Dildo

The place name "Dildo" is attested in this area since at least 1711, though how this came to be is unknown. The name, then written as "Dildoe", was first applied to Dildo Island, offshore from the present-day town of Dildo. This use was recorded in 1711 and 1775, and the name was thereafter applied to the Dildo Arm of Trinity Bay and other local physical features. Social scientist William Baillie Hamilton notes that Captain James Cook and his assistant Michael Lane, who mapped Newfoundland in the 1760s, often displayed a sense of humour in the place names they chose, and were not above selecting names that might offend over-sensitive readers. Regardless of the origin, the name has brought the town of Dildo a measure of notoriety. In the 20th century there were several campaigns to change the name, though all failed.

History

The Dildo area has a long history, going as far back as 2000 BC when Maritime Archaic aboriginal people resided at Anderson's Cove. By 700 AD, people of the Dorset culture inhabited Dildo Island. In 1613, Henry Crout, whilst sailing up Dildo Arm, came in contact with the Beothuks, who were residing on Dildo Island at this time. He traded with them and left gifts. The town of Dildo was founded in the late 18th century and settled to exploit the abundance of marine resources such as fish (mostly cod), whales and seals.

Dildo is on Route 80, approximately 15 km from the Trans-Canada Highway. From St. John's it is about a 50 minute drive. Take the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) as far as Exit #28 where you turn on to Route 80. The town of Dildo is signposted 8 km down Route 80.
Buses connect the town to St. John's.

Where Dildo is a small community the only method of transportation is one you bring yourself! So get out and smell the salt air as you walk along the water front enjoying the beautiful view.

Dildo is well known for its own island, Dildo Island. There are adventure tours that run there daily during the summer. The Island boasts a huge archaeological dig, studying both the Beothic Indians and the Dorset Eskimos.

To begin with, giggle at the name. After that, some whale watching might be in order.

• Historic Dildo Days Celebration

• Dildo Island Adventure Tours

  phone: +1 709 582-2988
  address: Route 80, Dildo Marina, Dildo
  "Heritage Explorer" whale-watching ship, local guide on board; view icebergs, dolphins, nesting bald eagles, seabirds and historic Dildo Island.

==Buy==

• Dildo Dory Grill

  phone: +1 709 582-3776
  address: 9 Front Road
  Waterfront dining, chicken, seafood, steak.

• Fran's Kitchen

  phone: +1 709 582-3726
  address: Dildo
  A good home-cooked meal in a cosy atmosphere.

• Dildo Brewing Company & Museum

  address: 1 Front Road, Dildo
  A five-barrel capacity microbrewery and tap room (established 2018). Beer made with all natural ingredients (water, malted barley, hops and yeast) with no added preservatives or pasteurization. A museum of the operation is attached.

• Blue Whale Lounge

  phone: +1 709 582-3123
  address: 8 Main St, South Dildo
  Where many in the area retire after a long weekend, also home of Mudders takeout.

• Inn By The Bay

  phone: +1 709 582-3170
  address: 80 Front Road
  The inn's oceanside Verandah Dining Room serves a candlelit four course fixed-price dinner nightly. No pets, no smoking.

• George House Heritage Bed and Breakfast

  phone: +1 709 582-3170
  address: 80 Front Road

• Island View Efficiency Cottage

  phone: +1 709 582-2230 or +1 709 682-7316
  address: Hwy 80, Broad Cove
  One three-bedroom cottage and three two-bedroom efficiency units. Satellite TV, stereo, broadband Internet.

• Bonavista
• St John's and the Avalon Peninsula