|
Port de Grave is one of the oldest and historically most successful fishing communities in Canada. Its recorded history goes back to 1675, when the main planter in the community was Thomas Butler. In 1675, Thomas was living at Port de Grave with his wife and three sons. He employed 20 servants and owned five boats, 50 cattle and 20 sheep. Thomas kept some of his sheep and cattle on pasture land in Cupids. Some people think that Thomas was the grandson of Samuel Butler, who was a member of John Guy's colony in Cupers Cove. Port de Grave was attacked by the French led by Pierre Le Moyne D'Iberville on January 23, 1697. Abbé Jean Baudoin wrote in his journal that they found 116 men, 14 planters, 20 boats, and 10 000 salt codfish. He commented: “This place is very beautiful." Visitors to the community make exactly the same comment today! Artists and photographers love Port de Grave!  Port de Grave Marina Photo: Dept of Fisheries and Oceans The Port de Grave Marina The Marina offers state of the art facilities with deep water, making it one of the safest harbours on the east coast. The wheelchair accessible Morgan Hawe Memorial Harbour Authority Building has a spectacular view of the harbour. It offers services to sailors and tourist information. The Fishermen's Museum was started in 1969. The nearby Porter House is furnished as a typical fisherman's home of the early 1900s. Artifacts include fishing equipment, tools, kitchen utensils, and models of various types of boats used in the inshore fishery. An adjacent one-room schoolhouse has also been restored. Port de Grave holds an annual "Boat Lighting & Carol Sing" during the first two weeks of December. Following that event, lights on the boats are turned on each night during the Christmas season. The spectacular display is a "must see" for everyone who is in the area at that time.
Port de Grave has two entrances: from Bay Roberts by Route 72 and from Clarke’s Beach through “The Otterbury,” which is the more scenic route. Port de Grave Harbour Authority welcomes all visitors to the communities of Port de Grave and in particular to the Port de Grave Harbour and the Morgan & Hawe Memorial Building, which is a community information center. Contact:Bill Ralph P.O. Box 125 Port de Grave NL A0A 3J0 Tel: (709) 786-8560 Fax: (709) 786-8561 Port de Grave Website: portdegrave.com © Baccalieu Trail Tourism Association, 2006 |
