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Along Route 350, approximately ten minutes drive north from the Town of Botwood, you will discovery the lovely Town of Northern Arm. The history of the Town dates back to the 1800's, quite possibly making it one of the oldest communities in the Exploits Valley. Today, Northern Arm is home to 422 residents. The Town is curved around the Bay of Exploits, and offers amazing tourist attractions, such as a newly established walking trail, a birdwatching site and an historic shipbuilding site.
Northern Arm's 50 minute wheelchair accessible walking trail is named after the schooner Pendragon, which went missing in 1914 with eight residents of the Town aboard. The Pandragon Trail is 1.2 kms long and is frequently visited by 49 different species of birds, especially waterfowl and shorebirds. Birds such as Canada Geese, Osprey, Belted Kingfishers or even a Bald Eagle can be sighted within the Town.
At the beginning portion of the Pendragon Trail, you will find the perfect lookout area for birdwatching at the gazebo. The gazebo is visible from the beginning of the trail, and allows for a clear view of the bay and the many birds which frequent the area to gather food. In addition, there is a parking/picnic area for RV's and tourists who may wish to walk the historic trail.
Northern Arm's rich history is especially evident with the shipbuilding industry which dates back to the 1800's. The Pendragon Trail was originally used by the early inhabitants of Northern Arm to haul the timber, using oxen, to the shipbuilding sites. Numerous schooners, some of which were used in the Labrador Bank Fishery, were built in Northern Arm by its early residents. The five shipbuilding sites and the boilers that were used to construct the schooners remain on one of these sites today, and can be viewed from the gazebo on the Pendragon Trail.
In 1913, the United Church was built in the Community. The bell located in the tower was shipped to Northern Arm on the Geraldine-Mary on its maiden voyage from London, England in 1926. Although the Church has now been replaced, the bell now rests in the garden of the new church.
In addition to these attractions, Northern Arm has a gas station, convenience store, lounge, take out restaurant, ice cream parlors and two lodging alternatives- Bluejay Bed & Breakfast and Osprey Landing Cottages. We welcome and encourage you to experience the beauty, nature and preserved heritage of Northern Arm.
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