Stephenville: Newfoundland’s Most Vibrant Hidden Gem

By: Joelle Brassard  

Surrounded by what could only be described as the freshest air I had ever encountered, the sights around me were filled with incredible hues of lush green scenery and a beaming blue sky. In the distance you can see mountains for what feels like lightyears while all the time being surrounded by the giant and dazzlingly clear ocean. The people in town were the absolute friendliest, almost to a fault. Making an attempt to cross the street in the middle of the road will only result in kind citizens stopping their cars and halting traffic, just to let you cross. This was Stephenville, Newfoundland in a nutshell.  

History 

Stephenville is a town on the west coast of the island of Newfoundland in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. 

Stephenville was known as Acadian Village from 1848 to 1870 where the populus consisted of Roman Catholics who made their living farming and fishing. The Acadian Village was founded by two English families from Magaree, Cape Breton.  

Since its founding, Stephenville has grown from 103 inhabitants to over 6,000, creating a vibrant and efficient community which today is the second largest community on Newfoundland’s West coast. 

The town is most well-known for its past endeavours of being home to the Earnest Harmon Air force Base which was operated by the United States Army Airforce from 1941-1966. The base was named in honour of Captain Ernest Emery Harmon, a U.S Army Air Corps ace who died in an air crash in 1933.  The base was also used as a refueling stop for transatlantic military flights and supporting three Air Defense Command units. In 1966 saw the closure of the U.S Air force Base with the airport now being owned and operated by a local airport authority. In recent years, Stephenville has become a favourite technical stop for international flights on route to Europe. 

The American influence on the town is still very prevalent to this day with large air strips, aircraft hangers and streets named after American states. 

Stephenville, A Wonderful Place to Live 

Residents of Stephenville rave and boast about their thriving community. Those who live there seem to adore the peace of the area as well as its advancements that have been made in more recent years. The town has grown itself into a respectable small town with all the amenities one could need to live happily.  

Local resident, Darlene Benoit said Stephenville is the most wonderful place to live. 

 “It has facilities to cater for over a hundred thousand people along the Southwest coastline of the island but the township itself has a population of approximately 8,000 people,” Benoit says.  

“It has four grocery stores, a cinema, arts and culture centre, aquatic centre, skiing and skidoo trails, curling centre, library, hockey arena and sports facilities that provide martial arts, dance, gymnastics and more.” Benoit added. “It offers an international airport as well as the headquarters for the College of the North Atlantic. We also have a 40-bed hospital that was built in 2003.” 

It is also seen as an excellent environment for children to grow up in. The beauty of growing up surrounded by nature is enhanced by the fact the town has programming for youth of all ages. 

“The library has endless programs for all ages that foster learning and development,” says resident Stephanie Benoit. “We have a superb hockey program for boys and girls alike. We also have an active theatre program offered to all ages from young to old.” 

Booming Tourism  

In addition to all the wonderful things mentioned about Stephenville, they also have a great and booming tourist industry. 

“Tourism is a large part of our economy during the months of May through October,” says Darlene Benoit.  

“Stephenville boasts scenic walking trails that cater to the beginner and well as the experienced hiker. The coastline offers spectacular ocean scenery including magnificent cliffs and views of wildlife such as whales and dolphins.” says Benoit. 

Benoit describes the wildlife in the area as a sight not to miss.  

“Moose, bear and caribou are plentiful on the West Coast. You are sure to get a glimpse of this wildlife while visiting. Lobster and crab season is a bustling time for the fishing industry and ‘sea food boils’ are plentiful along any beach you pass.” says Darlene Benoit.  

“The Arts and Culture Centre ensures that ‘East Coast content’ is abundant throughout every performance during the tourist season.” says Darlene Benoit. “We have lots of beaches that range from pebbly to white sand beaches.” 

 

Attractions and hot spots in Stephenville  

Blanche’s Brook 

Blanche’s Brook in Stephenville Newfoundland. By: Joelle Brassard 

Blanche’s Brook is a local park right in the heart of Stephenville with a playground and a walking trail that follows a rocky brook which features some natural mini waterfalls. It’s been said by residents to be a hot spot in the summertime as many people like to swim in the brook and under the falls.  

