19/08/2025
I can't even count how many times I've driven past this sign on the Trans Canada Highway between the Gambo exit and Gander.
One day I made an impromptu decision to stop and see what it's all about.
For one... I knew exactly who Joey was... Joseph Roberts Smallwood was the Premier of Newfoundland from April 1, 1949 - January 18, 1972. He was the main force who brought the Dominion of Newfoundland into Canadian Confederation in 1949, among many other achievements, and becoming the first premier of Newfoundland.
Joey Smallwood was born and raised in Gambo, the little town he's overlooking here with pride. It's situated at the gateway to the "Road to the Shore," and your tour begins here on Route 320 and continues through Route 330.
This is what we call 'The Loop,' as it loops around from the TCH and follows the coast all the way up to the TCH again. If you look at the map, you'll see many of the small towns along the way. My new hometown of Centreville isn't listed here, but is directly south of Indian Bay. I can drive there in just a minute or two, literally.
During my visit to Joey's Lookout, I actually learned quite a bit about Newfoundland and the towns within the loop.
DID YOU KNOW?...
1. Newfoundland was once a country of its own. In addition, we have our very own time zone.
2. Dr. Fredrick Banting, one of the world-famous co-discoverers of insulin, tragically died in a plane crash on February 2, 1941 near Musgrave Harbour.
3. Lumsden is a beautiful town known for its sandy, white beaches, and an awesome place to watch icebergs, shoreline birds, whales and other fascinating wildlife.
4. One of the most famous internationally known Canadian Artists, David Blackwood, was born in Wesleyville.
5. Indian Bay is one of the best locations for the great outdoors. It's a 'must stop' if you're a fishing, photography, or wildlife enthusiast.
6. Dover was over 400-million years in the making. Visit Dover and go back in time, even before the dinosaurs. A time when continents collided. The Dover Fault's site offers an interesting and informative history of the fault line and surrounding area. Dover is my mom's childhood hometown and I still have family living there today.
It's easy to see what makes Newfoundland such a fascinating place to visit. Besides the obvious beauty of the island, with thousands of small, coastal towns, there's so much history to learn about our past, and how the Newfoundland traditions we know today began.
If Newfoundland is on your bucket list, don't hesitate to reach out to me at:
[email protected]
I'd be happy to help plan your own amazing 'Newfie' getaway.
Let's turn your dreams into destinations!
