The Road to the Beaches

Route 1 & 310 - (1 Hour, 30 Minutes Driving Gander To Salvage)

The "Road to the Beaches" is full of sheltered coves, sandy beaches and sparkling waters. This drive will take you to some of the best areas for water recreation in the Province. Here you will find rivers to canoe; ponds to fish; inlets to sail; sheltered bays to kayak and windsurf; and clean, clear fresh-water ponds in which to swim.

To begin your excursion on the "Road to the Beaches", travel east along route 1 from Gander and exit route 310 to the community of Glovertown. Glovertown is the service centre for the entire Alexander Bay area. Formerly called Bloody Bay, Glovertown is built around a large harbour opening into a "reach" extending about 20 miles to the open sea. In the early part of the century, the cod fishery, ship building and the lumber industry flourished here. Today, Glovertown offers a wide variety of services, beautiful scenery and warm hospitality. Take an opportunity while in the area to view birds, beavers and all things natural while strolling the boardwalk in the Ken Diamond Memorial Park. This park is a newly-developed 3½ kilometer trails system with interpretative signage.

Departing Glovertown along Route 310, you can visit Traytown, a small community that was first settled by workers from a sawmill located nearby at Rosedale. On July 2, 1913 tragedy struck as the boiler in the mill blew up. Six people died, including the owner and his only son.

Nearby, Culls Harbour can be accessed by a causeway. The name "Cull's Harbour" is believed to have been named after a man named Cull who (legend has it) murdered eight natives, then scalped them and threw their bodies overboard into the harbour. Another story says that it was named after John Cullion who started a lumber mill in the area. Whatever the origin, today visitors can enjoy the tranquil setting and catch a glimpse of an outport way of life.

Further along Route 310, Sandringham is the first community you encounter on the Eastport Peninsula. Prime trout fishing can be found in many nearby ponds and streams. Just a short distance away on this "Road to the Beaches" is the community of Eastport. As the hub of the Peninsula, it is from here you may take your choice of several roads leading to neighbouring communities. Eastport and the region are famous for its beautiful sandy beaches and for this reason the area gained its name as the "Road to the Beaches". While in Eastport be sure to walk along the north end of Eastport Beach to see its sand dunes, sea grasses, shore birds, and the lazy lagoon. Also, visit historic Holy Cross Church. Constructed in 1890, this wooden structure was built in the shape of a cross.

Eastport's first permanent residents settled here in 1868 from the community of Salvage, because of a shortage of suitable land for building in that community. Some family names from this region have been traced to England's west country and the dialect of local people has 14th century Cockney and Dorset ancestral origins. Initially, Eastport was known as Salvage Bay, but before being renamed Eastport in 1916, local people chose several different names, one of which was Brighton, which was used for about four years. Although early settlers came from Salvage, in the 1950's many families resettled here from Flat Island.

One very worthwhile destination from Eastport is a four kilometre drive north to St. Chads with its unbelievably picturesque harbour. Take the time to visit the Long Chute Lookout and introduce yourself to the inner edge of a coastline that has sustained the people of these shores for centuries. More awaits you in Burnside where you will find an archaeological field laboratory for the Bloody Reach Archaeological Site. Here you can examine artifacts collected from some of the 37 aboriginal archaeological sites scattered along the surrounding coast. You can also arrange a half day boat tour and visit nine aboriginal archaeological sites in Bloody Bay Cove and one at the Beaches. Not only will you be able to view ongoing archaeological excavations, but through pre-booking, you can participate in a dig.

As a side trip visitors can take the ferry to St. Brendan's Island. An inexpensive crossing, this ferry is only 45 minutes from the community of Burnside. (Call 709-895-3541 for local ferry information). St. Brendan's which was first settled by an Irish Monk that supposedly crossed the Atlantic in a leather boat about 1,500 years ago. There's no need to search elsewhere for the "Old Country" accent and genuine Newfoundland hospitality... it's all here!

Upon returning to Eastport from Burnside and St Brendan's, we encourage you to visit Salvage at the end of Route 310. This community is the oldest settlement in the region. Salvage is a typical Newfoundland fishing community, clung to the cliffs and shore in such a way that it has become a scene of beauty from the past. It is for this reason that motorcoaches with their guests often frequent this community for its picture taking opportunities. Also, within this community is the Salvage Fishermen's Museum and Craft Store. Here you can view collection of artifacts that reflect local history from as early as the 1600's. The museum itself is a former home that was built around 1860.

For the serious hiker and pleasure walker alike, the Old Historic Trails stretching over the hills from Salvage to Sandy Cove will provide one of the most memorable experiences of your visit. This 9 km corridor of trails - some of which are centuries old - has traditionally linked generations of families in the coves and the harbours of the Peninsula. These trails offer great vistas of the headlands, coves, harbours, and islands.

Double back on Route 310 and turn south from Eastport to Sandy Cove where the local beach is one of Newfoundland's finest. Not to be missed is the hike up to the Sandy Cove Beach Lookout. At the summit, a mounted telescope provides a 360 degree view of the Bay. Nearby, a short distance west of Sandy Cove, visit Happy Adventure - the name says it all. Complete the loop back to Route 310 and head towards Route 1, but be sure to take advantage of the fresh fruits and vegetables available at the road side stands and greenhouses,... so naturally sweet, you to will wonder if they've been grown in sugar.

Terra Nova National Park is an excellent vacation base for sightseeing in the "Road to the Beaches". The park protects 400 square kms of boreal forest and scenic coastline. Icebergs float in sheltered fjords while bald eagles and great horned owls soar overhead. Keep an eye out for ospreys, eagles, lynx, bear, and moose. Travelling on the Trans Canada Highway, the Marine Interpretation Centre is located near the west entrance of Terra Nova National Park or approximately 35 kms from the east entrance of the park, visitors can stop here and orient themselves with all the services, facilities and activities at the Park. In the Marine Interpretation Centre's exhibit area, there are many exciting marine exhibits that help visitors explore the marine environment and its fascinating sea creatures. There are aquariums, a touch tank, an underwater camera, and much more.

Two communities are located within the Terra Nova Park boundaries. Route 301, 16 kms off the Trans Canada Highway is the picturesque village of Terra Nova. With its inland location, this rural area is noted for its farming and fresh water activities particularly boating and canoeing. The other Terra Nova National Park community is Charlottetown. Located just minutes off the Trans Canada Highway, this coastal community is another popular destination for visitors. In the last century, rich forests, a sheltered harbour, and shipping facilities have made this community one of the major lumbering centres of Bonavista Bay.