Grey River
Grey River is a tiny town on the southwedt coast of Newfoundland. Grey River is one of the last traditional outport villages in Newfoundland that “seems” like it has stayed largely the same despite the many changes of recent years. It’s located in what seems to be the “flattest side” of a mountainous, deep reach where it is protected from the ocean.
The most remote river on the island of Newfoundland, Grey River is reachable as a 60-minute helicopter ride over unspoiled wilderness. When entering Grey River by boat, visitors will find a picturesque community surrounded by towering mountains on three sides.
Understand
Grey River (population 160) is on the northwest side of Jerts Cove, east of Ramea, about a mile within the inlet. The town's livelihood depends primarily on salmon and scallop fisheries. Playfair Mining owns tungsten deposits in the area.
The community offers amazing scenery as a small passageway leads into the settlement from the bay. Grey River shores are steep and bold. Between two mountains, a small shelter offers protection from the large amount of winds which often stop the ferry service from running on schedule. These hills reach an elevation of 199-305 metres or 1000 feet and are great for climbing. In the winter, they make a perfect trail for sliding and skiing.
Get in
Accessible only by boat or helicopter, Grey River has a deep harbour navigable year-round and a helipad which provides landing space for helicopters.
- M/V 'Gallipoli'. Provincial ferry, two or three runs daily depart Burgeo (on Route 480) to the island community of Ramea but only a few Tuesday and Thursday runs continue onward to Grey River. One-way end-to-end crossing time is three hours. $18/car + $6/passenger.
Get around
See
- Old tungsten mine. One can easily find pyrite, or fool's gold, amongst the rocks at the mine entrance.
Do
The Grey River Fjord runs past the community and then separates into three river systems:
- North East Arm is a popular salmon fishing river. The shore leading to North East Arm is suitable for hiking.
- South East Arm offers lush green forest, rugged mountains and sandy beaches. In some areas, the beaches stretch out for a mile at low tide.
- North West Arm is best known for big game animals, especially moose and caribou.
Whale and iceberg watching, skiing or snowmobile riding are common winter activities. Snowmobile trails lead to the top of the hills that surround the community; in summer, these are good for hiking.
Fishing, hunting or visiting the beaches are popular in summer.
Atlantic salmon fly fishing, an angling method which catches fish with artificial lures as distinct from live or dead bait, is the main attraction at Grey River. Many tournaments and activities are held in June. The water is just deep enough, just away from the land enough, and just right for the sport.
Buy
- Garfield Young Store, ☎ +1 709 296-3111.
- Rose's General Store, Main St, ☎ +1 709 296-3131.
Eat
Both lodges provide meals for their guests.
Cod, moose, caribou, rabbit.
Drink
Many Newfoundlanders habitually drink tea and Carnation milk (some people drink coffee, but don't expect it). Inviting someone in for a "cuppa tea" is an excuse to have a friendly chat.
Sleep
- Grey River Lodge, 22 Riverview Drive, Shoal Harbour, ☎ +1 709 427-3494, toll-free: +1-877-466-2440, fax: +1 709 466-2536. Two large, modern, cedar log lodges on the Grey River system with experienced cooks and guides primarily serve fly fishers, hikers and explorers.
- Young's Outfitting Lodge, ☎ +1 709 296-4109. Salmon lodge on the Grey River, seven miles from the village, experienced guides, home cooked meals, accommodates up to 10 anglers.
Connect
There is a post office (postcode A0N 2L0) which accepts mail for the 49 houses and two businesses in the village.