Let the locals be your guide!
Welcome to McCarthy’s Party
Since 1982, the McCarthy’s family have specialized in delivering authentic Newfoundland and Labrador experiences. Every tour, charter and convention comes with spectacular scenery, songs, fun foods, and cultural adventures all led by local guides who bring first hand stories to the party.
Single Day Tours
Leave the city behind with one of our curated tours running daily from St. John’s.
More infoMulti day tours
Immerse yourself in the culture with a multi-day adventure across the province.
more infoPrivate Group tours
Customized tours available for those seeking a one-of-a-kind experience.
more infoNEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR 12-DAY tour
This is the most comprehensive tour of this province available. It is a complete immersion in the culture and daily life of the province.
More infoISLAND WIDE NEWFOUNDLAND 8-day tour
Explore Gros Morne National Park and visit the communities of eastern Newfoundland where our unique culture, history and lifestyle developed.
more infoEASTERN NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR 5-day tour
Enjoy five days of fun, food, and intrigue on a cultural extravaganza in the City of Legends – St. John’s, Newfoundland. No driving, no planning, no worries.
more infoEXCURSION AROUND THE DAY SINGLE DAY TOUR
We will go “around the bay” along the picturesque coastline of Conception Bay, the home of pirates centuries ago. Lots of picture taking opportunities!
more infoHistoric st. john’s and cape spear single day tour
This is a great orientation to St. John’s and the most easterly point in North America. Visit the historic Cape Spear, the oldest lighthouse in our province (3 hours).
more infoMeet our guides
TONY BILES
Tony Biles was born in St. Anthony, NL, at the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula. Working summers on the local fish plant gave Tony the desire to move to St. John’s to attend Memorial University (1975-1980). After getting a BSc, he started working on an offshore drilling platform (spare parts and logistics on the Sedco 706), and was on the Grand Banks the morning (Feb 15, 1982), that the Ocean Ranger sank, in a ferocious storm. After the near shut down of that industry in 1986, he went back to University to become a teacher. Two years in Labrador City as a high school teacher, led to the last 30 years as a college instructor (math, physics), retiring April 30, 2019, from College of the North Atlantic. Tony also has a certificate in OH&S.
He loves his latest venture as a tour guide, meeting new people and exploring the beautiful Newfoundland and Labrador. This has also created a great interest in NL history. Other favorite activities include gym workouts, hiking, berry picking, curling, golf, singing, playing guitar, and snowshoeing.
ANDREW BLACKMORE
Andrew was born in St. John’s and grew up just outside the city in the Conception Bay community of Chamberlains. He grew up immersed in the culture and history of Newfoundland spending hours as a child listening to stories told of outport life .
Upon graduating from high school Andrew went to Memorial University and completed a Bachelors of Science degree and an Education degree. He then began a teaching career at Queen Elizabeth Regional High School in Foxtrap, Conception Bay. After 30 years at Queen Elizabeth Regional High Andrew retired from the Social Studies department where one of his favourite subjects was the Newfoundland Cultural Heritage course.
Andrew enjoys meeting tourists from all over the world as he takes them on the City/Cape tour of this unique part of Canada.
BILL BROPHY
William (Bill) Brophy has been a tour guide with McCarthy’s Party since 2002. His love of Newfoundland and Labrador is evident in his great story-telling and humour, as well as his knowledge of the province’s history, heritage and music. His passion to share our province is his primary goal during the tourism season.
Bill was an educator in the school system in Newfoundland for 30 years and also coached cross-country running and basketball. He continues to referee basketball to this day and is a member of the Newfoundland Basketball Hall of Fame! Bill volunteers in church activities, sports leagues and supports many charities in their fund raising efforts.
McCarthy’s Party has been an ambassador for Newfoundland and Labrador and continues to promote the whole province through North American advertising. Tourists have come from all over the continent and have enjoyed the coasts, tides and times of Newfoundland and Labrador.
