Community, culture & coastal spirit

Info & Events

Champney's West is a small coastal community with a big story.
After the cod moratorium in 1992, residents came together to protect local heritage, celebrate community life, and create meaningful reasons for visitors to discover this remarkable place.

View upcoming events Read our story

Registered charity Volunteer-powered Culture, trails, and ocean learning

Our story

Built by a community that refused to fade.

Following the 1992 cod moratorium, the people of Champney's West began looking for ways to keep their community strong. Out of that effort came the Champney's West Heritage Group and the Champney's West Recreation Committee: two community-led groups dedicated to preserving local culture, welcoming visitors, and keeping traditions alive.

Today, Champney's West Heritage Group is a registered charitable organization that maintains and operates the Champney's West Aquarium and the Ella Freeman Heritage House. In partnership with Hike Discovery, CWHG also helps support Fox Island Trail, a spectacular coastal route with deep natural and historic significance.

Did you know?

Small community, unforgettable stories.

Champney's West is shaped by geology, archaeology, shipwrecks, coastal defence, and generations of people who made their lives by the sea.

Award recognition

2026 Innovator of the Year

CWHG was named Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador's Innovator of the Year in 2026.

Hidden history

Hazel Pearl shipwreck

The harbour hides the wreck of the Hazel Pearl, connecting the community to a dramatic maritime past.

Early presence

Beothuk history

The area was once populated by Beothuk peoples, adding another layer to the story of this coastline.

Geology

Discovery UNESCO Geopark

Champney's West is part of the Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark, where landscape and deep time meet the sea.

Photo spaces

Community Photos

Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador Innovator of the Year 2026.

Champney's West cardboard boat race gathering — Community members and visitors gathering for the annual cardboard boat race.

Historic Champney's West photo — A community with rich history and traditions, kept alive through generations.

Events

What's coming up.

Check out our upcoming events and mark your calendars!

Jul~

Educational

Aquarium Workshops

Brought to You by United Way of Newfoundland and Labrador

All workshops take place from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the Champney's West Aquarium

July 3 - Earth Science Rocks!
July 16 - Splash into the North Atlantic
July 23 - What's Eatin' Ya?
July 30 - Survival of the Fishiest

Jul31

Community event

Champney's West Kitchen Party

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM at the Community Centre. Admission by donation.

Sep07

Fundraiser

50/50 Draw

Draw takes place at 4:00 PM at the Champney's West Heritage House.