Come Home 2022 was a record-breaking year for Provincial Historic Sites in Newfoundland and Labrador. Sites opened on May 21, with free admission as part of Come Home 2022, and over 117,000 people have visited the sites so far this year.
This record visitation represents an increase of 236 per cent over the same period in 2021 (34,393), 653 per cent over the same period in 2020 (15,596) and 13 per cent over the same period in 2019, pre-pandemic (103,882).
With the exception of years impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, Provincial Historic Sites have consistently experienced increased visitation each year since 2016.
While most sites have closed for the 2022 season, the Colonial Building in St. John’s remains open seven days a week until November 30. Pre-booking is no longer required and the public is welcome to visit during regular hours.
In addition, the popular holiday program Christmas at the Commissariat returns this year to Commissariat House in St. John’s, with the return of two popular formats:
Christmas by Candlelight
November 25, 26, 29 and 30
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Enjoy a sip of hot cider by the crackling fire, the soft sound of festive music, the scent of fir boughs and a magical wander through the house by the glow of candlelight.
Festive Family Fun
December 3 and 4
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Visit Commissariat House to enjoy traditional seasonal greenery, holiday music, a taste of Christmas pudding, Christmas crafts and more.
Pre-booking is not required for Christmas at Commissariat. Visitors are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Community Food Sharing Association.
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“Each year, Provincial Historic Sites celebrate Newfoundland and Labrador’s culture and heritage through a wide variety of programming for all ages. As part of Come Home 2022 celebrations, we opened the doors to our sites with free admission and, as a result, a tremendous number of people were able to take in and enjoy these provincial gems. It is wonderful to see visitation numbers growing year over year and I encourage anyone who is able to experience the magic of Christmas at Commissariat.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
-30-
Learn more
Provincial Historic Sites
Provincial Historic Sites Reporting an Increase in Visitor Traffic this Summer
Provincial Historic Sites Opening on May 21 with Free Regular Admission for Come Home 2022
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Media contact
Gina MacArthur
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-327-9574
ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca
