The whole coastline was blocked with the 'great store of ice' that lay against it.

The ships ran southward and took shelter in a little haven about five leagues south of the cape, to which Cartier gave the name St Catherine's Haven, either in fond remembrance of his wife, or, as is more probable, in recognition of the help and guidance of St Catherine, whose natal day, April 30, had fallen midway in his voyage.

The harbourage is known to-day as Catalina, and lies distant, as the crow flies, about eighty miles north-westward of the present city of St John's in Newfoundland.

Here the mariners remained ten days, 'looking for fair weather,' and engaged in mending and 'dressing' their boats.
At this time, it must be remembered, the coast of Newfoundland was, in some degree, already known.

Ships had frequently passed through the narrow passage of Belle Isle that separates Newfoundland from the coast of Labrador.