LINDA BUDGELL
Linda is a semi-retired educator who migrates back to Newfoundland every summer to trade teaching in the Middle East for touring around her beloved province.
Linda grew up in the central NL town of Grand Falls, but has made St. John’s her home since arriving “in town” over 40 years ago to study education. Her love for NL’s contrasting rural and urban life styles is what Linda brings to her tours as well as her keen interest in NL history, music, literature and culture.
As she travels to her favourite places on her summer tours, Linda proudly shows off her unique island home with warmth and enthusiasm!
LEO CONVERSE
A retired English / Theatre Arts teacher, Leo is an active member of the Arts community having worked with the St. John’s and Beothuck Street Players and, more recently, with the Atlantic Light Theatre Company. His love of performance combined with his passion for Newfoundland literature and culture co-mingle to deliver a tour that is both entertaining and informative.
A “townie” from the year dot (beginning), Leo’s ancestral roots on the island reach as far back as the 1700’s. Over the years Leo has studied under such renown local authors as George Story (Dictionary of Newfoundland English), Bernice Morgan (Random Passage), Lisa Moore (February), Janet McNaughton, and comedic actress and writer Cathy Jones ( This Hour Has 22 Minutes). A proud and patriotic Newfoundlander and Canadian, Leo’s graduate studies included a dissertation on the role the Newfoundland Regiment played in The Great War.
Leo regards his work with this province’s oldest and best tour company as a great honour and it shows through his passionate story-telling, folk singing, and enthusiastic exchanges with guests . He looks forward to sharing with you the diverse cultural , linguistic, historical, and geographical marvels of Canada’s oldest colony and newest province. See you “the once” (soon) !
FRANCIS CORRIGAN
Francis was born and raised in Trepassey, NL. Growing up, he developed a love for the history and culture of the province and saw teaching as the way to pass on this passion. He did just that after graduating Memorial University. Francis spent 30 years as a teacher/administrator until he retired in 1997.
As an outdoor enthusiast Francis served several years as a member of The Canadian Rangers and the Southern Shore Search and Rescue Team. Since retirement he has also worked as guide for Big Game hunters in Central Newfoundland.
Volunteering was always important as indicated by 35 years as a member of the Trepassey Volunteer Fire Department, eight years as a Trepassey Town Councillor (4 as Deputy Mayor), a founding member and Grand Knight of the Trepassey Knights of Columbus. Francis also served as Chair of the Festival of the Sea Flotila in Trepassey for the John Cabot celebrations and has been an active member of the Trepassey Drama Troupe for many years especially as it pertains to local and cultural traditions (i.e. St. Patrick Day). In addition makes monthly visits to entertain those in Personnel Care Homes. His hobbies include playing guitar, gardening, fly tying, hunting & fishing, drama, and reading.
Francis loves meeting people, and looks forward to every opportunity to showcase Newfoundland & Labrador!
MIKE EDMUNDS
Mike has worked as a former educator for 31 years in the school system of Newfoundland and Labrador where he spent the first 5 years as a Teacher and the remaining 26 as an Administrator/Teacher. Mike was born in the town of Dunville or better known as “Around DA Bay”. He taught school on the Southern Shore better known as the Irish Capital of Newfoundland and referred to by locals as“ DA SHORE”. Mike and his wife live in the city of St. John’s where they chose to raise their 5 children. This combination of years and experiences have all helped to certify him as a true local guy who now lives as a Townie but loves the spirit of the Bayman.
Come along with Mike and feel the love of his people and the passion for his province. This becomes clearly evident in his stories, anecdotes, music and expressions which he weaves into his tour. No doubt you will be awed by the speed and the dialect of his local language but more importantly you may even leave his province feeling a sense of having become partially bilingual. At the end of the tour you will leave with a feeling of wanting to return to this unique part of Canada to finish up what Mike has started. Or in the words of Mike himself “Come back for another SHOCKIN’ GOOD TIME”.
