n spite of obvious topographic
and geographic differences,
Saskatchewan and Newfoundland
share a common sense of stewardship
over their environments. This con-
nection to land and sea is reflected in
the sense of community we encounter
during the trip. I’m also amazed by the
friendly reception we receive every-
where we go—the locals are genuinely
interested in chatting with us.
After experiencing such warm
hospitality and stunning sights, we
forge north to Labrador. From the
northern tip of Newfoundland, our
ferry crosses the vast Gulf of St.
Lawrence. Arriving in the fishing
village of Red Bay, I’m instantly
curious about the daily lives of the
200 people who reside in the historic
town, a former centre for Basque
whaling operations. Between 1550
and the early 17th century, whalers
pulled thousands of right and bowhead
whales from local waters. Recognized
as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the
area was also a mooring site for naval
vessels in World War II, a pit stop for
infamous pirate Captain William Kidd,
and is today a hotbed of underwater
shipwrecks.
Chris Bridle, our quick-witted
guide at the Red Bay Basque Whaling
Station Interpretative Centre, shares
stories about the archaeological site
and its legendary shipwrecks. Several
whaling ships, Spanish galleons and
Feast like a Viking
small chalupas (skiffs) have sunk here
over the centuries.
A few hours after this revealing
history lesson, we find ourselves across
the street at the appropriately named
Whalers Restaurant and Gift Shop.
We’re surprised to see Bridle again—
this time serving our supper. After
closing the interpretive centre for the
day and swapping his green Parks
Canada t-shirt for a red Whalers shirt,
he’s onto his evening job.
Bridle tells us that he’s spent his
whole life in Red Bay—save that one
year he moved away to take his grade
11 “down south” in Newfoundland. His
brother also works at the historic site,
while his wife of 35 years is employed
at the restaurant. “We do everything
and nothing in town because in the
winter, it’s just a lot of shovelling and
pushing snow around,” he jokes.
After only 10 days of exploring,
I’m amazed and inspired by all that
Special thanks to Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism: newfoundlandlabrador.com
this region has to offer. But most of
all, I appreciate how travelling on a
WestWorld Tours motorcoach tour
has taken me beyond the usual tourist
spots to really get to know the locals
who call this great place home.
See it with
WestWorld
tours
NewfouNdlaNd
& labrador
July 24–Aug. 3, 2019
For many canadians,
getting to “the rock”
completes their bucket
list of seeing all 10
canadian provinces.
whether you’re finish-
ing your checklist or just
starting one, this grand
tour really does have
it all. Visit gros Morne,
dine with Vikings and
pay tribute at the Silent
witness Memorial.
now in its 11th season,
this westworld tours
itinerary is sure to
sell out.
To book or leArn more
Call 1-800-564-6222 (press 4)
30
Spring 2019
caa SaSkatchewan
I