Town of Placentia - A Sense of Community
Argentia is located within the municipality of Placentia, a progressive community of 4,000 people. The Placentia area was settled by the Basque and the French in the 1500's. Originally named “Plaisance,” the community is the old French capital of Newfoundland. Its strategic location was recognized even in the late 18th century, when the Sweetman family arrived from Ireland and founded a world-wide trading empire.

Castle Hill, Placentia

Today, the people who live here appreciate an enviably quality of life that provides clean air, a low crime rate, and affordable housing. Placentia is bordered on one side by a spectacular coastline, and on the other by low mountains covered in thick, spruce forest. Wildlife is abundant. There are clear mountain streams and incredible scenery. These rural surroundings invite a variety of year-round outdoor activities. Hunting, fishing and boating are popular pastimes, as are day-trips to nearby attractions such as the internationally acclaimed bird sanctuary at Cape St. Mary's, and the National Historical Site at Castle Hill.

Tourists, and visitors alike, should make a point of dropping by the newly developed Backland Trail located in Argentia. Savour a pleasant walk surrounded by natural beauty and scenery. Embrace a landscape filled with birds, mammals and ecosystems. Catch a glimpse of our military past, with many underground WWII bunkers that you can explore. Also, this September Placentia hosts a leg of Targa Newfoundland.

The area's economic activity is based on a small, but well-developed service sector. Because of the military base, Placentia developed a range of services usually found only in much larger communities. Medical, fire protection, schools, restaurants, arena, extensive walking trail system, banking, high speed internet, policing, playgrounds, seasonal ferry service, transport services, and shopping - all the large town amenities in a small town environment. And the capital city of St. John's, with its international airport, symphony, theatre, nightlife, university, shopping, and more, is only a 90-minute drive away over an excellent paved highway! For more information on the town of Placentia please visit their website at www.placentia.ca.