Port Au Choix: Archaeology and Coastal Trails

Port au Choix combines an exceptionally rich archaeological history with hiking trails through a rugged coastal landscape. The National Historic Site of Canada encompasses two sites dating from before first contact. At the same time, trails cross barren limestone terrain and tuckamore forests, offering views of the sea. When planning your trip, you can choose between archaeological discoveries, landscape experiences, or a mix of both.

Archaeological Sites and Specific Artifacts

At the Port au Choix National Historic Site of Canada, visitors can see original artifacts such as slate spears and harpoons. These tangible objects provide a concrete point of reference for exploring history. For families, they offer a shared conversation starter: What can an artifact reveal, and what questions does it raise about the lives of earlier cultures?

Phillip’s Garden is a Palaeo-Eskimo settlement site on the outer side of the Point Riche Peninsula. A Maritime Archaic cemetery in Port au Choix is a burial terrace overlooking Back Arm. In addition, burials took place in three Maritime Archaic cemeteries in Port au Choix between 4,400 and 3,300 years BP. Thus, the archaeological history focuses on burial sites as well as a settlement site. The burial terrace adds a specific landscape connection to this perspective: it overlooks Back Arm.

Hiking Trails with Different Highlights

The well-maintained Dorset Trail is 3 km long one way and leads from the visitor centre to Phillip’s Garden. The also well-maintained Coastal Trail is 1 km long one way; it starts in Old Port au Choix and also ends at Phillip’s Garden. The distances and starting points give you a basis for deciding how these two trails fit into your stay.

The landscape also offers different highlights. The Dorset Trail passes through barren limestone terrain and tuckamore forests, with sweeping panoramic views of the sea. The Coastal Trail runs through a coastal tuckamore forest and offers sea views. Small fishing boats and whales may be spotted there. If your main interest is experiencing the coastal landscape, the forest, sea views, and possible wildlife sightings are among the trail’s special highlights.

The Point Riche Trail is 3 km long one way and connects Phillip’s Garden with the Point Riche Lighthouse. Its windswept landscape features exposed ancient sea floors and fossils; the trail also offers sweeping views of the sea. At the end stands the octagonal lighthouse, built in 1892. Nearby, a commemorative plaque recalls the French Shore Treaty. The historical event concerns debates over France’s fishing and occupation rights along Newfoundland’s coast from 1713 to 1904. You can also choose your route based on whether you would like to explore a historical subject alongside the coastal landscape.

Getting Around Port au Choix

Point Riche Road runs through the heart of Port au Choix to the visitor centre. It is also the starting point for the Dorset Trail. If you are considering a vacation rental in Port au Choix as a base for your trip, you can weigh the character of the place against your own interests: archaeological sites, coastal trails, or a combination of the two shape the discoveries on offer.

More destinations: Raleigh, Portland Creek, Port Saunders, Saint Anthony, River Of Ponds, Division No. 9, Subd. A, Black Duck Cove and Main Brook.

For the broader travel overview: Division No. 9.