Discovery Geopark

Discovery Global Geopark invites you to discover a little more about your geological past.

The Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark respectfully acknowl­edges its territory is part of the ancestral homelands of the Indigenous People of the region. Historical and archaeological records document the now-extinct Beothuk People lived throughout the northeast coast of the island of Newfoundland, particularly in areas surrounding Notre Dame Bay and Bonavista Bay. As an extinct cultural group, they had a unique language and culture deeply based upon resources from the land and sea. Early explorers would most likely have encountered Indigenous peoples.

The name “discovery” originates and references the historic landing of Italian explorer Giovanni Caboto (or John Cabot) when he first discovered the new found land on June 24, 1497. According to legend, upon landing and finding the sea teaming with cod fish, his first words were “O buono vista!”. When translated into English, this phrase means “Oh happy sight!”, a fitting description for the historic town now known as Bonavista, the site of Cabot’s North America landing.

The Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark respectfully acknowledges its territory is part of the ancestral homelands of the Indigenous People of the region. Historical and archaeological records document the now-extinct Beothuk People lived throughout the northeast coast of the island of Newfoundland, particularly in areas surrounding Notre Dame Bay and Bonavista Bay. As an extinct cultural group, they had a unique language and culture deeply based upon resources from the land and sea. Early explorers would most likely have encountered Indigenous peoples.
The name “discovery” originates and references the historic landing of Italian explorer Giovanni Caboto (or John Cabot) when he first discovered the new found land on June 24, 1497. According to legend, upon landing and finding the sea teaming with cod fish, his first words were “O buono vista!”. When translated into English, this phrase means “Oh happy sight!”, a fitting description for the historic town now known as Bonavista, the site of Cabot’s North America landing. Discovery Global Geopark invites you to discover a little more about your geological past. Located on the upper half of the Bonavista Peninsula on the eastern coast of the island of Newfoundland, Discovery has a variety of sites where you can tour and learn about the Earth. Discovery is positioned along a series of highways aptly named the “Discovery Trail”, via Route 233 or 230. The geographic region is approximately 3 hours from both Gander and the Argentia ferry, and 3½ hours from the capital city of St. John’s. Pics: Discovery Geopark