Bay of Exploits

This tour takes you along the banks of Newfoundland's longest river and into the scenic reaches of the Bay of Exploits. It's a treat for nature lovers, sportsmen and people who enjoy the great outdoors.

Travel east 19 kilometres on Route 1 from Grand Falls-Windsor to Bishop's Falls in the heart of the Exploits Valley. The town was founded by John Bishop, but derives its name from Bishop John Inglis, who visited the falls in 1827. The town's motto "In the middle of the forest we remain" is a clear indication of Bishop's Falls reliance on the forest and its products. The community also had a long relationship with the Newfoundland Railway and was a maintenance depot for the discontinued "Newfie Bullet."

Branch off Route 1 onto Route 350 to get to Peterview and Peter's Arm, an area at the mouth of the bay which was the last hunting ground of the Beothuks. Nearby Botwood is the major shipping point for the paper of Grand Falls and at one time the minerals of Buchans.

Sidney Cotton established an air survey company here in 1921. When trans-atlantic air service became feasible Botwood became a sea plane base. British Imperial Airways and Pan American Airways used Botwood as a stopover on their New York to Ireland mail service in 1937. Later the Yankee Clipper seaplane used Botwood as a stopover for their passenger service.

During World War II, Botwood's deep harbour easy protected by coastal batteries was used as a military base. The tramac for the old seaplane base is still there and private seaplanes still land here. Next to the tarmac is the Botwood Heritage Centre which tells the town's story through a series of displays in the former cottage hospital.

Along Route 350 to Northern Arm and Point Leamington, named for George Leamington Phillips who came from Nova Scotia in 1890.

To Scenic Tours: Central Region