Hant's Harbour Willow Tree Walk

Welcome to The Willow Tree Walk — a self-guided heritage tour through the heart of Hant’s Harbour, Trinity Bay in Newfoundland and Labrador. This walk guides you through nine remarkable sites around the harbour, where each stop comes alive through stories told by real people with deep connections to Hant’s Harbour. We recommend you download all nine stories before you visit as cell coverage in Han...

The Lighthouse story is read by Andy Jones and is told from the perspective of a fictional character “Adrian" a fellow from Hant’s Harbour. For generations, the Hant’s Harbour lighthouse has guided people safely home. First lit in 1881 on Custard Head, it was tended by the Soper family for decades, passing from father to son. Though the tower has changed over time, the lantern house you see today...

The Custard Head Fishing Premises story is read by Korri Power and told from the perspective of “Mary,” a fictional young woman speaking to her infant as she looks out over the harbour. Set during the summer of 1868 — the year when the fish failed and the community gathered for what became known as Sister Lydia’s Prayer — this story offers a different take on that well known and much-loved piece o...

The "Great Wall" of Hant’s Harbour story is read by Ray Tuck, and told from the perspective of fictional character Joe, an avid gardener who shares some insights into the work that went into move the stones that make up the (humorously named) "Great Wall" of Hant’s Harbour. Stretching through the hills above the community, this network of stone walls has long inspired curiosity...

The Old Post Office Site story is read by Betty Mansfield, and told from the perspective of "Maude" while she is knitting, in 1943. This story recalls the old Post Office as a place that connected the community to the wider world. Residents waited in the post office for news, mail and telegrams, and women sent their NONIA knitting into St. John’s to make a little extra money for their families. Du...

The origin story of the Willow Tree Museum is told by Geraldine Gillingham, whose Mom, Alma Critch, is one of the founding members of the Willow Tree Heritage Society. The Willow Tree Museum grew out of a community determined to preserve its own story, beginning with local recycling efforts that raised the funds to purchase and restore this former Salvation Army building. Bottles and cans collecte...

This story is read by Fran Pelley, who is a founding member of the Willow Tree Heritage Society. Fran tells this story from a new, imagined perspective of Elizabeth Kelson, speaking from the great beyond. This story tells of love, loss, and extraordinary kindness following the wreck of the Fanny in 1835. When the vessel was driven ashore in a violent winter gale and all hands were lost, seven bonf...

This story is read by Chris Hardy and is told from the perspective of fictional character “Abe”, a crab fisher. This story highlights how the Janes family reimagined the fish plant through bold ideas and a willingness to experiment. From seeing opportunity in unwanted bycatch to launching the first crab processing operation in Atlantic Canada, it’s a story of innovation that began in Hant’s Harbou...

This story is read by Craig Pelley and is told from the perspective of fictional character "Jake". This story remembers Western Point as a gathering place, where bonfire nights drew people together to share warmth, stories, and laughter against the early dark of fall. From roaring fires to quiet sunsets over Trinity Bay, it reflects how this spot has long been a place of connection, memory, and be...

This story is read by Jana King-Noonan and is an excerpt from Abbie Ellis-Whiffen’s Growing Up, Up in Cove. Abbie’s memories of Caplin Cove later became the heart of The Abbie Table project led by Andy Jones.  Abbie’s words were inscribed into the table and narrated the life of a Newfoundland family engaged in the salt fishery from the 1920’s to the 1950’s. This story remembers Caplin Cove as a pl...