Shoal Harbour, with its population of approximately 1600 people, is centrally located between 3 peninsulas - Avalon, Burin and Bonavista. Because of the relatively large population this location is ideal for businesses.

Although this area has all the qualities of a large center you can still enjoy the quiet life of a small community. For example, you can leave your house on a snow machine and in minutes you can be deep in the interior enjoying the stillness of the countryside. Shoal Harbour is surrounded by beautiful scenery with many rivers and ponds; it overlooks a very sheltered harbour which is used for boating and fishing.

Shoal Harbour was first settled as a logging community in the mid 1800's and in later years became more involved in the railroad. Some of the first settlers were Tilley's, Butler's and Wiseman's.

On July 26, 1933 General Italo Balbo, with his 24 seaplanes, was returning from the Chicago Century of Progress Exhibition on route to Italy when they landed in Random Sound and anchored off Shoal Harbour. They stayed for 2 weeks and brought world attention to our town. Our school is named Balbo Elementary in recognition of this flight and the main street through our town is also named Balbo Drive.

In 1971 Shoal Harbour became incorporated and was called the town of Shoal Harbour. On January 1, 1994 we joined with our neighbouring town, Clarenville to form a newly amalgamated town with a population of approximately 4500.

Shoal Harbour has many attractions nearby. Just 10 minutes away is a first class ski resort with 17 runs and well groomed cross country ski trails. Terra Nova National Park, only 45 minutes away, offers camping, hiking, golf, etc. If you like fishing you may spend a day on the salt water and try your luck at jigging a fish or whale watching. Or maybe you would rather sit at a nearby pond and fish for trout, or feed the Canada Geese which visit our harbour each year. Whatever your pleasure we are sure you could find it all in our quaint little town.

Shoal Harbour - a beautiful place to visit - a better place to live.