The Captain described St. John’s as a “gem”, and I have to agree. I think he also enjoys the challenge of entering and leaving the port through a very narrow channel, and “parking” the ship at the downtown quay with the colorful city stacked on the hills in front behind.
St. John’s (pop. 212,000+) is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador province.
Downtown is known for its colourful row houses – a downtown that was ravaged by fire three times in the 19th century. Above the city is Signal Hill and the site of Marconi’s first transatlantic wireless communication. Cabot Tower commemorates John Cabot’s discovery of Newfoundland in 1497.
Newfoundland has strong claims to being the longest serving colony in the British Empire. It was claimed for the English as long ago as 1497 by John Cabot working on behalf of the British Crown and was formally claimed again in 1583 by Sir Humphrey Gilbert. He intended it to be little more than a replenishing base for fishermen and hunters so there was no permanent population. However, many of the early settlers, in the 16th century, were fishermen from southwest England. A larger number of Irish immigrants arrived later. (The Newfoundland dialect has an Irish twang). It remained a British Colony with its own currency until becoming a Canadian province in 1949 – by a wafer thin majority of 50.5-49.5).
Quidi Vidi’s harbour is known as ‘The Gut’ for the narrow opening out into the Atlantic Ocean .
Cape Spear is the easternmost promontory into the Atlantic Ocean.
Leaving St. John’s after an enjoyable day exploring with beautiful weather.
Oh, how I love your travels! I have never been to Newfoundland and Labrador. It looks beautiful! It is now on my bucket list. Miss you! Hope to see you back in Maine this Fall.