Dildo, Newfoundland Labrador, is a local service district and designated place nestled on the island of Newfoundland in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. This quaint community is situated on the southeastern Dildo Arm of Trinity Bay, approximately 100 kilometres west of St. John's. The neighboring community of South Dildo, located to the south, boasted a population of 195 residents in 2021.
The name "Dildo" has been associated with this area since at least 1711, though its origin remains a mystery. The term "dildo" was once used to describe a phallus-shaped pin stuck in the edging of a row boat to act as a pivot for the oar, also known as a "thole pin" or "dole pin". The term has been used since the 16th century to denote a cylindrical object such as a dildo glass (test tube), a phallus-shaped sex toy, an insult for a "contemptuous or reviling" male, and as a refrain in ballads.
The name, initially written as "Dildoe", was first applied to Dildo Island, located offshore from the present-day community of Dildo. This usage was recorded in 1711 and 1775, and the name was subsequently applied to the Dildo Arm of Trinity Bay and other local physical features. Despite the name's notoriety and several unsuccessful campaigns to change it in the 20th century, the town of Dildo has embraced its unique moniker.
The Dildo area boasts a rich history dating back to 2000 BC when Maritime Archaic aboriginal people resided at Anderson's Cove. By 700 AD, the Dorset culture had inhabited Dildo Island. In 1613, Henry Crout, while sailing up Dildo Arm, interacted with the Beothuks residing on Dildo Island. He traded with them and left gifts.
During Queen Anne's War in 1711, the inhabitants of Trinity Bay were ordered by Governor Crow to vacate their homes during the winter to defend against the French, who burned their houses. Dildo Island was one of the designated places for this purpose. The town of Dildo was founded in the late 18th century, settled to exploit the abundance of marine resources such as fish (mostly cod), whales, and seals.
Dildo, Newfoundland Labrador, is located within Subdivision E of Division No. 1 on the island of Newfoundland.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Dildo recorded a population of 803 living in 363 of its 440 total private dwellings, a change of -17.4% from its 2016 population of 943. With a land area of 8.12 km2 (3.14 sq mi), it had a population density of 152.0/km2 (393.6/sq mi) in 2016.
In August 2019, the American late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! spotlighted Dildo over several episodes. Host Jimmy Kimmel was made honorary mayor of Dildo (the community is governed by a volunteer committee and does not have an elected mayor), and Guillermo Rodriguez, known as Kimmel's sidekick "security guard", was made an honorary citizen of Dildo through the Newfoundland tradition of 'screeching in,' on the August 15, 2019, broadcast of the show. Rodriguez visited the community for a week. Kimmel declared Hollywood as Dildo's sister city and gifted the community a sign (in the style of the Hollywood sign) which sits on the hillside overlooking the community.
