In addition to our home base in Halfway Cove, Nova Scotia we also have a house in Grand Bruit
which is an outport in Newfoundland.
The House
Built in 1919, this typical outport house has wonderful views in all directions.
From the front windows, looking eastward, there are open waters littered with small
rock islands. The view is stunning in all weather but very dramatic when seas are
rough and salt spray flies. The waves crash into the 'sinkers,' as the rocks are called.
The rear view from the upper floor of the house is of the inner harbour where you can watch
and see the activity of the village. The coming and going of the ferry marks the time
of day and is very much the center point of the town's people.
This is a simple house; functional and comfortable. The main floor has a kitchen/dining
area which is separated from the livingroom by the central staircase. The bathroom is
also on this floor. The upper floor has two bedrooms each with double beds and multiple
windows. Watching the sunrise from these rooms in the mornings is something that will
make you pause and gaze outwards.
The house is fully furnished and equipped.
Grand Bruit
Originally settled by the French, this is one of the few remaining true outports in
Newfoundland. It is a proud and immaculately kept place in a setting that is unique.
The houses, out buildings and fishing stages border the cove itself. Perfectly centered
in the cove is the waterfall where the port's name originates (Big Noise = Grand Bruit).
The roar of the falls can be heard throughout the village. Blue Hills rise as a backdrop
to the town completing the near perfect picture. This is a place of no roads and no cars.
There is a very well equipped general store that serves the thirty or so full time residents.
The population doubles in the summer by people returning home and is augmented by the few
lucky people that travel along this remote coast. To be able to witness a physical and
cultural environment like Grand Bruit is, in our view, a privilege and one that is becoming
rare. There are only a few of these outports left and its total physical isolation and the
strength of community that has been forged is truly remarkable and an experience that you
will not forget.
There are two well marked hiking trails plus lots of open places to explore. The Sandbanks
Trail meanders along the shoreline leading to a crescent of sandy beach. This walk takes
about two hours plus, of course, time to stop and berry pick, comb the beach or sit and
gaze out over the water. The second leads into the Blue Hills and passes by many dozens
of rocky knolls, ponds and bogs. This is a loop trail that extends to a waterfall and the
top peak of the Hills. The summit is about 1000 feet from which you can see literally miles
of coast line plus a grand panorama of undulating granite peaks stretching inland. Etched
into the grounds below are the pathways of generations of caribou with scatterings of stunted
trees, water courses and lots of bare rock! The total hike can take up to six hours but it
can be broken down to a wonderful shorter hike as well.
The Southwest Coast
Sometimes the places that are most difficult to get to can be the most rewarding. The
Southwest Coast is one of those places. It is accessible only by the coastal ferry or
private boat. The road from Port Aux Basque to the ferry's wharf at Rose Blanche is only
about 45 kilometers but you pass through one unique community after another along a narrow
twisty roadway that hugs the shoreline. Settled as fishing communities with place names that
reflect the original French influence, this is a rough barren coastline with fjord-like bays
and scattered remote settlements.
The Coastal Ferry
The boat runs five days a week between Rose Blanche and Grand Bruit. It is a 2 ½ hour ride
with one stop in the outport Lapoile. On Tuesdays, the ferry makes a return trip to Burgeo.
The ferry does not operate on Thursday.
Photos
of The Grand Bruit
Home
Waterfront Cottages | Honeymoon Cottages | Our Oceanfront Location | Off Season Vacations | Newfoundland Vacations
Copyright 2008 | Newfoundland Vacation Accommodations.