Best Things to Do in Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland
Channel-Port aux Basques is a town located at the southwestern tip of the island of Newfoundland in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is the main western port of entry for the province and the eastern terminal for the Marine Atlantic ferry service connecting to North Sydney, Nova Scotia.
The town was formed in 1945 when the former settlements of Channel, Port aux Basques, Grand Bay East, Grand Bay West, and Mouse Island were merged into a single community.
Port aux Basques was named after Basque whalers who frequented the area in the 16th century. Until the late 19th century, the area was primarily a fishing community settled by the French, Channel Islanders, and English.
The town's strategic location and ice-free harbor led to it being chosen as the western terminus of the Newfoundland Railway in 1898, which connected it to the Canadian railway system.
This transformed Channel-Port aux Basques into an important transportation hub. Today, it remains a key entry point to the island of Newfoundland, with the Marine Atlantic ferry service providing a vital link to mainland Canada.
While fishing was historically a major industry, the collapse of the cod fishery in the 1990s hit the local economy hard.
However, Channel-Port aux Basques continues serving as an administrative and commercial center for the Burgeo-La Poile region.
With a population of around 3,500 as of the 2021 census, it is a small but important community on the southwestern coast of Newfoundland.
History of Channel-Port aux Basques
Channel-Port aux Basques, located on the southwestern tip of Newfoundland in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, has a rich history intertwined with fishing, transportation, and community development.
The town's origins date back to the 16th century when French fishermen settled in the area, followed by Channel Islanders and the English. Port aux Basques, one of the former settlements that make up the modern town, was named after Basque whalers who frequented the region in the 1500s.
In the early 1700s, when the Channel was settled by fisherfolk from the Channel Islands, Port aux Basques, the harbor, was a favored sheltering and watering place for Basque whalers who hailed from the Basque region of the Pyrenees of France and Spain during the early 16th century.
The community expanded as a trade center, especially when Port aux Basques was chosen as the terminus of the transinsular Newfoundland Railway in 1892.
In the late 19th century, Port aux Basques became a railway center, which expanded the town as a trade hub.
The Newfoundland Railway, completed in 1898, connected the town to the Canadian railway system, solidifying its importance as a transportation gateway.
The railway was completed in 1898, linking the town to the Canadian railways and further solidifying its importance as a transportation hub.
The town's strategic location and ice-free harbor made it a vital link between Newfoundland and mainland Canada, especially after being chosen as the terminus of the transinsular Newfoundland Railway.
Over the years, Channel-Port aux Basques faced economic challenges, particularly with the collapse of the cod fishery in the early 1990s, which significantly impacted the local industry. Despite this, the town continued to serve as an administrative and commercial center for the Burgeo-La Poile region.
Today, Channel-Port aux Basques remains a key port of entry for Newfoundland. The Marine Atlantic ferry service connects it to North Sydney, Nova Scotia, and is an essential regional transportation link.
Geography of Channel-Port aux Basques
Channel-Port aux Basques, located on the southwestern tip of Newfoundland in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, has a rich history and geography that has played a significant role in the region's development.
The town's name derives from the Basque whalers who frequented the area in the 1500s. Throughout its history, it has been a key location for fishing, trade, and transportation.
Location and Geography
Channel-Port aux Basques is situated on the western end of the Cabot Strait, approximately 31 kilometers (20 miles) from the coast of Nova Scotia.
The town is the province's main western port of entry and the eastern terminal for the Marine Atlantic Ferry Service, which connects it to North Sydney, Nova Scotia, and the Trans-Canada Highway.
The town's strategic location has made it a vital link between Newfoundland and mainland Canada.
Demographics of Channel-Port aux Basques
The demographics of Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, Newfoundland, and Labrador, Canada, provide valuable insights into the town's population and characteristics.
As of the 2021 census, Channel-Port aux Basques had a population of 3,547, representing a decline of 12.8% from the 2016 population of 4,067. The median age in Channel-Port aux Basques was 54 in 2021, compared to the provincial median age of 48.
The town experienced a residual net migration of 1.30% in 2020, indicating some movement of individuals into or out of the area.
As of the 2021 census, the population of Channel-Port aux Basques was 3,547, with a median age of 54. The town's demographics show a decline in population since 2016, with a residual net migration of 1.30% in 2020.
