From the official Newfoundland and Labrador Web Site Back to Visitor Information Page
Land Area
Coastline
Offshore Area
Coat of Arms
Official Bird of Newfoundland
Capital City
Other Principal Centres
Population
Newfoundland Coins
Newfoundland Dogs
Provincial Flag
Floral Emblem
The Newfoundland and Labrador Genealogical Society
(NLGS)
Public Holidays
Mineral Emblem
"Ode to Newfoundland"
Newfoundland Pony
Stamps
Tartan
Time Zone
Tree of Newfoundland - Black Spruce
Passports
Customs Regulations
Hospital and Medical Services
Currency
HST Rebate
Pets and Animals
Soil and Plants
Deposits, Credit Cards and Refunds
Wheelchair Accessibility
Climate
Land Area
405,720 km2, more than three times the total area of the Maritime Provinces
(Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island).
Newfoundland would rank fourth in size behind Alaska, Texas and California ... if it were
one of the United States. It is almost one-and-three-quarters times the size of Great
Britain.
Area of the Island of Newfoundland - 111,390 km2
Area of Labrador - 294,330 km2
Area of Avalon Peninsula - 9,700 km2
Water Area 34,030 km2
Coastline
Coast of Island of Newfoundland - 9,656 km
Coast of Labrador - 7,886 km Total - 17,542 km
Offshore Area
1,825,992 km2
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Coat of Arms
The cross is based upon the cross of St. George, but of a different
colour. The lions
and unicorns are based upon those in the Arms of England, to which the unicorn had been
added at the time of the union of England with Scotland.
The shield is surmounted by an elk and supported on either side by what the Grant of Arms
describes as "Savages of the clyme - armed and apparelled according to their guise
when they go to warre...," apparently representing the now extinct Beothuk Indians of
Newfoundland. The translation of the motto is "Seek ye first the Kingdom of
God."
Although granted in 1637, the Arms were unknown to authorities in Newfoundland until they
were rediscovered and officially adopted by the Newfoundland Government on January 1,
1928.
Official Bird of Newfoundland
The Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) is the provincial bird of Newfoundland. Some
people call it the Sea Parrot or Baccalieu Bird. About 95% of all North America's puffins
breed in colonies around the Newfoundland and Labrador coasts. As people with strong
marine heritage, it is appropriate to have a marine bird as our symbol.
Capital City
St. John's is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador. The City's population is
103,502, while the metro area population is about 177,000.
Other Principal Centres
Corner Brook: 22,410
Labrador City: 9,061
Wabush: 2,331
Grand Falls-Windsor: 14,693
Stephenville: 7,621
Gander: 10,339
Mount Pearl: 23,689
Population
The population of Labrador is 30,375.
The population of the whole province is 568,474.
Newfoundland Coins
From 1834 - 1949 Newfoundland issued her own coinage and bank notes, many of them are
now valuable collectors' items. The coin denominations issued were 1 cent, 5 cent, 10
cent, 20 cent, 25 cent, 50 cent, 2 dollar and gold. You can purchase Newfoundland coins
from many coin dealers.
Newfoundland Dogs
The Newfoundland is a large dog with the size and strength to perform the tasks
required of him. He has a heavy coat to protect him from the long winters and the icy
waters surrounding his native island. His feet are large, strong, and webbed so that he
may travel easily over marshes and shores.
Essentially the Newfoundland dog is as much at home in the water as on dry land. Canine
literature gives us stories of brave Newfoundlands which have rescued men and women from
watery graves; stories of shipwrecks made less terrible by dogs which carried life lines
to stricken vessels; of children who have fallen into deep water and have been brought
safely ashore by Newfoundlands; and of dogs whose work was less spectacular but equally
valuable as they helped their fishermen owners with their heavy nets and performed other
tasks necessary to their occupations. Although he is a superior water dog, the
Newfoundland has been used and still is used in Newfoundland and Labrador as a true
working dog, dragging carts, or more often carrying burdens as a pack horse.
In order to perform these duties the Newfoundland must be a large dog - large enough to
bring ashore a drowning man. He must have powerful hindquarters and a lung capacity which
enables him to swim for great distances. He must have the heavy coat which protects him
from the icy waters. In short, he must be strong, muscular, and sound so that he may do
the work for which he has become justly famous. Above all things, the Newfoundland must
have intelligence, the loyalty and the sweetness which are his best known traits. He must
be able and willing to help his master perform his necessary tasks at command and also
have the intelligence to act on his own responsibility when his rescue work demands it.
The Newfoundland dog is mainly kept, not as an active worker, but as a companion, guard
and friend. We appreciate particularly the sterling traits of the true Newfoundland
disposition. Here we have the great size and strength which makes him an effective guard
and watchdog combined with the gentleness which makes him a safe companion. For
generations he has been the traditional children's protector and playmate.
