L'Anse au Clair
Visitor Centre at L'Anse au Clair
After disembarking from the Labrador Ferry, L’Anse au Clair is the first community you come to on the Labrador side of the Straits’ border. For that reason it is often referred to as the Gateway to Labrador. A small community, it was named for the first settler in the harbour. Like many of the harbours along the north side of the Labrador Straits, it was used by French fishermen participating in the migratory cod fishery, which became a politically and commercially important industry in Europe starting in the 16th century.
Not far from the present day community, is an archeological site called the Jersey Rooms. Here lie the remains of a fishing premises established by people from the Jersey Islands.
Over the centuries, L’Anse au Clair has remained a small community. Its beautiful sand beach and high hills make it a photogenic sight. Its residents have successfully diversified the local economy beyond fishing, make it also a vibrant retail centre. A small, decommissioned church was restored and made into a visitor centre that provides an excellent introduction to the culture and heritage of the Labrador Straits.
L'Anse au Clair Photos : ( Click each for full size )
Trailhead to Jersey Room
L'Anse au Clair : Archeology of a Jersey Fishing Room
In the early 19th century, after Britain had wrestled Labrador from the French at the end of the Seven Years War, fishermen, artisans and shore workers from the Channel Islands, particularly Jersey, began to appear in the Labrador Straits, working for English mercantile firms. The firms brought workers to the region to harvest fish and seals. Although the major stations were at Blanc Sablon and Forteau, there were also fishing rooms in smaller harbours such as L’Anse au Cotard, near present day L’Anse au Clair.
In 1986 archeologists discovered the remains of the L’Anse au Cotard premises used mainly for sealing. There is a trail to the site from L’Anse au Clair where visitors can see the skeleton of three stone structures and a stone walkway. During its time of operation, it was run by the Dumaresq family, original settlers in the area.
Photos : ( Click each for full size )
Archeological dig uncovers a Jersey Room at L'Anse au Cotard.
Jersey Room trail from L'Anse au Clair.