57th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Archaeological Association

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2025 Events and Tours

Registration for events and tours is now open.

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Pre-Conference Activity: Day Trip to Ferryland & Cupids, NL (Wed., Apr. 30, 2025), 9 am - 5 pm 

  • Hosted by: Canadian Archaeological Association
  • Description: Join us for a Day Trip to some of the oldest English colonies in Canada—the Colony of Avalon in Ferryland, NL, and the Cupids Cove Plantation in Cupids, NL!
  • Time: approx. 9 am - 5 pm 
  • Tentative Schedule:
    • Meet at Alt Hotel Lobby at 8:50 AM
    • Depart Atl hotel at 9:00 AM
    • 9:00 - 10:10 : Travel via bus to the Colony of Avalon in Ferryland, NL (travel time: 1 hour, 10 minutes).
    • 10:10 - 11:40 : Tour the Dig Site, Interpretation Centre, and Conservation Lab. 
    • 11:40 - 12:40 : Enjoy lunch watching the waves at the Tetley Tea Room in Ferryland. 
    • 12:50 - 2:15 Travel via bus to Cupids Cove Plantation in Cupids, NL (travel time: 1 hour, 25 minutes). 
    • 2:20 - 3:50 : Tour the Cupids Cove Plantation Legacy Centre (museum). 
    • 3:50 - 4:50 Travel back to Alt Hotel (travel time: 1 hour).
  • Capacity: 46
  • Cost: $70

Pre-Conference Activity: Curation & Conservation Workshop (Wed., Apr. 30, 2025), 9 am - 12 pm

  • Hosted by: Museum Association of Newfoundland & Labrador (MANL)
  • Description:
    • Ever wondered what happens after archaeologists dig up objects of the past? If so, then join MANL and Memorial University’s Archaeological Curator/Geophysical Technician, Maria Lear, and Archaeological Conservator, Donna Teasdale, in an interactive workshop exploring how artifacts and belongings are cared for after excavation. This workshop includes learning about artifact curation, exhibit design, conservation, and some of the logistics of running an archaeological dig in Newfoundland and Labrador. 
    • Start the morning with a presentation on a broad-stroke overview of running an archaeological dig, including legislation, permitting, and site logistics, along with the post-excavation phase that involves collections and curation. 
    • After the presentation, we will move downstairs for a quick tour of Memorial’s Collections Room, leading into a practical session on conservation in Memorial’s Conservation Lab. 
    • The practical session will involve participants gathering in stations with different types of materials. During the session, participants will be guided through how different agents cause deterioration and corrosion on artifacts. Next, participants will learn the various steps taken to stabilize and preserve each type of artifact from the burial environment through to collections storage. Participants will also be given the opportunity to try their hand at removing corrosion from iron artifacts. Finally, if time allows, participants will be shown how to perform a block lift to safely remove a delicate artifact from the ground.
  • Location: Queen’s College Room 2013, Memorial University
  • Capacity: 8
  • Cost: $20

Pre-Conference Activity: Welcome Reception (Wed., Apr. 30, 2025), 5:30 - 7:30 pm

  • Hosted by: Canadian Archaeological Association
  • Description: We’re excited to welcome everyone to this year’s CAA conference with a welcome social at Bannerman Brewery, a local downtown favourite. Grab a pint and catch up with friends before the conference begins.
  • Location: Bannerman Brewery, 90 Duckworth Street, St. John’s. Upper Level (stairs across from the entrance, no elevator).
  • Cost: N/A (Cash Bar)

Kitchen Party (Thurs. May 1, 2025), 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

  • Hosted by: Salt Beef Junkies and Canadian Archaeological Association
  • Description: Join us for a true taste of Newfoundland hospitality at our Kitchen Party, where the Salt Beef Junkies will bring the music and the fun for an unforgettable night of hospitality! This gathering is more than just a social event—it’s a celebration of storytelling, community, and shared histories. Raise a glass with colleagues and expect an evening of singing, dancing, and maybe even a few archaeological tall tales—all in the spirit of bringing people together, just like they’ve done for generations in Newfoundland’s outports. Whether you’re a CFA (Come From Away) or a proud Newfoundlander, you’re bound to feel at home. 
  • Location: Great Hall, Queens College, MUN
  • Capacity: N/A
  • Cost:  Free
 

Ghost Walk Through the Winding Streets of St. John’s (Thurs., May 1, 2025), 6:45 pm - 8:15 pm

