Safe Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador

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Safe Harbour is an abandoned outport on the northeast coast of Newfoundland in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Safe Harbour was situated on the northern shore of Bonavista Bay, between Greenspond and the Valleyfield, Badger’s Quay, Pools Island area. It lies about two miles south of Valleyfield and one mile west of Pools Island. Originally Safe Harbour was known as Puddingbag Cove and still is identified by that name on many marine charts and topographical maps.

The first inhabitants arrived in 1860 from the neighbouring settlements of Pools Island, Greenspond, Badgers Quay and Wesleyville. As the name suggests, Safe Harbour was a desirable place to live and pursue the fishery. The land at Safe Harbour was also well suited for growing vegetables and hay.

In 1904 a whaling station was built in Safe Harbour to take advantage of the then very profitable whale fishery. This provided much needed employment to many residents for a few short years. However, this endeavour was short lived because the relentless hunting soon decimated the whale population, and in 1907 the whale factory was dismantled.

During the late 1930s and early 1940s many Safe Harbour families moved to Corner Brook where the men obtained permanent full time jobs at the paper mill. This was the beginning of the outward migration from Safe Harbour. During the late 1940s more families went away to St. John’s and the mainland to find work. In the 1950s those remaining families began to move to the nearby communities of Badger’s Quay and Valleyfield, floating their houses across the water or dragging them on the winter ice. The last family moved out in 1955.