Codtown: Battle Harbour

Built on an economy fueled by the seemingly unlimited supply of cod, Battle Harbour became Labrador's economic and social powerhouse. But when the cod ran out, so did Battle Harbour's golden era.

So quickly did the salt cod industry come to an end all the onshore facilities -- salt stores, drying racks, gutting shacks -- remain standing in good condition today, the result of both salt-infused timbers and historic preservation efforts. Today, beyond its importance as a historic site, you can get away from it all and rent a cottage for the summer season or stay at the Battle Harbour Inn. And should you need a pedicure or spa treatment, that's available too. Until season's end in September.

I've seen preserved fishery villages and museums in Norway (Ålesund, and the village of Å in the Lofoten islands), and while I thought the others more informative about the industry, the sheer number of preserved structures, and tales told in thick Newfoundlander accents (think the West Country of England with a lot of Irish thrown in) make it a compelling stop on our cruise. If only the sun had shined a bit.

Here are the photos:

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