  • Hosted by: Dale Jarvis with St. John’s Haunted Hike
  • Description: Walking through the town, one is surrounded by the memories of public hangings, duels, and horrific murders, passing over forgotten cemeteries and unmarked graves, past buildings known to be visited by those who have passed over to the other side… Vengeful lovers, murdered soldiers, and mysterious fires await those who are brave enough to explore the secrets that lie in wait in St. John’s darkest corners. Tour begins and ends at the Anglican Cathedral on Church Hill. 
  • Length: The tour lasts 75 minutes.
  • Time: Meet at the Alt Hotel Lobby at 6:45 pm to walk to the Cathedral (~10min) or meet at the Cathedral. The tour starts at 7:00 pm. 
  • Location: Anglican Cathedral on Church Hill 
  • Capacity: 20
  • Cost: $20

 

St. John’s (Walking) Pub Crawl (Thurs., May 1, 2025), 7 pm - 10 pm

  • Hosted by: Memorial University Anthropology Society & MUNArch (Memorial University Undergraduate Archaeology Society)
  • Description: Have you ever been to George Street - two blocks of bars, pubs, and restaurants? Join a local guide and explore Downtown St. John’s nightlife - you may even get the chance to be screeched in as a Newfie! 
  • Location: Downtown St. John’s. Meet at Alt Hotel Lobby before walking 10 minutes to George Street.
  • Capacity: 25
  • Register online and pay at the registration desk during the conference!
**Please note that this event overlaps with the Ghost Walk Through the Winding Streets of St. John’s**

Fairfield Foundation: Cocktail Hour (Fri., May 2, 2025), 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

  • Hosted by: Fairfield Foundation
  • Description: The Fairfield Foundation is excited to host its fourth annual event at the CAAs, inviting women and all marginalized genders to attend an intimate happy hour focused on sharing our experiences in archaeology. This is a great opportunity to network and connect with other professionals who may share similar challenges and wins in the industry. We’ll discuss career paths, highlights, favourite parts of working in archaeology, and what day-to-day life looks like for people in the field.
  • Sláinte [slawn-che], meaning ‘health’ or ‘cheers’, is a local whiskey and piano bar located in downtown St. John’s with unparalleled views of Signal Hill, the harbour, and Narrows. Settled among historic buildings and only a few minutes walk from the Alt Hotel, this modern venue is the perfect setting to relax and connect.
  • Cost: Free, with light appetizers, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks offered to attendees courtesy of The Fairfield Foundation.
  • Location: Sláinte Whisky Piano Bar, 115 Duckworth Street, St. John’s, NL. 
  • Capacity: 30. Registration is required, and space is limited to 30 attendees on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Rooms Museum Reception (Fri. May 2, 2025), 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

  • Hosted by: The Rooms Museum and the Canadian Archaeological Association
  • Description: Spend an evening enjoying the galleries and exhibits at the Rooms Museum, Art Gallery and Archives.  Following a brief welcome from the Rooms light regreshments will be served and a cash bar available. 
  • Location: 9 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John's, #rd Floor Atrium
  • Cost: N/A, cash bar

Sorry Trowel-Worn Scholars!: Young Archaeologists Only (Sat., May 3, 2025), 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

  • Hosted by: MUN Anthropology Society & MUNArch (Memorial University Undergraduate Archaeology Society)
  • Description: Calling all young archaeologists! Join us for a boardgame night where you can wind down from the conference with a healthy dose of comeptition. Whether you want to discuss fieldwork woes or career delights, this is a space to connect with fellow peers before saying good-bye until next year. 
  • Location: Great Hall, Queens College, Memorial University
  • Capacity: N/A
  • Cost: Free

Banquet (Sat., May 3, 2025), 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

  • Hosted by: Canadian Archaeological Association
  • Description: Join us for the closing banquet and awards ceremony at the Yellow Belly Public House.  Located a block from the Alt Hotel at 1 George Street inside the Yellow Belly Brewery. It is sure to be a lovely evening inside this beautifully restored building. Tickets include a full buffet with a range of meat, fish and vegetarian items and house microbrews on tap at the cash bar.
  • Location: Yellow Belly Brewery, 1 George Street, St. John’s, NL. 
  • Cost: $90 per person 

Sunrise at Cape Spear Excursion (Date: Weather Dependent)

  • Hosted by: Canadian Archaeological Association
  • Description: Begin your day at the easternmost point of North America by watching the sunrise at Cape Spear. This event is weather-dependent and could take place on any of the conference days. Meet at the Alt Hotel Lobby before taking a short trip to Cape Spear. 
  • Location: Cape Spear, NL 
  • Time: Bus will leave the Alt hotel at 5:00 AM, returning from Cape Spear at approximately 6 AM
  • Capacity: 20
  • Cost: $15