Travel Guides Crafted by Experienced Archaeologists & Historians

Newfoundland & Labrador
Art, History & Archaeology Sites & Museums

A maritime province lying at the easternmost point of Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador is a region of two halves. Labrador, “the Big Land,” is part of the Canadian mainland, while Newfoundland, “the Rock,” forms its own separate island. The province formed the Dominion of Newfoundland until a referendum led to it joining Canada in 1949. Many Newfoundlanders still have a distinct identity and some would like to see Newfoundland become independent. Scandinavian explorers first discovered this area around the year 1000, but major European settlement only followed in the 17th century. Much of the province’s population descend from British settlers, although over eight percent are of indigenous heritage, identifying as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis. As well as having four national parks, the province is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In 1901, Guglielmo Marconi received the first ever transatlantic, wireless signal on Signal Hill, now a national historic site.

Archaeology & History Sites in Newfoundland & Labrador

Barbour Living Heritage Village

Located in Newtown, Barbour Living Heritage Village is an open-air museum bringing together 19 historic structures for their long-term preservation. The assembled buildings give visitors a taste of life in Newfoundland as it existed in the late 19th century and the opening decades of the 20th. Many of these structures are internally decorated with authentic period furnishings. A particular focus is the life of the Barbour family, who were prominent in Newfoundland’s fishing industry. There is also accommodation at the village should visitors wish to stay overnight.

L'Anse-aux-Meadows

Situated at the very tip of Newfoundland are the remains of wooden-framed peat and turf buildings. Similar to those found on Greenland and Iceland, they are generally accepted to have been made by Norse Vikings in the 11th century. L’Anse-aux-Meadows is now accepted to be the only known Norse settlement in North America, making this the earliest known archaeological evidence for a European presence on the continent. Parks Canada manage the site and visitors’ centre, with reconstructions and exhibitions about the discovery and excavation of the site.

Museums & Art Galleries in Newfoundland & Labrador

Admiralty House Communications Museum

The Admiralty House Museum in Mount Pearl focuses attentions on the history of radio telecommunications and the famous inventor Guglielmo Marconi. Its collection also includes material on life in early 20th-century Canada. Admiralty House itself was one of eleven identical stations built around the world; the Marconi Telegraph Company constructed it in 1915 to serve the Royal Navy, after which it was used to intercept transmissions from the German Navy during the First World War. The museum also possesses an archive of material useful to those researching telecommunications history.

North Atlantic Aviation Museum

Opened to the public in 1996, the North Atlantic Aviation Museum in Gander brings together a range of displays and objects associated with the history of the aviation industry. Topics covered include the Gander International Airport and its role in the Second World War, as well as its subsequent involvement in international civilian travel. Aircraft on display include a Lockheed Hudson Bomber, a PBY-5a Canso Waterbomber, and a CF-101 Voodoo. There is also a small memorial display devoted to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.