Population: 747 (1996)
745 (1991)

Incorporated: 1971

 

Old Perlican is one of the oldest fishing communities in Newfoundland, serving as the major fishing station in Trinity Bay for migratory fisherman from England in the 1600's.

Its name was recorded as "Parlican" as early as 1597, with the "old" being added sometime later to distinguish it from New Perlican further up the bay.

It was settled by at least 1640 when a planter named John Brown is listed as living there.