Population: 5,026 (1976)
5,168 (1996)

Incorporated: 1948

Located on the west side of Conception Bay, about 116km's from St. John's is the town of Carbonear. There are different variations where the community name probably comes from. Either the Spanish word "carbonera" (a female who makes or sales charcoal); or from a number of French words, most likely "Charbonnier" or "Carbonnier".

One of Carbonear's first residents was Nicholas Guy who had moved there with his family from Cupids by at least 1631.

During the nineteenth century, Carbonear was important for commerce, fishing, trading, shipbuilding and sealing. It was recorded that 77 vessels left Carbonear for the seal hunt.

Over the years, the names of the business firms have changed as well as the means of providing employment. The firm of Rorke's (fishing and shipping) continued into the 20 century but there were other firms such as W. & J. Moores Ltd. and Saunders & Howell co. The Labrador and inshore fishery as well as the seal hunt declined. The importance of Carbonear as a shipbuilding center as well as its importance as a port of trade with other parts of the world declined.

A number of out-standing people were born in Carbonear, including:
Robert William Boyle (physicist),
William George Guy (chemist),
Rev. Philip Tocque and Rev. Monsignor E. J. O'Brien.

Click to view the picture galleries of Carbonear's
Heritage Structures:
Various Addresses
Crowdy & Patrick Street
Irishtown Road
Water Street