The median age in Channel-Port aux Basques was 54 in 2021, compared to 48 for the province. The town's economy is characterized by a relatively low gross personal income per capita, with after-tax personal income per capita adjusted for inflation at $21,200 in 2020.
The town's demographics also show a decline in dwellings, with 1,885 dwellings in 2021 compared to 2,085 in 2016.
In terms of dwellings, there were 1,885 dwellings in Channel-Port aux Basques in 2021, a decrease from 2,085 in 2016.
These dwellings included 1,640 detached houses and 115 apartments, with single-family households accounting for 1,265 dwellings.
The town's gross personal income per capita was $35,500 in 2020, slightly lower than the provincial average of $39,900. After-tax personal income per capita, adjusted for inflation, was $21,200 in Channel-Port aux Basques in 2020, compared to $23,000 for the province.
The demographics of Channel-Port aux Basques reflect a declining population, an aging community with a median age of 54, and some economic disparities compared to the provincial averages.
Economy of Channel-Port aux Basques
Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada's economy is diverse and has evolved over time. Historically, the town was a major fishing center, with a number of fish processing plants built by the 1950s.
However, the industry was severely impacted by the collapse of the cod fishery in the early 1990s, and the last large operation closed in 2007.
The town's economy has historically been closely tied to fishing, with a number of fish processing plants built by the 1950s. However, the industry was hit hard by the collapse of the cod fishery in the early 1990s, and the last large operation closed in 2007.
Since its incorporation in 1945, Channel-Port aux Basques has been the administrative center for the Burgeo-La Poile region.
Despite this, the town has continued to grow and develop as a strategic location for trade and commerce. Channel-Port aux Basques is the province's main western port of entry and the eastern terminal for the Marine Atlantic Ferry Service, connecting the Trans-Canada Highway.
The town's natural ice-free harbor is used primarily by the shipping industry, hosting Canadian Coast Guard vessels, oil tankers, and cruise ships. This strategic location provides direct access to major ocean shipping lanes and companies offering direct access to mainland Canada through the ferry system.
The town offers significant cost advantages in construction, labor, electricity, telecommunications, interest, depreciation, and income taxes, making it an attractive location for businesses.
The region has a growing skilled labor force and expanding post-secondary educational and training opportunities.
The town is also open for business, with NAFTA and tariff reductions worldwide empowering businesses to choose the best location for their needs.
Companies can benefit from the Duty Deferral and Export Distribution programs, which offer tax exemptions on imported goods used for export.
Channel-Port aux Basques is a key location for international trade. Its proximity to Europe and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) makes it attractive for businesses looking to export to these markets.
The town's economy is supported by its natural harbor, which provides a secure and efficient way to transport goods.
The town's economic development department is actively promoting the area as a business-friendly location, offering a range of incentives and services to support new and existing businesses.
The town is home to a Marine Atlantic ferry terminal, which is the primary entry point onto the island of Newfoundland and the western terminus of the Newfoundland and Labrador Route 1 (Trans-Canada Highway).
The town also has a Channel Head Lighthouse, constructed in 1875 and recognized as a federal heritage building of Canada. The lighthouse is a significant landmark and a testament to the town's maritime history.
Channel-Port aux Basques is a town with a rich history and geography that has significantly influenced the region's development.
Its strategic location and transportation infrastructure have made it a vital link between Newfoundland and mainland Canada, and its economy has historically been closely tied to fishing.
While the town has faced economic challenges, it remains an important administrative and commercial center for the Burgeo-La Poile region.
The economy of Channel-Port aux Basques is a mix of the historical fishing industry, modern trade and commerce, and strategic location advantages.
The town has evolved to become a key location for international trade and commerce, offering a range of benefits and incentives for businesses looking to operate in the area.
Education in Channel–Port aux Basques
The town of Channel-Port aux Basques is home to Keyin College, a well-known community college or institute that provides post-secondary educational and training opportunities for the region.
The transport system in Channel-Port aux Basques
The key points about the transport system in Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, are:
- Channel-Port aux Basques is the main western port of entry for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the eastern terminal for the Marine Atlantic ferry service connecting to North Sydney, Nova Scotia.
