Set along the Strait of Belle Isle, Red Bay is a small fishing village that once served as a major Basque whaling harbor from the 1530s through the early 1600s. Archaeological work here uncovered three sunken whaling galleons and four small chalupas, the boats once used to hunt right and bowhead whales, evidence so significant that UNESCO named Red Bay a World Heritage Site in 2013. The National Historic Site's visitor center and interpretive trails now preserve this remarkable chapter of maritime industry at the edge of the North Atlantic.
Coastal trails near the landing offer sweeping views of the strait, where whales, seals, and seabirds are frequently spotted along the rugged shoreline. The village itself remains modest and walkable, its scattered wooden buildings and quiet harbor a striking contrast to the ambitious commercial enterprise once centered here. Travelers find in Red Bay a rare combination of dramatic subarctic scenery and deep archaeological history, remote enough to feel undiscovered yet rich with centuries-old stories of resilience and industry.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Red Bay.
Explore the Visitor Interpretive Center
Examine recovered Basque whaling artifacts and a partial chalupa, with exhibits explaining how sunken galleons revealed this 16th-century industry. Allow 45 minutes to an hour before heading out to the trails.
Hike the Boney Shore Trail
A short waterfront path winds past whalebone remnants and rocky coves near the historic try-works sites, offering close-up views of the strait's rugged edge. Sturdy shoes are recommended for uneven ground.
Scan the Strait for Whales
Climb to elevated lookout points along the coastal trails, where bowhead and right whales once hunted by the Basques still pass, alongside seals and nesting seabirds. Bring binoculars for the best sightings.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Click a cruise line to see its Red Bay sailings and Pavlus pricing.
