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Seventy-five km from the Trans Canada Highway on the western side of the Baie Verte Peninsula lies the beautiful community of Seal Cove, believed to have been so named for the abundance of seals within its waters. The community is spread out around the base of several majestic hills and is open to the Atlantic Ocean on the southern side.
Local History
The community of Seal Cove is believed to have been first settled by a family of Osbournes who came from England in the early 1870's. Not too long after that, a Mr. John Robinson came from Cornwall, England to settle in the community. The Newfoundland Government hired Mr. Robinson to build a lighthouse to guide the fishermen to shore.
The population grew from 20 to 80 between 1871 and 1904. The abundance of fish is said to have been the reason for the settlement. In the 1930's, there was a "semi-boom" caused by the logging industry. With the opening of the asbestos mine at Baie Verte, in the early 1960's, the population of the community grew to about 1000. This population was maintained until recently, with the downscaling of the mines at Baie Verte, people have been forced to move away to seek employment. Today, Seal Cove has a population of approximately 750.
Tourism, Recreation and Crafts
The location of the community is in itself a tourist attraction. It boasts of the most beautiful sunsets on the whole island. The popular "Bond's Lookout" which overlooks the community and the harbour is a site one has to experience to believe. There is a picnic table on top of the mountain and a platform used for hang gliding.
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