The Municipality of Blanc-Sablon is comprised of three villages, each with its own unique picturesque characteristics and historical sites.
Bradore Bay - 'Brador'
Archaeological digs near this village have uncovered thousands of objects associated with large French trading posts established by Augustin Le Grandeur de Courtemanche in the early 18th century. Much earlier, Brador Bay was frequented by European fishermen.
Must-see:
Scenic boulder fields: Brador has a backdrop of islands and boulder fields resulting from retreat glaciers during the last ice age. Île aux Perroquets 'Puffin' Look-out: Follow the signs to pull off Route 138 and take a short walk along the Wanda Beaudoin walking-trail. The look-out area provides interpretation panels, sitting area, and a telescope for close viewing of the approximately 22,000 puffins that breed on this island.
Brador Falls: Northwest of the village along Route 138, a short wooden staircase leads to a belvedere overlooking tumultuous Brador Falls.
Brador River: Crossing Route 138 is a small fresh water trout and salmon river.
Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon - 'Long Point'
Located on a rocky point of land, Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon was originally known as Long Point, renamed in 1907 in honor of Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes in France. With its health center and administrative offices, 'Lourdes' is the main center for this part of the Lower North Shore. Although neighboring villages gradually began speaking English, Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon has retained its French identity and language. Today, many residents speak both English and French.
Must-see:
Monseigneur Scheffer Museum: Located in the Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes church, this museum commemorates through an exhibit of photos, videos and artifacts the life and work of Bishop Lionel Scheffer responsible for building the local hospital and church during the mid-20th century.
Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes Shrine 'Cape Ave': Visible from the village, this wooden statue of the Madonna, carved in France, was erected here in 1916. From the hill top of 'Cape Ave' you will be able to appreciate a wonderful panoramic view of the community and surrounding area.
Greenly Island: In 1928, the Bremen, a German Junkers monoplane made an emergency landing on Greenly Island. The crew was attempting and made the first successful trans-Atlantic flight from Europe to North America when they ran into violent weather. A granite monument commemorating the gallant feat still remains on the island. The island also houses the original lighthouse keepers' residences.
Blanc-Sablon
The Quebec Lower North Shore borders Labrador and its most eastern end is Blanc-Sablon, where ferries from Quebec and Newfoundland bearing passengers and cargo dock at the Blanc-Sablon wharf, alongside local longliners and trawlers. Near the village, archaeological digs revealed the presence of Europeans as early as the 16th century. On a clear day, you can just make out the northern tip of the island of Newfoundland across the Strait of Belle Isle.
Must-see:
Tourist Welcome Centre: Located at the corner of Route 138 and the wharf road; you can get travel tips and ideas for your stay in the Blanc-Sablon area in summer.
National Historic Site of Canada: The mouth of Blanc-Sablon River is home to an extravagant concentration of archaeological sites, dating from the arrival of humans to the Lower North Shore some 9,000 years ago.
Mont Parent Astragale Hiking Trail: Located on Mont Parent hill between the communities of Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon and Blanc-Sablon, this hiking trail was built to protect the Fernald's Milk-Vetch, a rare plant that is a member of the pea family. Mont Parent hilltop also provides a wonderful view of neighboring communities, nearby islands, and Newfoundland.
