Our Favourite Pit Stops En Route to Saint-Pierre et Miquelon

A trip to Saint-Pierre et Miquelon is a great way to add a little je ne sais quoi to your Newfoundland and Labrador adventure. You’ve got your ferry tickets and accommodations booked and all that’s left to do is hit the road… but don’t forget to explore along the way! Here are our favourite things to do on the way down the Burin Peninsula to Saint-Pierre et Miquelon.

Stretch your legs in Arnold’s Cove 

Unlike many towns in rural Newfoundland and Labrador, Arnold’s Cove is located just off the Trans-Canada Highway, which makes it a great place to stop and experience a bit of Newfoundland and Labrador culture and scenery without straying too far from your route. It’s also only a short distance from Goobies, where you’ll turn off to head towards Fortune and the Saint-Pierre ferry, so why not avoid the busy service station and make your pit stop here? To get some fresh air and stretch your legs, check out the Bordeaux Walking Trail. With picnic benches set along the way, the trail is a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch and some fresh air before continuing along the highway. If cultural exploring is more up your alley, download the Resettlement Walk app and explore the town’s history of resettlement.

Take a peek at one of Newfoundland’s most unique collections

About 20 km after turning down the Heritage Run Highway (Route 210), you’ll find the picturesque community of Swift Current, home to Vernon’s Antique Car Museum. This one-of-a-kind showroom houses over 100 years of automotive history, featuring a collection of some of the rarest automobile antiques in North America. After chatting with Vernon and checking out his collection, you’ll be dreaming of hitting the highway in an antique Cadillac!

Take a break – it’s teatime!

After a beautiful drive through the barren landscapes of the Burin Peninsula (keep an eye out for caribou), be sure to stop at Livyers’ Lot Heritage Site and Economusée, a warm and welcoming restaurant, heritage museum, and craft shop located right along the Heritage Run Highway (Route 210). Enjoy a cup of tea and some traditional food before taking in a craft demonstration or chatting with local artisans. Take some time to peruse the craft store as well – there’s nothing better than a locally-made souvenir, and this region is known for its traditional mat-making skills. 

Get off the beaten path  

After passing through Marystown, you could head straight on to Fortune - but where’s the fun in that? A slight detour to the town of Burin is well worth your time. Travel winding roads through picturesque coves, or head to the Burin Heritage Square where you’ll step back in time through historical buildings, storyboards, and displays. Take a stroll along the unique oceanfront board walk, and don’t forget to climb inside the giant lobster trap for a fun and silly photo op.

Explore our geology 

Before boarding the ferry in Fortune, be sure to pop into the Fortune Head Geology Centre, located just across the parking lot from the ferry terminal. Hands-on exhibits detailing the region’s geology are a great way to pass the time while you wait for your departure. You’ll also find lots of local crafts and products in the gift shop. Got a bit of extra time? Book a tour to the Fortune Head Ecological Reserve, located a short drive from the centre. Your guide will lead you to a coastal fossil site that represents the geological boundary between the Precambrian and Cambrian geological eras. The reserve is also home to the Fortune Head lighthouse, a picture-perfect red and white lighthouse overlooking the bay.

As you cross the Canada/France border and wave goodbye to Newfoundland and Labrador, get ready to immerse yourself in French culture, tasty wines and patisseries, and stunning scenery. Upon your return, don’t forget to stop by these great places along the way.

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Do you have a favourite stop along the Burin Peninsula? Share it with everyone in the comments below and remember to check out the Fortune and Grand Bank page on our website.