Bell Island (Newfoundland and Labrador)Bell Island is an inhabited island in Conception Bay off the east coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, with a long history of iron-ore mining. The island’s industrial past shaped its communities and infrastructure, and remnants of mining operations remain visible.
Onsite attractions focus on industrial heritage and local history, including mining-era buildings, a community museum and walking routes that interpret the island’s 19th and 20th century development. Offshore wreck sites from the Second World War attract specialist interest.
Mining on the island drove its economy through much of the 20th century; operations ceased in the mid-20th century and the island has since shifted towards heritage tourism and local services. The wartime sinkings of ships off the island’s coast are a noted part of its history.
The island lies within Conception Bay, a short ferry crossing from the Newfoundland mainland at Portugal Cove-this ferry is the primary regular public access route. The nearest city with broader services is St. John’s, on the Avalon Peninsula.
- Mining heritage: The island has a well-documented history of underground iron-ore mining and associated industrial heritage sites open to visitors.
- WWII wrecks: Several wartime shipwrecks lie offshore from World War II and are points of interest for history-minded visitors and experienced divers.
What to See#
- Wabana: Wabana - the main community and historic centre of iron-ore mining on the island, with a community museum documenting mining history and local life.
- Ferry link: Ferry terminal at Portugal Cove - the mainland ferry connection providing the regular public link to the island across Conception Bay.
Best Time to Visit Bell Island (Newfoundland and Labrador)#
Best visited from late spring through summer when ferry services and tourist facilities are in operation; spring offers iceberg-watching opportunities.
Weather & Climate near Bell Island (Newfoundland and Labrador)#
Bell Island (Newfoundland and Labrador)'s climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -9°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1367 mm/year), wettest in October, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -8° - 0° | -12° | 130 mm | - | - | 8.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -9° - -1° | -12° | 116 mm | - | - | 7.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -6° - 2° | -9° | 111 mm | - | - | 7.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -2° - 5° | -4° | 105 mm | - | - | 6.5 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 1° - 10° | 2° | 92 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 5° - 14° | 7° | 100 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 10° - 19° | 15° | 90 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 11° - 20° | 15° | 95 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 8° - 16° | 12° | 126 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 4° - 11° | 4° | 144 mm | - | - | 6.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 0° - 7° | -2° | 128 mm | - | - | 7.2 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -4° - 2° | -8° | 130 mm | - | - | 7.9 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Bell Island (Newfoundland and Labrador)#
Ferries depart regularly from Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s to Bell Island (about 20 minutes crossing). Vehicles are carried on the ferry; schedules vary seasonally so check Newfoundland and Labrador ferry listings before travel.
Tips for Visiting Bell Island (Newfoundland and Labrador)#
- Take the ferry from Portugal Cove-St. Philip's; book in advance during summer weekends as space can be limited.
- Visit the island's mining museum to understand the iron ore history and the 1942 U-boat attack that sank two ships off the island.
- Walk the coastal trails for sea views; the east coast offers dramatic cliffs and iceberg sightings in spring.