Marysvale

About

Marysvale lies at the heart of the Conception Bay Central Region between Georgetown and Colliers. It is only a 45 minute drive from St. John's.

History

There's history in a name. Before 1919, Marysvale was known as Turk's Gut. The name, Turk's Gut, provides evidence for the tradition the pirates once lived in Marysvale, since pirates were called Turks by early settlers. The older name also suggests the time when this cove was a pirate hide-out. Ships anchored in the secluded inlet were almost invisible from the sea. You will hear these and other local legends at the Turk's Gut Heritage House. The pirates probably used the steep sides of the harbour and the limited landing space to provide a haven for rest, shelter, and safety.

Attractions

Harbour Sides, Marysvale
Unlike many towns in Conception Bay, the harbour is not ideally suited for the inshore fishery in that its sides are quite steep and the shore space limited. However, good agricultural land in the area provided an alternative to the inshore fishery.
In summer, numerous types of wild flowers grow in all parts of the region. One of the most common is Gould. Its colourful pink flowers and evergreen leaves brighten summer days.

Marysvale Heritage House & Tea Room

A place to enjoy breakfast, lunch or brunch everyday. Marysvale Heritage House & Tea Room offers a wide array of home cooked treats. It also features homemade crafts, a store loft museum, and a tourist information centre.

Our Lady of the Snows Roman Catholic Church

Our Lady of the Snows Roman Catholic Church, is the centre of worship and communion for the people of Marysvale, NL.

The present structure is the second church for the people of Marysvale and was built in the 1970's to accommodate the growing needs of the community.

On the side of the church you will find the bell which adorned the original church in 1935. In two years time, we will celebrate 75Th anniversary of Our Lady of the Snows church. The Church is a beautiful simple styled structure, that reflects the culture of Newfoundland, especially in regard to the fishing industry which was once a vital part of the Island. Inside the church, one can look up and see the beautiful wooden ceiling which recall the the way ships hulls were once built.

Two newly donated stain-glass windows adorn the wall above the altar. In one window, Jesus kneels in prayer, the second image shows Christ calling out the fishermen to come follow him. Their message of prayer and persistence gives hope for all who see it.

Our Lady of The Snows also has a beautiful grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes which is a shrine in France where Our Lady appeared 150 years ago this year, to a young poor girl, St. Bernadette, and since then, it has been a place of many spiritual and physical healings. The grotto at Our Lady of the Snows in Marysvale was built with the hands on help of many in the community and has become a beautiful place to stop for a moment and to reflect in a peaceful natural setting. In the last few years the grotto has become part of a Beautification Project.

The response from individuals and businesses to help make it even more special has been wonderful. Donations of flowers, benches and trees have helped to make it a beautiful place in the summer. We have been blessed to have a number of outdoor Masses celebrated by our Pastor Fr. Clem Flaherty, Fr. Barker, as well as others. The grotto stands as something which the community of Marysvale can be proud of for years to come. We thank Reverent Father B.J. McCarthy for providing this grotto as a true blessing to all who visit Marysvale.

Beautiful Walking and Hiking Trails - Stroll to the water falls, Bull Cove & Brigus starting in Turk's Gut. Packed lunches available at the Heritage House.
Nighttime Coffee or Refreshments or come and enjoy a BIG ice-cream cone at the Heritage House. Meet old friends and make new friends!

R.J. Conway Memorial Park open daily.

Visit Murphy's Pub and dances every weekend.

Things to Do...

• camping
• berry picking
• go for a boil up
• dip in the water falls
• horse shoe tournaments
• visit Heritage House for Newfoundland Jiggs Dinner on Thursday evenings.
• visit the place of the pirates and enjoy our whales, ice bergs, caplin and even take your catch and go catch a Tom Cod!