HENRY COVE SITE

Located on the north side of Saint-Pierre Island, facing Grand Colombier Island, this important archaeological site, covering an area of approximately 8.2 hectares, traces nearly 5,000 years of history. The remains found on site belong to four distinct cultural groups: Maritime Archaic Amerindians (3000 to 1200 B.C.), Recent Indian Amerindians (year 0 to about 1500 A.D.), Groswater Early Palaeoeskimo (800 to 100 B.C.) and Dorset Late Palaeoeskimo (100 to 900 A.D.). These dates correspond to their periods of occupation, both on the island of Newfoundland and in the St. Pierre and Miquelon archipelago. It is the southernmost Arctic culture site known, in addition to being the only Arctic site on French territory. Its rich marine environment, its fresh drinking water and its landing coves with an unobstructed view made it an ideal location for human occupation, not to mention the Grand Colombier jasper deposit that allowed for the production of stone tools. The pass that separates it from Grand Colombier Island welcomes every year marine mammals of all kinds including the minke whale (don't forget your binoculars and camera). Guided tours are offered by L'Arche Museum and Archives and last about four hours. Its museum also displays many artifacts found on the Anse à Henry site (walking shoes highly recommended, as well as a windbreaker).