Kippens, a charming town nestled on the west coast of Newfoundland, is a hidden gem in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. With a population of 1,842 as per the Canada 2021 Census, Kippens is a tranquil community that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and recreational activities.
Kippens was granted its municipality status on December 31, 1968. It is strategically located, bordering the town of Stephenville to the east, Port au Port East to the west, and St. George's Bay to the south. The northern boundary of the community is marked by extensive tracts of forests, with the Romaine's River (also known as Kippens River) running along it. Primarily a residential suburb of Stephenville, Kippens is a peaceful retreat with minimal industrial or commercial activity.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Kippens had a population of 1,842 living in 760 of its 799 total private dwellings. This represented a change of -8.3% from its 2016 population of 2,008. With a land area of 14.24 km2 (5.50 sq mi), Kippens had a population density of 129.4/km2 (335.0/sq mi) in 2021.
Kippens is easily accessible by air, with Stephenville International Airport located just 5 kilometres east of the town. The town extends along Route 460, with most urban development occurring within one kilometre to the north and south of the highway. Kippens is readily accessible to Stephenville on the east and the Port au Port Peninsula on the west by Route 460.
Kippens is situated on a rolling hill that extends north away from the coastline. From the beach, the land rises sharply to an elevation of approximately 50 feet, allowing homes to be built close to the ocean with attractive views and no risk of erosion. The hill slowly rises northward from this point, with a sharp rise beginning on the north side of Route 460. Despite the rolling hills, Kippens is known for its vast tracts of flat land where most of its development has taken place.
Kippens boasts a variety of recreational facilities including a nature/walking trail, soccer pitch, softball field, tennis court, basketball courts, dog park, community garden, beach volleyball court, playground, community centre, and campground. The town has also partnered with Stephenville to own and operate an indoor ice rink (Stephenville Dome), indoor swimming pool (Regional Aquatic Centre), and a YMCA. Kippens hosts its own Canada Day celebrations and winter carnival each year. "Kippens Rec" is a children's leisure and recreation program that runs during the summer months, entertaining children through arts & crafts, as well as various sports and games.
