Bonavista is a fishing village on the Bonavista Peninsula on the east coast of Newfoundland. It has both a sheltered inner harbor for small fishing boats and an open harbor for larger crafts. In the 16th century, it was a popular port among European fishing fleets[1] because of its access to fish and seals. It was first used by the Europeans as a navigation point for the rest of the island, but no colony or settlement was established until the British did in the 17th century. The town grew during the 18th and 19th century as a result of its fishing, peaking in the late 19th century when it was the center of fishery production.[2]
The main attraction of Bonavista is Cape Bonavista about five kilometers (three miles) away.[3] This headland is located at the northern tip of the Bonavista Peninsula[4] and is allegedly where explorer John Cabot made his first landfall in North America.[5] The Bonavista Lighthouse with its red and white checkered exterior is another tourist sight.[6] The town is also a popular place in the early summer for whale-watching.[7]
References:
“Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador.” <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonavista%2C_Newfoundland_and_Labrador>
“Cape Bonavista.” <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Bonavista>
Carroll, Donald. Insider’s Guide Canada. Edison: Hunter Publishing, Inc, 1996. ISBN: 1556507100.
[1] Carroll, 346
[2] Bonavista
[3] Carroll, 346
[4] Cape
[5] Carroll, 346
[6] Bonavista
[7] Carroll, 346
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