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Change Islands
Town
Change Islands, Newfoundland.jpg
Change Islands is located in Newfoundland
Change Islands
Change Islands
Location in Newfoundland
Country  Canada
Province  Newfoundland and Labrador
Settled Mid-18th century
Area
 • Land 5.31 km2 (2.05 sq mi)
Population
 (2021)
 • Total 184
 • Density 39.2/km2 (102/sq mi)
Time zone UTC-3:30 (Newfoundland Time)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-2:30 (Newfoundland Daylight)
Area code(s) 709
Highways MV Veteran

Change Islands is a small, unique community in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is known as an "outport," which means it's a coastal settlement that was once mainly reached by boat. This special place is actually made up of two small islands. They are located off the northeast coast of the island of Newfoundland.

The community of Change Islands is mostly found on the larger South Island. Today, about 184 people live there. Most of the public buildings are on the North Island.

A special place called the Newfoundland Pony Refuge is also located on Change Islands.

Exploring Change Islands' Geography

The southern and northern Change Islands are separated by a "tickle." In Newfoundland English, a tickle is a narrow strait or channel of water.

The South Island is bigger and has more marshes, bogs, and wooded areas. The North Island is smaller and mostly bare. Change Islands is located in Notre Dame Bay, on the northeast coast of Newfoundland.

How the Community Grew

The community first started as many small settlements around the islands. These were linked to seasonal fishing. Over time, these small spots grew into one main community. The first European settlers arrived around the mid-18th century to fish.

Preserving History

The people of Change Islands have worked hard to keep many of their traditional homes, stages, and stores (which are fishing sheds). These buildings are important landmarks. They are sadly disappearing in many other coastal areas of Newfoundland and Labrador. This is because the traditional "ground fishery" (fishing for bottom-dwelling fish like cod) has declined.

Getting to Change Islands

There are a few places to stay on the islands. You can reach Change Islands by taking the MV Veteran ferry. This ferry is run by the province. It travels from Farewell and also stops at Fogo Island further to the east.

Changeislands
A view of the tickle in Change Islands, showing the narrow channel between the islands.

People and Population

In 2021, the population of Change Islands was 184 people. This is a small community with a rich history.

Famous People from Change Islands

  • The artist Gerald Squires was born in Change Islands.
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