Cape Porcupine, Newfoundland and Labrador facts for kids
Cape Porcupine is a special piece of land on the southeast coast of Labrador, which is part of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It's like a finger of land that sticks out into the Atlantic Ocean, pointing generally towards the east. This cape helps protect a beautiful white sand beach called Wonderstrands from strong winds that come from the north.
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What is Cape Porcupine?
Cape Porcupine is a remote area, meaning it's far away from cities and towns. It's a headland, which is a high piece of land that sticks out into the sea. This natural barrier helps keep the nearby Wonderstrands beach safe from harsh northern storms.
Where is Cape Porcupine Located?
Cape Porcupine is found on the coast of Labrador. The closest community to this cape is a town called Cartwright. Cartwright is about 17 miles (27 km) south of Cape Porcupine.
How Do People Get There?
Because Cape Porcupine is so remote, you can't reach it by car or road. People usually get there by air, often using a helicopter, or by sea, traveling in a boat.
The Name of Cape Porcupine
The exact reason for the name "Cape Porcupine" isn't fully known. It's probably not named after the small, spiky rodent that you might think of. Instead, it's more likely named after the Porcupine caribou. These are a type of caribou, which are large deer-like animals, that can be found living in the area.
A Link to History: Leif Eirikson
The beautiful white sand beach near Cape Porcupine is believed to have been visited a very long time ago by a famous explorer named Leif Eirikson. He was a Norse explorer, which means he came from a region in northern Europe. Leif Eirikson explored parts of North America around 1000 AD. He called this area Markland, which means "Land of Woods." This name suggests that the area was rich with trees and forests when he visited.
