Red Bay brings together the history of a Basque whaling harbour, a UNESCO World Heritage site, an exhibition, and two walking trails with different focuses. The archaeological sites, coastal landscape, and trails offer different ways to explore the area's history.
Red Bay on the Coast
Red Bay lies on the north shore of the Strait of Belle Isle and is a stop along the Labrador Coastal Drive. The UNESCO World Heritage site stretches from the reddish cliffs around the harbour to the islands and coastline. Together, the harbour, cliffs, islands, and coast form the site's landscape. The landscape is therefore part of the World Heritage site, not just the backdrop to the history of whaling.
From Whaling Harbour to World Heritage Site
In the mid-16th century, Basque whalers from Spain and France established an important whaling harbour at Red Bay. The Red Bay Basque Whaling Station was inscribed as a World Heritage site by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee on June 22, 2013. Archaeological research over more than 15 years uncovered the remains of about 20 whaling stations along the shores of Red Bay Harbour. The dates refer to different milestones: the harbour was established in the mid-16th century, while its inscription as a World Heritage site took place in 2013. The finds connect the harbour's historical importance with tangible archaeological traces along its shores.
Saddle Island and the Exhibition
Saddle Island contains archaeological remains of buildings where Basque people worked and lived 400 years ago. The sites can be visited with a short ferry ride and accompanied by a Parks Canada guide. At the Visitor Orientation Centre in Red Bay, visitors can see an exhibition featuring a reconstructed whaling boat. The two locations present the subject in different ways: the island focuses on the remains of former buildings, while the Centre features the reconstructed boat.
Two Walking Trails, Different Focuses
The Tracey Hill Walking Trail is a roughly three-kilometre loop of moderate difficulty. From the summit of the hill it is named after, the trail offers views of Red Bay and Iceberg Alley. It includes a well-maintained boardwalk with 689 steps; the number may vary slightly. The Boney Shore Walking Trail leads to a beach with whitish-grey whale bones, believed to be the remains of a fishery dating back more than 300 years. Tracey Hill combines a loop route with summit views, while Boney Shore leads to the beach and its historical interpretation.
Visiting and Planning
If you are planning a guided visit to Saddle Island, check the latest visitor and ferry information before your trip. For choosing a hike, Tracey Hill offers a measured loop trail of moderate difficulty; Boney Shore has a different focus: the beach and its whale bones.
Discover more destinations: St. John's, Corner Brook.
Go to the main travel overview: Newfoundland and Labrador.
