Port au Choix

Port au Choix is an archaeological site on the Newfoundland coast featuring elevated rocky terraces overlooking limestone barrens and the sea. The location contains several layers of ancient occupation and distinct excavation areas where researchers continue to uncover artifacts.

Humans occupied this location between 4,400 and 3,300 years ago when the area was an island surrounded by rich marine resources. Dorset peoples later arrived and left their own traces, adding another layer to the site's complex history.

This location served as a gathering place for hunters and fishers over many centuries, where people refined their skills and knowledge of the sea. The remains show how deeply connected ancient communities were to coastal life and the ocean's resources.

Access to the site is seasonal, and visitors should prepare for uneven ground and changing coastal weather conditions. Guided tours and interpretive programs help explain the excavations and archaeological findings to those exploring the site.

Excavations have uncovered finely crafted slate tools that reveal how skillfully early inhabitants worked with stone to create precise instruments. These refined artifacts are uncommon and suggest a high level of technical knowledge among ancient craftspeople.