Grand Falls-Windsor, NL

General Location

Grand Falls-Windsor is centrally situated on the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It is nestled approximately an hour west of Gander, two and a half hours west of Clarenville, and about four hours west from St. John’s, the provincial capital. Conversely, it’s slightly over two hours east of Deer Lake, around two hours and forty-five minutes east of Corner Brook, and close to five hours east of Port Aux Basques, showcasing its central location within the province​​.

Major Routes into the Location

Access to Grand Falls-Windsor is primarily through Newfoundland and Labrador Route 1, part of the Trans-Canada Highway, which runs directly through the town. This route connects it efficiently with other major locations on the island, including the cities and towns of St. John’s, Gander, Deer Lake, and Corner Brook. The town has several key exits along Route 1, including for Main Street, Station Road, Cromer Avenue, Union Street, Grenfell Heights, and New Bay Road, ensuring easy ingress and egress for residents and visitors alike​​.

Demographic Info

Grand Falls-Windsor had a population of 13,725 according to the 2011 census, showing a slight increase from 13,558 in 2006. The town was formed through the amalgamation of the towns of Grand Falls and Windsor in 1991, standing today as a testament to the rich history and growth of the central Newfoundland region. It’s located along the Exploits River, adding a natural charm to its demographic appeal​​.

Points of Interest

Grand Falls-Windsor boasts a variety of attractions that cater to a broad spectrum of interests. Noteworthy points include the Salmonid Interpretation Centre, a nature and wildlife area focusing on salmon conservation; Corduroy Brook, offering accessible hiking trails; the Grand Falls-Windsor Arts and Culture Centre; Gorge Park, known for its scenic beauty; the Grand Falls-Windsor Heritage Centre; and Queen Street Dinner Theatre, offering engaging performances. For adventure enthusiasts, Rafting Newfoundland and Exploits Extreme Ziplines provide thrilling experiences on the Exploits River​​​​.

Major Industries

Today, Grand Falls-Windsor serves as central Newfoundland’s major service and distribution center, with significant contributions from mining and aquaculture sectors in the surrounding regions. Tourism is also a growing industry, supported by attractions such as provincial museums and the scenic Exploits River, which offers world-class salmon fishing opportunities​​.

Sports Teams

Information specific to local sports teams in Grand Falls-Windsor isn’t provided, but like many communities in Newfoundland and Labrador, hockey, soccer, and curling are popular sports, often with local teams participating in provincial leagues.

Interesting Historical Facts

The town has a rich history tied to the pulp and paper industry, with the construction of a major mill in 1909, which remained one of the town’s largest employers before its closure in 2009. The town’s development was closely linked to this industry, shaping its economic and social landscape over the 20th century​​.

Website of the Local Municipal Government

For more detailed information about Grand Falls-Windsor, including municipal services, community events, and governance, visit the official town website: Town of Grand Falls-Windsor.

Local Newspaper

The local newspaper serving Grand Falls-Windsor and the central Newfoundland region is not specified in the provided information. However, regional news can typically be found in publications such as The Central Voice, accessible online for local news and updates.