Clarenville, settled around the mid 1800's is thought to have been named for the eldest son of King Edward VII, the Duke of Clarence. The community was settled around the lumber industry since this area was abundant with rich timber stands.

This community became the first of five main terminals for the Canadian National Railway between St. John's and Port aux Basques. In 1955, the town became the site of the first Trans Atlantic Cable from Oban, Scotland and the Eastern Telephone and Telegraph Office was established.

Shoal Harbour, now incorporated into the Town of Clarenville, was settled by "Scholar" John Tilley in 1847-48. Scolar John, appropriately named because he was self-taught, came to the area with families of Palmers and Tilleys for the rich timber stands. In 1933, Shoal Harbour was visited by General Italo Balbo and his fleet of 24 hydroplanes, on a return trip from Chicago to Italy. The present school is named in honour of this visitor.

The geographic location of the town, between the Bonavista and Burin Penisulas, has led to Clarenville being considered the "Hub of the East Coast". The town is considered a service center for the surrounding communities with major government services, medical facilities, educational institutes, retail and professional services as well as a variety of recreational and tourist attractions.

For a list of businesses and services within the Town of Clarenville, please check out the town's website on our links page.