From Lower North Shore
The Village of Middle Bay, Quebec
Middle Bay
In the 16th century, Middle Bay hosted hundreds of whalers from the Basque countries in the bay of Biscay along the border between France and Spain who came to the Straits of Belle-Isle to hunt for whales. Inshore, they would build small dwellings and working areas know as tryworks where they would render the whale blubber into oil that would be barrelled or coopered and would go on to light most of the lanterns, furnaces and stoves throughout Europe at that time.
Near the end of the 20th century, Middle Bay is a small fishing community situated at midpoint between the larger communities of Saint-Paul’s River, 22 kilometres to the west, and Lourdes de Blanc-Sablon, some 25 kilometres to the east along the 138 provincial highway.
In 1849, Joseph Morency settled here and was soon followed by the immigration of Atwoods, Jones and Etheridges from Newfoundland. The Lavallee family arrived here from Blanc-Sablon. Today most of the community bears the Lavallee last name.
Landmarks and historical sites
A small road leaves the 138 highway just outside of Middle Bay were you can visit the site where numerous artifacts such as red tiles have been discovered. These red tiles are characteristic of Basque whaling outposts.
In 1853, James Burke operated a seal fishing oupost out of Belles-Amours Bay. Although the name Belles amours can be traced as far back as the 16th century and can be seen on early map from that time period in variations such as Belsamont, the name Belles Amours, which means beautiful love in French, would seem to lead local inhabitants from this part of the coast to conclude that this tiny harbour was the place where Lady Marguerite de la Roque and her lover, after being marooned on Caribou Island, then cam ashore and lived there happily ever after.
Along a forty-five minute hiking trail just west of Middle Bay, one can walk to a local summer destination known as Five Leagues. Inuit, Basque and local fisherman have all come and gone to this area leaving in their wake artifacts attesting to their presence and hard work. Today, visitors can witness several species of sea birds and migrating birds Attractions
Community Events
Spring: Hockey tournament, winter Carnival, Church sales and darts tournaments.
Overlooking Middle Bay, Quebec |
Danny going to see the icebergs near Old Fort, Quebec. |
