Canada’s newest and most easterly province is blessed with unrivaled natural beauty from the dramatic coastline to the spectacular rivers, lakes and mountains. This landscape has also shaped the economy with energy, mining, forestry and tourism still central to the province’s wealth. The hard working, family orientated population is based mainly on Newfoundland Island where the picturesque coastal towns boast affordable housing and low crime rates. Moving to Newfoundland and Labrador could offer a high standard of living and exciting opportunities in the beautiful maritime setting.
City and Town Profiles
St John’s
The province’s picturesque capital is located at the tip of the Avalon Peninsula on Newfoundland Island and is the oldest and most easterly city in North America. Its history is evident in the charming buildings and winding streets of the downtown area yet the city’s economy and infrastructure is thoroughly modern, based on growing sectors such as energy and technology. This interesting city could be the perfect place to call home if you are moving to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Corner Brook
Corner Brook’s stunning location on the edge of the Bay of Islands in a dramatic mountain valley has long attracted those moving to Newfoundland and Labrador. Its proximity to the Trans-Canada Highway as well as the deep water port and pulp and paper mill have all ensured the areas economic success and made Corner Brook an important commercial centre.
Conception Bay South
Close to the main commercial centres of St John’s and Mount Pearl, the picturesque town of Conception Bay South has a bustling downtown and an impressive array of thriving local businesses. The sheltered town has some of the best weather in the province and has an exciting calendar of local events commencing with the Kelligrews Soiree, a ten day celebration of music, food and culture.
Grand Falls-Windsor
In the heart of Newfoundland Island, Grand Falls-Windsor is a quiet, attractive town close to the key transport route, the Trans-Canada Highway. Employment rates remain strong and there is easy access to first-rate schools, healthcare and sports facilities.
Transport and Getting Around When Moving to Newfoundland and Labrador
There are many different options of travel when moving to Newfoundland and Labrador. There are several ferries linking Newfoundland Island with mainland Canada including routes from the north of the island to Blanc-Sablon and from the west to Sydney in Nova Scotia. Route 500 is the main road through the mainland province with the Trans-Canada highway forming the main route across Newfoundland Island. While public transport around the province is fairly limited, DRL operate an excellent bus network linking many of Newfoundland’s larger towns. St John’s International Airport is the largest in the province and provides flights across mainland Canada.
Leisure Activities and Things to Do in Newfoundland and Labrador
When moving to Newfoundland and Labrador, after you have settled in, there are many things to go and see and visit. This historic province is home to many significant sites such as Signal Hill in St John’s where Marconi received the very first transatlantic wireless message in 1901. The area around the provincial capital also has several scenic parks including the dramatic ocean views of Cape Spear where you can see the charming lighthouse and perhaps catch sight of a whale from North America’s most easterly point. You can also visit the only official Viking settlement in the New World at L’Anse aux Meadows Historic Site where the Norse explorers landed and lived over 1000 years ago. Newfoundland’s Gros Morne National Park is a spectacular area of natural beauty with dramatic mountains, fjords and forests and the magnificent tablelands area. For true wilderness, however, it is well worth the trip to the far north of the mainland province to the Torngat Mountains National Park where caribou and polar bears roam across the beautiful, ancient landscape. One thing’s for sure, you won’t be short of places to explore when moving to Newfoundland and Labrador, lots of new experiences await to be discovered.
Interesting Facts For Moving to Newfoundland and Labrador
– St John’s is considered by many to be the oldest city in North America, yet Newfoundland is also the youngest province as it was the last region in Canada to become part of the confederation in 1949.
– If you are moving to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, you may be interested to know that Newfoundland Island has its own dialect combining elements of English, French and Irish which is probably why this is the only province to have its own dictionary.
– Following the September 11th terrorist attacks 39 aeroplanes were diverted to Gander’s tiny airport. Close to 7000 stranded passengers were given food and shelter by local residents for the three days while air travel remained limited.
– While there are no snakes, deer or crickets on Newfoundland Island, the area does boast a healthy population of over 100,000 moose that were introduced over 100 years ago.
