Stephenville (Newfoundland and Labrador)

Stephenville is a town of 6,600 people (2016) in Western Newfoundland.

History
This place was known as the Acadian village, between 1848 and 1870. The populace of the village consisted of Roman Catholics who eked out a living, farming and fishing. The town's population continued to grow because of the stable economy. It was home to Ernest Harmon AFB, which was operated by the United States Air Force from 1941 to 1966.

The base precipitated an economic boom of sorts on Newfoundland's southwest coast during the 1940s. The village of Stephenville grew from a hamlet of several hundred people with no paved streets, side walks, water or sewage system in 1941 into a modern town of over 5,000 by the mid-1950s. By the time Ernest Harmon AFB closed in 1966, the town had more than doubled in size, partly as a result of the provincial government's forced resettlement policy toward residents of outports. The town uses many former USAF structures for housing, recreation and entertainment.

By car
If travelling by car, you first have to take the Marine Atlantic Ferry from North Sydney to Port aux Basques. From there it's a 2-hour drive north on the Trans-Canada Highway to Stephenville. Turn off the Trans-Canada Highway onto provincial Route 460 - White's Road (also known as Hansen Highway) or Route 490 - Stephenville Access Road. Both roads lead into downtown Stephenville.

By plane
You can reach Stephenville easily. Firstly, if visiting from the mainland or anywhere off the island, you can reach Stephenville by air. Stephenville has its own international airport with connections to just about anywhere, but first you have to connect through Halifax or St. John's as they have the largest airports within the Atlantic region.



Get around
Once in Stephenville you can get out and enjoy the region by car or on foot. But be very cautious as Stephenville has the highest crime rate in the province (with the exception of Labrador's small outports). Keep an eye open for common violent attacks and mischief. Do not pick up hitchhikers on any occasion.

By car
The town no public transportation system besides taxis. Two taxi companies&mdash;Bluebird and Crown&mdash;offer a flat rate of $8 for in town trips, $10 for a round trip and an additional $1 for each stop.

By car you can take Route 460 along the French Ancestors route around the Port-au-Port peninsula, Newfoundland's only bilingual region. On the peninsula make sure you drop by Sheaves Cove for some beautiful scenery; it's near the limestone mine at Lower Cove.

On foot
If you prefer to walk, then get out and explore the town, walk through and see the former American Air Force Base, with streets named after American states.

See

 * There are various sites around town that show old French heritage, later American influence, and ongoing fishing history.

Drink
Newfoundland is known for great drinking, and Stephenville is no exception. Bars and clubs are located throughout town. There are a handful of bars along Main St.

Go next

 * Go golfing at Harmon Seaside Links on the 18 hole golf course.
 * Hike the Lewis Hills and visit Newfoundland's highest point.