Day Tours Lesson Plans and Resources

Dildo Interpretation Centre
Dildo, Newfoundland

Contact Information:
Gerald & Rowena Smith
Dildo, NF
Phone: (709) 582-3339/2687
Off season (709) 582-2687

* 1 hour from St. John's
* Open mid June - mid Oct
* App. in the off season
* large guided tours by app.
* Rates available on request

Site:

For more than 4000 years the people living on the Avalon Peninsula have used resources of the sea and land to survive. First were the Maritime Archaic Indians, followed by the Dorset Culture, Beothuk Indians, until finally Europeans and their decedents. Each group used the whales, trees and other resources they found around them for food, clothing and as raw materials to build shelters, boats and trade. The settlers who became the present Newfoundlanders continued these activities creating an independent out port way of life seen in Dildo today.

The Dildo Interpretation Centre has 4000-year-old artifacts on display that show human interaction with the coastal environment of the Avalon Peninsula. Findings from the Dildo Island archaeological digs show the presence of Aboriginal peoples and aspects of their daily lives. These make an interesting contrast to artifacts that depict the lives of local outport people as they went through there seasonal rural work cycle. At the Centers touch tank students can cradle live sea creatures and see "King Cod" in his water environment. Outside, a traditional out port stage with fishing gear, splitting table and flake for drying cod have been constructed using local squared timbers and round wooden "longers."

A former whaler can take visitors for a short boat tour and walk around Dildo Island. There they can see the abundant plant, bird, and marine life that made this island so attractive to the Dorset Eskimo many centuries ago. Visitors can also touch the remnants of Newfoundlands first Cod Hatchery and learn how 100 years ago efforts were being made back then to save the celebrated cod fish so important to rural Newfoundland.

The Dildo Interpretation Centre is open during the tourist season and by appointment in the off season. Between 10 am and 4:30 pm, well-informed interpreters will take you on an hour tour of the site. Boat Tours to Dildo Island can be arranged by appointment. Group admission to the centre is $ 2.00 per person. A gift shop and washrooms are available on the site.

Located in Dildo. Turn right off the Trans Canada Highway at Route 80 onto the Baccalieu Trail.

Resources