NEWFOUNDLAND is the most easterly Canadian province. It consists of the island of Newfoundland and the mainland plateau region of Labrador, which borders the province of Québec.
The province stretches approximately 1700km (1063 miles) north to south, and has approximately 17,000km (10,625 miles) of coastline, much of it rugged and heavily indented with bays and fjords. The interior of Newfoundland is a combination of forest, heath, lakes and rivers spread over a terrain that ranges from mountainous in the west to rolling hills in the centre and east. Labrador is also mountainous in the west, although its rivers are larger and wilder. The Gros Morne National Park in the province is a listed World Heritage Site.
The province's capital, St John's, is the largest town in the region. Due to its location and history, it is a popular tourist destination. It is the oldest city in North America and Britains's first overseas colony. St John's rises from the waterfront up a series of steps, narrow alleys and winding streets, with many of the roads lined with colourful, pastel-coloured clapboard town houses.
Beside the city hall is the much-photographed 'Mile 0' sign, marking the start of the Trans-Canada highway. In Harbourside Park, there is a monument to Sir Humphrey Gilbert, who landed here in August 1583 and founded Newfoundland, and Britain's overseas empire. Lord Nelson and Captain Bligh also landed here.
- Iceberg spotting ~ An average of over 350 enormous icebergs can be seen every summer floating past St John's harbour. Greenland glaciers produce up to 40,000 icebergs a year and Newfoundland is prime viewing territory. A typical iceberg can be 30m high and weigh 204,000 tons, with only one-eighth appearing above the water. The main season for spotting them is during May and June, although many are seen as late as July. The best places to view are Signal Hill and Cape Spear.
- Newfoundland Museum ~ Now part of "The Rooms", the Museum proudly displays three galleries which examines the natural history of the native peoples of the Province.
- Signal Hill National Historic Park ~ This historic site celebrates the rich communications and military history of Signal Hill. This was the reception point of the first transatlantic wireless signal by Guglielmo Marconi in 1901, as well as the site of harbour defences for St. John's from the 18th century to the Second World War. Enjoy a performance of the 19th-century military drills by the Signal Hill Tattoo, a re-enactment pf the military exercises with period costumes, guns and cannon fire (July-August).
- Cape Spear National Historic Site ~ Just 11 kilometres from St. John's, Cape Spear is situated at the most easterly point in North America. Here stands the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland, a Second World War coastal defence battery and the place where the the light first dawns in North America. The visitor centre at Cape Spear has exhibits on the history of lighthouses and their technology as well as a gift shop which carries a wide selection of souvenirs.
- Wallnuts Rock Climbing ~ Over 2,500 square feet of climbing terrain, with 14 topropes, 8 lead routes and 12' high bouldering walls. On offer are youth programmes, courses, team building, and much more.
