Port Saunders: Forest, Harbour and History
Accommodation in Port Saunders
Port Saunders combines forest trails with a historic waterfront and traces of earlier settlement. Its stories range from tree species that grow in Newfoundland to fishing stages and wharves used by small-scale fishers. Keppel Island is also part of the area’s history. If you want to combine nature and history on your trip, you’ll find several specific points of interest here to help plan your visit.
Forest trails with a clear nature focus
The Crow Head Walking Trail connects with the Demonstration Forest Trail. The latter showcases various tree species that grow in Newfoundland. The two distinct trail names are therefore linked, and the Demonstration Forest Trail gives the nature theme a specific focus: the diversity of trees in the province. If you’re interested in forests and plants, you can consider this trail when choosing your activities. Its connection to the Crow Head Walking Trail is another useful point of reference as you explore the trails in Port Saunders.
Harbour and traces of small-scale fishing
The historic waterfront of Port Saunders includes individual fishing stages and wharves used by small-scale fishers. The area’s history as a port of call is another part of the story: when boats were the main form of transport, Port Saunders had this role. Some old buildings along the wharves still bear witness to it. The waterfront therefore tells the story not just of a harbour, but also of the facilities used by small-scale fishers and the area’s former importance to boat traffic. For families, the contrast between the visible features of the waterfront and their historical function can be a good starting point for talking about life in the harbour.
Keppel Island and early settlement history
A lighthouse on Keppel Island marks the way to the harbour entrance. The island is also associated with several historical events: it was a Spanish burial ground, and later French settlers built houses there. These details tell of different uses of the island, without requiring a detailed timeline. If you’re travelling with children, such contrasts can prompt conversation: What purpose does a lighthouse at a harbour entrance serve, and what questions can traces of earlier settlement raise about a place’s history? Nature trails, the harbour and the island’s history offer different focuses for exploring together.
Salmon rivers and a side trip to Port au Choix
Three important salmon rivers are located no more than 10 kilometres from Port Saunders. Their proximity gives you a point of reference if you’re interested in rivers and their importance to the region. Port au Choix can also be reached from Port Saunders via Route 430-28. The Philip’s Garden Trail in Port au Choix features ancient remains of a settlement of the Dorset and Groswater peoples. The excavated site includes at least 50 house depressions and has yielded thousands of artefacts. Visitors interested in archaeology will find a different focus here than at the forest trails or historic harbour in Port Saunders. The figures for the house depressions and artefacts give a concrete sense of the size of the excavated site.
Accommodation and travel interests
If you’re looking for an apartment or holiday home, your travel interests can help guide your choice of location: forest trails, the historic waterfront and the history of Keppel Island are all reasons to take a closer look at Port Saunders. As a specific accommodation option, A Wave From It All in Port Saunders, Newfoundland, offers two cosy cottages right by the sea on a rugged, rocky beach. To make your decision, you can first consider whether you mainly want to explore the points of interest described in Port Saunders or also visit the archaeological remains in Port au Choix.
Discover more places
For further inspiration, you can also explore Green Island Cove, Norris Point, Plum Point, Cow Head, Rocky Harbour, Portland Creek, Main Brook and Roddickton.
For the broader travel overview: Division No. 9.
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