About

The Ryan Premises is a collection of 19th and early 20th century heritage buildings in Bonavista, a town of 3,700 on Newfoundland’s northeast coast. It is one of the oldest and biggest of the hundreds of inshore fishing communities – “outports” – that for centuries bustled with the small boats of the inshore fishery and the schooners of the international cod trade.

Within the Premises’ five main white clapboard buildings - once the headquarters of prominent Newfoundland fish merchant James Ryan – are the Bonavista Museum featuring local artifacts that tell the fascinating story of this historic community, an exhibit on traditional Newfoundland outport furniture, rotating art exhibitions featuring fisheries-related works, and the award-winning "Cod, Seals and Survivors" exhibition with its evocative displays, archival films and hands-on activities. Knowledgeable interpreters are on-site to provide insights and information.

Spend the day among the rich heritage of Canada's East Coast fisheries, strolling the beach and old wharf with its magnificent views of scenic Bonavista and its harbour.