National Treasure #70: Peggy’s Cove

It’s a place of geological import – plate tectonics, 415-million-year-old Devonian granite, ice ages, glaciers and erratics.

It’s a place of historical import – Samuel de Champlain’s mother, Marguerite, and the bay named for her.

Silhouetted statue of Samuel de Champlain, against a blue sky.

Champlain on Nepean Point, Ottawa

It’s a place of folklore import – an orphaned shipwreck survivor, named Peggy by her adoptive family.

It’s a place of climate-instability import – with recent severe damage by Hurricanes Juan and Bill.

It’s a place of land-development and community protection import – with development and residency constraints designed to protect its value as a tourist destination and as a place to live.

It’s a place of ecological import – with the Labrador Current and the Gulf Stream mingling to create an unusual mix of sealife.

It’s Peggy’s Cove – a place I haven’t been to. Yet.


 

Here’s the CBC’s take today on 150 Canadian factoids in 150 seconds. Funny, they didn’t mention this project . . .

 

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8 Responses to National Treasure #70: Peggy’s Cove

  1. I have, but after driving days to see it, it was on windless day and 99% veiled in fog. We drove on.
    You can’t suck up to National Treasures.

  2. Jim Robertson says:

    When you do get there, get there early to avoid the crowds. It is worth it.

  3. John Whitman says:

    Isabel – Aim for a sunny day in September (fewer tourists) and remember to stay off of the black rocks near the water. The black rocks indicate the height of rogue waves as ex-Maritimers like me always try to remember.

  4. John Whitman says:

    Isabel – One thing that I have always found interesting about Canada is that just as the First Nations’ languages and associated place names change as you move across the country, the things that can be hazardous to your health change as well.

    At Peggy’s Cove it can be rogue waves (Google rogue wave). In Quebec and Ontario it is the potential for rabid foxes, raccoons and skunks. In Manitoba it is wood ticks galore. In Southern Alberta it is rattlesnakes and black widow spiders. In BC it is rattlesnakes and chiggers carrying Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

    At least at Peggy’s Cove there are signs for anyone who takes the time to read them that warn about getting too close to the water.

    It also pays to talk to the locals in all parts of Canada.

    • Isabel Gibson says:

      John – BC also has cougars who can ruin your day, although I’ve only seen warning signs in Washington (Stand tall. Back away. DO NOT RUN!!!!!). And yes, being willing to ask the locals is likely the smartest thing any of us can do.

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