We know of no better description of the character of the Newfoundland dog than the famous
epitaph which reads:
Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed Beauty and Vanity, Strength with Insolence, Courage with Ferocity and all the Virtues of Man without his Vices.
Provincial Flag
In this flag, the primary colours of red, gold and blue are placed against a background
of white to allow the design to stand clearly. White is representative of snow and ice;
blue represents the sea; red represents human efforts; and gold our confidence in
ourselves. The blue section, most reminiscent of the Union Jack, represents our
Commonwealth heritage which has so decisively shaped our present. The red and gold
section, larger than the other, represents our future. The two triangles outlined in red
portray the mainland and island parts of our province reaching forward together. A golden
arrow points the way to what we believe will be a bright future. Surrounded by red to
indicate human effort, the arrow suggests that our future is for making and not the
taking. But the design of the flag encompasses much more symbolism than this. For example,
the Christian Cross, the Beothuk and Naskapi ornamentation, the outline of the maple leaf
in the centre of the flag, a triumphant figure and our place in the space age. The image
of a trident stands out. This is to emphasize our continued dependence on the fishery and
the resources of the sea. Hung as a banner, the arrow assumes the aspect of a sword which
is to remind us of the sacrifice of our War Veterans. Since the whole flag resembles a
Beothuk pendant, as well as all the above, the design takes us from our earliest
beginnings and points us confidently forward. It, therefore, mirrors our past, present and
future. The flag was officially adopted on June 6, 1980. The flag was designed by artist
Christopher Pratt.
Floral Emblem
Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia purpurea). Queen Victoria, more than a hundred years ago,
chose the Pitcher Plant to be engraved on a newly minted Newfoundland penny. In 1954, the
Newfoundland Cabinet designated this unusual and interesting plant as the official flower
of the province. It gets its nourishment from insects that get trapped and drown in a pool
of water at the base of the tubular leaves. The flower is wine and green in colour and can
be found on bogs and marshes in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Genealogical Society (NLGS)
A volunteer non-profit organization, founded in 1984, incorporated in 1987. The
Genealogical Resource Centre provides access to historical databases and an information
service for genealogical researchers. Information on archives and heritage organizations
across the province.Membership is open to anyone researching their Newfoundland ancestry.
Quarterly journal The Newfoundland Ancestor. Meetings held from September to May on the
fourth Tuesday of each month at 8 p.m. at the Arts and Culture Centre, Allandale Road,
St.John's. Branch in Gander. Indexing projects include parish registers, cemetery
transcriptions, census records and family histories. Indexing work is carried out by
volunteers all over North America. NLGS offices are located in Room 421, Canada Post
Building, 354 Water Street, St. John's. Telephone: (709) 754-9525 for office hours.
Collections available include genealogical reference books, family histories, cemetery
transcripts, genealogical periodicals, directories and censuses. For further information
call (709) 754-9525.
Newfoundland and Labrador Genealogical Society
354 Water St., Room 451
St. John's, NF
A1C 1C4
Telephone: (709) 754-9525
Office E-mail: nlgs@nf.sympatico.ca
E-mail: pwalsh@calvin.stemnet.nf.ca
Public Holidays
There are two kinds of public holidays. New Year's Day, Good Friday, Canada Day, Labour
Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day are traditional holidays when most
stores and offices are required to close under the Shops Closing Act. They are celebrated
on their calendar date.
On the other holidays - St. Patrick's Day, St. George's Day, Victoria Day, Orangemen's
Day, Thanksgiving Day - stores are not required to close, although many offices do under
the terms of collective agreements.In these instances, the holiday is usually celebrated
on the nearest Monday. If you are planning to travel on a holiday, check to see that any
stores or offices you plan to visit are open.
One other day as declared by any municipality (usually a Monday or Wednesday in
August). In St. John's it is Regatta Day held the first Wednesday in or the first fine day
thereafter.
Mineral Emblem
Labradorite. One of the most beautiful and popular of the "semi-precious"
stones, labradorite is found at a number of locations on the coast of Labrador and, as
well, on the Island of Newfoundland. It is an igneous irridescent crystalline mineral, and
is also called Labrador Feldspar. It is said that the native people of Labrador attributed
mystical qualities to the stone because of its captivating play of colours or
"labradoresence." They called it "firestone" and used a powder
produced by pulverizing it as a magical potion to cure their ailments. A tumble-polished
fragment makes an ideal touchstone or talisman and a beautifully shaped and polished
cabochon set in gold or silver is a highly sought jewellery item in any collection. It was
declared the province's mineral emblem in 1975. Labradorite is one of about 20
semiprecious stones found in the province.
