Lower Lance Cove was part of Britannia until the 1960’s. It also had areas known as British Cove, Skimmers Cove and Lance Cove. British Cove suggests that British people may have visited the area long before it was permanently settled. Lower Lance Cove had winter visitors before it was permanently settled. One of the earliest winter dwellers is believed to be James Hiscock who was living in a tilt near Lower Lance Cove Pond when the Curries came to Britannia.

The first permanent settlers in what is now known as Lower Lance Cove were from the Trinity Area. Richard Ivany of English Harbour settled in Skimmers Cove in the late 1850’s or early 1860’s. Around the same time, James Coish and James Pittman from Bay de Verde as well as Joseph Pittman, possibly from England, also settled in the area.

Lower Lance Cove attracted settlers because of the access to good fishing grounds, abundant timber and the slate mine in Nut Cove.

Since the decline of the fishing industry, there are only a few residents that still fish for a living. Most working residents rely on employment in the Clarenville and surrounding area. Residents commute to Clarenville for banking, medical and shopping needs.

Lower Lance Cove, overlooking Smith Sound, provides residents and visitors with a view of the communities across the bay, as well as seabirds and other aquatic animals that frequent the area. A walk along the beach or countryside provides the opportunity to commune with nature in a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors enjoy spending time on “Lance Cove Beach” watching the capelin “roll in” or observing the marine life that is easily visible from the wharf.