Arnold's Cove, Newfoundland Labrador, is a charming town nestled on the Avalon Peninsula. With a population of 964 as of the 2021 Census, this quaint town is steeped in history and offers a variety of attractions for visitors.
The name Arnold's Cove first appeared in population returns in 1836, possibly named after a local fisherman. The town, located in Division 1 on Placentia Bay, started as a small fishing settlement. In 1864, it was home to just one family, but by 1893, it had grown enough to warrant a post office.
Arnold's Cove is situated approximately two kilometers from the Newfoundland Railway and 35 miles from Placentia Junction. It was designated a Local Improvement District in 1967 and incorporated as a town the same year. The population has fluctuated over the years, with 100 residents in 1911 and peaking at 1,160 in 1976.
In recent years, Arnold's Cove has experienced economic growth, largely due to its proximity to projects associated with the Hibernia offshore oil platform.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Arnold's Cove had a population of 964 living in 434 of its 547 total private dwellings. This represented a 1.6% increase from its 2016 population of 949. With a land area of 5.25 km2 (2.03 sq mi), the town had a population density of 183.6/km2 (475.6/sq mi) in 2021.
Arnold's Cove boasts three hiking trails of varying lengths. The Bordeaux Trail is the longest at 12 km, followed by the Old Cabot Highway to Arthur's Hill Trail. The Otter Rub/War Path Trail is the shortest of the three. All trails are rated as Moderate or Easy/Moderate, making them accessible for most visitors.
Two lookout points offer breathtaking views of Arnold's Cove. The Placentia Bay Lookout provides scenic westward views over Placentia Bay, while Ivy's Lookout offers a closer view of the water of Arnold's Cove itself. The Big Pond Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Arnold's Cove Bird Sanctuary, offers east-facing views of a tidal inlet that is home to local waterfowl.
The Drake House, built in 1890 by George and John Drake, is a notable historic building in Arnold's Cove. This Georgian-style home was awarded Heritage Designation by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2003.
Modern Arnold's Cove is home to four churches and three cemeteries, two affiliated with the Anglican Church and one with the Salvation Army Church.
