Newfoundland

远方（免聊）

Guglielmo Marconi and Signal Hill:

* First Transatlantic Wireless Signal: On December 12, 1901, Guglielmo Marconi successfully received the first transatlantic wireless signal at Signal Hill. The signal, the Morse code for the letter "S" (three dots), was sent from Poldhu, Cornwall, England, across the Atlantic Ocean, a distance of approximately 3,500 kilometers (2,175 miles).

* Historic Significance: This event was a monumental step in the history of communication, demonstrating the feasibility of long-distance wireless telegraphy and paving the way for modern radio and telecommunications.

* Signal Hill National Historic Site: Today, Signal Hill is a National Historic Site of Canada, commemorating its significant roles in both military history (protecting St. John's harbour) and communications history, particularly Marconi's achievement. You can visit Cabot Tower, which houses exhibits about Marconi and the wireless station.

St. John's serves as the provincial capital and stands as the largest city, boasting a metropolitan area population of over 210,000. Historically, St. John's holds significant importance as the oldest settlement founded by the English in North America, with the renowned explorer John Cabot arriving there in 1497. Beyond its administrative role, the city has long functioned as the historic commercial centre of the island.

Cape Spear is a prominent headland located on the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland, near St. John's, in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It holds significant historical and natural importance, making it a popular destination for visitors.

For adventure lovers, this trip was perfect. We went whale watching and even saw some icebergs floating by. It felt like a real-life nature movie!

Puffins are fascinating and iconic seabirds, often recognized for their colorful bills and somewhat clumsy gait on land, which contrasts sharply with their agility in the water and air.

Here's a breakdown of key information about puffins:

Species and Habitat:

There are three main species of puffins, all belonging to the genus Fratercula:

* Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica): The most widely recognized species, found in the North Atlantic Ocean. They breed on coastal islands and cliffs in places like Iceland (home to 60% of the global population), Norway, the British Isles, Greenland, and eastern North America (including Newfoundland and Labrador, where it's the official bird).

Gannets are fascinating seabirds, known for their spectacular plunge-diving technique to catch fish. Here's a breakdown of key information about them:

General Characteristics:

* Classification: Gannets belong to the genus Morus within the family Sulidae, which also includes boobies.

* Appearance: They are large, predominantly white birds with distinct black wingtips and a yellowish wash on their head and neck (especially in Northern Gannets). They have long, pointed bills, tails, and wings, giving them a streamlined shape in flight.

* Size: The Northern Gannet, the largest species, can have a wingspan of up to 2 meters (6.5 feet).

* Lifespan: Their average lifespan is around 17 years, but some have been recorded living over 26 years.

Bonavista is a historic and picturesque town located on the northeast coast of Newfoundland, Canada, specifically on the Bonavista Peninsula. It's a popular destination known for its rugged coastal beauty, rich maritime history, and abundant wildlife.

Gander International Airport

🛫 History & Legacy

• Opened in 1938 as “Newfoundland Airport,” it was once the world’s largest airport and a major refueling hub for transatlantic flights .

• Served as a key staging point during WWII, handling thousands of aircraft bound for Europe .

• Known as the “Crossroads of the World,” its 1959 terminal with mid‑century modern architecture remains largely preserved .

• During 9/11 (Operation Yellow Ribbon), Gander welcomed 38 diverted flights—around 7,000 passengers—and the community’s hospitality inspired the Broadway musical Come From Away .

Twillingate is a small coastal town on the northeastern shore of Newfoundland.

It’s known as the “Iceberg Capital of the World” — a perfect place to see giant icebergs floating by in spring and early summer! 🧊

A lobster is a large sea animal with a hard shell.

It looks a bit like a sea bug or crab and has:

• Two big claws (one is stronger than the other!)

• A long body and tail

• Eight walking legs

• Antennae to feel around

Lobsters live on the ocean floor, hiding in rocks or mud.

You can find them in:

• The Atlantic Ocean

• Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and other parts of Eastern Canada

Location: Western Newfoundland, Canada

Type: UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Tectonic Plates Visible

You can see Earth’s inner layers on the surface — very rare!

• Mountains and Fjords

Big cliffs, deep fjords, and Gros Morne Mountain itself are amazing for hiking.

•Tablelands

Looks like Mars! This rocky land is from Earth’s mantle.

• Hiking (Gros Morne Mountain trail is famous)

• Boat tours (in fjords like Western Brook Pond)

• See moose, caribou, and puffins

• Camp or stargaze

Blue Puttees — a Canadian Ro‑Pax ferry operated by Marine Atlantic on the North Sydney (Nova Scotia) to Port aux Basques (Newfoundland) route.

• Type: Ro‑Pax passenger/vehicle ferry

• Build: Launched in 2006 as Stena Trader in Russia/Norway, joined Marine Atlantic service in March 2011

• Capacity: Up to 1,000 passengers, 570 cars or 190 trailers

• Size & Speed: 200 m long; cruises at ~22 kn (41 km/h)

• Cabins: 96 cabins (two‑ and four‑berth), including accessible and pet‑friendly options

Alexander Graham Bell was a famous inventor, best known for inventing the telephone.

• Full name: Alexander Graham Bell

• Born: March 3, 1847, in Scotland

• Died: August 2, 1922, in Canada

• He moved to Canada and later to the United States.

‍It’s an island connected to the rest of Nova Scotia by a short causeway (bridge).

• Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, it features dramatic cliffs, mountains, and coastal views.

• Famous for the Cabot Trail – one of the most scenic drives in the world.

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia (Canada)

• Located on the eastern shore of Halifax Harbour

• Known for its lakes (over 20!), walking trails, and ferry service to downtown Halifax

• Originally a separate city, but merged with Halifax in 1996

• Connected to Halifax by two bridges and a ferry (one of the oldest in North America!)

‍Halifax is the capital and biggest city.

It has a busy harbour, fun waterfront, museums, shops, and restaurants.