"Not only is Twillingate noted for its numerous icebergs, it boasts one of Canada's most beautiful coastlines. 'Chase the pavement to the end', I was told, 'and you will come to Twillingate'. It may as well had been chase the rainbow, because on this summer day Twillingate was a fairy-mix of land and sea." Percy Rowe - Toronto Sun Twillingate Facts Twillingate derives its name from the French name Toulinquet. This name was given to the islands by French fishermen, who saw the similarity between the Islands and a group of Islands off the French coast. The first human habitation of Twillingate is known to have been around 1500BC. Artifacts discovered in 1965 showed that the area was used by the Maritime Indians, a pre-Beothuk people. The first recorded settlers settled the area around 1700. At that time, the heavily wooded island was occupied by bands of Beothuk Indians. Twillingate was the home of the famous operatic singer Miss Georgina Stirling(Miss Toulinguet). A monument stands in her memory in the Anglican cemetary behind the Twillingate Museum. Twillingate in now a thriving community with a population of about 5000 people. It has been linked to the mainland of Newfoundland by a causeway since 1973. Twillingate provides numerous attractions and activities for tourists. Two museums, several old churhes, fine examples of folk-architecture and an old lighthouse can be seen, as well as two fine parks and numerous beautiful beaches. For the history buff, Twillingate is an excellent place to study: for the photographer or rock-hound a paradise, and for those just wanting a chance "to get away from it all"- come visit us.
A View from Sleepy Cove Park
|
