The Peninsula
There’s something different about the Port de Grave Peninsula. Even by Newfoundland standards, it’s a little out there — a beckoning arm protruding from the east coast of North America’s most easterly land mass.
This is where delicate lights dance on the ocean’s surface and no two sunsets look the same.
Its rugged shores stand tall against the crashing waves of the north Atlantic, across which came its first settlers from England and Ireland centuries ago, establishing fishing places that still thrive today. This is a place painted with nature’s rich palette and wrapped in whimsy, as reflected in the colourful names of its equally colourful places. Bareneed and The Dock. Ship Cove and Otterbury. Pick Eyes and Blow Me Down. Travellers who venture here are looking to go outside the ordinary, to truly say they’ve had a one-of-a-kind experience. Nature provides the playground, with rugged coastline, cliffs and coves.
Take time to reflect as you stroll one of our beaches and our hills and delve into the rich stories behind placenames like Jailhouse Rock, Lover’s Leap, and No Denial Rock. Walk amid bobbing boats in the harbour — as colourfully named as they are decaled. Want to hear the tale behind Rebecca’s Dream, Freedom Run, or Joyful Sound? You’ll get them from Port de Grave’s most colourful component of all — our people, with their linguistic echoes and accents of their ancient English ancestors.
This is a place where time loses meaning, where history and culture bounce off every rocky outcrop and aged building, and where colour and light converge.
Come visit us. Bring a friend or two. You still won’t tip our population over 1000.
History
First came the Portuguese and the pirates. Then the English and the Irish, who made the Port de Grave Peninsula one of the province’s oldest permanent settlements of migrant European fishers. In fact, it’s a small matter of half a millennium ago that Portuguese explorer Gaspar Corte-Real and his British counterpart John Guy happened across these rugged shores. They clearly liked what they saw, including waters rich for fishing that still support a modern and innovative fishery to this day, with one of the most active fishing ports in the province.
Landmarks
The Port de Grave Peninsula is a rich tapestry of breathtaking natural landscapes, punctuated with traditional buildings, and coloured with vibrant culture at every turn. From the drama of wild waves exploding against rocky coastline to the intrigue of these locations to look out for as you explore the peninsula.
Churches & Graveyards
Harbours & Coves
Fisherman’s Museum, Hibbs Hole Cove School and Porter House
Green Point Lighthouse
Art
Forged of millennia-old rock and surrounded by raging seas, the Peninsula is a place where light, colour, and nature converge. Little wonder it has long attracted and inspired all manner of artists. Masters were drawn to the light of this land and taught many locals to become masters themselves. Bring your easel and see what works this place will inspire. Who knows? Maybe you’ll become a master artist yourself.
Eat, Shop & Stay
After a long day spent taking in the Peninsula’s spectacular sights, you’ll need a place to fill your belly and rest your head. Thankfully, our sights and sounds are complemented by the arresting aromas and tantalizing tastes of the freshest seafood you’re likely to find anywhere in the world. When your appetite is satisfied, seek rest in cozy and memorable accommodations run by warm characters with many a tale to tell. Not only does Port de Grave offer all that you need, but you can find more accommodation in nearby communities. When the time comes to say goodbye, take a little bit of Port de Grave home with the offerings of our many talented local artists.
Nearby Attractions
Port de Grave is the perfect home-base for your next Newfoundland visit or staycation; a serene spot from which you can easily reach other wonder-filled destinations. Within a 30-minute drive, you’ll find yourself on the scenic Baccalieu Trail; one of the earliest European-settled parts of the island and dotted with historic towns like Cupids, Brigus, Harbour Grace, and Dildo. Bay Roberts is also a stone’s throw and has many attractions to explore and events to experience.