Jutting out into the Cabot Strait on the southwestern tip of Newfoundland, directly across from Cape Breton, Channel-Port-aux-Basques (population 4300) is one of the oldest settlements in the province. It gets its name from early 16th century Basque whalers.
Because of its position relative to the mainland, the town is the main entry point onto the island of Newfoundland, with ferry service to North Sydney, Nova Scotia. It is an ideal location to begin your exploration of Newfoundland’s many attractions, including wreck dives, iceberg tours and whale and wildlife watching. The Trans-Canada Highway and the Trans-Canada Trail have their Newfoundland and Labrador start and end points in Port aux Basques.
The town’s museum will take you from the early whaling history, through to the great era of the railways. It also houses two rare and fascinating astrolabs.
Activities include hiking in Trailway Provincial Park, and biking the Channel-Port-aux-Basques Mountain Bike Trail.
While in Channel-Port-aux-Basques, be sure to visit the Rose Blanche Lighthouse, the very scenic St. Andrews Na Creige Golf Course, or sunbathe, swim, go for a walk, or even a horse ride on the wide, sandy and windblown expanse of Grand Bay West Beach.
The Railway Heritage Center reflects the voyages that began over 100 years ago.