EUGENE FLYNN
Eugene Flynn has spent the past fifteen years teaching in the Department of Natural Resources, College of the North Atlantic in Corner Brook, Newfoundland & Labrador. One of the key instructors in the Adventure Tourism program at the Corner Brook Campus, Gene taught Marine Biology, Environmental Ethics, Sea kayaking, Water Safety, and X-Country Skiing to students that come from as far away as Germany, to take advantage of a program that offers adventure in some of the most magnificent wilderness in Canada. Gene’s teaching duties also included leading students on multi-day sea kayaking & cross-country excursions to remote areas of the province. When not leading tour groups to Red Bay, Labrador, summers are free to sail the magnificent, rugged coast of Newfoundland & Labrador.
Prior to his assignment as an Instructor in the Adventure Tourism Program at the College of the North Atlantic he attended the University of N. Illinois under a Graduate Teaching Assistantship, where he graduated with a Masters in Science Education. During this time he worked as an outdoor activity guide for the university.
Gene is a certified Paddle Canada Canoeing Instructor, a Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Instructor and a certified CANSI (Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors).
Gene grew up in the fishing community of Conche on the remote northeast coast of Newfoundland, traditionally referred to as the French Shore. His family fished for cod, salmon, seals, and historically, participated in the Labrador schooner fishery during the heyday of the Salt Fish Trade. He enjoys nothing more than interpreting the natural and cultural history of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Eugene Flynn has a Masters of Science/Education and has spent the past 20 years teaching natural history and outdoor pursuits primarily to Adventure Tourism students at a technical College on Newfoundland’s west coast. This position took him to many of the natural, cultural and historic sites around the province as part of the interpretative component of the program. During the summer months he leads tourists on twelve day guided adventures to sites such as Gros Morne National Park, Red Bay, L’Anse Aux Meadows, Twillingate, Bonavista and more.
STEVE GOSSE
Stephen is a Gosse from Tarbay (Torbay), a growing community just outside of St. John’s. As a young boy he would do a poor job of cutting cod tongues out of a codfish in Tapper’s Cove. Just ask him.
Stephen recently retired as the Department Head of English at a local high school in St. John’s where he taught for 28 years. His first teaching position was ‘overseas’ on Bell Island, a 20-minute ferry ride from St. John’s. Stephen also taught Theatre Arts and has been involved with several theatre companies over the years including The Spirit of Newfoundland, Atlantic Light and The St. John’s Players.
Since his retirement last year, Stephen has enjoyed being a part of the McCarthy family and ‘performing’ on McCarthy’s Party busses. Stephen takes great pride in showing his ‘audiences’ all that this beautiful island of Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer.
Stephen can carry a tune and is known to break out in song whenever the spirit moves him. If you are good, you might just might learn a tune yourself from Stephen as you take in the wonder that is Newfoundland and Labrador.
LARRY HANN
Larry was born and grew up in Cape Freels, a rural fishing community in out port Newfoundland. Today, he lives in St. John’s and has a great love for Newfoundland and Labrador’s history and culture. He can tell you a number of stories, not only about St. John’s, but also about many other small communities in the province. Growing up in Cape Freels, Larry learned Newfoundland traditions first hand and developed a love for nature. He also knows a great deal about the cod fishery, which has made Newfoundland and Labrador famous throughout the years.
If you want to hear a true Newfoundland dialect, come along with Larry, and you will learn about our beautiful island from a true local!
REX HILLIER
Rex is a retired educator, having spent 34 years working with high school students in St. John’s. He has served as a Councillor in the Town of Conception Bay South and as a Member of our Provincial House of Assembly. Rex has spent a lifetime promoting sport and fitness among young people. He still puts his time coaching right up there with his love for telling people about Newfoundland Labrador.
