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Red Bay UNESCO Basque Whaling Station: Private Guided History Walk

Stand at the world's best-preserved 16th-century Basque whaling harbour, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a specialist historian guiding you through the sunken galleon, chalupa workshop, and bone-strewn shores that rewrote exploration history.

What to expect

Walk the same cobbled shores where Basque whalers rendered blubber into oil that lit European cities 500 years ago. Examine the remarkably intact San Juan galleon artefacts and the world-class chalupa (small whaling boat) replica in the interpretive centre. Your guide connects the Basque presence to Inuit, Indigenous, and early European contact history. The Tracy Hill Walking Trail — 689 steps — rewards with a panoramic view over the entire harbour.

Book it with
Parks Canada – Red Bay National Historic Site
CAD 7.90 adult entry; private interpretive guide from CAD 150 per group (booked via site)
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Good to know

Red Bay village is compact; the site is a short walk from the pier. Book the private interpretive guide when you reserve entry. The Tracy Hill trail is moderately strenuous; allow 45 minutes. Wear sturdy footwear. Confirm all-aboard and allow at least 3 hours total.

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