Mariner Drive begins at the Gateway to the Burin Peninsula, the intersection of the Trans Canada Highway (Route. 1) and provincial Route. 210, at Goobies.

The first stops can include side trips to North Harbour and Garden Cove that are communities on northwest Placentia Bay. The bay has numerous islands ? 365 in total. Many of which were once settled, and some are accessible via tour boats.

Swift Current/ Piper's Hole River area, are a perennial favorite for anglers and vacationers. You can climb Bear's Folly or hike the old railway line. And if the breeze is right, you might hear the sound of the French Army Piper's ghost, his spirit playing to the wind.

Davis Cove and Monkstown is another Placentia Bay adventure, following the Paradise River to the sea at the long, narrow inlet of Paradise Sound. The hydroelectric dam is one of only three arched dams in North America.

Route 211 will take visitor on a side trip along Fortune Bay, and into the communities of Terrenceville, Grand Le Pierre and English Harbour East. In May and June, the Middle Ridge Caribou herd passes nearby on their migration south. The rugged hills stand in sharp contrast to the barrens, with scenic waterfalls and imposing views. Bald eagles are often sighted in these parts.

Route 210 to Route 212 takes the traveller back along Fortune Bay. The road to Jacques Fontaine winds throughout wooded mountains; with a long pond that follows the road. St. Bernard's was once known as Fox Cove. Bay L'Argent is a port?of?call to the last remaining Fortune Bay coastal boat, traveling to Rencontre East and Pool's Cove.

The highway continues to the fishing communities of Little Bay East, Little Harbour East and Harbour Mill. The Ragged Point Lighthouse at Little Bay East, and the rock formation at Little Harbour Beach are among the sights.

Next are Boat Harbour and Brookside. While Visiting Petite Forte you will have an opportunity to experience a community only recently connected to the Heritage Run by road. The Boat Harbour River has a splendid waterfall and is close to camping at Baie De L'eau. Petite Forte was a substantial fishing community that escaped provincial resettlement policies of the 1960s. The road to Petite Forte was opened in 1992, giving access to the South East Bight/Little Paradise ferry. Visitors can take advantage of the pristine seclusion, hike to Great Paradise, whale watch or take a boat tour to Clattice Harbour or Darby's Harbour.

Next is Parker's Cove, and then followed by Red Harbour. At Red Harbour Head there is whale?watching, salmon angling in Red Harbour East and West Rivers. The Placentia West Development Association's Heritage House is the perfect midpoint on the Heritage Run. The house is located at the intersection at Baine Harbour, and its a short trip to the scenic community of Rushoon.

Marystown is Mariner Drive's next destination. The visitor information centre is located in the lighthouse at the town entrance.

Marystown is the regional commercial centre for much of the Burin Peninsula. The town's main through street provides a superior view of the bay and of Creston Inlet. The area's deep Christian faith is reflected in the 5m statue of the Virgin Mary, at Mary Mount, overlooking the town and harbour.

Mortier Bay has one of the largest natural harbours in the world (2300 m by 250 m), but one of only a few on the Burin Peninsula. Freide Goldman Newfoundland (Marystown Shipyard) is the largest marine fabrication and outfitting facility in Newfoundland.

Marystown has two shopping malls, numerous hotels, motels and bed & breakfast establishments. There are an excellent variety of restaurants and nightspots, and recreational facilities including an indoor swimming pool, Municipal Park, track and field facilities and a stadium. The Marystown Museum displays artifacts and provides interpretation of the area's history.

Travellers have a choice of how they want to see "The Loop"! A short drive south links to the Captain Cook trail, and a short drive north to French Island Drive.

Attractions

Bay L'Argent: Ferry to Rencontre East

Boat Harbour/Brookside: Waterfall; Baie De L'eau Campground

Davis Cove/Monkstown: Unique hydroelectric dam

English hr. East: Waterfall, Middle ridge Caribou Herd

Garden Cove: Tour Boat to Woody Island

Little Bay East: Ragged Point Lighthouse

Little Hr. East: Unique Rock Formation

Marystown: Visitor Information Centre, Marystown Museum, amenities

Petite Forte: Ferry to South East Bight

Piper's Hole: Angling

Red Harbour: Whale Watching, Angling

Spanish Room: Ring-billed Gulls

Swift Current: Bear's Folly hike; railway line hike

Events