Gambo, Newfoundland Labrador, is a charming town nestled in the northeastern part of the island of Newfoundland on Freshwater Bay. It is a designated place in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, situated in Division No. 7.
The name 'Gambo' first graced the census records in 1857. According to M. F. Howley, the name 'Gambo' is a corruption of a Spanish or Portuguese term meaning "bay of does". The town holds the distinction of being the site of the first steam-driven sawmill in Newfoundland.
In 1882, the first way office was established under Waymaster Simeon Osmond. The year 1964 saw the unification of three separate communities - Dark Cove, Middle Brook, and Gambo - into a single town known as Dark Cove-Middle Brook-Gambo. However, in 1980, the town officially adopted the name 'Gambo'.
Gambo, Newfoundland Labrador, is also the closest town to Mint Brook, the birthplace of Joey Smallwood, the former premier of Newfoundland and the last father of confederation.
Gambo, Newfoundland Labrador, is located within the Subdivision of Division No. 7. It is strategically positioned 47 km (29 mi) from Gander International Airport and 303 km (188 mi) from St. John's.
As per the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Gambo, Newfoundland Labrador, had a population of 1,816. The town had 807 occupied private dwellings out of a total of 967. This represented a population change of -8.2% from its 2016 population of 1,978. With a land area of 93.03 km2 (35.92 sq mi), the population density of Gambo stood at 19.5/km2 (50.6/sq mi) in 2021.
Gambo, Newfoundland Labrador, is renowned for its Smallwood Days and Loggers' Sports Festival. One of the town's most significant attractions is the Logger's Memorial Park. These events and landmarks offer a glimpse into the town's rich history and vibrant culture, making Gambo a must-visit destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