The Brook is a calm stream of water that provides the faintest rush and trickling sounds. It is lined on both sides with a rocky steep edge of natural boulders. Up at the top of the brook rests the trail which is surrounded by light greenery.  

The trail is easily accessible and traversable for people of all physical abilities. For the more adventurous folks you can climb down the steep rocky edge and swim in the brook. Stepping into the brook I was instantly overwhelmed by the alarmingly cold temperature of the water.  

I braved on and proceeded to sit on a rock in the middle of the brook. Adjusting to the water, it began to feel refreshing against the blaring sun. The cool water rushed around me as I watched the plethora of children and adults swimming around me.  

I would recommend this trail to anyone looking for a good family friendly activity or to anyone who likes to explore natural bodies of water.

 

Port Harmon: Stephenville’s calming spot 

Port Harmon is a quaint rocky beachfront that is tranquil and perfect for a calming outing. As you approach the beach front you must walk over a patch of rock covered sand that can be a little hard to cross if you have mobility issues. After crossing the rocks, you will land on a more traversable rock and sand beach that looks out onto the waters of Bay St. George. 

 In the distance you can see the lush green mountainous peaks of the island with the thickest fluffiest white clouds floating above the caps of the mountains. The beachfront is perfect for a relaxing walk along the shore or a quiet place for a beachfront picnic. 

Black Bank 

Another beach I visited was Black Bank, with its plusher sand beachfront and even closer view of the mountains. I immediately took my shoes off when we arrived

at the beach and buried my feet in the cloud-like warm sand, then stepped into the clearest bright blue water and letting the waves completely take me over as I succumb to the current.  

The water was a bit cold at first but going further into the ocean, the water became comfortable and blissful. I could have floated in that water until my entire body pruned. Strolling along the shore led to walking the entire length of the beach while admiring the giant trees that lined the mountain side of the beach.  

Black Bank is a great place for a longer day trip and is another great place to take the family when travelling. 

Port au Port West-Aguathuna-Felix Cove 

“The Gravels” trails in Port West-Aguathuna-Felix Cove, Newfoundland. By: Joelle Brassard 

My personal favourite place we visited was a hiking trail called “The Gravels” which is in Port au Port West-Aguathuna-Felix Cove. It is a 16 km hike through the side of the mountainous region of the island. The trail starts in a wooded area that is sparse enough to be able to soak up the scenery of the surrounding ocean view.  

Walking along the trails you come across clearings in the trees where you can look out over the cliff sides at the water below. The water in this area was the most spectacular I’d seen on the entire trip. Looking out, you could really see just how vast the ocean truly is.  

The trail goes in between brush and clearings, with a few of the clearings having easily accessible beach fronts. At one point on our hike, I ventured down to the beachfront and explored the mountainside, admiring the curves, dips and patterns in the rocky surface. The sights along this trail truly left me awestruck and created a memory that will live on forever.  

This activity is perfect for those who love the outdoors and adventuring. The trail does have some steep and inclined areas so it’s not the best activity for those with mobility issues. 

Black Duck Siding 

Black Duck Siding is a wonderful body of water that is popular among fishers. It is a body of water with spots along the edge for

cottages and open clearings for

fishers. The views of the mountain side are incredible here where you really get to see them up close. 

 The afternoon was spent perched on a rock and watching my little cousin’s fish to their hearts’ content. The calm waters and easily accessible clearings made this the perfect destination for an afternoon of fishing fun. I would recommend this site to any active outdoor lovers who enjoy fishing. 

Video of this location is at the end of this article.

 

Overall, my trip left me in a state of pure relaxation and bliss. Being surrounded by pure, untouched nature was the most therapeutic experience of a lifetime. The sights and scenery of the island are unmatched to any other I’ve ever seen and the island has 100 per cent become my favorite place in Canada.  

Whether you’re a family looking for your next vacation or you’re a solo traveler looking for adventure, Stephenville, Newfoundland has everything one could want to create a trip so memorable that you will be talking about it for years to come.