Isle aux Morts - Newfoundland and Labrador

Route 470

Coordinates: 47.5844° N, 58.9712° W

Situated on the rugged shoreline of Newfoundland's South West Coast, Isle aux Morts is a perfect destination for island visitors looking for breathtaking scenery and a little adventure Route 470, a winding coastal drive, will take you to this fishing community, just 16 km southeast of Port aux Basques. Rocky Hills carpeted in reds, greens and gold of Newfoundland's mossy terrain surround the "Island of the Dead", a fitting name considering the hundreds of ships and lives that have been lost off the Isle aux Morts coast..

The French called it Deadman's Island: the locals say island of the Dead. Either way the name reflects the many ships wrecked on these shores.

The Harvey Trail is a gravel, coastal trail honouring the site of daring rescues by the George Harvey family, the family that rescued 163 people in 1828 by stringing a lifeline from the distressed ship to the shore with the help of their Newfoundland Dog, as well as the 25 member crew of another ship in 1838. This trail winds along a rugged shoreline and offers the walker a relaxing, yet healthy 'fitness' hike, a breathtaking scenery, stories of heroism and an opportunity to experience nature's many gifts. The trail includes interpretation panels, a mural at the end of the trail and a gazebo on the high point. Picnic tables and rest benches give the hiker an opportunity to rest and take in the scenery.

This coastline is dotted with many shipwrecks which makes it a diver's paradise. An area just off the coast of  Isle aux Morts has been designated a a Provincial Historic Site. This is where the Mushrow Astrolabes were recovered. These are two very rare navigational instruments which date back to the early 1600s.