Nestled in the picturesque Exploits River valley, Grand Falls-Windsor is the heart of Central Newfoundland’s wilderness country. The Exploits River is the island’s longest river and connects the forests of the interior to the city’s lumber and pulp mills. Today Grand Falls-Windsor lies on the #1 Trans-Canada Highway across Newfoundland, about midway between St John’s and Port-aux-Basques.
Grand Falls lies to the south of the Trans-Canada and Windsor lies to the north, though the two communities merged into a single municipality in 1991.
Festivals
Botwood Seaport Festival
P.O. Box 490
Botwood, Newfoundland, A0H 1E0
(709) 257-3022 fax: (709) 257-3330
Part of the Exploits Experience. Local entertainment and dances, softball tournaments, yacht races and special events.
From Aug 03 – Aug 06
Exploits Experience
P.O. Box 222
Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland, A2A 2J8
(709) 489-9629, tollfree: 1-888-491-9453 fax: (709) 489-0465
One of North America’s Top 100 Events, the Exploits Experience celebrates the Exploits Valley – the heart of Newfoundland’s wilderness country. Join over 15 communities in Exploits – Wild & Free !!!
From Jul 14 – Aug 17
Grand Falls-Windsor Red Maple Festival
Community Fall Festival featuring swimming, hockey tournament, ball hockey tournament, mockey game, teen dances, adult dances and community skating. This event concludes with a huge bonfire and mini fireworks at Centennial Field.
From Oct 26 – Nov 05
P.O. Box 439
Grand Falls-WIndsor, Newfoundland, A2A 2J8
(709) 489-0450 fax: (709) 489-0454
Soirees & Times – Atlantic Serenade
Step back in time to the days of the Second World War, when a group of talented young people revive the local radio station, VOGF. to produce a special weekly program for the Newfoundland men and women serving in His Majesty’s forces overseas.
From Jul 08 – Aug 28
Grand Falls- WIndsor, Newfoundland
(709) 489-6560 fax: (709) 489-0465
Vogf Presents “Atlantic Serenade”
P.O.Box 439, 5 High St.
Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland, A2A 2J8
(709) 489-6560
During the Second World war, a group of energetic young people rejuvenated VOFG, Grand Falls’ first radio station. They broadcast to the troops overseas every Wednesday from May 1941 – June 1943. Come experience “Atlantic Serenade” in this Dinner Theatre production.
From Jul 08 – Aug 28
Grand Falls-Windsor Attractions
Beothuk Village
P.O. Box 222
Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland, A2A 2J7
(709) 489-3559, tollfree: 1-888-491-9453 fax: (709) 489-0465
Experience another culture as you walk through the trails of the replica Beothuk Indian Village. The Beothuk became extinct when the last know survivor Shawnadithit, died in 1829.
From Jun 15 – Sep 04
Bishop’s Falls Municipal Park
P.O. Box 310
Bishop’s Falls, Newfoundland, A0H 1C0
(709) 258-6581 fax: (709) 258-6346
Located on the Exploits River adjacent to the falls. Picnic sites, two gazebos, bandstand, shower/washroom facilities, salmon fishing, stores within walking distance.
From Jan 01 – Dec 31
Botwood Heritage Park & Museum
P.O. Box 490
Botwood, Newfoundland, A0H 1E0
(709) 257-3022 fax: (709) 257-3330
World War II Sea-Plane Base with tarmac, slipways & restored P.B.Y. Catalina Aircraft. Museum display includes early aviation, native cultures, European explorers, war, hospitals, railway and shipping.
From Jun 15 – Sep 14
Grand Falls Fishway – Salmon Interpretive Centre
2 k west of Abitibi Price mill, on gravel road off Scott Rd
Grand Falls, Newfoundland
(709) 489-7350
Learn about the life cycle of Atlantic salmon, and watch the fish fight the currents from a lower-level observatory.
Open June 15 to Sept 15, daily 9 am to 9 pm. Admission $3, under 12 years $2.
Logger’s Exhibit
c/o Provincial Building
Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland, A2A 1W9
(709) 486-0492 fax: (709) 292-4526
Life at an early 20th century logging camp. Visit the cookhouse, or the bunkhouse where men would share their songs and stories after a hard day of back-breaking work.
From May 01 – Sep 30
Mary March Regional Museum
c/o Provincial Building
Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland, A2A 1W9
(709) 292-4522 fax: (709) 292-4526
Mary March was the European name of Demasduit, one of the last Beothuks and who was kidnapped by Eurpeans in 1819. Displays focus on historic and prehistoric aboriginal cultures and creation of modern paper industry.
From May 01 – Oct 31, daily 10 am to 7 pm, rest of year daily 9 am to 4:45 pm.
Admission.
Norris Arm Heritage Museum
P.O. Box 70
Norris Arm, Newfoundland, A0G 3M0
(709) 653-2350 fax: (709) 653-2163
Visit the historical past of Norris Arm. Logging, train & personal artifacts from days gone by.
From Jun 01 – Sep 15
Peterview Heritage Centre
P.O.Box 275
Peterview, Newfoundland, A0H 1Y0
(709) 257-2124 fax: (709) 257-2926
Centre displays artifacts, pictorial history of Peterview. Just recently completed – 2001 will be first season. Ongoing research -hoping to obtain artifacts from the Beothuk era for display.
From May 19 – Sep 03
Salmonid Interpretation Centre
Exhibits on history, biology, ecology and habitat of Atlantic salmon. Under water viewing windows and other live exhibits. Restaurant & gift shop on site. 100% accessibility to all buildings.
From Jun 15 – Sep 15
P.O. Box 857
Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland, A2A 2P7
(709) 489-7350 fax: (709) 489-2763
Thunderland Amusements Park
P.O. Box 159
Badger, Newfoundland, A0H 1A0
(709) 489-3899 fax: (709) 539-2625
Bumper boats, 360 foot waterslides, mini golf, snack bar. Day or evening passes available. Dumping station, laundromat, showers. Group and party rates available. After hour rentals.
From Jun 20 – Sep 07
World War II Gun Battery
c/o Ed Evans
Phillip’s Head, Newfoundland, A0H 1E0
(709) 257-3022 fax: (709) 257-3330
Can be seen in conjunction with the Botwood Heritage Centre. This display of military power shows the defence system of Botwood during World War II.
Open year-round.