"Ode to Newfoundland"
When sun-rays crown thy pine-clad hills
And summer spreads her hand,
When silvern voices tune thy rills,
We love thee, smiling land.
When spreads thy cloak of shimmering white,
At winter's stern command,
Through shortened day and starlit night,
We love thee, frozen land.
When blinding storm gusts fret thy shore
And wild waves lash thy strand,
Through spindrift swirl and tempest roar,
We love thee, wind-swept land,
As loved our fathers, so we love,
Where once they stood we stand,
Their prayer we raise to Heaven above,
God guard thee, Newfoundland
by Sir Cavendish Boyle
Newfoundland Pony
The Newfoundland Pony was probably developed from stock brought to the Island around
1600 from England or Europe. Over the centuries it has adapted to the conditions and
climate of Newfoundland and is virtually unknown elsewhere. Its colour can be bay, black,
brown or red with black forelocks, manes and tails. They have solid black lower legs up to
the hock on the hind leg and to the knee on the front. Black also runs up the inside of
the legs to the body. Some have a black dorsal stripe. Their hooves are blue black with a
very hard outer horn. They weigh an average of 500 to 1000 lbs. and stand approximately
14.2 hands (58") high. The ponies have strong front shoulders with a good angle for a
collar. His head is in proportion to the size of the body with small erect ears and good,
clear, kind eyes. He is light and surefooted and can travel over frozen ponds and barrens
without breaking the ice. In winter their overcoats grow 2-3 inches long, usually a
different colour from their summer coats. They also grow a beard on their chins.have been
used to haul boats out of water, pull logs from the forest, and prepare land for spring
planting. They are quiet with a good temperament which makes them good workers, easy
keepers and wonderful family pets.
The Newfoundland Pony is facing extinction through cross-breeding to other breeds and
neglect. It could quite possibly be the oldest breed of domesticated livestock in North
America. The Newfoundland government has passed legislation declaring the pony a heritage
animal. The Newfoundland Pony Society, incorporated as a charity in 1981 is dedicated to
the protection and preservation of the Newfoundland Pony. Today there are about 150 pure
type Newfoundland Ponies. Membership, involvement, and support are encouraged to secure
this breed for the future and to save the ponies from extinction.
Newfoundland Pony Society
P.O. Box 5024
St. John's, NF A1C 5V3
Tel: (709) 738-0444
Fax: (709) 754-4212
Stamps
With Confederation in 1949, Newfoundland adopted the stamps of Canada but, prior to
that time, this British Colony produced its own stamps. Newfoundland stamps are still
fairly common, especially those of the past 100 years. The variety is rich, the stamps are
colourful and the story they tell is a fascinating one. They are also legal postage if
mailed from within Canada. Newfoundland stamps may be purchased from most stamp dealers.
Tartan
The Tartan was developed by the late Sam Wilansky in 1955, who owned a clothing store
on Water Street. The Tartan was registered in 1973.
Time Zone
Newfoundland is located in a time zone unique in North America, half an hour later than
Atlantic Time, one and a half hours later than Central Canada and four and a half hours
later than the west coast of the country, the only place in Canada with a split in the set
variations of one hour between time zones. Daylight Saving Time is observed from April to
October after which the province returns to Newfoundland Standard Time. Labrador portion
of the province operates on Atlantic Standard Time, except for the area on the coast from
L'anse au Clair to Cartwright which is on Newfoundland Standard Time.
Tree of Newfoundland - Black Spruce
The Black Spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) was proclaimed the Provincial Tree of
Newfoundland in May of 1991. This tree is widely distributed in both insular Newfoundland
and Labrador and is the most common tree in the province. Black Spruce has had a
significant social and economic impact on the growth of Newfoundland. It is the favoured
tree in the pulp and paper industry and is widely used for lumber, wharf piers, and
firewood. Black spruce has played a prominent role in the lives of aboriginal people and
in local folk-medicine. This enduring species is extremely hardy and flourishes in
Newfoundland and Labrador's short growing season.
Passports
American citizens or permanent residents of the United States do not need a passport to
visit Canada, but should carry a birth, baptismal or voter's certificate, or other
documents establishing their citizenship. Naturalized U.S. citizens should carry evidence
of citizenship, such as a naturalization certificate. Visitors from all other countries
must have valid national passports.
Customs Regulations
You can bring sporting equipment - such as fishing tackle, cameras, outboard motors,
camping equipment, portable boats, hunting rifles, etc. - for your use in Canada during
your vacation by simply declaring these items to Customs at your point of entry. Carrying
a duplicate list that includes the description and serial number of each item is the
quickest way to clear Customs upon your return.
