A Friendship Exchange Is Coming!

Greetings from Newfoundland and Labrador!

Rotarians in Newfoundland are looking forward to welcoming our American friends from June 22 – July 2, 2026 for an unforgettable Friendship Exchange.  We are excited to share some insights about our incredible island, a place that many find awe-inspiring for its size, rugged beauty, and unique character.

Newfoundland is a place of open spaces, friendly people, and unique experiences, and we can’t wait to share more with you during our Rotary Friendship Exchange.

Here are some interesting facts about Newfoundland that we hope gives you a sense of the scale and beauty of our island:

  • Newfoundland is vast, covering an area of 108,860 square kilometers (42,031 square miles). If we were part of the United States, we would be the fourth largest behind Alaska, Texas and California!

     

  • It is the largest island in Canada outside of the Arctic, and its coastline stretches over 17,000 kilometers (10,563 miles).  In fact, we are the 16th largest Island in the world!

 

  • Newfoundland offers breathtaking ocean views, countless coves, and a rich maritime history. It’s no wonder our way of life is so connected to the sea!

 

  • Despite its size, Newfoundland has a relatively small population of around 545,000 people.  Interestingly, over 50% of the population lives in eastern Newfoundland, which includes the vibrant capital city of St. John’s and the surrounding Avalon Peninsula.

 

  • St. John’s is not only the largest city on the island but also one of North America’s oldest, filled with vibrant culture, history, and a warm sense of community. It is a hub for culture, history, and economic activity, while much of the island remains a pristine wilderness.

 

  • The size for this excursion is limited to 12 people. Those who have never been on a friendship exchange will have priority on selection when the time comes. 

 

  • District 6250 Rotarians will see Rotary in Action from St. John’s to Clarenville, Garden Cove (Woody Island Resort), Gander and Brigus. 

Yours in Rotary

Lorraine Ennis & Miriam MacLeod

Rotary St.  John’s East

 

Any questions, please reach out to Dave Clemens, RFE coordinator for this exchange:

dclemens541@gmail.com  (608) 408-8941