The Burin Peninsula is home to a wealth of beautiful scenery and coastlines, fishing stages and tree-covered hills. There’s a history here to be explored. There are trails to be travelled. There are hidden gems to be discovered. Come explore the Heritage Run – we’d love to see you!
Peninsula Festivals and Events
Burin Heritage Weekend, Burin
The Burin Heritage Weekend is made up of opening ceremonies, various entertainment, Kids Day events, breakfasts on the wharf and live music all day including gospel, country and Newfoundland music. Local performers and heritage dancers also join the festivities. The festival ends with a huge fireworks display.
For more information, visit the Town of Burin.
Feller from Fortune International Festival, Fortune
The Feller from Fortune International Festival offers a variety of musical and theatrical performances and provides a showcase for artists and artisans. A broad spectrum of visual, fabric and musical arts, carving, quilters, rug hookers, culinary arts, dance, jewelry makers, music, knitters and more can be found.
For more information, visit the Town of Fortune.
Garnish Bakeapple Festival, Garnish
The Garnish Bakeapple Festival offers something for everyone from a BBQ, entertainment, daily breakfasts, bingo, concerts, a fair, a dance, a golf tournament and daily church suppers.
For more information, visit the Town of Garnish.
Annual Burin Peninsula Arts Exhibit, Grand Bank Theatre
The Annual Burin Peninsula Arts Exhibit is made up of local art and artisans who show pieces in an annual Burin Peninsula Arts Council exhibit, within the eclectic setting of song and drama rehearsals. Visitors can contact artists directly and are very welcome to stay and enjoy this superb live theatre setting.
For more information, visit the Burin Peninsula Arts Council.
Annual Burin Peninsula Arts Council Craft Fair, Marystown
Take in the fun and friendly chatter of the largest regional craft fair, an annual gathering place for hundreds of artisans ages 16 to 90. Local musicians fill the air with songs as you enjoy the taste, smell and colours of various wares: Christmas cakes, gingerbread, fudge, homemade bread, bright knits and poked mats, jewelry, books, sealskin, woodwork, soaps, candles, quilts, floral décor and more. A door prize is available and tickets are sold for a prize. BPAC funds raised support arts activities in our rural communities.
For more information, visit the Burin Peninsula Arts Council.
Burin Peninsula Festival of Folk Song and Dance, Salt Pond
Accordion and fiddle sounds fill the air. Feet unconsciously tap in slow unison to haunting melodies or quicken to tunes of jigs and reels. A voice lifts acapella from the stage telling a story of shipwrecks and legends, ballads of life and love. Musicians from 9 to 90, from far and near, connect in this festival of rich musical heritage. Traditional NL, Irish, Country and Gospel. Set and step dancing. Toutons and tea, silent auction.
For more information visit the province’s tourism website.
Museums
Gerard J. Kelly Memorial Fire Fighters Heritage Museum, Marystown
In April 2003, members of the Marystown Volunteer Fire Department presented Council with a proposal to create the Fire Fighters Heritage Show Room (now Gerard J. Kelly Memorial Fire Fighters Heritage Museum) at the Marystown Fire Hall. The show room would preserve a number of firefighting memorabilia including pictures of past fires, pictures of honourary members, various awards, antique equipment and the highlight — the Department’s very first pumper truck, Engine No. 1, a 1967 Dodge that is still operable today.
Marystown Heritage Museum, Marystown
The Marystown Heritage Museum at 283 Ville Marie Drive, has a number of displays that allow you to experience the history of those before us, when life was both simpler and sometimes harsher. Stop by and learn about our shipbuilding history and view some of the tools that were used in everyday life to earn a living.
For more information, visit the museum online.
Veterans Memorial Room
The Veterans Memorial Room is housed at St. Gabriel’s Hall at 254-262 Ville Marie Drive. The Room is dedicated to the remembrance and recognition of those both past and present, who have connections to the Burin Peninsula and served in war and peacekeeping efforts.
Burin Heritage Museums, Burin
If you’re in Burin, visit the Reddy Heritage House, the 1910 Bank of Nova Scotia Museum and the 1933 Oldest Colony Trust Building. When you’re done visiting, take a walk along the seashore on the boardwalk and take in the scenery. Located at 32-33 Seaview Drive, the museum is approximately 20 km/21 minutes from Marystown.
Provincial Seamen’s Museum, Grand Bank
The Provincial Seamen’s Museum showcases our connection to the sea as well as life on land. The museum is located at 54 Marine Drive, approximately 54 km/40 minutes from Marystown.
Fortune Head Geology Centre, Fortune
If you love geology and learning about fossils and dinosaurs, then a visit to the Fortune Head Geology Centre is a must. The Centre is located at 49-51 Bunker’s Hill Road, approximately 61 km/45 minutes from Marystown.
St. Lawrence Miner’s Memorial Museum, St. Lawrence
The St. Lawrence Miner’s Memorial Museum has several displays illuminating the social, economic and cultural heritage of St. Lawrence and graphically illustrates the harsh realities of a miner’s life through artifacts, stories, photos and interviews. The museum is located at 291-295 Route 220, approximately 54 km/40 minutes from Marystown.
Historical Sites
Truxton-Pollux Memorial, Chambers Cove
During a winter storm on February 18, 1942, American navy ship USS Truxton ran aground on the jagged rocks of Chambers Cove. Shortly thereafter, the USS Pollux suffered the same fate a mile and a half away at Lawn Point. Of the 389 crew aboard both ships, 203 died.
But 186 men survived when one sailor managed to get to nearby Iron Springs Mine. The men from the mine, along with residents of St. Lawrence and Lawn, spent hours pulling the men out of the ocean and up over the icy cliffs. Every survivor was taken in by the townspeople.
