There were many reasons for abandonment of communities in Newfoundland, one of them being natural disasters. The small fishing community of La Manche on the Southern Shore is one such example. It was not settled until in the 1840’s and it was abandoned in 1966. It was a severe January storm from the Atlantic Ocean that demolished the stages, homes, wharves and a suspension bridge in the community and destroyed the entire economy. The people then resettled to new villages that had more modern amenities.
La Manche today is visible by walking the 1.25 kilometre Village Trail or by canoeing on the La Manche River. The La Manche Provincial Park is the home of over 50 different species of birds.
