Gillams, NL

History

Gillams is one of the earliest settled communities in the Bay of Islands, originally known as The Farms. The first European homestead was established around 1780 by the Blanchard family, making it one of the oldest communities in the region. Fishing, forestry, and farming formed the backbone of life here, with logging becoming especially important in the early 20th century. A key landmark, Big Rock, was used as a mooring site for pulpwood operations supplying the Corner Brook paper mill.

Geography

Located along Route 440 on the north shore of the Humber Arm, Gillams is surrounded by the dramatic beauty of the Long Range Mountains and the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands. Its position along this fjord-like coastline offers striking scenery of forests, cliffs, and sea, while still being just a short drive from Corner Brook.

Community & Culture

With a population of about 430 people (2021), Gillams is a small but close-knit community. Its heritage is deeply tied to the land and sea, with traditions of fishing, logging, and farming shaping local culture. Today, the Gillams Historical Society and Museum preserves artifacts, documents, and oral histories to celebrate the community’s unique past.