Three other things you need to know about Rex. He was born in a tiny, isolated community on NL’s south coast but grew up in suburban St. John’s. As a former teacher, he has a background in social studies, specifically Geography and History. He has spent most of his vacations exploring his own province.
It is the combination of these last three facts that provides the passion which Rex brings to his tours. By combining this passion with music, stories and his own experiences, Rex delivers a tour that will leave you emotionally connected to his beautiful province.
TOM HOUNSELL
Tom recently retired from 31 years as teacher and school administrator in the Newfoundland School system. Although born in St. John’s, he has lived all over Newfoundland and Labrador. Tom started his teaching career in Nain, Labrador and then taught on the Burin Peninsula before moving to positions in various St. John’s schools.
Tom is a very active community volunteer, sitting on several community boards and committees. He has served as a snowshoe team coach with Special Olympics, as a volunteer archivist with the Archdiocese of St. John’s, a ‘cultural ambassador’ with The Rooms and as an Advanced Medical First Responder for 15 years with a local St. John Ambulance Brigade.
CARL HUTTON
Carl is a fascinating character who grew up with the McCarthy boys, learning much about the family business along the way. A certified Hunting and Fishing Guide, Carl is a member of the famous ‘Hutton’s Music’ family and has coined a song about his first island wide tour with Andrew. A fun tribute to Newfoundland and his new-found passion for the tourism industry.
Carl has a comedic mind, seeing humour in almost every situation. He is a fun-loving gentleman who exhibits an intuitive understanding of a client’s needs. A skilled driver and great conversationalist, every run with Carl is an enjoyable experience.
BOB JOHNSTON
Bob is an educator and a department head for social studies at a local St. John’s high school. He has had a varied professional career including teaching English in Japan, working in the insurance industry and serving as a manager at the provincial Department of Education. His true passion, however, has always revolved around anything related to history; including that of Newfoundland and Labrador. Bob’s love of Newfoundland’s culture and past was what prompted him to join McCarthy’s Party and it has been a seamless fit.
Bob is what Newfoundlanders call a “townie”, having been born and bred in St. John’s, but as his mother’s family was from the “bay” he spent his summer’s travelling the island, pretty much visiting every nook and cranny, and even a few spots in Labrador. Bob spends much of his free time curling, walking, reading and socializing (a Newfoundland tradition!). He is a budding thespian and singer having been cast in several musicals. Not surprisingly, Bob enjoys being in front of an audience. Bob has a quick and insightful wit and he can weave a spellbinding narrative from even the most esoteric topic. His passion for this province and his eclectic and wide-ranging knowledge base are evident in his tours.
Bob strives to make every tour he gives enjoyable, informative and memorable and the biggest compliment you could possibly give him would be “the tour was best kind!” (local expression for very good or satisfied)
PETER LARACY
Peter spent 31 wonderful years as an professional educator in a variety of schools on the Avalon Peninsula, serving as a classroom teacher, a social studies consultant and an elementary school administrator. In addition he served, for 2 years, as school principal in Igluligarjuk, Nunavut.
His keen interest in the history and culture heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador resulted in him immersing himself in the Cupids 400 celebrations which took place in his hometown in 2010. His hometown, Cupids, was established in 1610 and bills itself as “The Birthplace of English Canada.” If you ask him why, be prepared for a longgggg answer.
He plays hockey in an adult recreational league, is a loyal Montreal Canadiens hockey fan, rides a Gold Wing, is a novice accordion player, as well as, an enthusiastic participant in traditional Newfoundland dances such as the lancers.
Consider, if you wish, the fun you’ll have together when joining him on the dance floor to “thread the needle”… when a traditional tune is played. When called upon, he has been known to do a recitation, play a tune, sing a song or tell a story, ….or two or three or more.
