Newfoundland is a kayaker’s paradise. Access to the ocean is never far away. There are many popular paddling routes around the Avalon Peninsula including the route from Marysvale to Brigus. This approximately 13km ‘there and back’ paddle has many features that are a treat for the eyes. Marysvale, the put-in site is located approximately 85 km from the capital city of St. John’s, a pleasant drive along the Trans Canada Highway for about 60 km, turning off at Exit 34 and taking the Conception Bay Highway, Route 60 W, until you reach the right turn for Marysvale. Although you will see Marysvale on the road signs, the place we launched from is locally called Turk’s Gut – more on that in a moment!

The launch site provided convenient parking, an outhouse (always a welcome feature to paddlers), a slipway and a source of running water, very handy for rinsing salty gear at the end of the day. Me and eight paddling companions set out some time after 10:00am and headed north, toward Brigus in very favourable conditions which lasted for the whole trip.

We were treated to jaw-dropping geology, cooling waterfalls, a little flock of birds (identification pending) who put off an incredible flight show and, on the way home, the appearance of a minke whale. Whale sightings are always a thrill!

The entire paddle took about four hours which included a stop for lunch at the beach at Frog Marsh near Brigus. Brigus is a very historically important community in Newfoundland and well worth a visit if you are ever on the island.

It was a day well spent with like-minded friends on a beautiful section of the Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland. As with so many places in Newfoundland, this place has a little bit of lore. Marysvale was once called Turk’s Gut and how this name came to be was told to me by a gentleman when I visited this area a few years ago. I managed to find the story through the Memorial University Digital Archives Initiative in a scanned copy of NewLand Magazine, published in 1968. Stories of pirates and their exploits during the 16th and 17th century around the shores of Newfoundland abound. Could there be a kernel of truth to the Turk’s Gut pirate? I’d like to think so. Perhaps my next visit will involve a little treasure hunting! Thank goodness for those who take the time to document our stories.