The south shore of Trinity Bay has many small outports retain an ageless look, including one-time pirate haunt of Turks Cove and Heart’s Content, where the first successful transatlantic telegraph cable was landed in 1866. Heart’s Content served as a major cable relay station for over a century, and the old Cable Station, has been preserved a as a Provincial Historic Site and is now open to the public during the summer.
This area has a preoccupation with the “heart” with nearby communities named Heart’s Desire and Heart’s Delight. Backside Pond Park, 25 km from Heart’s Content, has a saltwater pond and beach that makes it a grand spot for a refreshing swim. A hiking trail within the park boundaries gives you a chance to investigate the area.
Other Links
Heart’s Content Attractions
Community Museum
Heart’s Content, Route 80
Jul 01 – Aug 15
c/o Robert Balson
Heart’s Content, NL, A0B 1Z0
709-582-2237 Fax 1-709-583-2373
A selection of community artifacts and documents. Photo exhibit of Heart’s Content called “A Look Back in Time”. Walking tours of the community available
Heart’s Content Cable Station Provincial Historic Site
Heart’s Content, Route 80
Jun 01 – Oct 31
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL, A1B 4J6
709-583-2160 Tollfree 1-800-563-6353 Fax 1-709-583-2373
After the failure of two earlier attempts, a permanent transatlantic telegraph cable was landed here in 1866. See the equipment and displays explaining the role Heart’s Content played in communications for almost 100 years The Cable Station is a special hit with people interested in communications. It seems like all you have to do is turn on the equipment and begin sending and receiving messages. There are informative displays on the various cables, the changes in technology during the life of the station, and some of the people involved in developing long-distance telegraphy.