Scattered along the coves and bays of the Bird Cove/Pond Cove region is evidence of five thousand years of human occupation.
Basque, French, English, Irish, Archaic Indians, Recent Indians, Paleoeskimos, ancestral Beothuk and perhaps Inuit have all made this region their home and the much of the rich marine and terrestrial life that attracted them is still present today.
On display in the Interpretation Centre of the Big Droke Cultures Foundation in Bird Cove is much of this region’s natural and cultural wealth.
Celebrating their 15th anniversary this year, the centre also offers locally crafted goods and a place to enjoy a cup of tea in its recently renovated craft/gift shop. The friendly and knowledgeable local staff will greet you and share stories about rural island life.
Afterwards you can follow in the footsteps of ancient peoples by taking a hike along the historic Dog Peninsula.
A marvellous journey filled with solitude and wild beauty, it is a peaceful encounter with island wildlife and a chance to see rare and colourful plants in full bloom.
The walk also crosses a landscape dotted with 13 archaeological sites. On the Dog Peninsula’s headland you can see the cairn erected by cartographer Captain James Cook, who visited the shores in the 1760s.
For more information about access and additional details to the Big Droke Interpretation Centre, visit www.bigdroke.ca/ or call toll-free 1-877-247-2011.
