Dildo: Coast, Fishing and Discoveries

A coastal town with history and a character of its own

Dildo brings together visible traces of fishing and whaling with unusual experiences in town. Even the drive there takes you through scenic stretches of forest and along the coast. Dildo is accessible via Route 8, which branches off the Trans-Canada Highway 14 kilometres away. Those who enjoy taking in the scenery along the way and are interested in places with maritime history will find a different focus here than on a visit to a museum alone.

Fishing heritage and discoveries on Dildo Island

Along the rugged coast, fishing stages, wharves and historic fishing facilities are part of the townscape. These structures make Dildo’s history of fishing and whaling visible. They give a coastal visit a tangible historical connection: rather than learning about history only through exhibitions, travellers can also encounter the built remains of the fishing industry by the water.

Dildo Island is nearby. It is home to one of the largest Palaeoeskimo archaeological sites in Newfoundland and Labrador. The first cod hatchery in what is now Canada was also established on the nearby island in 1889. These two facts offer different historical perspectives on the area: archaeological evidence on the one hand, and the development of cod breeding on the other. Those interested in the region’s history can therefore understand Dildo in a broader context than its visible coastal landscape alone.

Museum, tours and interactive experiences

The Dildo Discovery Centre features exhibitions and artefacts spanning the period from Indigenous history to the present day. Tours and interactive experiences are also available. This gives you several ways to approach a visit: you can explore the exhibitions, join a tour or take part in interactive activities. Outside the season, the centre accepts visits by special request made in advance. This is an important distinction for travel planning: if you are considering a visit outside the season, you should make your request beforehand.

Harbour experiences and local culture

Dildo Cod Fishing & Boil-Up is a hands-on cod fishing trip in the waters of Dildo Harbour. The Dildo Harvest Experience includes a boat tour around the harbour, a beach boil-up, live music, Newfoundland stories and a craft beer tasting. These offer different kinds of experiences: the fishing trip focuses on cod fishing on the water, while the Harvest Experience combines a harbour cruise, food, music, stories and beer tasting. Which of these themes matters most to you may play a part in deciding whether Dildo is the right place to stay.

Dildo Brewing Co. is a community-focused craft brewery in the heart of Dildo Bay. Dildo Brewing Company and Museum is located at 7 Front Road, Dildo, Newfoundland and Labrador, A0B 1P0, Canada. The brewery and the Harvest Experience offer different points of interest: one is the local craft brewery, the other a multi-part experience with a harbour cruise and other activities.

Distinctive photo spots and a coastal driving destination

A Hollywood-style sign overlooks the town. Visitors can also take photos with a wooden statue of the town mascot, Captain Dildo. These eye-catching features add a distinctive touch alongside the museum and fishing history. Dildo is also one of the highlights of the Baccalieu Coastal Drive. If you are considering a holiday rental in Dildo, you can weigh up whether the town itself—with its coastal scenery, historic traces and experiences described here—matches the focus of your trip.

Other places in the wider destination

Mount Pearl (Mount Pearl), Harbour Grace (Harbour Grace), Green's Harbour (Green's Harbour), Hant's Harbour (Hant's Harbour), Grates Cove (Grates Cove), Brigus (Brigus), Riverhead (Riverhead) and St Mary's (St Mary's).

View the overview of the wider destination: Division No. 1.