Brigus: A Timeless Treasure on Newfoundland's Coast

Nestled along the scenic shores of Conception Bay, Brigus is a charming Newfoundland fishing village that exudes a timeless appeal. With its rich history, captivating architecture, and vibrant fishing culture, Brigus offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors staying at The Crows Nest in nearby North River.

A Glimpse into the Past

Brigus has a fascinating history dating back centuries. The first European settlers arrived as early as the 1612, drawn by the abundance of natural resources and the promise of a new life. The village quickly became a thriving fishing community, with generations of families relying on the sea for their livelihood.

One of the most famous figures associated with Brigus is Captain Bob Bartlett.

During the more than 50 years of his seafaring life, Captain Robert (Bob) Abram Bartlett skippered some of the most famous, dangerous, and controversial exploratory expeditions to the Arctic. He traveled further north than almost any other living person, was shipwrecked at least 12 times, survived for months in the inhospitable Arctic after sea ice crushed his ship, and journeyed hundreds of miles by dogsled to reach civilization. Despite these hardships, Bartlett returned to the Arctic whenever circumstance allowed and almost always came back with photographs, film reels, and scientific data that greatly contributed to the world's understanding of the north.

In one of his logs Capt. Bartlett famously said:  "It's all right while you're exploring. You get used to rotten meat, frozen fingers, lice, and dirt. The hard times come when you get back."—Bob Bartlett (Log 13)

Architectural Delights

Brigus is home to a stunning collection of historic buildings that reflect the village's rich heritage. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets and admire the colorful clapboard houses, many of which date back to the 19th century. These charming structures offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who have called Brigus home for generations. The town’s well–kept old–style architecture, rustic stone walls, lush green gardens, and winding narrow lanes are reflective of its English, Irish, and Welsh heritage. Visit Hawthorne Cottage National Historic Site, the former home of Captain Bob Bartlett, hailed as the greatest ice navigator of the 20th century. 

The town is a picture postcard, reminiscent of the quaintness often found in European villages. Even the name “Brigus” is derived from “Brickhouse,” an old English town, pronounced with a flavour only found in this part of North America.

The Heart of the Community: The Fishery

The fishing industry has been the lifeblood of Brigus for centuries. The harbour is not the once bustling hub of activity since the moratorium, but you can still see boats coming and going, and fishermen tending to their nets.

For a truly authentic experience, consider taking a boat tour from the harbour. Message us if interested! You'll have the opportunity to learn about the history of the fishing industry, see firsthand how the fishermen work, and perhaps even catch some of our world famous cod.

Why Brigus is a Must-Visit

Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Brigus offers something for everyone. Here are a few reasons why this charming Newfoundland village is a must-visit destination:

Hawthorne Cottage: Built in 1830, this charming cottage was the home of Arctic explorer Caption Bob Bartlett,who took peary to the North Pole in 1909. Many artifacts commemorate the family and Bartlett's achievements as the greatest ice navigator of the century.

Ye Olde Stone Barn Museum: During the summer season the museum is fully staffed and operating. The museum boasts many artifacts, models, and audio visuals which showcase local architecture and history, as well as extensive genealogy records. Originally constructed in the 1820’s by Charles Cozens as one of three stone buildings for his fishing operations, it was converted into a barn in the late 1800’s.

The Tunnel: Hand blasted in 1860 by Cornish miner John Hoskins to provide easy access to Abram Bartlett's Wharf, for his ship the Panther.

Vindicator Park: This park is the perfect spot to have a picnic and unwind with friends or family. The local newspaper, The Vindicator & Brigus Reporter, was published here from 1898 to 1903, the paper sold for a penny a copy and was very useful in keeping the townspeople up to date on the communities’ goings on. The rock foundation of the building is still visible today and the head of the printing press is now used as a commemorative plaque in the park. Visit the Stone Barn museum to see The Vindicator newspaper clippings on display!

Wilcox Gardens: The Gardens are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. With picnic tables and benches on site, this is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of Brigus. Year round the gardens are maintained by a group of committed volunteers. Donations are gratefully accepted. The garden is one of only a select few designated peace parks in Canada. In 1988, the site was donated by the Wilcox family who occupied the dwelling on the property since the mid 1800’s. The large central tree in the gardens was planted in 1988 by the captain of the Ernestina/Morrissey Schooner - the ship that was once the pride and joy of Captain Bob Bartlett!

Kent Cottage: Constructed around 1786 for the Pomeroy family, from 1914 to 1915 it was occupied by American artist Rockwell Kent, and later by another artist and engineer A. E. Harris. The cottage served as the summer residence of Bradly J. Folensbee from 1953 until his death in 2003. Since 2004 the property has been owned by Landfall Trust, who work to preserve the cottage and the site as well as promoting the arts by offering residencies for visual artists, writers and musicians, and related events in the community

If you're staying at The Crows Nest in North River, Brigus is just a short drive away. Make time to explore this enchanting village and discover the timeless charm of Newfoundland's coastal communities.