Cruising Opportunities in Notre Dame Bay

In an edition of Canadian Yachting, Deanne Peters wrote an article titled "Twillingate to New Bay." In this article Notre Dame Bay is described as the "Caribbean of the North, a summer paradise for boaters."

The article mentions one of the many cruises that have visited Lewisporte when it describes how eight boats gathered in the Exploits harbour for the night. On that trip the Peters cruised into Lewisporte and moored at the existing small boat marina. While staying at Lewisporte for a few days they were joined by a boat from the Cruising Club of America out of Boston, who, it is quoted, "had returned to Newfoundland specifically to cruise Notre Dame Bay."

In a second article, "Our Secret Lady" published in Canadian Yachting, Deanne Peters indicates that many visiting sailors’ remark that "Newfoundland remains Canada’s best-kept secrets." "Notre Dame Bay on the northwest coast is widely considered to be the province’s best cruising area, with its overland winds and numerous islands. Many smaller bays within Notre Dame Bay offer splendid scenery and, more often then not, a private playground where cruisers could spend weeks." The Peters had sailed hundreds of miles, yet there was so much of Notre Dame Bay they hadn’t experienced.

Newfoundland and particularly Notre Dame Bay offers dramatic seascapes with world class nature viewing products providing the boater with intimate contact with the natural environment. Notre Dame Bay offers several biophysical strengths: 1) protected coasts amidst numerous islands, 2) inlets and channels; providing a safe haven and magnificent cruising in contrast to Newfoundland’s image as a wild, remote coastal environment, 3) a refuge of splendid scenery with mountain shores, 4) capes, 5) cliffs, and 6) quality, uncrowded, natural beaches, 7) quiet cruising grounds, 8) protected beaches and inlets for mooring, landing and overnighting, 9) opportunities for nature viewing: a) iceberg spectacles, b) wildlife observation and fishing, c) significant historical sites including a) Exploits island - with a heritage from 1750, b) Swan Island - national historic site, and c) an old Indian burial ground.

Notre Dame Bay has the natural characteristics capable of supporting a significant cruising opportunity, both domestically and internationally. The summer weather in the area, the natural protection in the bay, endless miles of peaceful cruising along the ruggedly beautiful coast with many snug, rock-bound coves and wooded islands are key features of this area.

Notre Dame Bay Cruising Guide – www.sailingnotredamebay.ca

Lewisporte Yacht Club – www.lewisporteyachtclub.ca