What Twillingate is known for

Encompassing the northeastern coastal region of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, the Twillingate Destination comprises a number of islands with cities, towns, and other urban localities. The namesake, Twillingate is a town located on the Twillingate Islands in the destination’s northeastern portion. The 2021 Canadian census accounted for 2,121 residents in Twillingate—a -3.4% decrease since the last census in 2011, which reported 2,196 inhabitants.[2] A total land area of 25.74 square kilometers (9.94 square miles) presently accommodates this population. Twillingate is most commonly associated with being the “Iceberg Capital of The World,” a nickname that was given due to the abundance of icebergs that are scattered throughout the coastline. These icebergs can supposedly be seen during the summer, more specifically from late May to early June. Twillingate is part of what is known as Iceberg Alley, a region that extends from Labrador’s coast to the island of Newfoundland’s southeastern coast.[1]

Those who are hoping to explore Twillingate and observe its natural characteristics may take an interest in visiting Long Point Lighthouse, a site that reportedly receives thousands of tourists annually. The lighthouse is said to be “one of the most photographed landmarks on the Northeast Coast of Newfoundland,” reaching more than 300 feet above sea level. There, visitors can utilize this lookout point to see a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, with the potential to observe icebergs, seals, whales, and sea birds. In the past, Long Point Lighthouse functioned as a standard lighthouse with seven full-time operators who would help guide ships to safety. While the lighthouse still operates as such, the site now only has one keeper who manages its operations year-round. Long Point Centre is an adjoining part of the lighthouse’s property, where the cultural and historical aspects of Twillingate are exhibited and tours of the lighthouse are available.[3]

Visitors who gravitate more toward the fishery element of Twillingate may be drawn to Prime Berth. This establishment is another popular attraction, aside from Long Point Lighthouse, as it generally encompasses fishing in Twillingate. Fishing and boat tours are available to guests of Prime Berth, which are led by David Boyd—the creator of the business—who has a fair amount of experience as a commercial fisherman, a certified Coast Guard, and a tour boat captain. The property also serves somewhat as a museum, with several Newfoundland fishing artifacts on display, as well as cod traps, shrimp dragger models, a gallery of David’s pictures and poems, and the “only fully reconstructed sei whale skeleton in Canada.” On some occasions, David and his crew will offer a presentation known as the “Cod Splitting Show.”[4]

Geography

The Twillingate Destination is positioned along the coast of Newfoundland. A number of small towns and localities dot the destination, namely LaScie, Lewisporte, Springdale, Musgrave Harbour, and the namesake, Twillingate, to name a few. Woodland areas and greenery comprise much of the namesake, with several lakes and ponds throughout the Twillingate Islands. Before reaching the central part of Twillingate, there are multiple small fishing communities that one may pass by during their travels, such as Black Dove Cove, Little Harbour, and Purcell’s Harbour. The town of Twillingate can be accessed via Route 340 from Lewisporte or by Route 330 from Gander. Lewisporte is located an approximate one-hour drive from Twillingate. Geographically speaking, the region is known for its rugged coastline and seasonal icebergs.[1]

Whale watching is a relatively popular activity that is done around Newfoundland, specifically in Twillingate as well. The most common whale species are presumably humpbacks and minkes; however, dolphin whales and fin whales can also be seen periodically. Notably, Twillingate is “the home of North America’s largest population of humpbacks.” There have been a total of 22 species of whales recorded in the encompassing waters around Newfoundland, including blue whales, minke whales, humpback whales, sperm whales, potheads, and pilot whales. Tourists are often drawn to the coast of Newfoundland from May to September to view these species. The cove and islands in Notre Dame Bay—the location of Twillingate—can provide the means for sea kayaking for a more up-close experience with the whales.[6]

Weather statistics in Twillingate indicate a humid continental climate, with “vast seasonal differences.”[1] The summer season has been described as “short, comfortable, and partly cloudy, in contrast to the winter season which has been characterized as “long, freezing, snowy, windy, and mostly cloudy.” As a general range, temperatures vary between 15°F and 68°F throughout the year in Twillingate, seldom dropping below 3°F or exceeding 78°F. The warmer months typically last from the end of June to the middle of September, as the average daily high reaches above 60°F. Temperatures begin to rise come August, which tends to be the hottest month of the year, with daily highs remaining roughly around 67°F throughout the month. With regard to the cooler season, the average daily high drops below 35°F upon the approach of December, and these temperatures often last until the end of March. February is most commonly deemed the coldest month in Twillingate on account of the average temperatures ranging from 16°F to 27°F. Considering these climatic conditions, mid-July to late August have a comparatively higher probability of facilitating access to warm-weather activities for those who plan on engaging in outdoor recreation during their travels to Twillingate.[5]

History

Being one of the oldest seaports in Newfoundland, Twillingate is a town that bears historical significance. From 1650 to 1690 the waters surrounding the island were utilized by the French fishing fleet. These same French fishers named the area “Toulinquet” due to its likeness to a group of islands off the French coast near Brest. Eventually, the name was anglicized to “Twillingate,” with the first permanent settlers of the first formal settlement being English fishermen. Historic records indicate that by 1760, two main fish merchants were producing “over a thousand pounds worth of business a year.” Soon after, a seal fishery developed in the 18th century, and settlers supposedly became more enterprising with the fishing industry.[7]

A few museums and historical sites in Twillingate depict the town’s history, with one such being the Durrell Museum. Built in 1910, the Durrell Museum features a collection of exhibits of the fishing industry as well as the general lifestyle of earlier settlers of Twillingate. Moreover, the museum intends to preserve the history of those who served their country during wartime. One of the most distinguishing exhibits of the Durrell Museum is “Titus the Polar Bear,” a display of what had previously been a living polar bear. On account of the potential threat that was posed by the bear, the Department of Wildlife was prompted to dispose of the bear. The bear was later donated to the museum and can presently be observed. Apart from the Durrell Museum, another historic site that contributes to Twillingate’s culture is the Twillingate Museum, which encompasses “the life of world-famous opera singer” Marie Toulinguet, as well as the history of the Newfoundland Alphabet Fleet and Copper Mining. Other points of interest that can be explored at the Twillingate Museum include archaeological findings of Archaic Indians, the Twillingate Sun archives, and the Dr. Edith Manuel Collection.[8]