Riverhead: Trails, Wilderness, and Whaling History

Riverhead can be explored through a specific nature route and a layered history by the water. The Riverhead Trail leads into the calving grounds of a caribou herd; the surrounding area is also home to Avalon Wilderness Reserve, which offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Riverhead’s history spans from a settlement described as a fishing community in 1898 to a whaling station completed in 1903. When choosing a vacation rental in Riverhead, you can weigh three interests against one another: a named hiking route, activities in the reserve, or the town’s maritime past.

Nature Destinations Around Riverhead

The Riverhead Trail is accessed via Route 90. It is 9 km north of Riverhead and 9 km southeast of St. Joseph’s, and is about 5 km long. The trail passes south of Gull Pond and leads into the calving grounds of a caribou herd. Its length, location, and route provide practical points of reference for an outing.

In the Riverhead area, Avalon Wilderness Reserve offers opportunities for hiking, canoeing, skiing, wilderness camping, bird and wildlife watching, photography, hunting, and fishing. An entry permit is required to visit. There are no facilities, amenities, trail markers, or public buildings within the reserve. The Riverhead Trail’s length and route are central to a visit, while the planned activity and required permit are important considerations when visiting the reserve.

The names of Avalon Wilderness Reserve also have their own history. In 1964, the area was established as Avalon Wilderness Area under the Wildlife Act. In 1986, it was designated a Wilderness Reserve under the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Act.

History of Fishing, Transportation, and Whaling

A description from 1898 calls Riverhead a Way Office and a fishing settlement in the District of Placentia and St. Mary’s. A ferry had already been established in Riverhead in 1876 to improve transportation links. The annual cost was 550. These two details illustrate different aspects of the town’s history at the time: the settlement and a measure to improve transportation.

The history of whaling is tied to specific dates and measurements. In 1903, land in Riverhead was leased for 40 years starting on August 15; a whaling licence was issued in Cashin’s name on August 26. Completed in December, the facility included a 45 × 45-foot, 20-foot-high factory, a new wharf, a bungalow, a blacksmith shop, a large coal shed filled with coal, and a 2,000-foot-long platform. The measurements and list of buildings bring this part of the town’s history to life.

Another historical account describes a ship brought to the mouth of the Riverhead River, where it received sufficient repairs to continue to St. John’s. This episode adds a distinct connection to the river mouth and maritime traffic to the area’s maritime history.

The geographical scale is also useful when searching for a vacation rental in Riverhead: the Riverhead Trail is 9 km north of the town, Avalon Wilderness Reserve is in the surrounding area, and the historical events connected to the whaling station took place in Riverhead itself. This can help you distinguish nature destinations nearby from the town’s history as you plan.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Hant's Harbour, St Mary's, Mount Pearl, Bay Roberts, Tors Cove, Brigus, Heart's Content, Harbour Grace

To the main travel overview: Division No. 1.