First published: 02/08/19.

Zoë Sheng 3.5

Mistaken Point

Mistaken Point (Inscribed)

Mistaken Point by Zoë Sheng

So with this one I had finally "ticked off" all sites in NF but each one was great. I specifically say NF because the site in Labrador sucks. Mistaken Point, named after the many ships that turned too early and wrecked here, is a fossil site. Unlike many fossil sites there is more to see than fossils. The nature at the tip of the Irish route is beautiful, you see many flora, in summer there were thousands of whales at the shore that come right into the bay, there is a seal that comes to visit tourists at the fossil area (I forget its name, Barry?), and this is overall a wonderful day out. It will take an entire day and you must prebook although an Indian fellow had only inquired a night before to join us, there were only two groups of ~12 in total. You also need to check in with them at noon before leaving an hour later, then you return at 4pm. So you cannot really add any special sightseeing to this day's itinerary (but they have whales!). Furthermore, you must have your own car, really, I mean you could theoretically take whatever transportation to get to their office and then get a ride to the parking lot inside the reserve but it just doesn't make sense.

Unlike all other sites (in NFL or even in all of Canada) this is not run by Parks Canada. Their office still has a nice introduction to the site but I really felt it was not up to par with the National Park videos in the US.

Before I continue I want to mention that they give you a free pair of socks!! I ended up not using it but you must not tread on the fossils with shoes thus they offer this in case. It may get wet.

After a 30 minute ride to the parking lot, half of it paved, you get split into groups and head along the trail to the fossil site. It takes 30-45min depending how many things get explained on the way. The guides are really lovely like most Newfies.

Once at the fossil rocks you take off shoes and step on the lower platform. With a handy sheet you can explore the fossils and figure out their names. Some don't even have names yet. Platform B has different kind. The other rocks also have fossils but tourists are only allowed in these two and it is enough to have fun while learning. I can't say that for the other similar inscribed places.

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