Welcome to Spaniard’s Bay!
The name Spaniard’s Bay derived from the fishermen of Jersey who came to fish our shores from the Channel Islands around the turn of the 15th century. In 1585, Sir Bernard Drake carried out an extensive attack on Spanish ships in Newfoundland being careful to avoid Spanish centers like Placentia and the Strait of Belle Isle. The Spanish cod-fishing industry never completely recovered. The French records show of Spanish fishermen north of Bonavista after the 1660s. By this time, France was dominant in the fishery and England was its only serious rival.
* Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage Web Site Project
Today:
Spaniard’s Bay is located on the Baccalieu Trail on Route 70 and is the largest bay in Conception Bay.
The Town of Spaniard’s Bay was incorporated as a municipality on June 8, 1965. In 1991, the neighbouring community of Tilton was amalgamated as part of the new Municipality of Spaniard’s Bay. The population today is 2694. We are a vibrant and growing community with all the modern conveniences yet are able to maintain a small town atmosphere. Spaniard’s Bay is centrally located, close to large shopping centers, a hospital and is just a 45 minute drive to St. John’s.
The potential growth for tourism increases each year. For the artist or the visitor, the scenery of the landscape here is a sight to behold and a must see. We are also home to a 565 million year old fossil find and a protected bird estuary, Shearstown Estuary, a ‘Birders Paradise.’
Let us show you what we have to offer! Take a stroll around and you will experience for yourself some of our hidden treasures.