Peter grew up in a household at a time when storytelling in the kitchen was part of the evening routine – an endearing exchange of give and take – a place where one learned to both “take the floor” and be “quiet as a mouse” for fear of being banished from the storytelling session. While he loves to spin a personal yarn…. ask him to tell you how his father, a “Labrador” fisherman with Irish roots, met and married his mother, who was born and raised in Quebec… he is also an avid listener, and loves to provide opportunities for guests to become engaged by sharing the stories/anecdotes/songs/poems they carry with them.
His pride in this place we call “home” and in “the people who live here” will become both evident and contagious and – if you play your cards right, before journeys end – you may even be invited to become an honorary Newfoundlander yourself.
ANDREW McCARTHY
Andrew McCarthy is the oldest of the McCarthy boys and an original member of the McCarthy’s Party cast. Andrew recently returned from Vancouver via Humber Valley where he lived for 20 years before returning to St. John’s to resume work with the family business.
Andrew is a passionate Newfoundlander who takes great joy from his guests and the opportunity to introduce them to all aspects of Newfoundland – from politics to history, botany to wildlife, arts, culture, interesting characters, food, and lots of fun. He is also an avid reader of anything related to Newfoundland.
Andrew moonlights as a commercial fisherman in the offseason and is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing, and life in Newfoundland’s great outdoors.
JIM McCARTHY
Jim has been an active member of Newfoundland’s tourism community for 35 years – helping his wife Regina commence with the start up of McCarthy’s Party Tours in 1982.
Born in Northern Bay, Newfoundland, he attended university at St. Dunstan’s (PEI) and Memorial (NL) where he earned bachelors’ degrees in economics and history. Jim taught high school in St. John’s for 30 years and spent summer breaks traveling throughout Newfoundland and Labrador with his young family while he worked as a paving inspector. His intimate knowledge of the province helped the family develop McCarthy’s signature tour packages and his teaching experience set the standard of respect and consideration we provide for all our guests. As Jim always says – “If you’re going to be in the hospitality industry you’d best be hospitable!”
Jim has participated in many aspects of Newfoundland’s tourism industry and is especially proud of his wife and four sons, all of whom grew up working in the family business. Jim is very well known throughout Newfoundland’s tourism community where he has developed many wonderful friendships with most all our business partners.
Jim remains very active in the family business where he takes a very personal role in training new escorts and still guides several trips himself.
ANGUS NOSEWORTHY
Angus was born and lived in St. John’s all his life. As Newfoundlanders & Labradorians would say – He’s a Townie. His career was with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary the oldest police force in North America.
He studied at Memorial University, Canadian Police College, Courses through the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. He was certified by the Federal Government as a fingerprint examiner and expert and retired with a rank of Lieutenant. After retirement he was manager of security with he Health Care Corporation. He loves music and plays several instruments. He has volunteered many hours entertaining residents of various seniors homes, hospitals and really enjoys a good kitchen party. He also volunteered with the Canadian Red Cross as a swimming instructor and member of the Newfoundland Water Safety Committee. Angus is proud of his province and looks forward to the opportunity to show case this beautiful land and it’s people. Join him and experience a tour you won’t soon forget. Remember in Newfoundland there are no strangers just friends you haven’t met.
CAROLE SAUNDERS
Carole is one of the newest members of the McCarthy’s Party family. She grew up in South River, a quaint little town about an hour outside of St. John’s, and now resides in the neighbouring community of Clarke’s Beach. Carole is a graduate of Memorial University and has been an educator for the past 31 years, teaching in both Newfoundland and Ontario. She is currently an administrator at a rural school in the northwest region of the island’s Avalon Peninsula.
Carole has always been an outdoor enthusiast and was known to “wet her line” in the nearby river and find the best blueberry picking patch at a very early age. Despite these early outdoor adventures, she credits much of her love and knowledge of the outdoors to her study of Physical Education and years of involvement in the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet organization.
Carole continues to develop her outdoor skills while volunteering with the Avalon North Wolverines Search and Rescue group. In her spare time, Carole also enjoys photography, biking, hiking, camping, motorcycling, golfing, and playing piano and fiddle.
