Twillingate, Newfoundland Labrador, is a charming town with a rich history and a vibrant tourism scene. Nestled on the Twillingate Islands in Notre Dame Bay, this town of 2,121 people is about 100 kilometres north of Lewisporte and Gander. Twillingate is known for its excellent sheltered harbour, easy access to rich fishing grounds, and its historic significance as one of the oldest ports on the island.
The history of Twillingate, Newfoundland Labrador, dates back to 1500 BC when the Maritime Archaic people first inhabited the area. Over the centuries, the Beothuk and possibly the Dorset Inuit also occupied the area until the arrival of European settlers in the 17th century. The settlers, mostly fishermen and their families from the West Country in England, established Twillingate as an important fishing community.
One of the most significant historical events in Twillingate was the arrival of a local newspaper – the Twillingate Sun. Serving the district from the 1880s until the 1950s, the Sun covered local, provincial, and international news. Today, the Pilot, a newspaper published in Lewisporte, serves the area with its "Island's Connection" segment.
With the decline of the fishing industry, Twillingate has transitioned into a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its rich history and stunning natural beauty.
Twillingate, Newfoundland Labrador, is easily accessible via Route 340 from Lewisporte or Route 330 from Gander. The town is surrounded by small fishing communities, including Boyd's Cove, Summerford, Virgin Arm, and Newville. The terrain varies significantly throughout the town, with mildly to moderately hilly landscapes and no mountains in the vicinity.
Twillingate is part of Iceberg Alley, which stretches from the coast of Labrador to the southeast coast of Newfoundland. The region is known for its scenic, rugged coastline, quiet and friendly atmosphere, and the sight of icebergs around the coastline in the summer months.
Twillingate, Newfoundland Labrador, experiences a cool to cold, wet, and very snowy humid continental climate with vast seasonal differences. According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Twillingate had a population of 2,121 living in 1,007 of its 1,302 total private dwellings.
The culture of Twillingate, Newfoundland Labrador, is deeply rooted in its history as a prominent fishing community. Today, the town is known for its festivities and folk music. The annual Fish, Fun and Folk Festival, held at the end of July, features local talent, dances, and entertainment, drawing tourists from around the world.
Twillingate also boasts two museums: the Twillingate Museum and the Durrell Museum. The Twillingate Museum has a collection of Maritime Archaic artifacts collected from Back Harbour in 1967.
Twillingate, Newfoundland Labrador, is home to two schools: Twillingate Island Elementary and J.M. Olds Collegiate. Medical services are provided by the Notre Dame Bay Memorial Health Care Centre. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Division B, provides policing, and the town has its own volunteer Fire Department.
Telephone service is provided by Aliant, which also provides DSL internet service. Eastlink provides both high-speed internet and cable television, including the cable-only House of Assembly Channel. The town receives CJON-TV, known as "NTV", and CBNT (CBC).
