Brigus, Newfoundland Labrador, is a charming fishing community nestled in Conception Bay, Canada. This small town is steeped in history and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique Canadian experience.
Brigus is strategically located in a sheltered bay, making it a popular home for fishermen and a significant location in early times. Adjacent to Cuper's Cove (modern-day Cupids), an English settlement established in 1610 by John Guy, Brigus has a rich historical background. The town is approximately 80 km west of St. John's and is easily accessible via Route 70-A, just 18 km from the Trans Canada Highway (TCH).
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Brigus has a population of 699, living in 327 of its 506 total private dwellings. This represents a slight decrease of -3.3% from its 2016 population of 723. With a land area of 11.48 km2 (4.43 sq mi), Brigus had a population density of 60.9/km2 (157.7/sq mi) in 2021.
The name Brigus originates from Brickhouse, an old town in England. The history of Brigus dates back to around 1612 when John Guy sold half of the harbour to the Spracklin family. The town was primarily settled by people from England, Ireland, and Wales. During King William's War, Brigus was raided in the Avalon Peninsula Campaign.
Brigus is renowned for its sea captains and Arctic Heroes, including Captain John Bartlett, Captain Sam Bartlett, Captain Robert Bartlett, Captain Arthur Bartlett, Captain William Norman, Captain Isaac Bartlett, and Captain William Bartlett. The town's seafaring legacy was further highlighted when Captain William Munden built the schooner Four Brothers, the first one hundred ton schooner in Newfoundland, in 1819.
Brigus also gained recognition in 2021 when the HGTV Canada series Rock Solid Builds, focusing on home renovations in the Brigus area by contractor Randy Spracklin, premiered.
Brigus is a popular tourist stop, renowned for its scenic qualities and places of interest. Visitors can explore the site of The Vindicator, where the Brigus newspaper was printed at the turn of the 20th century, and the Convent of Mercy, built in 1860 for the Mercy Sisters who came from Ireland in 1861.
Other attractions include the local Orange Lodge, Hawthorne Cottage National Historic Site, "The Tunnel" bored through solid rock on the waterfront in 1860, the Stone Barn Museum, Jubilee Club, St. George's Anglican Church, Brigus United Church, and the Roman Catholic Church.
Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, Brigus, Newfoundland Labrador, offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that's sure to captivate.
