Bell Island and the Wabana Mine Tour

An Island Of Iron Ore Mines That Worked Under The Sea From 1895 Until 1966, With The Number 2 Mine Tour Where Visitors Walk Into The Old Drifts, A Mining Museum And The History Of German U Boat Attacks On The Ore Ships In 1942, The Only North American Land Attacked By German Forces In The War. A Half Day By Ferry From St. John'S · Wabana, Newfoundland and Labrador

Bell Island lies in Conception Bay just off the Avalon Peninsula, a short ferry ride from Portugal Cove, and for seventy years it was one of the great iron-ore mining centres of eastern Canada. From 1895 until 1966 the Wabana mines followed rich seams out under the seabed, and the island's community of miners, families and company managers lived with the roar of the works. Today the Number 2 Mine and the museum at Wabana let visitors walk into an old working drift, see the tools, lamps and ore cars, and hear what daily life was like for the men who worked underground. The island has a wartime chapter too: in 1942 German submarines sank four ore ships at anchor here, and shells landed on the island, the only part of North America attacked by German forces on land in the war. Plan a relaxed half day by ferry from the mainland, and confirm the crossing, the tour times and the season before you travel.

Bell Island, an island in Conception Bay about 5 km off the Avalon Peninsula, reached by a 20-minute ferry from Portugal Cove, with the No. 2 Mine and its museum at Wabana; coordinates approximate, Wabana, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

The ferry runs on a year-round schedule with frequent sailings, but the Number 2 Mine tour and the museum are seasonal, commonly open from about late June to early September with daily tours at set times, and possibly shorter hours or appointments in shoulder months (confirm). The island roads, shoreline and lighthouse are open at any hour. Cafes and shops on the island are few and keep local hours, so check ahead if you want a meal. Allow for the last return ferry in the evening, and confirm the schedule on the day because weather can alter sailings.

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