Hospital and Medical Services
All visitors to Canada are strongly urged to obtain health insurance before leaving
their home country. Canadian hospital and medical services are excellent, but a hospital
stay can cost in excess of $500 a day, and the cost of an extended stay can be
prohibitive. Be sure you are covered. If you are taking medicine prescribed by your
doctor, it's a good idea to bring along a copy of your prescription in case you need to
have it renewed by a doctor in Canada.
Currency
The Canadian dollar is the currency used in Newfoundland and Labrador. Many operators
and retailers will accept American dollars, but not always at the official exchange rate.
However, businesses do not accept other foreign currencies; and there is no currency
exchange house in the province. Even banks do not normally exchange foreign currencies. We
recommend that you convert your national currency into Canadian dollars before you leave
home.
If you would like to see how your currency converts, please check out The Universal Currency Converter.
HST Rebate
A 15% federal-provincial Harmonized Sales Tax is applied to most goods and services in
Newfoundland and Labrador. However, non-Canadian visitors and non-Canadian businesses can
apply for a refund of sales taxes paid on certain items. For instance, a visitor can claim
a refund on the tax paid on accommodations if you stayed for less than one month at each
lodging establishment, and the original receipt shows the number of nights of
accommodation for each lodging. Room service and telephone charges are, for example, not
eligible for the tax refund; but if breakfast was included in the fixed price of your
accommodations, apply for the tax you paid on the total fixed price.To qualify for a
refund on short-term accommodations and goods, the purchase amount before taxes must be at
least $200; and you must have paid at least $50 in taxes. Generally, goods and services
consumed or left in Canada are not eligible for the refund.
To claim a refund, obtain a copy of the brochure Tax Refund for Visitors, which includes
an application form. The brochure is available from Visitor Information Centres in
Newfoundland and Labrador or from:
Visitor Rebate Program
Revenue Canada
Summerside Tax Centre
Summerside, PE Canada C1N 6C6
Or you can call
Within Canada, Toll Free 1-800-668-4748
Outside Canada, call (902)432-5608
Use these same contacts for any questions you may have.
Refund forms may be mailed to the address above, or you may claim a refund of up to $500
at a participating Canadian duty-free shop. (Duty-free shops in airports do not provide
refunds.)
Pets and Animals
You can bring your cat, dog or horse to Newfoundland and Labrador without a permit, and
they can be moved freely between Newfoundland and Labrador. However, the importation of
non-indigenous animals and the movement of Labrador Huskies from Labrador to Newfoundland
is restricted. If you have any questions about bringing animals to the province, please
contact:
Animal Health Division
Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods
P.O. Box 7400
St. John's, NF A1E 3Y5
Telephone: (709)729-6879/6886
Note: There are no skunks or snakes on the island of Newfoundland, and there is no
poison ivy or poison oak.
Soil and Plants
Neither soil nor plants bearing soil may be removed from Newfoundland because of the
possibility of accidentally spreading soil-borne diseases from certain areas. Vehicles
leaving Newfoundland are inspected at the ferry terminals, and soil and plants are subject
to confiscation. Special permits for removing plants under strict conditions may be
obtained from Agriculture Canada. Please telephone (709)772-5030 for further information.
Deposits, Credit Cards and Refunds
When you make a reservation, it's always a good idea to ask the operator about the
cancellation of deposits, what credit cards are accepted, and the establishment's policies
on refunds and late arrivals. Some seasonal operators may have a minimum stay policy in
effect. Some operators do not accept credit cards. If you are asked to pay in advance,
it's always a good idea to ask to see the room first.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Establishments listed as "wheelchair accessible" meet the minimum
requirements set out in the provincial Buildings Accessibility Act and Regulations. These
establishments have a main entrance, and, where provided, public washrooms that an
individual in a wheelchair can access unassisted. Hotels/motels with the accessibility
designation have a wheelchair accessible room or suite, but there are no guarantees all
the establishment's attractions could be accessed by wheelchair users. Some hotels/motels
have only a limited number of wheelchair accessible rooms, so reservation should be made.
Also, many establishments not listed as accessible may provide acceptable facilities,
depending on individual needs.
Climate
The Island of Newfoundland has a temperate marine climate. Winters are usually mild with a normal temperature of 0 degrees Celsius. Summer days range from cool to hot with a normal temperature of 16 degrees Celsius. Good swimming weather begins at the end of June. The normal annual rainfall is 1050 mm and the normal snowfall is 300 cm. Labrador winters are much colder than those on the island. While summers are shorter and generally cooler, extreme high temperatures are not uncommon in Labrador.