Rencontre East
Rencontre East (often pronounced "Rencounter") is a small coastal village in Southern Newfoundland on Fortune Bay. The village has a population of fewer than 140 residents (2016). Unlike other remote villages along the south coast, Rencontre East's population has been holding steady through the 2010s.
Understand
This small community is not connected to any surrounding areas by road but is accessible by scheduled ferry service. The town's slogan proudly proclaims that it is "Isolated and loving it".
All of the roads are dirt, and ATVs are the main source of transportation. The community uses breakwaters to hold the roads in place and keep the water from washing them away. The main industry is cod and lobster fishing.
Rencontre East was the location of one of only a few molybdenum mines in Canada's history. The mine was at Ackley City at Rencontre Lake just north of the town. The mine was closed soon after, with only 2000 tonnes of mineral being exported.
The town has two grocery stores, a volunteer fire department, an all-grade school and a community centre. There are two churches, one Anglican (St. Stephen's) and one Catholic (St. Joseph's).
The town's population has declined sharply due to a large elderly demographic combined with a lack of industry to entice young people to stay.
Rencontre East is a moderate tourism site in the summer, when people from all over travel to this little town for a view of the scenery and a trip to Rencontre Lake.
Aquaculture in Rencontre East has became fully operational, replacing the traditional cod and lobster fishery. More than 20 of the town's people work on three sites. There are more than 2 million salmon in the sites.
Get in
- MV Terra Nova, toll-free: +1-888-638-5454. The Provincial Ferry Service serves the town Thursday to Tuesday year-round from Pool's Cove (1 hr 15 min). From Bay L'Argent (1 hr 45 min), there is service Mid-June to mid-Oct Thursday to Tuesday, and in winter only on Th F Sa Su. One way: adult $6.75; child, student or senior (60+) $3.75.
Get around
There are no cars in Rencontre East, and only small streets. In addition to walking and biking, residents use ATVs to get around.
See
Excellent views are available for hikers who aren't afraid to trail blaze a little bit.
See salmon jumping the gorge into Rencontre Lake.
Do
As well as a freshwater pond just north of the village, a river flows towards the village from a fairly large lake several kilometers away, on which some residents have built cabins. The lake is not accessible to travelers, though the path is nice, and excellent hiking can be done that results in a great view of the environs and ocean.
Hiking up the cliff on the east side of the river affords not only an excellent view, but also the opportunity to swim in any of several ponds. Even in the warmest part of the year, the water in both the river and ponds is fairly cool.
Stroll the trails and boardwalks to look for bald eagles, or go ATVing, kayaking or boating.
Buy
There are two general stores in the village.
- The Salt Box (across from the ferry wharf), ☏ +1 709 909-5713. Tu-Sa 10AM-8:45PM, Su 10:30AM-8PM, Su 10-11:45AM and 2-4:45PM. Food, produce, drinks, hardware.
- Judy's General Store, 1 Main Rd (west of the ferry wharf along the shore), ☏ +1 709 848-3476. Includes a liquor store.
Eat and drink
There are no restaurants or bars, so your food and drink will come from the general stores.
Sleep
Several camping spots can be found along the river mentioned above.
- 1 Chart House, Ackley House and the Blue House on the wharf, ☏ +1 709 834 6446. Three vacation homes available for rent. Each has 3-4 bedrooms. Jun 1 - Nov 1. They have a remote cabin available for $75/night. $150-300 per night.
Connect
Connecting isn't the point of coming to Rencontre East, but it does have a post office.