Natural Attractions
Rich in cultural and historical aspects, the Point Amour area also has an abundance of natural resources. From a diversity of berries and wildflowers, to a wide range of land and marine life, the landscapes, seascapes and everything in between have captivated visitors for thousands of years.
Throughout the barrens surrounding Point Amour, partridge berries and cloudberries (known locally as bakeapples), are very plentiful and allow for local delicacies such as jams, jellies, pies, muffins and wines. For the naturalist at heart, sandy areas near the beaches grow an abundance of wild irises, beach peas, silverweed, harebells, purple vetch, oyster-leaf and a yellow sunflower-like plant called beach-side senecio. On the rocky cliff along the road to Point Amour, unusual plants such as purple saxifrage, moss campion and willow herb can be found.
Point Amour also provides an excellent vantage point for observing icebergs, sea birds, whales and other marine life. In the spring of the year, the Strait of Belle Isle is often referred to as "Iceberg Alley", with massive, thousands-of-year old icebergs passing through from Greenland.
Whales are a common sighting, and often come close enough to shore that one could watch them through the lighthouse windows. The most common large species, known as the humpback, are usually seen in groups and are noted for their classic "roll and dive", providing an exceptional view of their tails. Fin whales are more solitary than humpbacks, and are usually spotted alone or in small groups. Smaller whales that can be seen in the Point Amour area include the pothead, minke, porpoise, dolphin, and the occasional killer whale.
Point Amour is also famous for the number of groundhogs, or "whistlers" as they are known locally, that scurry into their burrows or bask in the sun along the roadside. Visitors may also be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of some of the predators that frequent the local barrens such as foxes, arctic wolves or black bears. On occasion, polar bears also drift south on icebergs from the high Arctic, and have been known to come ashore in the Straits. Sightings of these magnificent, but very dangerous animals are asked to be reported to local authorities.
With a geological history that spans one billion years, environmental surroundings help reflect the distinct qualities of the Labrador Straits area. As such, world-famous fossil reefs are a part of the landscape at Point Amour. Created by sponge-like creatures called archaeocyathids, these reefs occur in only a few places of the world. Along with the presence of Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) which flicker throughout the night sky, these factors are but a few of the many natural attractions that make Point Amour a visitor's paradise.
Whales are a common sighting, and often come close enough to shore that one could watch them through the lighthouse windows. The most common large species, known as the humpback, are usually seen in groups and are noted for their classic "roll and dive", providing an exceptional view of their tails. Fin whales are more solitary than humpbacks, and are usually spotted alone or in small groups. Smaller whales that can be seen in the Point Amour area include the pothead, minke, porpoise, dolphin, and the occasional killer whale.
Point Amour is also famous for the number of groundhogs, or "whistlers" as they are known locally, that scurry into their burrows or bask in the sun along the roadside. Visitors may also be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of some of the predators that frequent the local barrens such as foxes, arctic wolves or black bears. On occasion, polar bears also drift south on icebergs from the high Arctic, and have been known to come ashore in the Straits. Sightings of these magnificent, but very dangerous animals are asked to be reported to local authorities.
With a geological history that spans one billion years, environmental surroundings help reflect the distinct qualities of the Labrador Straits area. As such, world-famous fossil reefs are a part of the landscape at Point Amour. Created by sponge-like creatures called archaeocyathids, these reefs occur in only a few places of the world. Along with the presence of Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) which flicker throughout the night sky, these factors are but a few of the many natural attractions that make Point Amour a visitor's paradise.