- The town is the western terminus of the Newfoundland and Labrador Route 1 (Trans-Canada Highway), providing a vital link to mainland Canada.
- Channel-Port aux Basques became an important transportation hub when it was chosen as the western terminus of the Newfoundland Railway in 1898, connecting it to the Canadian railway system.
- The town's natural ice-free harbor is used primarily by the shipping industry, hosting Canadian Coast Guard vessels, oil tankers, and cruise ships.
- Channel-Port aux Basques' strategic location and transportation infrastructure make it attractive for businesses looking to export goods, with direct access to major ocean shipping lanes and connections to mainland Canada.
Channel-Port aux Basques is a key transportation hub for Newfoundland and Labrador. It serves as the main western port of entry, the eastern terminus of the Trans-Canada Highway, a historic railway terminus, and a hub for shipping and maritime activities.
Living in Channel-Port aux Basques
Living in Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada offers a unique experience shaped by its rich history, strategic location, and economic opportunities.
The town, located on Newfoundland's southwest coast, serves as the province's main western port of entry and the eastern terminal for the Marine Atlantic Ferry Service to North Sydney, Nova Scotia, connecting the Trans-Canada Highway.
Channel-Port aux Basques, with a population of 3,547 as of the 2021 census, is a vibrant community that has evolved from its origins as fishing settlements settled by the French, Channel Islanders, and the English in the 16th century.
The town's economy has transitioned from a fishing center to a trade hub, offering cost advantages in construction, labor, and other areas for businesses looking to establish or expand operations.
The town's natural ice-free harbor is a key feature, hosting a variety of vessels from the shipping industry, the Canadian Coast Guard, oil tankers, and cruise ships.
This strategic location provides direct access to major ocean shipping lanes and connections to mainland Canada, making it attractive for businesses looking to export goods.
Moreover, Channel-Port aux Basques offers a skilled labor force, post-secondary educational opportunities, and modern infrastructure to support business growth.
The town's Economic Development Department actively promotes the area as a business-friendly location, providing incentives and services to support new and existing businesses.
Living in Channel-Port aux Basques provides residents a blend of historical charm, economic opportunities, and a strategic location connecting them to mainland Canada and international markets. The town's strong community spirit, diverse economy, and natural beauty make it a unique and appealing place to call home.
Healthcare in Channel-Port aux Basques
Several healthcare facilities in Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, and Labrador, Canada, support the town's healthcare.
The Dr. Charles L. LeGrow Health Centre and the Bay St. George Long Term Care Centre are key healthcare institutions in Channel-Port aux Basques, providing medical services and long-term care to residents.
Additionally, The Medicine Cabinet Port aux Basques is a healthcare facility in the town that offers medical services to the community.
These healthcare facilities play a crucial role in providing medical care and support to the residents of Channel-Port aux Basques.
Their presence ensures that residents have access to essential healthcare services, ranging from primary care to long-term care, contributing to the overall well-being of the community.
Tourist places in Channel-Port aux Basques
Some of the tourist places in Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, include:
- Scott's Cove:
- Location: 127-145 Caribou Rd, Grand Bay East, NL A0N 1K0, Canada
- Railway Heritage Center:
- Location: 1 Trans Canada Highway, BasquesPort aux Channel-Port-aux-Basques, A0M 1C0, Channel-Port aux Basques, NL, Canada
These locations offer visitors a glimpse into Channel-Port aux Basques's history and heritage, providing opportunities to explore the town's cultural and natural attractions.
Additionally, with over 300,000 people visiting the community annually, Channel-Port aux Basques is a hub of tourism activity for Newfoundland and Labrador, offering a range of experiences such as hiking trails, lighthouses, beaches, and historical museums.
Traditional Dishes of Channel-Port aux Basques
The traditional dishes of Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada include:
- Fish and Brewis:
- A traditional Newfoundland dish made with salt cod and hard bread soaked in water, then fried with pork fat, onions, and scrunchions (fried salt pork fat).
- Jiggs Dinner:
- A classic Newfoundland meal consisting of salt beef, boiled potatoes, carrots, turnip, cabbage, and pease pudding.
These traditional dishes reflect the region's strong ties to fishing and its cultural heritage, offering a taste of Newfoundland's culinary traditions in Channel-Port aux Basques.
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