We left Mary’s Harbour in the morning by boat with the intention of spending two days in Battle Harbour.
Battle Harbour is located in Battle Island. The name wass derived from the Portuguese word batel (boat) as depicted on Portuguese maps c. 1560.
It was a permanent settlement and for two centuries the economic and social center of the southeastern Labrador coast. Cod fishing industry first established there in the 1770s. It fell into decline following reductions in the cod fishery and a major fire in 1930, and was abandoned as a permanent settlement following government resettlement activity in the 1960s.
The Battle Harbour Historic Trust was given the fishing premises and other properties on the island, which it has preserved and operates as a living museum. The facilities at Battle Harbour provide a commemoration of the life and society created there by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians during the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. The site has been declared a National Historic Site.
It is an incredible site. Not only the buildings have been restored, the original fishing and processing equipment are presented in very educational displays but since it was abandoned in the 60s the guides were residents and workers in the industry.
Next morning we woke up with a beautiful view from our window and had time for a short hike before breakfast and heading back to the continent.
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