Plan a CruiseUpon arrival in Red Bay, cruise ships will tender passengers ashore, as direct docking facilities are not available. This small, historic town, nestled in Labrador, often has fewer inhabitants than the number of cruise passengers visiting. Red Bay is renowned for its 16th-century Basque whaling history, where whalers from Spain and France established a thriving industry to produce whale oil for export to Europe, drawn by the abundant right and bowhead whales in the coastal waters. The sheltered harbor of Red Bay was the busiest port for this enterprise during the mid to late 1500s, making it a significant historical site.
Getting Around from the Port
Given the small size of Red Bay, walking is the primary mode of transport to explore the town's main attractions. Most sites are within easy walking distance from the tender drop-off point. For visiting Saddle Island, a small boat service is available.
Attractions and Activities
- Red Bay National Historic Site & Visitor Interpretation Centre: Immerse yourself in the rugged coastal beauty of Labrador and learn about the significant 16th-century Basque whaling history. The Visitor Interpretation Centre provides context and exhibits on this UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Saddle Island: From the mainland, take a small boat for a nominal fee of $2 to reach Saddle Island. Here, you'll find a self-guided interpretive trail leading you through excavated land sites that offer further insights into the historic whaling operations. Allow at least two to three hours to thoroughly explore both the National Historic Site's interpretation center and Saddle Island.
- Iceberg and Whale Watching Tours: Depending on the season, you can enjoy tours focused on spotting icebergs and whales. Labrador's waters are known for these natural spectacles, offering a chance to witness the region's marine wildlife.
Dining & Shopping
Specific restaurants or shops near the tender area are not detailed for Red Bay. However, when dining or receiving services in Canada, it is customary to tip 10-15% of the bill. Tips are also typically given to bell hops, concierges, room cleaners, cab drivers, hairdressers, hotel attendants, and bar staff.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Major credit cards are widely accepted. You can find ATMs in many grocery stores, malls, and airports across Canada, with most linked to international networks such as Cirrus, Plus, Star, and Maestro. Be aware that using a major credit card for a cash advance at an ATM typically incurs a service fee plus immediate interest charges, making it a more expensive option for obtaining cash.
The primary language spoken in Labrador is English. While both English (59.3%) and French (23.2%) are official languages in Canada, French is more prevalent in provinces like Quebec and New Brunswick, with the rest of the country predominantly English-speaking.