.
Following Route 430, discover Rocky Harbour and The Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse, now a Federal Heritage Building. Lighthouses are big attractions for people who want interesting places to visit in Newfoundland. Built in 1897, the lighthouse today is automated and has many interpretive exhibits about making a living from the sea.
Drive to Norris Point and explore a typical Newfoundland salt box house, the Jenniex House. In 1995 the owner of the house, Mrs. Alma Jenniex, donated the house to the Norris Point Heritage Committee. Built in 1926 in Neddies Harbour, the house was moved and has been restored. With its many artifacts, come see how people lived back then, drop in for a tea, slice of bread or muffin; you might find something to buy in the craft shop in the house.
A few kilometres north of Sally’s Cove on Route 430, find a trail taking you to Martin’s Point and the wreck of the SS Ethie, a coastal steamship which left Cow Head for Norris Point on a stormy night on December 11, 1919. Read the plaque explaining the history of the SS Ethie; go down to the beach to see some of the remains of the ship.
Continue on to Broom Point near the community of St. Paul’s. Step into a fish store and a tiny cabin to discover how the Mudge families made a living on the sea from 1941 to 1975. See a garden tucked away in the tuckamore and visit an old cemetery.
Drive to Cow Head and enjoy an evening of theatre about the SS Ethie and how all 92 passengers and crew survived! Take the easy 4 km hike on the Cow Head Lighthouse Trail and explore the Cow Head Lighthouse built in 1909 to help passing ships. No longer in use, the lighthouse was manned until 1960 when it became an automatic beacon.
