A Short Visit to Labrador

Our campground is a short 5 minute walk from the ferry dock but at 7 am it seemed longer and it was definitely cold this morning (49°)!  We boarded the ferry, found some comfortable seats, got a cup of coffee and enjoyed a smooth 90 minute sail across the Strait of Belle Isle to Blanc Sablon, Quebec.  Just a half kilometer later the bus had us in Labrador and on our way to Red Bay, another 90 minute ride.

Along the way our guide, Cindy, gave us a little history and information about Labrador.  This Provence joined Canada in 1949 along with Newfoundland. Within ten years they had paved roads!  Their population is only about 30,000 people with the majority living along the coastline. Their main industry is fishing, of course, with tourism coming next.  They used to get a lot of snow but with the climate changing the way it is, it has been very unpredictable as to how much snow they will have each winter.  

The Basque from France and Spain originally came to this area in the 1500’s for whaling and cod fishing.  They didn’t settle the area, just lived here during the whaling season, then when winter approached they would take the whale oil, baleen and whale meat and head back home. At that time each barrel would bring $6-10 thousand dollars and each ship could carry up to 300 barrels.Thats a lot of oil and money.  French fur traders settled in the area beginning in the late 1700’s because of the seal furs.

Near Red Bay an ancient burial mound was found with the body of a child preserved by the layers of sand and rock packed around it.  He was buried with numerous tools and covered with red ochre.  Scientist estimate he was put there about 7,500 years ago.

Rocks are called Archaeocyathids.

Of course, being on the coast of the Strait of Belle Isle which is an entry into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, there is a lighthouse.  L’anse Amour is French for Point of Love but they think it might originally have been Amort which is Death.  They like Amour better! The lighthouse is very necessary as many ships have sunk in these waters due to fog, wind, storms and rocks. We climbed to the top for some great views of the ocean and land. The walls of the lighthouse are over 6 feet thick at the base where winds and waves could pound on the structure. The waves can reach up to 30 feet high. 

Our last stop before boarding the ferry back to Newfoundland was a restaurant where we had pizza and wings and beer.  Great way to end a long day day!