On Day 5 of Targa, teams will race through communities along Notre Dame Bay in Central Newfoundland. They’ll start the day in the former logging community of Glenwood on the Gander River, then proceed to stages in Bobby’s Cove, Pleasantview, Point Leamington, Leading Tickles and Glover’s Harbour before ending the day in Appleton.
Glenwood, the second oldest inland community in Newfoundland, is located about 20 km from Gander. Glenwood is a playground for the outdoor adventurer. Surrounded by natural beauty, the town hugs the shoreline of the mighty Gander River and Gander Lake. The river is one of the world’s best Atlantic salmon fishing destinations. The vast boreal forest attracts hunters from far and wide. Nearby is Mount Peyton, a favourite attraction for tourists.
Natural beauty abounds in this area. For those who love the outdoors, Point Leamington has much to offer in the way of sport salmon fishing, boating, hiking, hunting, or snowmobiling in winter. For a relaxing drive “off the beaten path”, Point Leamington offers scenic views, relaxation and friendliness to all visitors. Local attractions include the marina and Rowsell’s Hiking Trail.
Leading Tickles is a fishing community on the northeast coast of Newfoundland. Many of the residents work in the fish plant in the summer months. Local fishermen catch mainly cod, snow crab, and lobster, with some mackerel, herring, squid and capelin when regulations permit. Tourism is a big draw to this beautiful area in the summertime. The area boasts three beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and camping. Area cliffs and lookoffs provide views of whales as well as icebergs in spring and early summer. A tickle is a narrow saltwater strait, in case you were wondering.
Glover’s Harbour, formerly known as Timble Tickles, was settled in the second half of the 19th century and has remained primarily a fishing village throughout its history. It’s famous as the Home of the Giant Squid. In 1878, a 55-foot-long giant squid washed ashore there and was subsequently recognised as a world record by Guinness. Glover’s Harbour has a small heritage centre and “life-sized” sculpture dedicated to the giant squid.
First settled in the late 1800s after a lumber mill started operations there, the Town of Appleton is located on the Gander River. You can enjoy a beautiful sunset against the water as people fish or you may see the dragon boats training. Running through the centre of Appleton is the Trans-Canada Trail, which you can walk, ski, snowmobile, or drive your ATV on depending on the season. The Riverfront Peace Park features artifacts and written histories from Appleton’s past including a four-metre piece of steel from the Twin Towers donated to the town for its role in taking in passengers from flights diverted after the 9/11 attacks in 2001.
Read more about these and all the other communities that host Targa here: