You cannot escape through The Narrows with your eyes closed. Clinging to the cliffs along the shoreline of the St. John's harbour, homes just in from “The Narrows” have one of the most spectacular views of the city. They peer through to the end of the harbour where for centuries ships and sailors have found respite from the Atlantic. Each home owner seems to have assumed a duty to display the brilliant colors of blue, green, red or yellow as though the signature theme of St. John’s residential architecture is "iridescence". 
The Narrows is a small channel between the Southside of the harbour (on the right) and the rocks of Signal Hill (left). It is the one and only entrance to St. John's harbour. Its depth of 11 meters and at its span of only 61 meters wide has long provided a challenge to safe navigation into the port.
Today navigation into St. John's is administered by the Atlantic Pilotage Authority (APA) pursuant to the Pilotage Act, Canada. It is mandatory to use the services of the APA harbour pilot. The objectives of APA are to establish, operate, maintain, and administer a safe and efficient pilotage service within designated Canadian waters.
The Narrows has served as an important defense system for the city of St. John’s guarding it from early pirates and would be settlers from 1655 to World War II. In 1655 Vice Admiral Christopher Martin erected a fort on the south side to prevent privateers and enemy vessels from entering the port.
In 1763 Fort Amherst was built in the same area. In the late 1700's a chain was erected across the narrows from Chain Rock to Pancake Rock which could be raised in the event of enemy ships advancing into the harbour. During World War II a steel mesh was installed to prevent enemy submarines from passing through The Narrows.
Today The Narrows continues to serve the world as the doorway to the capital city St. John's and much of Newfoundland. For many Newfoundlanders it is the channel for trade with the world. The oil industry uses the port of St. John's to ferry people and supplies to and from the oil platforms on the Grand Banks. The Narrows remains the integral link to commerce and prosperity for Eastern Newfoundland as well as one of the popular tourist attractions of Eastern Canada.
I want to thank Kurtis Billard for allowing me the privilege of sharing with you one of his beautifully crafted HDR photos of “The Narrows”. You may see more of Kirtus’s excellent work at his Flicker album.
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About the Author: R. Greg Osmond is a Platinum Award winning Realtor dedicated to serving the people of St. John's, Mount Pearl, Paradise, Kilbride, Goulds, Conception Bay South (CBS), Portugal Cove-St. Philips, Torbay- Flatrock- Pouch Cove, and Logy Bay - Middle Cove - Outer Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador. For over 21 years Greg has been practicing in Real Estate. He can be reached at 709-895-2500.
Want to get in touch? Email rgosmond1@gmail.com. For more information, please visit http://www.rgregosmond.com. Thinking of selling your home? I have a passion for helping my clients with buying and selling real estate! If there is any way I can be of service to you today, please feel free to contact me!
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