Clarenville Overview
Clarenville is the service centre for the Bonavista Peninsula, and once was a major shipbuilding centre. Originally known as Clarenceville in honour of the Duke of Clarence, the town dates from the 1890s, which is relatively new by Newfoundland standards. Clarenville ies on the #1 Trans Canada Highway across Newfoundland.
In 1822 William Epps Cormack and his Micmac guide Joseph Sylvester left nearby Milton on their famous jaunt through the Newfoundland interior, searching for the extinct Beothuk natives, and became the first European to walk across the island and write about it. A plaque just before the causeway marks the event. Balbo Drive on the Discovery Trail is named for General Italo Balbo, the Italian Fascist who in 1933 was returning to Rome from the Chicago Exhibition and landed a squadron of flying boats into nearby Shoal Harbour. Unfortunately Balbo was shot down over Tobruk by Italian guns in 1940 after becoming governor of Libya.
It’s also become the skiing capital of eastern Newfoundland with downhill facilities at the Ski White Hills resort to the west, with 15 runs and lifts that accommodate 3,800 skiers an hour, and excellent cross-country skiing in the area.
Clarenville Attractions
Fishermen’s Museum
c/o Sophie Abbott
Musgrave Harbour, Newfoundland, A0G 3J0
709-655-2119 fax: (709) 655-2064
Step back in time in this historic building built in 1910 by Sir William Coaker, founder of the Fisherman’s Protective Union. It housed the first fisherman’s retail store in the area. Come see a delightful collection.
From Jul 01 – Sep 06
Tours & Adventures
Thomas Charters
P.O. Box 289
Hillview, Newfoundland, A0E 2A0
(709) 548-2498
Visit resettled villages, enjoy whale & iceberg watching, see bald eagles, scuba diving platforms, zodiac for beachcombers, on the 35 ft Coast Guard inspected MV Reality, capacity for 12 persons.
May 01 – Sep 30
Random Island Charter & Marine Service Centre
Jun 01 – Oct 31
P.O. Box 7859
Clarenville, Newfoundland, A0E 1J0
(709) 547-2369 Fax: (709) 547-2348
Day trips – up to 10 hours. Explore abandoned villages, whale watching, eagles, and ospreys. Complimentary tea and coffee available on board. Flexible scheduling.
Southport Adventure Boat Tours
Box 502, RR#1
Southport, Newfoundland, A0E 2A0
(709) 548-2248 Fax: (709) 548-2248
Experience life past and present. See lighthouse, puffins, bald eagles, whales, porpoises and dolphins, 150 year old rock carvings, ships, names and dates etc. Our 22′ boat is Coast Guard certified.
May 01 – Oct 31
Thorburn Aviation
P.O. Box 213
Shoal Harbour, Newfoundland, A0C 2L0
(709) 466-7823 fax: (709) 466-7046
Fly-in wilderness tours consisting of hiking, canoeing, with ample opportunity for wildlife photography, wilderness cabins available or tent under the stars. Sightseeing flights available to view icebergs, whales, porpoises, etc.
From Jun 01 – Oct 31