Dildo is a small community located between South Dildo and New Harbour. The community is located on Route 80 about 50 minutes from St. John's and 30 minutes from the communities of Bay Roberts and Carbonear.
For updated information about the town of Dildo and the surrounding area and tourism in general, see our blog: An Outport Called Dildo
Town Name
How the town got its name is a source of interest to many people. The town's unusual name brings many visitors who have their pictures taken with the town sign. These visitors are pleasantly surprised to discover they have found a real treasure! Not only does Dildo have an unusual name, it is an unusual place. For thousands of years, people have visited and resided in the area because of its rich harvests from the land and the sea.
Prettiest Small Town
Harrowsmith Magazine has named Dildo one of prettiest small towns in Canada .
Lloyd George House
Registered Heritage Structure
Native People
In a letter written in 1613, Henry Crout, one of John Guy's colonists, he describes seeing the home and canoe of a Beothuk on Dildo Island. In 1995, when archaeologists from the Baccalieu Trail Heritage Corporation were searching for remains of these camps, they found instead evidence of a group of people who were ancestors of the Beothuk, and inhabited the area as long as 1300 years ago. They also found evidence of Dorset and Grosswater Eskimo people who lived there as long as 2800 years ago.
These people migrated with the seasons and came to the region because of its rich environment to hunt for caribou, seals, whales, seabirds, fish, and berries.
Captain Dildo Expedition Tours
Dildo is home to Captain Dildo Expedition Tours which offers boat tours of Trinity Bay, hiking tours of Dildo Island as well as expedition tours of the local area. Heritage, archaeology, and history enthusiasts can also find lots to see in the area in the local Whaling & Sealing Museum, the local Interpretation Centre, the archeological digs on Dildo Island, Russell's Point in Blaketown, as well as the Anderson's Cove site in New Harbour.
The community includes a Canada Select 5 star bed and breakfast – George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast. Next door is a Canada Select 4 ½ star country inn – Inn By The Bay, which has the Sea Level Dining Room. The restaurant has been recommended by Where To Eat In Canada for the past six years.
Tourists enjoy the craft store, restaurants, the antique store, and the marina, as well as the hiking trail and nearby golf courses. Marine mammals, seabirds, and other wildlife have populated the area for centuries, and it is common to see whales and dolphins frolicking in the harbour, bald eagles swooping down for herring, and in the early part of the year you may chance a sighting of a seal or an iceberg.
Business and Services in Dildo include:
Dildo Dory Grill is a casual dining establishment situated right on the waterfront of the picturesque community of Dildo Newfoundland. Whether you are from just around the bay or you come from abroad, you can experience all the beauty and serenity of rural Newfoundland. A convenient five minute walk from George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast. www.dildodorygrill.com
Sea Level Dining Room is located at Inn By The Bay and offers guests of George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast the opportunity to dine in one of the most recommended restaurants on the Baccalieu Trail. Situated on the oceanfront in Dildo this dining room offers panoramic views of Dildo Harbour and Trinity Bay. Winner of Destination St. John's ‘Silver Puffin Award' for 2008/2009 for service and highlighted by Where To Eat In Canada for the past six years as well as recommended by Fodor's and Frommer's. The Innkeeper and his staff offer a prix fixe four course dinner nightly which is accentuated with fresh fish, local in-season produce and an extensive wine list. Reservations are recommended by calling toll-free 1-888-339-7829
The Dildo Trading Post is located at One Reid's Lane in Dildo across from the Dildo Dory Grill and Dildo Marina and offers a large selection of antiques, collectibles, local art, fine knit goods, quilts and keepsake souvenirs. At home in an 1880's style fishing home this unique store offers something for everyone and is a must see in Dildo. Whether you are looking for a gift to take home or simply wish to browse or sit on the expansive deck and take in the vistas and make it a photo opportunity you'll be glad you visited the Dildo Trading Post. Call 709-582-4577 or visit www.dildotradingpost.com
Captain Dildo Expedition Tours offers one of the best tours of Dildo and Trinity Bay . Join in the adventure as we use our Zodiac to take you on an ocean adventure from Dildo through Broad Cove to South Dildo and then along the shoreline as we regale you in the stories of Dildo past and present. Or visit true history as we Zodiac you to Dildo Island for a two hour hiking adventure that is highlighted by a gourmet picnic lunch as our Interpreter tells you the stories of the adventures of John Guy, the Beothuk Indians, and the history of the archeological digs present and past on Dildo Island. Call 709-582-4577 to book your adventure or visit www.captaindildoexpeditiontours.com
Inn By The Bay Bed & Breakfast Canada Select oceanside country inn built in 1888 on a plantation like property, offering exceptional accommodations, 6 guest rooms with private en-suite baths, TV/DVD, wireless internet and telephone in each room.Lots of area attractions, including museums, winery, boutique shops, boat and hiking tours, whale, iceberg and whale watching. Call toll-free 1-888-339-7829 or visit www.innbytehbaydildo.com
Fran's Country Kitchen is a cafe located on Route 80 in Dildo with real home cooking as a specialty.
Blue Whale Lounge & Eatery is located on Route 80 in South Dildo adjacent to the Dildo River and offers the best fried chicken on the Baccalieu Trail. Whether you eat in or get food to go you'll not leave hungry. Call 709-582-3123 or visit www.whalerswarf.com
These people migrated with the seasons and came to the region because of its rich environment to hunt for caribou, seals, whales, seabirds, fish, and berries.
Canada Select oceanside country inn built in 1888 on a plantation like property, offering exceptional accommodations, 6 guest rooms with private en-suite baths, TV/DVD, wireless internet and telephone in each room.Lots of area attractions, including museums, winery, boutique shops, boat and hiking tours, whale, iceberg and whale watching. Call toll-free 1-888-339-7829 or visit 
