The Burnside and Alexander Bay area of Bonavista Bay was inhabited by native peoples for at least 5,000 years. Archaeological evidence has been found for the presence of Maritime Archaic, Paleo-Eskimo and Beothuck peoples. Many of the sites are located in the area called Bloody Reach. The Quarry, 20 minutes by boat from Burnside, is the largest Aboriginal quarry found to date in the Province and provides important evidence of the stone-age technology used in NF prior to European settlement. The Beaches, located at the top of Bloody Reach, once contained nineteen Beothuck “house pits,” many of which are still visible. The Fox Bar site is just outside the Beaches. Interpretation at the sites is provided by the project archaeologist. At the Interpretation Centre, visitors can see the artifacts as they come in from the field and are cleaned, conserved and catalogued. A number of examples of lithic tool types are also on display, as well as a lifesize mamateek.

Sites accessible only by boat (charge for transportation and tour), check for departure time and price

Admission: Free (interpretation centre & archaeological field lab only)

Wheelchair Accessible (interpretation centre and archaeological field lab only)

Categories: Eastern, Regional Listings