ABOUT THE DISTRICT

Geographically, District 7820 is one of Rotary's largest. The District includes the Provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the French Islands of St. Pierre et Miquelon and the Magdalene Islands of Quebec. An area approximately equal to twice the size of Great Britain, an area so large it will be impossible for you to see it all. We have 46 Rotary clubs with approximately 1900 Rotarians.

The Island of Newfoundland was discovered first by the Vikings in the tenth century and then again by John Cabot, who set sail from Bristol aboard the Matthew, in 1497, 500 years ago. The abundance of fish in the waters of Atlantic Canada drew settlers and in 1583 Sir Humphrey Gilbert claimed Newfoundland for the Crown so creating England's first colony. St. John's is North America's oldest city.

The Province of Nova Scotia has a similar heritage but whereas Newfoundland was settled by the Irish and West Country English, the Scots preferred Nova Scotia. It is not difficult to imagine how the names of these territories were decided, nor indeed how Prince Edward Island and it's counties were named.

Culturally a visitor to this District will discover the Scottish heritage, the Irish, the English and the French which still survive in "the outports" maintaining their own dialects and language. Despite the colder and longer winter climate the outdoors is a much favoured pastime. There are many areas, still largely unspoiled with an abundance of wildlife. We have some of the largest Caribou and Moose herds in the world and the world's largest Puffin colony. Hunting, fishing, whale watching, camping and sailing are just a few of the activities enjoyed in the region.

The industry of its people is a hallmark of the area and together with the universities and other seats of learning and technical development there is a studied pace of life and a history which is not easy to find in the rest of North America.

http://www.rotary7820.com/