Municipality of Trinity Bay North (amalgamated communities of Melrose, Port Union - National & Provincial Historic District, and Catalina) - Little Catalina

Route 230 - Melrose, Port Union- National Historic District of Canada, Catalina

Melrose is a small fishing community with a long history dating back to the 1690's when it was a focus of activity for the English migratory fishery. The view from anywhere in Melrose makes this stop worthwhile!

Port Union has been recognized for its cultural significance by Parks Canada, it was designated a National Historic District of Canada in 1999. Port Union is the only union-built town in North America! In 1916, the Town of Port Union began to take shape, the Fisherman's Protective Union Trading Company Premises was completed, and the Union Corporate Headquarters transferred from St. John's. A salt fish processing store, a department store with electric elevators, a seal oil plant, and a medicine shop were among some of the amenities available in Port Union in the early 1900's. Visitors can step back in time and wander the streets and waterfront area or take a tour of the refurbished Factory, home of the Fisherman's Advocate newspaper. Learn about Sir William F. Coaker, founder of the Fisherman's Protective Union (FPU) and one of Newfoundland's most fascinating and controversial public figures of his time. The "Factory Gift Shop", offers a selection of authentic Newfoundland handcrafted souvenirs. Visit the Bungalow, the estate of Sir William Coaker, and the nearby Memorial Cemetery, the burial place of the leader. Port Union Museum is housed in the original 1917 Reid Company Railway Station. This museum tells the story of Sir William Coaker and the FPU and the Reid Railway.

The entrance to the Murphy's Cove - Lodges Pond Trail is located adjacent to St. Catherine's Haven in Port Union. The 7.7-km coastal loop trail will take you through the abandoned community of Murphy's Cove and overlooks the Green Island Lighthouse. Port Union is also home to Thompson's Pond Municipal Park. You can hike around the pond (approx ½ hour), or use the small covered cookhouse and steel fireplace on your visit.

Take Route 230 though to Catalina. As early as 1534 when Jacques Cartier spent 10 days in Catalina harbour, the name was well established as he knew the place by name and did not name it himself. Catalina was the first community outside St. John's to set up a public library in 1937. Catalina, again, achieved notoriety when a huge squid, with tentacles 30 feet long and 5 - 8 feet wide washed ashore after a storm. The squid was purchased by the New York Aquarium and served as the basis for a model of a squid in the American Museum of Natural History.

Stop at Look Out Pond Municipal Park, in Catalina just 3/4 of a km off Route 237. There you can see the glacier-exposed natural sloping rock that runs into a crystal clear pond where you can take a refreshing swim or sunbathe. For those who want a little more adventure, climb the steps to Look Out Hill for a view of the area. Canteen services are available and a covered cookhouse is available for those who want to cook outdoors.

While in Catalina, you can visit Arches Dream Museum. It is a refurbished 1940's two-room school, complete with pot belly stove. See the large collection of artifacts from the local area that tell the stories of days gone by.

Route 230, Little Catalina

Little Catalina was first settled in the 1700's. By 1845, it was a well-established inshore fishing community. The town still has a few fishing stages. A visit to one will give the visitor a firsthand view of how this type of structure was used by fishermen.

Little Catalina offers visitors some great hiking opportunities, beginning with the Little Catalina - Maberly Trail. This 17-km linear trail begins at the end of Little Catalina's main highway and ends at Maberly. The trail was traditionally used as a footpath by residents for berry picking, hunting, and travelling to neighbouring outports. The scenic beach at Flower's Brook Cove is a popular site for a picnic along the trail. The 2-km Arch Rock Trail begins within ½ km from the beginning of Little Catalina's highway. The trail will take you as far East Point in Catalina. Both hiking trails have excellent scenery, and it's not unusual to see whales, icebergs and other kinds of wildlife along the way. Visitors will want to stop at Bowring Pond Park, a great spot for camping or a family picnic. As well Bowring Pond Park is a great place to stop and pick blueberries and partridge berries. The park has a swimming area as well as a playground for the kids. The park is located on Church Road, approximately 5.3-km from Little Catalina main road