Chambers Cove is located off Iron Spring Road in St. Lawrence approximately 45 km/46 minutes from Marystown.
Galleries
Model Ship Gallery and Exhibition, Marystown
During the summer 2019, the Town accepted and took receipt of a model ship collection from the family of the late architect and collector John Keith-King of Vancouver, BC. The collection, consisting of 80 models, is appraised at over $1.2 million. The model ships, along with other artifacts and artwork, will be on display at its temporary location at the Marystown Mall. Stay tuned for more information regarding our grand opening!
Theatres
St. Gabriel’s Hall, Marystown
St. Gabriel’s Hall, located at 254-262 Ville Marie Drive, was originally constructed between 1915 and 1919 and has been designated a heritage building by the Town for its historic, cultural and aesthetic values.
The Hall has played host to Rising Tide Theatre, theatrical performances such as Annie Jr. and Waking Ned Devine, musical performances from Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers, Shanneyganock, Masterless Men, Johnny McEvoy, Jim Payne and Ferfus O’Byrne, Kevin Collins and more as well as a number of variety concerts, stand-up comedy, open mic nights, dinner and a show, movies, music festivals and so much more!
Burin Cinema, Burin Bay Arm
Burin Cinema is located at 1 Pleasantview Road, Burin Bay Arm, approximately 14 km/13 minutes from Marystown. The single screen theatre first opened in the mid-1980’s and offers up a place for friends to gather and enjoy a great movie. The theatre can seat up to 230 movie goers and shows first run attractions.
Grand Bank Regional Theatre, Grand Bank
The Grand Bank Regional Theater has relocated to the former Pentecostal Church on Lower Water Street in Grand Bank approximately 54 km/40 minutes from Marystown. The theatre was originally founded in 1995 and has offered over 20 years of live professional theatre and has offered up shows featuring romance, comedy, mystery and music. Take in a show or a dinner and a show. With performances taking place Tuesday to Saturday, there’s something for everyone!
Golf Courses
The Grande Meadows Golf Club is a semi-private club located in Frenchman’s Cove, about twenty minutes from Marystown, which offers membership and provides opportunities for public play. This nine-hole course is the most southern course in the province with scenic views of Fortune Bay.
For more information regarding the Grande Meadows Golf Course, visit their website or call 709-826-2600.
Heritage Run Tourism Association (Tourist Chalet) Viewparks
The Heritage Run refers to a trip around ‘The Boot’ as we like to call the Burin Peninsula, and has a lot to offer visitors and residents alike when it comes to scenery, nature, history and culture.
There are seven viewparks located throughout the Heritage Run region on the Burin Peninsula. Distinctive orange signage will take you on a scenic trip starting with the Goobies Viewpark followed by viewparks at Sandy Harbour River, Livyers’ Lot, Marystown, Beaver Pond Hill, Point Crewe and finally Frenchman’s Cove.
If you’re planning a trip to the Burin Peninsula, a stop at each viewpark is a must. For more information on the viewparks, visit the Heritage Run Viewparks website.
RV Parks/Campgrounds
There are several parks in neighbouring communities within minutes from Marystown.
Frenchman’s Cove Provincial Park
Frenchman’s Cove Provincial Park is located on the west side of the Burin Peninsula about 20 minutes from Marystown and is made up of 5 hectares of varied habitat with 76 campsites. Enjoy the pebble beach or a quiet barachois, marsh and stream…participate in some bird watching or play a round or two on the 9-hole golf course at Grand Fairways Resort adjacent to the park. If you don’t want to camp, stay in one of six two-bedroom log chalets at the resort. The amenities are endless including propane BBQs (cabins), fire pits, a playground, picnic tables, change houses and more.
Reserve a campsite online, or book a cabin online.
Freshwater Pond Park
Freshwater Pond Park is located in Lewin’s Cove, about 15 minutes from Marystown. The former Provincial park is now privately owned and offers users a number of campsites to accommodate both trailers and tents. The pond itself is used for boating, swimming and recreational fishing (salmon and trout). To book a campsite, call (709) 894-4417.
Golden Sands Resort
Golden Sands Resort is located in Burin on Winterland Road and is just 10 minutes from Marystown and 15 minutes from the golf course in Frenchman’s Cove. Golden Sands has a full mile of sandy beach on a fresh water pond. Low water levels make it ideal for family swims with small children. In addition to swimming, there are boat rentals, mini-golf, a playground, a trackless train, two walking trails in the area, a restaurant and a full canteen. Twenty-three cabins and 130 30-amp RV sites are available for booking.
ATV Trails
ATVing is a great way to explore the region and experience the outdoors. There are several ATV trails in the region. Although the trails are maintained by associations, remember to come prepared for changing trail conditions as well as weather conditions and be sure to bring basic supplies (water, extra fuel, etc.).
To read more about the ATV trails in the region and get directions, visit these sites:
Kayaking
Discover your love for kayaking! Rent your kayaks from New Age Rentals & Adventure Tours in the Garnish-Frenchman’s Cove area from May to September. Dory rentals and Green Crab tours are also available.
Call 709-277-2906 to book.
Saint-Pierre et Miquelon
Approximately 25km from the shores of the Burin Peninsula lay the islands of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, a tiny bit of France on Canada’s doorstep that incorporates a mix of both North American and European influences! As the islands are a part of France, the currency used is the Euro, although Canadian and American currencies are accepted.
The islands can be accessed via a ferry service from Fortune, which is approximately 61km or 45 minutes from Marystown. Two ferries provide regular year-round service between Saint-Pierre et Miquelon and Fortune. Closed lots are available for vehicle parking in Fortune. No passports are required for Canadian citizens – just bring your government-issued photo ID (ie., driver’s license).