A summary of a tidbit of info. defining our Province, "Newfoundland and Labrador". ENJOY! The Home Of Our Ancestors: For Newfoundland and Labrador there is no such thing as an accidental tourist. It takes deliberate action to visit here.....compelled by curiosity and the promise of what's unique and different in our culture, history, lifestyle, nature and dramatic scenery. This is an arresting and compelling destination, because of the blend of our unique offerings - exclusive products, dramatic seascape and landscape, significant history, distinct culture and genuine people. In the past five years Newfoundland and Labrador has distinguished itself as Canada's fastest growing tourism destination with an increase in visitation of 37%. Companies carrying Newfoundland and Labrador have been reaping the rewards of providing quality service to this rich and rewarding destination. Our success continues to grow as new initiatives support and enhance the growing market demands. In 2002, visitors enjoyed the many conveniences and service upgrades as a result of extensive expansion of the St. John's International Airport. Visitors to Labrador can explore The Big Land as a result of the new road developments from Red Bay to Port Hope Simpson and, by fall 2003, to Cartwright. For travellers who take time to journey on foot, the East Coast Trail, located near the capital city of St. John's, has 400 kilometres of spectacular coastal trail for a variety of day journey itineraries. The opportunity of experiencing nature viewing on a grand scale and indulging in creature comforts can be relished with such new properties as St. John's The Spa at the Monastery - the largest day spa in Atlantic Canada. A number of high end B&Bs and the new boutique hotel at the Murray Premises in historic St. John's as well as Fisherman's Landing Inn at Gros Morne National Park on Newfoundland's west coast provide the perfect ambience for the discriminating traveller. Similarly, continuing upgrades and attention to quality service by many of our fine hotel properties continue to receive accolades of exceeding expectations for both FIT and group tours. New tours include the opening of Newman's Wine Vaults Provincial Historic Site and production tours of the Quidi Vidi Brewing Company, both in St. John's, and the Dark Tickle jam company economuseum in St. Lunaire-Griquet, bring an added flavour and dimension to our colourful cultural and social history. On a larger scale, 2004 will mark the opening of The Rooms, housing the Provincial Museum of Newfoundland and Labrador, Art Gallery and Provincial Archives. This landmark facility, offering tailored programs and integrated tours for the group tour market, will be a must on any itinerary as visitors get a first hand perspective of our vibrant cultural history and expression. Newfoundland and Labrador offers a richness and diversity that distinguishes itself as one of the most unique "new" destinations in the world. Nowhere else will you find such an arresting and compelling destination that offers a rich blend of unique experiences and exclusive products. This is a land that lives by the sea, in harmony with nature: dramatic seascape and landscape, significant history, abundant wildlife, distinct culture and genuine people. 17,000 kilometres (10,500 miles) of majestic coastline - fjords, inlets, coves, guts, bays and tickles . . . waiting to be explored . . . where the sea greets the shore in all its dramatic splendor of coastline, marine mammals and seabirds. Northern Lights - greatest natural light show on earth, the Northern Lights plays to audiences in Labrador on over 240 nights a year. Ten-thousand-year-old icebergs drift south as humpback whales migrate to the North . . . . this is the place where their paths cross. Newfoundland and Labrador has the largest population of spectacular humpback whales in the world . . . over 29 varieties of marine mammals - more species, more often and in more locations than anywhere else in Canada. Newfoundland and Labrador is home to some of the world's largest and most accessible seabird colonies, with over 35 million seabirds gathering every year! Come see northern gannets at Cape St. Mary's, kittiwakes, murres, Atlantic puffins, osprey, falcons, hawks, storm petrels, razorbills, and bald eagles. Seabird Capital of North America. Largest Atlantic Puffin sanctuary in North America at the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. The provincial bird - also called The Sea Parrot. Meeting place large ocean currents - the nutrient rich Arctic waters of the Labrador Current and the warm waters of the Gulf Stream mix on the Grand Banks, a series of shallow underwater plateaus that are more than four times the size of the province's land area. Most accessible wildlife in North America. George River Caribou herd is the largest caribou herd in the world. Other abundant wildlife including moose and black bear. World Class Angling - Over 200 Atlantic Salmon Rivers . World class trophy brook trout fishing. Bike to the edge of the Bay, hike from the coastline to the highest mountain top, kayak through the deepest fjord. Touted by some of the world's top paddlers as "one of the best sea kayaking destinations on this planet." Multi-adventure activities for all levels. Where fairways meet the coast. Choose from over 20 golf courses sculptured against the backdrop of our spectacular seacoast, waterfalls, tree lined fairways and surrounding hills. Marble Mountain - Best skiing east of the Rockies and multi winter adventure packages including dog sledding, cat skiing and snowmobiling. "Awaken your heart and soul to Labrador" - one of the world's last great frontiers - a land of mystery and intrigue, with 300,000 square kilometres of majestic wilderness to explore. A land that beckons adventurers: the mountain climber who has scaled the Torngat Mountains, the photographer who has captured the image of the mighty whale, the hiker who has explored the abandoned Moravian settlement at Hebron. Cultural richness - one of the most prolific arts communities in Canada, renowned for their poetry, song, art and craftsmanship - as found in distinctive galleries, book stores, music and gift shops. Festivals and musical events . . . over 200 every year ... and that doesn't include Aunt Sarah's kitchen party. Award winning Trinity Pageant - catch local favourites, historical pageants and dinner theatres, set against the backdrop of our rugged coastline and historic sites. North American Archaeological sites dating back 9,000 years, from aboriginal sites including Maritime Archaic Indian, Palaeoeskimo, and Beothuk Indians to European sites. St. John's, one of the oldest settlements in North America, offering terrific shopping & significant historic sites. City of Legends, city of walkways, rivers, hills and valleys, nestled among colourful houses. Signal Hill National Historic Site - featuring the Signal Hill Tattoo in summer - where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless transmission in 1901 and marvel at the view of the city and coastline. Authentic cuisine - cod tongues, cod cheeks, caribou, snow crab, salmon, moose . . . succulent bake apples and wild berries, tea and lassy 'buns, toutons . . . salt fish and brewis.. Featuring over 15 ports of call for various size adventure/expedition and international cruise itineraries. Newfoundlanders & Labradorians are renowned for their hospitality, quick wit and endless charm.