Captain James Cook, the famous navigator and cartographer, spent five summers navigating the coasts of Newfoundland, ( 1763 - 67 ) creating the first accurate maps of the area, complete with sailing directions and advice on safe anchorage.

     Cook kept headquarters in the Burin area, and used one of the area's best vantage points to keep an eye out for smugglers, illegal French fishing boats, and French and American mercenary vessels, called "privateers."  the lookout still bears his name, and is open to sightseers.

     The eastern extent of Captain Cook Drive Begins at Beau Bois ( given an English spin and pronounced "Bo Boy" ), a pretty community with a long beach and a protected harbour.  It was the area's major community in the early 19th century.

     One of the region's best museums, Jerome Walsh's Museum, is located on Jerome's Cozy fishing premises just outside of Little Bay.  The extensive personal collection includes amazing items form over a century of life and trade in the region complete with detailed explanations in Jerome's relaxed and unassuming style.

    Heading west on Route 222 brings the visitor inland to the Winterlnd EcoMuseum, an outdoor natural history exhibit featuring a wheelchair accessible footpath.  The EcoMuseum experience involves expert interpretation of the flora and fauna.  The popular Golden Sands Beach is also located nearby.

  Burin is a short distance south.  The13 coves and settlements that make up present-day Burin span practically 300 years of history.  The communities also span a wide variety of geography: from the valley area around Salt Pond to the steep cliffs of "the Scrape," the road intertwining the hills and the homes of historic Burin.

     The "town" of Burin is located on the west side of Burin Inlet, which extends inland approximately 8 km form the sea.  The terrain affords incredible panoramic views of the Bay, protected from the open sea by offshore islands.  The scenery that now impresses visitors was  a welcome site to the earliest guests, providing shelter from gale and storm. Basque fisherman are reported to have visited Burin as far back as 1650.

     Most experts believe Burin took its name from the French engraving tool "burin."  Legend has it that a French sailor was standing on deck holding the awl-type tool and was struck by the resemblance between the burin and the harbour the ship was entering.

     By 1740, there were four British ships operating out of Burin and Mortier.  The settlement had started to form, with over 300 people spending the winter,  The fishery formed the basis of the burin economy, and by the early 20th century the community became the chief town on the peninsula, with prosperous inshore fishery.

     The town's slogan is "a blend of the old and the new."  Burin's Heritage Homes give excellent insight into the history of Burin and the island of Newfoundland.  the Heritage house is one of the Province's best local museums, with displays about education, commerce, lifestyle and education.   Across the way in the old Bank of Nova Scotia building, heritage II, there is a 1929 Tidal Wave exhibit, travelling displays from rural Newfoundland, and a large variety of other artefacts.

     Historic Man 'O War Hill is another superb vantage.   There are also boat tours available to explore nearby islands in Burin Bay.   Burin's Heritage Weekend is a yearly event, culminating on Burin Day, the second Monday of August.

     Fox Cove/Mortier and Port au Bras are just north, with the Tides Point Lighthouse overlooking Placentia Bay.  Southwest again on Route 220 leads to Lewin's Cove, site of the Popular Freshwater Pond Park, and through the communities of Salmonier and Epworth to the end of Captain Cook Drive.  Corbin, an abandoned fishing community, is a popular cabin and cottage area

Burin:     

• Burin Peninsula Festival folk Song and Dance

July, date To Be Announced

• Winteland EcoMuseum Family Fun Day

August 1-15

• Burin: celebration of Atlantic Waves and Maple Leaves*includes: RCMP Musical Ride, Burin Heritage Weekend, other numerous events.

** Canada Day Celebrations are held in most communities are held in most communities on July 1