Flower's Cove

Originally called French Island Harbour, Flower’s Cove is one of the few protected harbours along the northwest coast of Newfoundland's northern peninsula. As such it was heavily used by French migratory cod fishery from the 17^th to early 20^th century. In the mid-1800s, as the French fishing presence diminished, English-speaking settlers began to arrive in the area. By the 1870s French fishing operations had ceased around Flower's Cove completely.

In 1871 the Church of England made its regional headquarters in Flower’s Cove and in 1907 the Grenfell Mission build a nursing there. Thus, early on, the community became a service centre for the northwest coast. In 1919 the Reverend J.T. Richards began construction of the first Anglican Church for the community. St. Barnabas Church is known locally as the Skin Boot Church because Richards garnered funds to build the church by setting up a sealskin boot industry. The church was opened in 1931. Its neo-Gothic style, heritage preservation, and unique story have earned the church building a designation as a Registered Heritage Structure.

The town of Flower’s Cove has grown to include government offices, a regional police headquarters and a commercial banking facility, increasing Flower’s Cove’s status as a service centre for the region.