by Pat Fox

Created on: June 22, 2008

My first visit to Newfoundland was 25 years ago when I was awestruck by the rustic beauty of this delightful Province. The ancient craggy rocks meeting the powerful Atlantic Ocean, the miles of open uninhabited territory and the rounded old mountains enable the visitor to feel the energy of this land and get a sense of what the Vikings and the Europeans experienced when they first settled on this side of the Atlantic.

Newfoundland is rich with history beginning with L'Anse aux Meadows to the north which boasts the remains of the first European settlement. Foundations of buildings used by the Vikings have been discovered here and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sites of more recent historical significance include Placentia which was the capital of Newfoundland when it was a French territory. For those interested in WWII history, Argentia is an interesting place to visit. This was the site of a US Naval base where, in 1941, the first summit meeting between Churchill and Roosevelt was held. Stephenville, on the west coast, is also worth a visit as it was the former home of Harmon Air Force Base. And
finally, with a little persistence, if you explore the outskirts of Grace Harbor you can find the airstrip which was the launching point for Amelia Earhart when she crossed the Atlantic as the first woman pilot to fly solo to Paris.

In addition to the historical points of interest, there are countless small towns that are wonderful to visit simply for their beauty and their activity today. One town not to be missed is Petty Harbour, a small coastal village with 300 years of fishing history. It is one of the most picturesque spots in Canada. Other destinations include Twillingate in the north, another scenic fishing town, and Witless Bay to the south, home to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. For bird watchers, you are sure to see falcons, Puffins and razorbills and you are likely to see many of the other 350 bird species that live on and around the island.

In each town you visit, be sure to talk to the local residents. The people of Newfoundland are extremely friendly and helpful with a delightful sense of humor. If you are looking for a restaurant any of the local residents can help direct you or help you find anything else you might be seeking. They are also quite likely to invite you into their home for tea and a chat. Many of the residents are happy to share stories about their homeland and are interested in hearing about other areas of the world. You will

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