Marystown, Newfoundland Labrador, is a charming town nestled in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. With a population of approximately 5,000, this town is located 306 km from the province's capital, St. John's, on the picturesque Burin Peninsula.
Marystown's economy was primarily driven by shipbuilding until the early 1990s, a factor that contributed to a population surge of 295% in just over a decade. The town also relied heavily on the fish plant for employment. Despite the decline in these industries, Marystown's shipyard still holds a significant presence, and the town has adapted to find new economic opportunities.
During World War II, Marystown's Mortier Bay played a strategic role, chosen as the evacuation site for the Royal Family and the regrouping point for the British Navy in the event of a German invasion of Britain. Today, fish farming and the shipyard continue to be vital to the local economy. In 2019, construction began on the world's largest fish hatchery, the Grieg NL project, marking a new chapter in Marystown's economic story.
Marystown is situated on hummocky pyroclastic volcanic rock of mixed composition, overlaid by very stony sandy loam glacial till, known as Toslow soil association. This soil profile is typical of undisturbed areas and supports a barren dominated by sphagnum mosses, heath-type shrubs, and mountain alder. Over time, forest vegetation, primarily coniferous trees, has developed in many areas around the town, as visible on Google Street View.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Marystown had a population of 5,204 living in 2,328 of its 2,609 total private dwellings. This represented a slight decrease of -2.1% from its 2016 population of 5,316. With a land area of 62.23 km2 (24.03 sq mi), Marystown had a population density of 83.6/km2 (216.6/sq mi) in 2021.
Marystown boasts several attractions that draw visitors from near and far. These include the Marystown Heritage Museum, the Marystown Public Library, and the MADD Burin Peninsula Memorial Gardens.
One of the town's most notable landmarks is the Shrine of Marymount, locally referred to as The Marymount. This is one of the largest Marian statues erected in Newfoundland. Standing at fifteen feet tall, it overlooks the entirety of Marystown from one of the area's highest points.
The Shrine of Marymount is a significant symbol of Marystown's cultural heritage. This towering statue of the Virgin Mary offers a serene spot for reflection and offers panoramic views of the town. Its location at one of the highest points in the area makes it a must-visit for both locals and tourists alike.
