Peggy's Point Lighthouse, Nova Scotia, June 20, 2016
Most of the best maritime towns are along the coast. They evolved from, or still are, past fishery sites. Atlantic Canada has long been fisherman's paradise, and as such region has no shortage of Scandinavia style fishing villages, with wooden houses brightly painted against rocky coast, red topped lighthouses overlooking a perfect small bay, and green hills connect deep blue Atlantic.
Together with these charming towns are some most impressive lighthouses. Exploring the numerous lighthouses along the coastline of Atlantic provinces is the fun part of my drive. Lighthouses are an iconic part of Canada, many are lovely and beautiful, and some of them are world famous. Mostly replaced by electronic navigation system, Canadian lighthouses are rarely in use today, but widely recognized as a symbol of past. They are the maritime heritage and form an integral part of Canada's history and identify.
There are hundreds of lighthouses stand still today, and Nova Scotia has the largest number of them of any province in Canada, given its thousands of kilometers long coastline. Of them, Peggy's Cove perhaps is the most well-know and pictured lighthouse in Canada. It was build in 1915, on top of giant rocks to mark the eastern entrance of St. Margarets Bay. This lighthouse makes Peggy's Cove looks elegant and beautiful, especially when waves crashing in. See image above.
Peggy's Cove is a quiet and very scenery coastal village. I say quiet, only because I arrived before dawn and left early to escape massive crowd. It's actually one of the most popular tour site in Canada, a must go for all Atlantic Canada visitors.
Except the world-famous Peggy's Point lighthouse, Peggy's Cove in itself is the most well-known coastal community in Atlantic Canada. The tourists free Peggy's Cove looks tremendously beautiful, with bright painted houses standing atop rocky coast, lobster traps pile on the road side, and colorful boats bob in calm blue water. Every sight is picture perfect.
Classic view of Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia, June 20, 2016
Simply strolling around Peggy's Cove makes you feel incredible. Time is early, and the village was still sleeping; no locals jammed into this beautiful viewing.
Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia, June 20, 2016
I enjoyed few hours in Peggy's Cove and left when I saw the arrival of first tour bus. From travel guide I learned how crowded this place will be during business hours, especially in a sunny day. The giant empty parking lots in the village confirmed my concern. I am not surprise if this place is overwhelmed by buses of tourists during holiday seasons, since Peggy's Cove is tiny, and as such capacity of all tour services is limited. Anyway, I like this place.
Peggy's Cove with lighthouse in background, Nova Scotia, June 20, 2016
Trinity is a hidden gem in Bonavista. Back to 17 centuries, this now tiny hamlet (less than 200 permanent residents) was the business hub on fishing trade to Europe, once had more population than St. John's. The rise of Trinity marked the booming fishing economy in Newfoundland. For more than 3 centuries, Trinity was well-known for its wealthy, until modern age when highway replaced boat to connect everywhere. As time passed, this place lapsed into a small village later on.
Trinity bird view, Newfoundland, June 26, 2016
Today, you can still see the lingering traces of the town's glorious past, from a number of elegant architectures and the white picket fences.
Trinity, Bonavista, June 26, 2016
Fishing is still a way to make a living...
... while tourism also brings in hard dollars for locals. A culture tour takes place at the church square every day.
Trinity Church, Trinity, Newfoundland, June 26, 2016
St. Anthony is the type of fishery town that you won't say it's pretty, but attractive and with a rough charm. Located at the northern tip of Newfoundland island, St. Anthony is a chilly remote town with tundra landscape. Mossy barren coastal hills with bright colored houses on top; calm blue water float white icebergs nearshore; lovely red topped lighthouse against blue sky.
St. Anthony bird view, Newfoundland, June 23, 2016
On top a coastal hill I got a mesmerizing view of beautiful blue Atlantic and St. Anthony Bay.
St. Anthony is my first stop in Newfoundland. I have to stay in town overnight before continue my trip to Viking village, beyond that I didn't have any preconceived notions about what to expect. Before leaving locals point me to the Fishing Point where beautiful lighthouse stands. Fishing Point and surroundings are the best part of St. Anthony town. This place is the meeting place for locals or tourists alike, and I spend several hours there before I know it.
Fishing Point birdview, St. Anthony, Newfoundland, June 23, 2016
I arrived Fishing Point lighthouse before dawn. It's a small yet good looking lighthouse, still in use, with 4 light keepers. Nearby buildings are seafood restaurant, gift shop, Viking house replica, and a tiny museum. Cool.
Fishing Point Lighthouse, St. Anthony, Newfoundland, June 23, 2016
When I was hiking the whale watcher's trail for a better view of the ocean, first thing come into my sight was couple of giant icebergs waiting for me quietly in a small bay. Iceberg viewing is a first time in life experience for me, while it happens in a least expected way. It looks absolutely gorgeos!
Icebergs in St. Anthony, June 23, 2016
Bergs give St. Anthony a barren yet scenic feel. Fishing Point is a great place to view the open ocean, whales or spring icebergs. Up hundreds of stairs to the top of Fishing Point Head, a coastal hill right beside the lighthouse, I found multiple bergs grounded near shore. June end is spring time for St. Anthony, and thanks its chilly windy weather, icebergs last longer than most sites in southern Newfoundland; consequently iceberg spotting still is pleasurable experience. Have to say that temperature is lower than I thought. Some hills remain snow covered.
贴得累了。剩下的在博客上：加东小镇，灯塔印象