Attractions

Cupids has a history dating back to 1610, when John Guy from Bristol, England established a plantation. You can visit the site of the archaeological dig that is believed to be the location of John Guy's plantation at what was then known as Cuper's Cove. It was the first official English settlement in Canada and the second oldest in North America, preceded only by Jamestown, Virginia. You can visit the site of the archaeological dig that is believed to be the location of John Guy's plantation Located in the former school next to the United Church on Seaforest Drive is Cupid's Museum. On display are very interesting items including artifacts from the archeological dig, including pots and tobacco pipes used by the first settlers of the colony. Here you can observe first hand, archaeology assistants conserving and cataloging artifacts at the archaeology lab. You can also see exhibits of traditional lifestyles featuring items such as nautical equipment, community retail stores, household displays and tools of everyday living. One of the public's favorite exhibits is the Giant Union Jack Flag that was commissioned in 1910 for the celebration of the 300th Anniversary of Cupids. 

Come visit the many historic sites, heritage structures, and enjoy a stroll along the winding, narrow streets of Brigus; a town untouched by time for centuries. Once a major sealing port, Brigus is most known as the home of Newfoundland's most famous schooner captain and ice navigator, Captain Robert Bartlett. Hawthorne Cottage National Historic Site, the cottage once lived in by the captain, has been restored and houses many artifacts commemorating Bartlett's achievements.

Also while there, you might like to explore the tunnel. This early engineering feat, accomplished by Cornish miner John Hoskins, was to provide easier access to Abram Bartlett's waterfront property. The job took almost four months to complete because of the extensive method used as this approximately 80 foot long passageway was built by driving steel spikes into the solid rock to form holes to be filled with black gun powder.

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