Although Newfoundland was late joining Canada, it is still beaming with history. Founded in 1479, there were hundreds of small communities formed throughout the province. The majority were fishing villages that eventually diminished. Shortly after joining Canada the provincial government implemented a resettlement plan to combine smaller communities into one. Which is why Newfoundland has a considerable amount of abandoned communities.
From resettlement ghost towns, to military bunkers from WWII, to plane crashes and shipwrecks there is plenty to discover all over Newfoundland. We've listed 10 places that will give you the heebie jeebies and get your heart pumping!
1. Round Harbour
Yet another fishing community on the Cape Shore of Baie Verte Peninsula. In 1951 the community reached a population of 114, established a merchant and the Church of England school/chapel. In the 1960's due to the resettlement plan most people left and moved to Baie Verte and La Scie. Today Round Harbour doesn't consist of very much but a few lonely houses.
2. The Resttled Fishing Village At La Manche
Now a Provincial Park, La Manche is popular for hiking, swimming and camping throughout the summer months. Known for its huge suspension bridge that was built by the East Coast Association much later, La Manche is also filled with history. During the 16th/17th century it received it's name from French sailors. Some remains still exist from the first settlement in 1804. Over the years the community grew to a whopping population of 54 in 1949. But eventually the community was destroyed by a harsh winter storm.
3. Battle Harbour
Labeled as one of the oldest and largest settlements on the Labrador coast. One of many fishery towns, it was an economic and social centre. The Mercantile saltfish premise was established in the 1770's and was once known as the "capital of Labrador." Like many unfortunate events in the 1930's it was damaged by a major fire and eventually abandoned in the 1960's due to the Governments resettlement plan. Battle Harbour is now declared as a National Historic Site of Canada.
4. Trinity Loop
Located just outside the town Trinity — which is still lively today. This creepy but compelling abandoned amusement park is not a sight for sore eyes. Visited by many who are drawn to it's ghoulish atmosphere, Trinity Loop used to be a hot spot for families. Unfortunately, with the decline of the publics interest the park closed in 2004 and now belongs to the Provincial Government. Trinity Loop is still visited by many who want to photograph the remains.
5. Glovertown Mill
Located in Glovertown, it was build in 1921 by the Terra Nova Sulphite Company with financial aid of Norwegian investors. This pulp mill used to be rolling in money but eventually the Norwegian investors ran into financial troubles. Due to lack of interest of other local businessmen the mill still stands hides in the forest today at 35m tall and 400m long.
6. Merasheen
Located close to Placentia Bay it was once a thriving more prosperous resettled community. The English, Irish and Scottish in the 18th century managed to form a fishery co-operative, a fish merchant and individual stages and flakes for saltfish. Eventually the Newfoundland government had built a community salting and drying plant. In 1963 Merasheen had formed a council, built an electrical plant and expanded the school. Sadly, they became victim to the provinces resettlement program and many left. However Merasheen was the first to organize a reunion despite their old stomping grounds being unwillingly deserted.
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7. Red Cliff - Radar Station
A perfect location for hikers who want to get out of the city but don't want to drive to the middle of no where. Red Cliff is a prime spot to work those legs, see a few whales, take in the view of St. John's and it's history. During the hike you'll see rugged military bases from WWII, an old radar station which was apart of the Pine Tree Line. The United States Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force strategically placed radar stations long the 50th parallel — known as the Pine Tree Line. Now covered in graffiti and paint ball ammunition, this place still seems to be a target.
8. Grace Hospital Nursing Residence
Many locals say it's haunted and with good reason. This place will defiantly give you chills even if it's located in the dead centre of St. John's. The structure was once apart of the Grace Hospital and was active until the year 2000. With a new medical facility project underway the Grace Hospital was deemed obsolete. Obviously not open to the public photos from inside are few and far between. However, one local photographer Colin Peddle did an excellent job shooting the place before most of it was demolished. You can view more photos here.
