Grates Cove: Stone Walls, Heathland and Atlantic Views
Accommodation in Grates Cove
Stone walls, small gardens and a treeless headland overlooking the ocean define Grates Cove. The seasons also bring different highlights: in spring, icebergs can be seen drifting along Iceberg Alley, while in summer the waters around the community serve as feeding grounds for several whale species.
A Landscape with a History
The Walled Landscape of Grates Cove covers approximately 150 acres on a wind-swept headland. Stone walls divide the landscape and enclose small, fertile gardens. The landscape is also a visible example of an earlier form of land and community organization: in 1995, it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada because it preserves a rare example of a system that was once widespread in Newfoundland. The walls are therefore not just a striking feature of the landscape; they are part of a cultural landscape whose significance is tied to this historic organization.
The headland is treeless and offers views of the ocean. Wild berries ripen in the surrounding coastal heathlands in late summer. Grates Cove is also located in the Eastern Hyper-Oceanic Barrens Ecoregion. This ecoregion is characterized by extensive heathlands and diverse communities of lichens, mosses and ground plants. Those interested in the landscape will encounter not only gardens divided by stone walls, but also an environment shaped by heathland and low-growing plants.
Nature Experiences Throughout the Year
In spring, you can see icebergs drifting along Iceberg Alley from Grates Cove. Summer brings a different kind of wildlife watching: several whale species use the waters around Grates Cove as feeding grounds during these months. Humpback whales are spotted there most often; visitors can frequently watch them breaching and feeding just offshore from the community.
Even beyond these seasonal sightings, the landscape offers a variety of features to consider when planning your trip. Nearby Baccalieu Island Ecological Reserve is home to Newfoundland’s largest seabird colony. Wild berries grow in the coastal heathlands around Grates Cove in late summer. Icebergs, whales, seabirds and heathland each represent different aspects of nature, with their own locations and seasonal connections.
Trails, Views and Culture
In Grates Cove, visitors can hike along trails and a boardwalk to Big Hill. The Big Hill Boardwalk offers sweeping views of Grates Cove and the Historic Rock Walls. It provides a vantage point from which to take in the community and its stone walls together. Visitors who would rather add a cultural highlight to their trip can also visit Grates Cove’s free Stage and Cookhouse Museum.
Grates Cove as a Vacation Destination
Grates Cove lies at the end of Route 70 on the Bay de Verde Peninsula. This location can help guide you as you compare places to stay. When choosing a vacation home or apartment, you can start by considering which of the community’s features you would like to shape your trip: the Walled Landscape and its history, the trails to Big Hill, or seasonal wildlife watching.
More community pages: Heart's Delight-Islington, Spaniard's Bay, Whiteway, Dildo, Hant's Harbour, Brigus, Clarke's Beach, Heart's Content.
For the broader travel overview: Division No. 1.
