Bell Island
An island in Conception Bay where you can go down Number Two Mine to learn about its iron ore history, and see traces of a World War II U-boat attack along the sea cliffs.
A ferry from Portugal Cove on the west side of the city takes about 20 minutes to reach the island. Bell Island was once an important iron ore mining site in the British Empire. The Number Two Mine museum offers underground tours, where visitors can walk into the tunnels once worked by miners (about 4°C inside). In 1942, a German submarine sank an ore freighter off the island, making it one of the few places on the North American mainland directly attacked by German forces. The island's sea cliffs and lighthouse offer spectacular scenery, and the murals covering its walls are also worth a look.
Opening hours
Mine approx. June–Sep 10:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Memorial University Botanical Garden
- Bowring Park
- The Rooms
- Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
- Jellybean Row
- George Street
- Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
- Water Street