Amazing Newfoundland! I’ve been doing some research to learn more about Canada’s youngest province for a new photography workshop it’s a tremendously photogenic spot with an equally colorful history.
10 Amazing Newfoundland Facts
- The correct name of the Province is Newfoundland and Labrador. You’re probably pronouncing it wrong! Newfoundland is pronounced NewFound Land and not Lund.
- It’s amazing Newfoundland was inhabited by the Vikings in L’anse aux Meadows 500 years before the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria set sail.
- Newfoundland was an independent country from 1907 to 1949.
- Newfoundland has its own time zone which is not that unusual, but the fact that it is a 30-minute time zone does make it rare. Newfoundland is 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Time.
- Portuguese sailed into the harbor in 1494, and by 1541 the city was official making St John’s the oldest town in all of North America.
- It is the 16th largest island in the world with an area of 42,031 square miles.
- In downtown St. John’s, there are many vibrantly-colored Victorian row houses, fondly known as “Jellybean Row.” They used bright and varied colors so they would stand out in the fog.
- There are more varieties of English spoken here than anywhere else in the world. It’s more than just accents too: it’s no surprise they have their own dictionary and encyclopedia. By the way, less than 1% speak French on the island.
- Amelia Earhart began her solo crossing of the Atlantic in 1932 from Newfoundland.
- There is a town named Dildo. Didlo has been a city since the 1700s, so it probably does not mean what you are thinking. Despite efforts to force the citizens to change the name and promote the city with Dildo Days and the like!.
If you would like more information about this workshop and other Canadian photography workshops head on over to the workshop directory.
I’ve learned a lot more about this amazing Newfoundland and I’ll be sharing soon. If you know more fun facts about amazing Newfoundland share them in the comments.