Discoveries as early as 1904 provide evidence that native peoples settled here,[1] burials, structural remains, and artifacts such as points, tools, and bones of discarded food.
[2] Port au Choix is located on the northwestern coast of the island of Newfoundland, the farthest eastern border of Canada.
This unique geography provides a large amount of coastline for a small area making it excellent as a port city.
[5] Due to post-glacial sea level rise, there are potentially many Maritime Archaic Indian dwelling sites submerged in the ocean.
[5] Sea level has risen approximately thirteen feet in the last 4400 years since the Port au Choix burial site was first used.
[8] Today, these ruins are characterized by depressions in the ground as well as architectural elements of low walls, a central cooking area, and a platform to the rear of the house.
[8] It is believed that the Dorset Paleo-Eskimos abandoned Port au Choix due to global warming of that time period, approximately 1200 B.P.
[3] One significant site of Dorset Paleo-Eskimo remains are located on the Port au Choix peninsula in the region known as Phillip's Garden.
The Phillip's Garden sites are regarded as the most important discoveries in the Port au Choix area since the remains of structures were preserved from rising sea levels.
At this time he discovered numerous sites of Newfoundland's Great North Peninsula, including Port au Choix.
The site is managed by a combination of native descendants, land owners, and Canada Parks staff as well as local community members.