Bonaventure (Old and New): Located on the north side of Trinity Bay, southwest of the community of Trinity, are the communities of Old Bonaventure and New Bonaventure. The original settlement was, according to information contained in the ENL, an outpost of the west of England migratory fishery from the late 1600s on.

It was known as Bonaventura, which translates to mean "good or safe arrival". By the mid 1700s, settlers were living there full time (i.e., not using the harbour just as a safe haven during the summer months and returning to Europe for the winters) and by the 1800s, the population had increased to the point that there was "overcrowding".

The population in 1836, as recorded in the first Census, was reported to be 148 and by 1845 it had grown to 182, and was as suggested in the material presented in the ENL "a number that is almost inconceivable to the modern visitor".

Some families decided to move to a new less crowded location nearby and established "New Bonaventure". Like Old Bonaventure the population grew quickly. In 1836 there were 99 inhabitants and by 1869 there were 125 residents, making a living primarily off fishing for cod.


Old Bonaventure: Around the comer from New Bonaventure lies the community of Old Bonaventure.

Overlooking the harbour is a lovely wooden church, St. Luke's, that was established in 1892.

While visiting, take advantage of the scenic hikes and trails to Ragged Rock Cove, approximately a half day hike. The terrain is rocky over hills and bogs, passing several ponds along the way; the entire walk offers spectacular viewpoints of the community and is truly a photographer's dream.

Bring your binoculars and look out over the nesting grounds of the bald eagles.

The trail to Cat Cove is in good condition, being grassy and open. Once there, the view is breathtaking. The ocean seems endless, looking out across the water. Take a swim in the Bay or relax on the beach.

Used with permission from "Uncovering the Origin of 1001 Unique Place Names in Newfoundland and Labrador" 2021 Jennifer Leigh Hill

Address of this page: http://nl.ruralroutes.com/OldBonaventure