The Town of Clarenville is a vibrant, growing community located on the east coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. Nestled in the scenic Shoal Harbour River Valley and positioned along Random Sound, Clarenville balances a rural lifestyle with the amenities of a regional hub.

Because it sits right on the Trans-Canada Highway and acts as the crossroads to three major peninsulas—the Avalon, Burin, and Bonavista—it has earned the title of the "Hub of the East Coast."

Key Facts & Demographics

• Population: Approximately 7,500 residents. Clarenville is one of the few communities outside the major metropolitan areas of Newfoundland that has experienced steady population growth over the past decade.

• Catchment Area: As a primary service centre, Clarenville serves a regional population of roughly 96,000 people living in 90 communities within a 100-kilometre radius.

• Proximity: Strategically located about two hours' driving time from the capital city of St. John's to the east, and an hour and a half from Gander to the west.

Economy & Infrastructure

Clarenville boasts a diverse and stable economy, anchored heavily by the retail, service, healthcare, and public administration sectors.

• The Retail Hub: Because it serves such a massive surrounding geographic area, the town has a highly developed commercial infrastructure, featuring major retail chains, car dealerships, professional services, and regional offices.

• Deepwater Ice-Free Port: Situated at the westerly end of Random Sound, Clarenville features one of the deepest, most sheltered, ice-free ports on the island's east coast, making it highly suitable for commercial shipping and marine services.

• Tech History Note: The town plays a unique role in global communications history—Clarenville was the western terminus for TAT-1, the very first transatlantic telephone cable, laid between Newfoundland and Oban, Scotland, in 1955.

Recreation & Quality of Life

If you love the outdoors, Clarenville is highly regarded for its geography. The town enjoys a micro-climate that is generally less foggy and slightly warmer than other coastal areas of the province.

• Trail Networks: The area is dominated by striking topography, including the famous Bare Mountain Trail, a loop that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the town and the sound. The Shoal Harbour Causeway trail doubles as a lookout for the local Canada Goose Sanctuary.

• Winter Sports: Clarenville is one of the premier winter destinations on the island. It is home to White Hills Resort, offering down-hill skiing, snowboarding, and extensive cross-country skiing trails.

• Community Facilities: The Clarenville Events Centre acts as the cultural and athletic core of the town, featuring a modern hockey arena, curling rinks, and a 400-seat state-of-the-art theatre.

Clarenville serves as the literal gateway to the historic Discovery Trail (leading down to Trinity and Bonavista). It continues to position itself as a prime location for families and businesses looking for a balance between coastal beauty and economic opportunity.