Capstan Island

Capstan Island

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Location of Capstan Island in Newfoundland and Labrador

Capstan Island is a settlement in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Located along the Labrador Straits or Strait of Belle Isle which is a major shipping/export route to oversea destinations. Capstan Island is a small community of 27 residents. primarily known for its rich fishing grounds, fishing was the only trade.

[[Residents lived off the land & sea for primary food/income. Cod fish, crab, scallop, escargot, Lump roe, caplien, herring and squid, Black duck, Turr, pigeons, rabbits, spruced grouse, ptarmigan, caribou, moose, porcupine, beaver, bear all were species hunted & fished by most families. Also the fur industry added additional income.]]

[[Capstan Island got its name from a capstan located on an island very near to the village. A capstan is a sturdy wooden post & handle, mounted in a stabilizing frame, used to wind-in a rope or cable to block seals in the bay. Around 1851 residents began sealing in this area. A large capstan was placed on the small island just offshore and a seal net attached to it. When harp seals migrated along the shore in spring, the net 'box' trapped them. Capstan Island is located directly in the Labrador Straits region on Route 510, only 39 km from the Quebec/Labrador border. When driving through take the time to stop in and have a look around the small community.

There are often icebergs directly across from the community, you can go to the fishing wharf and get a perfect view. There will probably be an opportunity there as well to talk to the only local full-time fisherman of the community, Reginald Fowler. Whose home is located near the fishing wharf.]]

Beautiful landscape directly on the ocean and backed by the famous "Bogie Hill" located behind the village that generations of kids loved to slide and climb.

Visit the Labrador Coast's only "green house" with its tasty home grown vegetables and wide variety of flowers.