Around
Mistaken Point
Steeped in culture, history, and nature, the area surrounding the Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve has something for everyone – every stop on your journey takes you down a road less travelled.
Our Neighbours
The journey to Mistaken Point on the Irish Loop of Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula will definitely take you ‘off the beaten path’, so there’s plenty of exploring to do – no matter which way you’re driving!
Portugal Cove South
0 km from Mistaken Point Interpretation Centre
Portugal Cove South owes its name to its historical roots as a Portuguese fishing outpost dating back to the 16th century. While the fishing industry has long served as the primary economic backbone of this charming community, a growing number of residents have embraced the burgeoning tourism sector in recent years.
Places of Interest
- Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve
- Cape Race National Historic Lighthouse
- Myrick Wireless Interpretation Center
- Drook Beach
- Alexander Graham Bell Hiking Trail
Trepassey
11.1 km from Mistaken Point Interpretation Centre
Similar to many other towns along the Irish Loop, Trepassey boasts a deep-rooted history intertwined with the fishing industry. However, it has also earned renown as the historic departure point for pioneering transatlantic flights, most notably Amelia Earhart’s historic journey in 1928, marking her as the first woman to successfully traverse the Atlantic.
Places of Interest
- Powell’s Head Lighthouse
- The Battery Interpretation Site
- Amelia Earhart Plaque
- War Monument
St. Vincent’s / St. Stephen’s / Peter’s River
46.8 km from Mistaken Point Interpretation Centre
The amalgamated community of St. Vincent’s – St. Stephen’s – Peter’s River encompasses three contiguous settlements that stretch gracefully along an impressive 5-kilometer cobblestone beach. Thanks to the deep waters in this area, it offers unparalleled opportunities for whale watching, allowing you to witness these magnificent creatures as they gracefully cruise just meters from the shoreline.
Places of Interest
- Whale Watching
- St. Vincent’s Beach
- Holyrood Pond Interpretation Center
- Floating Dock and Slipway
Ferryland
58.2 km from Mistaken Point Interpretation Centre
Ferryland is a town that exudes historical significance and natural beauty. With a towering local lighthouse and archaeological site, this charming fishing village serves as a testament to some of the earliest settlement efforts in Newfoundland’s history.
Places of Interest
- Colony of Avalon Archeological Dig & Interpretation Centre
- Lighthouse at Ferryland Head
- East Coast Trail
- Whale Watching
St. Shotts
40.8 km from Mistaken Point Interpretation Centre
Beauty abounds at St. Shotts – the most southerly community in the entire province. Home to the oldest cast-iron lighthouse in Canada, this historic fishing village appears on early maps as ‘Cap de Chincette’ – from the old-French word for ‘ragged.
Places of Interest
- Cape Pine Lighthouse
- St. Shotts Coastal Trail
- Western Head Shipwreck Site
Biscay Bay
5.8 km from Mistaken Point Interpretation Centre
A historic French and Basque fishing ground, Biscay Bay earned its name from the migratory fishermen who first visited the area in the 16th century. A paradise for lovers of the great outdoors, nature enthusiasts will find no shortage of photo-worthy views.
Places of Interest
- Registered Salmon River
- Biscay Beach Swimming Area
- Surfing
- Birdwatching
Amelia Earhart’s Transatlantic Flight Inspires A Generation
Arriving aboard the Friendship (a Fokker F VII Tri-Motor), Amelia Earhart came to Trepassey on June 5, 1928 – less than two weeks before becoming the first woman in history to fly across the Atlantic as a passenger (she would later make history as the first woman pilot to fly the journey solo – second only to Charles Lindbergh).
After circling twice overhead, the Friendship set down in choppy waters where passengers and crew were greeted by dories full of men (who Earhart later referred to as ‘Maritime Cowboys’). Bearing ropes to guide them to shore, the Friendship and crew then waited in place for nearly two weeks for ideal weather conditions.
On June 17, 1928, the team embarked from Trepassey on their historic 3,235 km flight to Burry Port, South Wales, arriving 20 hours and 49 minutes later.
“Trepassey ought to be, someday, a great airport for transoceanic travel. It possesses the finest harbour, perhaps the only harbour, naturally adapted for seaplane takeoffs in this part of the world.” – Amelia Earhart interview with the New York Times, June 1928.
Local
History
An Explorer’s Paradise
The area surrounding Mistaken Point has a rich history that dates back centuries. Known locally as ‘The Irish Loop’, these shores have been home to countless explorers of Portuguese, Basques, French, and English origin as well – all raced across the Atlantic to lay claim to these bountiful fishing grounds.
Keeping House: The Wards
The watch at Cape Race Lighthouse has been maintained by locals for centuries, and is currently kept by Michael Ward. Though historical details of the time can be sparse, his family can trace their roots to Portugal Cove South back to the 1880s. Compiled by Brandon Ward, our feature PDF takes you on a trip through time with the Ward family.
Stories of the Cove
Join local storyteller Brandon Ward for an unforgettable walk along the scenic shoreline of Portugal Cove South—stories of shipwrecks, rescues, and the everyday heroes who shaped this coast.
Nature
Wildlife Watch
While we’re home to the world’s oldest multicellular fossilized animals, Mistaken Point and the surrounding area is also home to an incredible amount of living wildlife. While it’s highly unlikely you’ll be spotting any living Thectardis avalonensis during your trip to Mistaken Point, keep your eyes peeled for the following:
Birds
Razorbills
Common Murres
Double-crested Cormorant
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Spotted Sandpipers
American Pipits
Yellow Wilson’s
Blackpoll Warblers
Yellow-rumped Warblers
Fox Sparrows
Savannah Sparrows
Willow Ptarmigan
American Robins
Northern Gannet
Other
Moose
Woodland Caribou
Red Fox
Snowshoe Hare
Mink
Harbour Seals
Atlantic Grey Seals
Humpback Whales
Minke Whales
Local Flora
There are at least 150 recorded plant species within the Ecological reserve on the Eastern Hyper-oceanic Barrens – keep your eyes on the lookout for:
Canadian burnet (Bottlebrush)
Cinnamon fern,
Blue flag (Iris),
Three-toothed Cinquefoil
Starflower
Pearly Everlasting
Sheep Laurel
Northern Blue Violet
Crowberry
Lichens
Creeping Juniper
Bakeapple
Partridgeberry (Lingonberry)
Blueberry
Cranberry
