Petley originally called Lance Cove or Upper Lance Cove was renamed in honor of an Anglican Church minister, Henry Petley. Rev. Petley later moved from the community and died in Cormack in later years. It is believed that winter visitors were in the Petley/Aspen Cove area for several years before the community was settled around 1850. The presence of British visitors is suggested by Whettington Point, just south of Petley.

The first permanent settlers were in 1850 and were families by the names of Laite, Bugden and Walters’s descendents of English families, who came from the Trinity area to settle. Their main reason for settling in this area was the logging industry. The fishing grounds were used mainly for food and the capelin was also used to fertilize their gardens. In the early 1900’s the community relied more on the lumbering than the fishery. The community still has 2 smoke houses present that were used by earlier fishermen. In the past there were as many as 12 smokehouses. Today, the fishery is still a major source of employment for many residents with others commuting to nearby communities for work.

A local service district takes care of the community’s municipal water system and garbage collection.

Petley is a very scenic community, overlooking Smith Sound, with opportunity to view wildlife and seabirds as well as the communities located across the bay.

The community has a playground, ball field and basketball courts for recreational activities. Petley also has a public and private marina, as well as two charter boat services which provide tours to resettled communities and marine interpretation and teaching services.

Businesses located in Petley include:

Boyd Smith Limited
Groceries & Confectionary, Gas/Oil, Postal Outlet, Liquor Agency, Appliances, Chainsaws, Hardware
(709) 547-2569

Random Island Charter Boats
Custom boat tours, Full Service Marina, Laundromat/Washrooms/Showers, Museum, Office Facilities
(709) 547-2369
Website: www.lowtide.ca >

Low Tide Crafts
Locally Made Crafts & Souvenirs, Books, Photography
Website: www.lowtide.ca

Coastal Connections
Nature Cruises of Smith Sound & Ireland’s Eye
Hands on learning eco-tours
(709) 466-6643
Website: www.coastalconnections.ca