top of page
ship%20matthew_edited.jpg

THE MATTHEW LEGACY

START YOUR VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY

IMG_1615-1024x683.jpg

A truly amazing journey in time

In 1497, a small wooden ship called the Matthew set sail from Bristol, England destined for the Far East. Onboard was the Italian explorer Giovanni Caboto with a crew of around twenty men. Within six weeks, they made landfall. They landed, not as intended in the fabled land of Cathay, but on the shores of the New World.

Here, they discovered a treasure that would change the course of history. Come, discover the story of Caboto and his crew.

IMG_1624-1024.jpg
Waves

19

crewe members

Cabot sailed under the flag of England from Bristol. The ship, The Matthew,  had a crew of just 19 men. Cabot led a fearful crew, with reports suggesting they never ventured more than a crossbow’s shot into the land.

A Voyage of Discovery

ton vessel

50

Cabot’s ship was named the Matthew, almost certainly after his wife Mattea. It was a navicula, meaning a relatively small vessel, of 50 toneles – able to carry 50 tons of wine or other cargo.

35

days at sea

On 2nd May 1497 Cabot set sail from Bristol England. He planned to sail west across the Atlantic and find a route to China and the Indies. His voyage to the New Found Land took him 35 days. 

Save Your Spot

  • Thu, Jun 25
    Matthew Legacy
    Jun 25, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
    Matthew Legacy, 15 Roper St, Bonavista, NL A0C 1B0, Canada
    Canada Day Celebration at the Matthew Legacy Celebrate Canada Day on the waterfront with an evening of live music at the Matthew Legacy. Join us on July 1 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. as local musician Jesse Smith takes the stage.
    Share
  • Multiple Dates
    Tue, Jul 07
    Matthew Legacy
    Jul 07, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. NDT
    Matthew Legacy, 15 Roper St, Bonavista, NL A0C 1B0, Canada
    Looking for the perfect summer evening in Bonavista? Join us at the Matthew Legacy for Harbour Sounds, a free live music event set against the backdrop of the harbour.
    Share
  • Sat, Jul 25
    Matthew Legacy
    Jul 25, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
    Matthew Legacy, 15 Roper St, Bonavista, NL A0C 1B0, Canada
    Calling all young entrepreneurs, creators, bakers, artists, and makers! The Matthew Legacy is excited to host a Youth Market. This is a great opportunity for youth to showcase their talents, sell their products, and gain experience running their own market booth.
    Share
  • Fri, Jul 31
    Matthew Legacy
    Jul 31, 2026, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
    Matthew Legacy, 15 Roper St, Bonavista, NL A0C 1B0, Canada
    Start your day with a hearty traditional breakfast featuring eggs, baked beans, bologna, flats, tea or coffee, and juice, all for $15 Live Music by Gord Fudge
    Share
462241087_505867078943594_7666243667224042598_n.jpg

Proud partners of

316418018_131921453004827_6477500991209518768_n.jpg
BonavistaMummer'sParade2023-38.jpg

Proud partners of the

CSF LOGO- words.png
IMG_1603-830x1245.jpg

Step on Board

 This 92-foot-long wooden caravel is a full-scale reproduction of the ship that carried Caboto and his crew from Bristol to the New World in 1497.

Hours

Regular Season

June – September
9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

* subject to change without notice

​

Off-Season

October – April

By appointment only

 

May / September

Reduced hours

​

Fees

Adult: $7.00

Kids: $3.00 (ages 6-12)

Kids 5 and under: Free

Students: $6.00

Seniors: $6.00

​

* subject to change without notice

Groups

We welcome group tours for guided and self-guided exploration of our site. Guided tours should be scheduled at least one week in advance. Please contact us for group pricing. 

bottom of page