The Narrows, a narrow waterway, and the harbour in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, have played a crucial role in the city’s history and development. The Narrows, which connects the Atlantic Ocean to the harbour, is a natural gateway to the city and has been an important passage for ships and boats for centuries. The harbour, situated at the end of the Narrows, is one of the most protected and safest harbours in the world, making it an ideal location for a settlement. The harbour’s unique shape, formed by the surrounding hills and cliffs, provides a natural shelter from the harsh Atlantic weather, allowing ships to seek refuge and protection from storms.

The history of the Narrows and the harbour dates back to the indigenous Beothuk and Mi’kmaq peoples, who used the area as a fishing ground and trading route. In the 16th century, European fishermen and explorers, including the Portuguese and the British, began to visit the harbour, attracted by its natural resources and strategic location. The harbour’s importance grew significantly in the 17th and 18th centuries, as St. John’s became a major commercial centre, with the harbour serving as a hub for the fishing and shipping industries. During World War II, the harbour played a critical role as a naval base and convoy assembly point, earning St. John’s the nickname “the Gibraltar of the North.” Today, the Narrows and the harbour remain an integral part of St. John’s identity, with the harbour serving as a popular destination for tourists and a hub for the local fishing and marine industries.