Lumsden, Deadman's Bay and Cape Freels are the three communities which send students to Lumsden Academy.
Where are we located?? Click here.
On the east coast of Newfoundland, just 123 km from Gander, on the Kittiwake Coast, you’ll find a small town called ‘Lumsden’, known for its raging seas and miles of beautiful sandy beaches. Lumsden was originally named Cat Harbour, until the arrival of the Rev. James Lumsden, a minister (clergy) of the Newtown-Lumsden Pastoral Charge. When this minister left the area, in 1885, the citizens decided to rename their community ‘Lumsden,’ in his honour. For years, the people there lived in two separate areas - Lumsden South and Lumsden North. Around 1956-57, the people of Lumsden South started to resettle further inland and, in 1967, the people of Lumsden North also joined resettlement.
Lumsden has always been associated with the fishery and, today, still thrives on the ocean’s marine life. Every year crab, shrimp, lobster, lump and capelin are harvested. Lumsden is also a town full of tourism potential. It has three beautiful beaches that offer a perfect place to swim, sunbathe, play volleyball or relax. Visitors may stay at the newly-built Barbour’s Bed and Breakfast/ Cottages. There is also a privately owned park, in the area, offering many attractions such as a freshwater pond and beach, a beautiful saltwater beach, picnic sites and campgrounds. Lumsden also offers a waste disposal site for campers.
There are several interesting local stories. The first involves the pirate, Billy Murrin, who is reported to have become shipwrecked at Lumsden, with only a barrel of whiskey to keep him through the winter and, legend has it, that his gold is hidden somewhere in the area. On southern island, coins dating back to 1813 have been found. Ghost stories have been told of hidden gold on northern island.
In the Lumsden area, there are great ponds for trouting in the summer and ice-fishing in the winter. For those who love the sport, there are four salmon rivers that are just minutes away. There are opportunities for hunting big or small game, as well. Throughout the spring and early summer, Lumsden is a great place for sighting icebergs. If you wish to take a closer view of these icebergs, there are local fishermen who would take you out in their boats. Berry-picking is also available, in season, or you may wish to just ‘buy a gallon or two’ instead. Other attractions in the area are "The Crows’ Gulch," Queen’s Head, northern and southern islands, and the kind and friendly people of Lumsden. "Celebration By The Sea" is held, each year, on the first Saturday in August.
Lumsden has its own elected town council, consisting of a mayor, six councilors, a town clerk and a maintenance man to help with the smooth running of the town. There is also a local volunteer fire department, a recreation committee and a youth centre which was opened in January of 1999.
Students are bussed in from two outside communities,
There is a United Church in the town and a newly-built Jehovahs’ Witness Hall. There is one grocery store and one gas station. Lumsden is policed by the RCMP in New-Wes-Valley and Brookfield Hospital is just a few minutes away.
All said, Lumsden is a beautiful ‘spot’. Drop by to visit and enjoy the beautiful beaches, the scenery and the warm hospitality of the people.