Facts You Didn't Know About Newfoundland

Traveling is a great experience for everyone. You get to experience life outside your comfortable environment of home all while absorbing new sights and smells. For some, they travel for business, others for leisure. No matter your reason, traveling is almost never a bad idea. Before you travel, however, do your research. Your destination may have certain traditions or customs that you may not be used to or familiar with, and you don't want to offend any of the locals by mistake. If you're interested in traveling within Canada and happen to head to our Eastern most province, stop at the island of Newfoundland. The largest Canadian island outside of the North and historic home of Vikings, Newfoundland, is surely one of the most unique places in the country. If you don't believe us, here are some fun facts that may peak your curiosity.

Why it stands out

1. Newfoundland has no crickets, porcupines, skunks, snakes, or deer. They do have over 100,000 moose though. They were introduced over 100 years ago and have gotten settled quite quickly.
2. 99% of the world's critically endangered Boreal Felt Lichen are in Newfoundland.
3. Newfoundland and Labrador have their own dictionary. The language and dialect is so unique that the different communities on the island have their own dialect.
4. The island has its own time zone, which is 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Standard Time.
5. St. John's is the oldest city in North America.
6. Newfoundland and Labrador have dog breeds named after them.
7. The most eastern point in North America is Cape Spear.
8. Newfoundland was its own country until 1949, when it joined Confederation with Canada.
9. 94% of the total province's population reside on the island. The rest is in Labrador.
10. L’Anse aux Meadows, on the northern-most tip of the island, is the only known site of an ancient Norse settlement in North America (outside of Greenland).
11. On September 11, 2001, 39 aircrafts were diverted to the tiny airport in Gander. More than 6,600 people (over 60% of the local population) were taken into homes for up to 3 days until the airspace reopened. Today, people who were stranded still visit their hosts who offered the ultimate acts of hospitality and kindness.

Now when people ask you what you know about The Rock, you can share your newfound knowledge.

Image courtesy of Expedia