Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador is a double barrelled name for one province. Newfoundland is the island part of the province, while Labrador is on the mainland, bordering Quebec. Newfoundland and Labrador forms the eastern most province and, not surprisingly, has the longest history of European exploration.

But for those planning travel to Newfoundland and Labrador, pronunciation is key. There is variation on how to pronounce Newfoundland, but to sound like a with-it traveller, remember that the land syllable takes the stress and the d in found is almost inaudible. When visiting Newfoundland and Labrador, make sure to listen: the accent there is unique.

Although Newfoundland is a less travelled world destination, you won't be the first person to see it. In 1497, John Cabot aboard the Matthew is attributed to being the first European to see it. (This is of course if you exclude the Vikings in the late 900s who explored Labrador: much discussion abounds about just how far the Vikings made it in North America.)

The fishery, or these days its absence, shaped the history and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador. English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish fisherman fished the waters of Newfoundland as early as 1534. Cod was the key fish and were incredibly; the government of Canada closed the fishery - controversially - in 1992.

Newfoundland and Labrador's government, which was independent of Canada until 1949, didn't take hold until 1855. Preceding that time, the French and the English had their usual battles over control of Newfoundland and Labrador: fish were on their minds.

Newfoundland and Labrador is divided into five travel regions.

Avalon Region

St. John's is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador and is found in the Avalon Region. The area is famous for its caribou, seabird colonies, icebergs and whales. The Avalon Region is a peninsula: once a part of Europe that moved west 400 million years ago. English and Irish settlers began farming and fishing in the 1600s. All parts of the Avalon peninsula are within a few hours drive of St. John's.

Eastern Newfoundland

Explore the Discovery Trail from historic Cape Bonavista to the villages along Heritage Run on the Burin Peninsula. Visit the Southern Newfoundland Seamen's Museum to learn more about the region's relationship with the sea. The towns of Bonavista and Trinity have a fishing history as in depth as St. John's.

Central Newfoundland

This is the home of forests of spruce, birch, and pine, which were the home of the Beothuks, Newfoundland's mysterious aboriginal people; they did not survive initial European settlement. Much work has been done to learn about them and preserve history. Two driving routes help explore this part of the province: the Kittiwake Coast route on northeast coast and the Coast of Bays Route, taking you to Bay D'Espoir and Harbour Breton.

Western Newfoundland

This runs from Port aux Basques to the top of the Great Northern Peninsula. Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers extensive mountain hiking, giving views of the spectacular mountains and fjords carved by glaciers. A National Historic Site at Port au Choix explores ancient history including, at L'Anse aux Meadows, the grassy field where the Norse first settled the New World - five centuries before Columbus. The French Shore is located on the northern half of the west coast where, for more than 300 years, French fishermen kept a distinct culture. The Stephenville Festival provides entertainment of many sorts. Corner Brook is a key point from which to start your expeditions of Western Newfoundland.

Labrador Region

Touted as one of the last great wildernesses on the earth, Labrador is known for mountains, lakes, rivers, wildlife and clean air and water. The mainland portion of the Newfoundland and Labrador is about three-quarters of the province's total 405,212 sq. km (156,453 sq. mi.) and stretches north to Cape Chidley on Ungava Bay. The Innu and Inuit peoples inhabit this part of Canada and are spiritually connected to the environment, going back 9,000 years to the earliest human habitation.

Remember that Newfoundland and Labrador is unlike other parts of Canada with a distinct dialect so, to use the words many a Newfoundland mother has used when telling their kids their language is bad: Mind your mouth now