Mount Pearl

Canada

Mount Pearl is the second largest city in Newfoundland and Labrador, with a population of over 23,000 (2016). The city is a twin sister to the provincial capital St. John's, and has grown from a playground for the summering rich into a thriving city.

Mount Pearl dates back to 1829, when Commander James Pearl and his wife, Lady Anne Pearl, arrived in Newfoundland with a Crown grant of 1000 acres (4 km²) of land, a reward for Commander Pearl's 27 years of distinguished service in the Royal Navy. In 1830, Commander Pearl built a house upon the most elevated section of his estate and named it Mount Cochrane in honour of then-governor Sir Thomas Cochrane. After the governor left Newfoundland, Pearl renamed the site Mount Pearl.

In the 1930s and 1940s, Mount Pearl became the meeting place of affluent members of society and lovers of horseracing. A large open air gallery, with benches for spectators to view surrounding lands was erected on "The Mount" in the 1940s. Horseracing continued to be prominent and Mount Pearl began to develop into something of a summer resort for St. John’s residents. Increased population during summer months led to increased population year round and eventual residential and industrial development.

If you're in town for City Days or the Frosty Festival, check out these annual events.

  • The Admiralty House Museum, 365 Old Placentia Rd, +1 709 748-1124. Tu-F 10AM-4PM. Built by the Marconi Telegraph Company, the station is now a museum and amateur radio station. Guided tours available. Adult $4, child 5-18 $3, child under 5 free.
  • Power's Pond.

The Admiralty House Museum, 365 Old Placentia Rd, +1 709 748-1124. Tu-F 10AM-4PM. Built by the Marconi Telegraph Company, the station is now a museum and amateur radio station. Guided tours available. Adult $4, child 5-18 $3, child under 5 free.

Power's Pond.

There are over sixty kilometers of trails that make for great walks and hikes. Enjoy the plentiful parks and playgrounds, too.

  • Glacier Arena, 45 Olympic Dr, +1 709 748-1100. An arena complex with huge ice floor.

Glacier Arena, 45 Olympic Dr, +1 709 748-1100. An arena complex with huge ice floor.

  • Lucky's, 949 Topsail Rd, +1 709 368-5169. Chinese restaurant, with a few non-Chinese dinners. Chinese dishes $15-24.
  • Ches's Fish and Chips, 33 Commonwealth Ave, # 29, +1 709 364-6837. M-Sa 9AM-midnight, Su 4PM-midnight. A branch of one of the classic St. John's fish-and-chiperies, serving Newfoundland specialties like fish and brewis, chips-dressing-and-gravy, and for tongues (in season). Also, some burgers and chicken.
  • Coffee Matters Cafe, 39 Commonwealth Ave, +1 709-221-6700. M-F 7:30AM-9PM, Sa Su 8:30AM-5PM. Fully-licenced dining room. Pizza, salads, wraps, sandwiches. $7-10.

Lucky's, 949 Topsail Rd, +1 709 368-5169. Chinese restaurant, with a few non-Chinese dinners. Chinese dishes $15-24.

Ches's Fish and Chips, 33 Commonwealth Ave, # 29, +1 709 364-6837. M-Sa 9AM-midnight, Su 4PM-midnight. A branch of one of the classic St. John's fish-and-chiperies, serving Newfoundland specialties like fish and brewis, chips-dressing-and-gravy, and for tongues (in season). Also, some burgers and chicken.

Coffee Matters Cafe, 39 Commonwealth Ave, +1 709-221-6700. M-F 7:30AM-9PM, Sa Su 8:30AM-5PM. Fully-licenced dining room. Pizza, salads, wraps, sandwiches. $7-10.

  • The Bigs Ultimate Sports Grill, 2 Olympic Dr, +1 709-364-4470. Su-Th 11AM-10:30PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight. Pub and grill with TVs, big plates of food, beer. Wheelchair accessible.

The Bigs Ultimate Sports Grill, 2 Olympic Dr, +1 709-364-4470. Su-Th 11AM-10:30PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight. Pub and grill with TVs, big plates of food, beer. Wheelchair accessible.