Red Bay National Historic Site of Canada tells the incredible story of hardship, exploitation and profit in the Strait of Belle Isle during the 16th century. Whalers from the Basque country made the difficult annual voyage to hunt whales and make oil to satisfy lucrative European markets. Red Bay’s natural sheltered harbour, known as Les Buttes or Boytus, was one of the largest and busiest whaling ports of the time.
When combined with archival documentation, archaeological research at Red Bay provides a complete picture of the economy and technology of 16th century whaling. The collection of Basque artifacts found there is thought to be the best of its kind in the world and includes a wide variety of items relating to the life and work of the whalers. Excellent examples of the collection are on display at the Visitor Interpretation Centre. Red Bay’s historic treasures also include the most complete and best-preserved examples of 16th century ships and boats known in the world. The study of these vessels has contributed greatly to our understanding of the evolution of ship design and seafaring technology during the period. The interpretive exhibit features a 1:20 scale model of the San Juan, a Basque-whaling galleon that was lost at Red Bay in 1565, as well as a restored whale boat or chalupa. Self-guided walking tours and special interpretive programs are available on Saddle Island, where most of the land-based archaeology took place.
Red Bay National Historic Site of Canada is on the short list of Canadian sites to be brought forward for nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List before 2015. | 
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