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Caribou present at Point Riche, Port au Choix
A Parks Canada National Historic Site, Port au Choix is home to aboriginal cultures and heritage dating back almost 5,000 years. There is an expanse of trail networks around the interpretation centre, an active French bread oven, studios, shops, restaurants, cultural experiences, Point Riche Lighthouse and even home to grazing caribou.
Port au Choix is a nature lover’s paradise. A destination, if you want to see wild caribou up close.
This year as part of Canada 150, entry to National Historic sites have free entry to those who request a Discovery Pass online.
I highly recommend visiting the interpretation centre to learn more about our aboriginal cultures.
The importance of land and sea can not be overstated to the people of Port au Choix for 5000 years and all of those living past and present on the Great Northern Peninsula.
Live Rural NL –
Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA for St. Barbe-L’Anse aux Meadows and Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development for Newfoundland and Labrador
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The Majestic Caribou is another reason to come and stay awhile…
The Great Northern Peninsula is a magical place where many natural treasures are ever present. We are home to the Viking Settlement a World UNESCO site in L’Anse aux Meadows It is the very place where the world came full circle – an event more than 100,000 years in the making. It is also home to Gros Morne National Park, the Grenfell Legacy, a community of 50 centuries, the French Shore, economuseums, ecological reserves, destination trails, giant icebergs, whales, pristine waters for fishing, hunting and full of unique experiences. We have a strong business community that caters to tourism and hospitality industries.
We are also home of the mighty caribou. Almost every trek I make on Route 430 between my home to the Northern Peninsula East or North to St. Anthony and surrounding area I am greeted by a herd of caribou at the St. Anthony airport.
If you have never had the opportunity to see this majestic animal, I encourage you to make the trek up the Great Northern Peninsula and stay awhile, we have weeks of adventure awaiting.
Live Rural NL,
Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA (The Straits-Wheite Bay North
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Fishing Point Emporium Filled with Newfoundland Treasures, St. Anthony, NL
Fishing Point Park. St. Anthony is at the “Peak of Your Experience” on the Great Northern Peninsula with a host of walking trails, wildlife, nature, lighthouse, dining that includes (The Great Viking Feast & Light keeper’s Restaurant) and retail shopping that includes the largest selection of souvenirs on the Viking Trail at the Fishing Point Emporium.
Rest awhile, and enjoy the surrounds of the coastline where you see fishing boats and glimpses of whales. During May to August the iceberg giants dominate the viewing vistas, as hoards of tourists flock to this space to enjoy many unique experiences the Great Northern Peninsula has to offer.
After taking some of the natural walking trails or reading interpretative panels placed by St. Anthony Basin Resources Inc. (SABRI), you’ll want to stop into the Fishing Point Emporium, which has a unique Polar Bear display. It also has many panels depicting life in rural Northern Newfoundland & Labrador from re-settlement, mummering, whales, icebergs, fishing, Vikings, Dr. Grenfell, provincial symbols and everyday living.
Shop and learn about the area at the Fishing Point Emporium and Interpretation Centre. They have so many unique treasures from Viking swords, hand painted rocks, Newfoundland tartan pajamas, music, books and a host of other souvenirs and local crafts. Iceberg water is for sale there with a dairy bay and other light snacks. One of the photos above gives you a view from their window. It is just spectacular! There is a high speed internet cafe and WIFI readily available. The owners/operators exemplified customer service and knowledge of the area. They have a passion for this place!
I encourage you to visit Fishing Point and all it has to offer. Support locally owned and operated small businesses in rural communities, they are a driving force to our economy.
Live Rural NL –
Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay North @MitchelmoreMHAShare this post:
The Mighty Caribou is King Again on the Great Northern Peninsula
Dr. Wilfred Grenfell brought the first team of reindeer to the Great Northern Peninsula, about 300 of them in 1907. Some of these animals carried a parasitic roundworm that spread to the native caribou herds.
Over the years, the caribou has seen upswings and almost decimation on the Great Northern Peninsula. There is renewed hope that these majestic animals are seeing their population grow. I continue to spot caribou all over the District from Croque (Route 438), Main Brook (Grenfell Drive), Cook’s Harbour (Route 435) and ofcourse the Viking Trail (Route 430), especially near the St. Anthony airport.
In recent weeks you could spot several dozen. On my flight home from Saturday travelling the St. Anthony airport road, I had to stop several times to enable the caribou to cross the road. Be sure to be extra vigilant when driving our highways. The caribou can take it in their mind to cross the road on a whim and like sheep, typically others follow.
Winter is truly a wonderland on the Great Northern Peninsula. We have incredible wildlife and immense beauty. Why not experience it for yourself?
Live Rural NL –
Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay NorthShare this post:
What a view today on the Great Northern Peninsula…
The Great Northern Peninsula has a unique offering including the presence of abundant nature and wildlife. Today as I drove from St. Anthony to Green Island Cove I was greeted by a small heard of caribou in Eddies Cove East and pulled over to wait for them to cross the road. After driving through this tiny community in “The Straits” to the south I saw a total of nine caribou. It was unusual for them to be grazing for food on the opposite side of the road adjacent to the frozen Strait of Belle Isle with Labrador dominating in the background. It was one of those moments when you stared in amazement. I was fortunate to have a camera and able to pull over and take a few photos. See the gallery below:
A visit to the Straits region of the Great Northern Peninsula may be the perfect opportunity for you to get your glimpse of these beautiful animals.
Sometimes, the best surprises don’t cost you a thing.
Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay North
