(click here to find Little Port on the map)
(click photos to enlarge, click caption for mapped location)
From the TCH (TransCanada Highway) take route 450 west to Lark Harbour. In Lark Harbour turn left onto Little Port Road and take it to the end.
Before leaving the Water's Edge Campground in Shoal Brook, we told Norm and Rodney that we were heading to Corner Brook and The Bay of Islands. They told us to take the drive to Lark Harbour on the south side of the bay. Once we get to Lark Harbour, keep going to the end of the road in Little Port. It was great advise. Little Port is the prettiest harbour that we have seen in the province. The tip is don't get too glued in on your travel plans, you'll find out the best places to go after you get here.
The drive on Route 450 (Captain Cook's Trail) along the shore of the Humber Arm is truly breathtaking. Most of the road winds and bends along the cliff edge giving you vista shots of the numerous islands in Bay of Islands. Along the way are numerous villages perched at the waters edge with huge hills at their back. Lark Harbour is wrapped around Inner Harbour and has a lovely setting. When you get to the small grocer on your left you wiil turn left onto Little Port Road. In a few minutes you will reach Little Port.
(click photos to enlarge, click caption for mapped location)
Little Port's setting is truly beautiful. The high cliffs on both sides of the harbour provide a protected inlet from the rough waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The boat ramps that lead into the water are very impressive. The cod moratorium has had a devastating affect on small fishing communities. There are several boats that work out of Little Port.
A few steps further past the dock there is a "parking lot" that serves the Cedar Cove Walking Trail. It is an easy-moderate hike of 1.8 km and brings you down to a sandy beach area.
While we on the dock a couple of older fishermen arrived to go out fishing. We had a good chat about the fishing restrictions, what they were allowed to catch, where they were heading to and how to get the boat from the ramp into the water. Some white grease on the dock and help from us and a fishery officer, made it easier to shove the boat down into the water. Then they climbed in, started the outboard motor and headed out to the open water. Watching them you could tell when they had left the protection of the cove because the front end of the boat suddenly reared out of the water and looked like it was going to flip. These men have no fear!
Don't be shy. Most Newfoundlanders love to stop and have a chat. It's one of the friendliest places you'll ever visit. You'll get some great ideas of where to head next.
(click photos to enlarge, click caption for mapped location)
