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While staying at the Dockside Inn & Restaurant, be sure to visit some of the many attractions and events this area has to offer. Botwood and the neighboriing communities along Route 351-352 make up a large portion of Central Newfoundland, and is one of the most beautiful areas of the island. Playing host to a number of exciting events and activities, this area is also enticing for individuals who are interested in outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, hunting, boating, camping, sight-seeing, and much much more. Below are but a few of the local attractions which are well worth your time to partake in.
Botwood Heritage Park
The Botwood Heritage Park encompasses a wide selection of some of Botwood's most appealing attractions. Enveloping the Botwood airbase, tourists can experience a taste of World War
II by
visiting the restored PBY Catalina flying boat, located near the shore of
the airbase. Not far from the plane
is the Botwood Heritage Center, containing a vast amount of information regarding Botwood's history, and also features one of Newfoundland's finest gift shops. More adventurous individuals may wish to enjoy a hike to scenic Killick
Island, or participate
in one of the many aquatic leisure activities available in Botwood's deep-water sheltered inlet, such as sailing, kayaking, sea-dooing, and more. A restaurant is also situated nearby. No matter what your taste, the Botwood Heritage Park
contains something for the whole family!
The Botwood Flying Boat Museum, through murals, models and artifacts depicts the aviation history of our town from 1920 to 1945. It also houses the Archive of the Botwood Heritage Society.
Opened in August 2007, the Botwood Flying Boat museum houses small to large scale exhibits and historical data specific to the flying boat era. It also contains a small theatre showing historical footage of the flying boat era and a Flight Simulation area with flight simulation games such as the Boeing 314 Clipper. This is a truly unique museum that offers something of interest for visitors of all ages.
PBY Catalina
Proudly resting at the Botwood Heritage Park is a sole reminder of the days of World War II, a restored PBY Catalina flying boat. By far one of Botwood's most popular attractions, the PBY is one of approximately 35 Catalina's remaining in the world. Manufactured
by Consolidated Vultee Company in 1942, the plane
served in the line of duty during World War II. The plane's primary function was to spot submarines off the coast of Ireland, using two transparent bubbles (known as blisters), which were submerged
beneath the water, giving a clear view of any enemy craft lurking nearby. The aircraft was also fitted with a machine gun, and six bombs in its bomb bay. After the war subsided, it operated
primarily in western Canada, and was converted for water storage with firefighting capabilities in 1970. The Newfoundland Forest Service acquired the PBY in 1978, where it was used as a water bomber for nine years before being retired in Gander in
1987. Learning of the craft's retirement, the Town of Botwood made a request to display the plane at Botwood Heritage Park, and on Botwood Day, August 6, 1990, Captain Tibbo of the Forestry Division flew the PBY to Botwood, where it landed safely
at its final resting place on the airbase. The PBY Catalina remains as a glimpse into Botwood's important role in World War II.
Heads, Bays, Coves and Harbours "A Drive"
Of all the many sites and attractions the Exploits Valley has to offer, there is none better then the experience that awaits you when you exit the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) at Bishop's Falls and travel down Route 350 to Botwood and Northern Arm where you will merge with Route 352. Here the truly unique experience begins with a pleasant 40-minute drive through picturesque Philip's Head, Point Of Bay and Cottrell's Cove to historic and beautiful Fortune Harbour.
Folklore abounds as you cruise this mystical harbour, first settled in 1671. Streaming through a maze of islands, you can glimpse the power and majestry of the North Atlantic...and literally "gaze across the sea to Ireland". Continuing through these beautiful waters, first charted by Captain James Cook, you soon arrive at the site of one of North America's largest mussel growing operations
Phillip's Head Batteries
During World War II, defense of Botwood harbour was of paramount importance, not only to Botwood, but to the neighboring towns as well. As such, an artillery station was constructed in 1939 by E.G.M. Cape, in the nearby town of Phillip's Head. It was built to defend the entrance to the port of Botwood. There were two hidden escape hatches on top of the hill, lights were installed underground in case the station was bombarded, and the entire installation was surrounded by six feet of barbed wire fencing. A 700 foot passage was built underground including booby traps, 11 rooms, a three-story observation tower, and gun pads for two 4.7 inch guns that had muzzles about 10 feet long, and fired a shell weighing 149 pounds. Visitors are free to tour the batteries at their leisure these days, and let their imaginations take them back to a time when these installations were the first line of defense for Botwood harbour.
Beautiful Scenery
Of all of the Exploit Valley's events and attractions, perhaps its most provocative is simply the natural beauty that exudes from every corner of the area. The Exploits Valley offers visitors, tourists, and natives some of the most beautiful and photogenic
scenery available anywhere in Newfoundland. From the
enchanting coastline to the rugged and scenic forest-covered areas, there is something in this area for any photo-buff. The staggering amount of information and exhibits in and around the Botwood Heritage Park and surrounding communities will ensure your trip to the Exploits Valley will be an unforgettable
one.
Hiking / Camping
The staggering amount of breathtaking views in the Exploits Valley is an adventure in itself, as the beautiful scenery is not relegated to only a few well-known areas, but can be found anywhere within the region, even in small communities such as Point Leamington and Leading Tickles. These smaller communities offer visitors and natives a number of woodland trails, both man-made and natural, where adventurers will find exactly what they are looking for, and more.
Be sure to do yourself a favor and experience the natural beauty offered by the Exploit Valley's smaller communities. The only requirement? Be sure to bring your camera - you'll regret it if you don't!
Giant Squid
One of the Exploit Valley's most important and interesting facts is it is the home of one of the most intriguing discoveries in the past 200 years. In 1886, the small town of Glover's Harbour, found along Route 350 near the end of the neighboring community of Leading Tickles, was the landing site of a giant squid. This squid weighed approximately 1.2 tons, and had the largest ever documented eye with a diameter of 17 inches. A recreation of this magnificent creature can be found in Glover's Harbour, and visitors are welcome to come and experience this astounding discovery for themselves.
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