Belle of the Bay Inn

THE BELL ISLAND EXPERIENCE

Whether on foot, bike, or car, there is much to do and see on Bell Island.

Bell Island was first visited in the 1740s .
Here is an outline of some of the activities that will make your visit special.

The Mines
The #2 Mine Museum is in the top 10 provincial attractions with over 12,000 visitors per year. Bell Island's mines began operations in 1895 and were among the most productive iron ore mine in the British Empire. In addition to the mine tour there are a number of interesting sites around the island that outline some of this mining history.

The Seaman's Memorial
The iron ore supplied to Sydney was to make steel for ships and other products. The ore boats were a target for German U-boats during World War II. A memorial to the 69 seaman lost in two separate U-boat attacks in 1942. During the Nov 1942 attack a German torpedo missed its target and hit the pier. It is the only place in North America to have suffered a direct hit from German ordanance.

Lance Cove Beach
This is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists for outdoor concerts, skipping rocks, or swimming. There is a small duck pond and is also the location of the Seaman's Memorial.

The Murals
There are a number of murals on buildings throughout the island depicting the people and the history of the island.

The Cannons
The Cannons overlook Conception Bay and protected the piers and ships that were used to load and transport ore. The cannons were fired in World War II during submartine attacks but did not hit their target. There were some reports of a cow being hit in St. Phillips.

Greibe's Nest
You need good shoes as the hills are steep but it is worth the trek. A short hike through a tunnel carved through the cliff brings you to a beautiful little private beach.

Geocaching
Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played
throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices.
The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors
and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people
from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for
the environment.

Click to view the Bell Island Geocaches

Other activites:

The Grotto
Early 1800's cemetary
Airstrip
Beaches
A Bird Watcher's Paradise
Walking Trails - there are many walking trails on the island
Sports and Recreation
Ship Wreck Suba Diving Adventures
Berry Picking
Nature Photography
Just relaxing and enjoying the views

Useful Links

Newfoundland and Labrador welcomes you

Welcome to Bell Island

Bell Island Wrecks

Mine Museum and Underground Tour