Spaniard's Bay is a rural settlement on the north shore of Conception Bay. It is approximately six miles from Harbour Grace and one mile from Bay Roberts. The land surrounding Spaniard's Bay is filled with high hills from which there is a spectacular view of Conception Bay. In fact, some of the most beautiful scenes in the province can be seen in this town. While looking out the Bay, one can see point after point of land extending over the waters.
Spaniard's Bay was once a meeting place for fishermen of many places and countries. Besides many indications of French and English occupation, the name Spaniard's Bay, suggests its discovery by Spanish Mariners.
Before the 1900's the men of Spaniard's Bay were fishermen and boat builders. Every spring schooners containing whole families sailed for Labrador and returned home in the fall. There was very little employment in Spaniard's Bay after the decline of the fishery. Many people moved to mainland Canada and larger communities in Newfoundland. Some people moved to Belle Island to work in the mines while others moved to the lumber camps in Grand Falls. Younger people migrated to mainland Canada or the United States where they settled down and made their homes. After the turn of the century industries such as sawmills and furniture factories developed in Spaniard's Bay. This attracted permanent settlers and facilitated the enduring existence of this beautiful Newfoundland community.
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