Souvenir Idea For
Red Bay National Historic Site
Red Bay National Historic Site in Newfoundland and Labrador preserves the remarkable legacy of 16th-century Basque whaling operations. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this coastal gem reveals the story of San Juan, a sunken Basque galleon, and the thriving whaling station that made Red Bay one of the world's earliest industrial sites. Visitors explore authentic whaling artifacts, reconstructed tryworks, and the stunning Saddle Island archaeological site. The visitor center houses preserved whale boats and offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline where European whalers once processed thousands of whales. This interactive custom souvenir coin transforms your visit into an ongoing digital journey through Basque maritime history.
Your Digital Journey Through Red Bay's Whaling Heritage
Six Featured AR Experiences with Your Interactive Coins
The San Juan Galleon
Scan to unlock a 3D AR model of the 1565 Basque whaling ship. Watch as the vessel materializes before you, explore its decks, and witness how it sank in Red Bay harbour, perfectly preserved in cold waters for over 400 years.
Tryworks & Processing Station
Experience an augmented reality reconstruction of the massive stone tryworks where whale blubber was rendered into valuable oil. See virtual flames, workers in period dress, and understand the industrial scale of 16th-century whaling operations.
Whale Boats & Hunting Techniques
Your NFC souvenir coin reveals interactive 3D models of Basque chalupas (whale boats). Learn hunting techniques through animated AR sequences showing harpooning, towing, and processing of right and bowhead whales in Labrador waters.
Saddle Island Archaeological Site
Unlock virtual guided tours of Saddle Island's archaeological wonders. Your smart souvenir coin provides access to AR overlays showing building foundations, cooperages, and the cemetery where whalers were laid to rest centuries ago.
Basque Whalers' Daily Life
Tap your custom coin to meet virtual Basque crew members who share stories of life at Red Bay. Discover what they ate, how they survived harsh winters, and the dangers they faced in this remote corner of the New World.
Maritime Trade Routes
Your interactive AR souvenir coin activates an immersive map showing 16th-century transatlantic trade routes. Watch animated ships sail between Red Bay and Spain, carrying precious whale oil that lit European cities and powered industries.
Where to Get Your Smart Souvenir Coins
- Visitor Center Gift Shop: Purchase your arTag™ Smart Souvenir Kit at the Red Bay National Historic Site Visitor Center, located at 7 Whaler's Lane, featuring embossed metal coins with Basque whaling ship designs.
- Online Store: Order custom NFC souvenir coins through Parks Canada's official website for delivery before your visit or as memorable gifts, with full AR guide service activation included.
- Premium Packages: Upgrade your admission to include a collectible smart coin with protective acrylic capsule, scratch-off activation card, and optional magnet sticker for creating interactive fridge magnets.
- Guided Tour Add-On: Join ranger-led tours that integrate the AR souvenir coins experience, with guides helping you unlock exclusive digital content at key exhibit locations throughout the site.
How to Use Your Interactive Coins
Step 1: Tap or Scan
Assemble your custom souvenir coin with the NFC sticker, then tap it to your smartphone or scan the QR code. The WebAR application launches instantly in your browser—no app download required for this smart souvenir experience.
Step 2: Activate Your Guide
Scratch off the activation code on your backing card and enter it on your first use. This unique code unlocks your personal AR guide service and creates your digital collection of Red Bay's maritime heritage experiences.
Step 3: Scan Exhibits
Walk through Red Bay National Historic Site and use your phone's camera to scan designated exhibits, artifacts, and information panels. Watch as 3D models, virtual Basque whalers, and historical reconstructions appear through your interactive coin's AR technology.
Step 4: Revisit Anytime
Your NFC souvenir coin becomes a permanent gateway to your unlocked content. Tap it months or years later to relive your Red Bay journey, share AR experiences with friends, or explore additional digital content as the site adds new stories.
Benefits of Smart Souvenir Coins for Red Bay National Historic Site
Premium Revenue Stream
These custom coins provide high-margin souvenir sales with perceived value far exceeding production costs. Unlike traditional postcards, visitors invest in interactive AR souvenir coins that combine physical collectibles with ongoing digital experiences, increasing average transaction values significantly.
Extended Engagement
Smart souvenir coins keep Red Bay connected to visitors long after they leave. Each time users tap their NFC souvenir coins to revisit digital content, you maintain touchpoints for announcements, new exhibits, and return visit promotions through the WebAR guide service platform.
Social Media Integration
The AR guide service embedded in each custom coin includes direct links to Red Bay's social media channels. Visitors sharing their interactive experiences create organic marketing, while the platform encourages follows, check-ins, and user-generated content featuring your unique heritage site.
Enhanced Education
Interactive coins deliver deeper learning than static displays alone. AR technology brings Basque whaling history to life with 3D models, animations, and immersive storytelling through custom souvenirs that visitors actually want to keep and use, improving heritage comprehension and retention.
Visitor Analytics
NFC souvenir coins provide valuable data about visitor behavior, popular exhibits, and engagement patterns. Track which AR experiences generate the most interest, optimize your site layout, and make data-driven decisions about future investments in exhibits and custom souvenir offerings.
Competitive Differentiation
Stand out among Atlantic Canada's historic sites with cutting-edge smart souvenir technology. These interactive AR souvenir coins position Red Bay as an innovative, visitor-focused destination, attracting tech-savvy tourists and generating press coverage for your forward-thinking approach to heritage interpretation.
Ready to Transform Your Visitor Experience?
Discover how arTag™ Smart Souvenir Coins with integrated AR guide service can boost engagement and revenue at your historic site. Contact us today to create custom NFC souvenir coins featuring your unique heritage stories and interactive digital experiences.
Get Started with Custom Coins