Visit
Visiting Placentia
Placentia is a story like no other
Over 350 years of history has borne a place where its bounty of natural wonders are matched only by its richly storied heritage and lush cultural landscape. The original 16th century French settlers got it right when they named this place ‘Plaisance’ meaning ‘pleasant place.’ There are few places in your travels that can compare to this provincial treasure.
“Placentia is the most beautiful place I have ever been, and the people were wonderful.”
(Quote from the Town Guestbook)
Discover for yourself what has drawn people here for centuries. For many, it begins with a breathtaking drive along the rolling coastline of forested hills and sheltered bays – the Seven Islands lookout is not to be missed. Kayakers and water enthusiasts flock to the gentle embrace of protected inlets and sleepy coves. Boaters and sailors glide through storied waters, gaining a perfect prospect of manmade and natural wonders. Families and romantics alike enjoy long strolls on the picturesque oceanfront boardwalk, while the more adventurist hikers take advantage of a well maintained network of trails around historic fortresses and scenic panoramas.
There is an abundance of things to see and do.
Explore Castle Hill, the most prominent of a group of centuries old English and French fortifications that call Placentia home. With its famously commanding view of Placentia and surrounding coastline, Castle Hill offers a unique national historic site experience. You just might meet residents from 1696, or even the Governor himself, as well as merchant soldiers and fisherpersons of the period, as you tour this memorable vista. Uncover that rich mix of French and English history that shaped our wildly colourful and tumultuous past. Tour our archaeology lab at nearby Fort Louis and the British New Fort and discover artifacts from French and English families dating back to the 1600’s!
Stroll down our beautiful Town square and drop into Placentia’s Cultural Arts Centre, a sumptuous celebration of the town’s dynamic arts community. Across the street you will find the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, one of Placentia’s key architectural landmarks. Next door sits Our Lady of the Angels Convent, a restored snapshot of a bygone era. Drop by the old courthouse, one of the oldest operating courtrooms in the country. And don’t forget the O’Reilly House Museum, a beautifully restored snapshot of upscale living in the early 1900s Placentia.
All that touring will no doubt work up an appetite. Seek out one of the many local eateries for either a dinner reservation or an unforgettable lunch that will have you craving for more.