| The Baccalieu Trail
The Baccalieu Trail refers to the towns on the Bay de Verde Peninsula which follow the coast on the north western shore of Conception Bay and the north eastern shore of Trinity Bay.
Baccalieu is a significant name for the region for a number of reasons. “Baccalieu” is derived either from the Spanish bacalao or the Basque baccalos, both terms meaning “codfish” or “dried codfish.” As early as 500 years ago, migratory fishermen from many countries including Portugal, Spain, and the Banques country, which is now part of France and Spain, crossed the ocean to
fish in the rich fishing grounds off the Bay de Verde Peninsula.
We can see evidence of Portugese fishermen in the community name Bay de Verde which is Portugese for "Green Bay." The presence of French fishermen is seen in the names Port de Grave, Harbour Grace ( possibly Harve de Grace), Bay Roberts (first named Baie de Robert) The name “Baccalieu" pays tribute to these fishermen whose adventures and contributions to the European settlement of
North America have not been recorded; yet, whose voyages helped to bring about settlement.
The name Baccalieu Trail points to the role the area has always played and still plays in the provincial fishery. Today, the Baccalieu region is esponsible for approximately 22% of the value of the provincial fishery.
In addition, the name Baccalieu Trail reflects the Baccalieu Island Ecological Reserve, which has the greatest abundance and species diversity of seabirds in eastern North America.
The region is comprised of almost 60 small towns, which retain their peaceful community centered lifestyle.
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