Carole is a proud Newfoundlander who is eager to meet new people and share the beautiful sights, sounds, and culture that our unique island province has to offer.
STEVE WATSON
Chef Steve Watson served as an apprentice in London, and worked in Scotland, Belgium, France and Germany before moving to Canada in 1977 to study
North American cooking. He taught culinary arts at the Cambrian College in Sudbury, ON before joining the Canadian Pacific Hotels chain in 1988 Hotel Newfoundland. He recently retired as Territory Sales manager and Executive Chef from Agropur Central Dairies and has taken on a new passion of working as a tour guide with McCarthy’s Party in St. John’s, NL. He’s also a devoted family man and a prominent member of the local community. Steve epitomizes the definition of a volunteer, including his work with NAIA and his quarterly submissions to the Cold Harvester, and spends countless hours giving back to the people of a province he now calls home.
JOE WISEMAN
Joe grew up in and is currently living in Fortune Harbour, a small and scenic community on Newfoundland’s northeast coast.
Following graduation from the Memorial University of Newfoundland, he worked as both teacher and school administrator. Since retirement as an educator, he has worked in the tourism industry as a boat tour operator and big game guide, and he’s been involved in both aquaculture and construction. He is an avid outdoorsman with a host of fun and fitness activities for each season.
Joe is also a musician who sings, plays guitar and accordion and delights in sharing his province’s culture through song and story. His tour will leave you with a passionate, informative and humorous perspective on Newfoundland and Labrador past and present.
DARRELL YETMAN
Darrell Yetman is a retired elementary school teacher who grew up “around the bay” in the town of Bay Roberts. After a few years of living and working in Toronto during the 1960s he answered that powerful call that every Newfoundlander hears when living away from home – to return to ‘Mother Newfoundland’. Several years later, while working with a local TV station as a Commercial Artist, he decided to enter Memorial University and become a teacher.
Since retiring from a 28-year teaching career, Darrell has also worked full-time as Prostate Cancer Support Coordinator and Education Coordinator with the NL Division of the Canadian Cancer Society. Today Darrell lives with his wife, Patti, and their dog, Buddy, about an hour and a half outside of St. John’s in the small town of Whiteway on the shore of Trinity Bay. He enjoys a number of hobbies including painting, gardening, woodworking, and playing guitar.
Darrell loves traveling and meeting people, and most of all enjoys showing visitors around his beautiful home province. Along the way, he would love to share a few Newfoundland songs and recitations, and will send you back home with a greater understanding of many of the things that make this place so special.
PATTI YETMAN
I can hook you up with a good scoff, maybe a scuff, but most definitely, a time!
Patti is a recently retired teacher and administrator who held various teaching positions in many places throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Patti was born in Gander, raised in Corner Brook and currently resides in Whiteway with her husband Darrell and their wonder dog, Buddy!
Being new to retirement, Patti is looking forward to spending more time with family, being creative and crafty and cooking up many “feeds”. Patti is an avid lover of Newfoundland and
Labrador and is looking forward to sharing her love, stories and her heritage with our guests. It is Patti’s mission to instill an appreciation for all things NL for our travellers. While the weather may be predictable, our guests will love the food, scenery and the people of our fabulous province.
MICHELLE CLEMENS
Michelle Clemens is a “dyed in the wool townie”. She was born and raised in downtown St. John’s and she “knows” every back lane and short cut. She is passionate about the theatre, the film and the arts culture in Newfoundland and Labrador. She started her career in education as a Theatre Arts and English teacher in the high schools in town.
Michelle and her students produced and performed variety shows, dramas, comedies, musicals, and even a circus, to audiences all over the city. In addition to these achievements, Michelle
completed her Master in Educational Administration and Foundations at the University of Manitoba and completed her career as a high school principal in 2019.
Michelle is a recipient of an Arts and Letters Award for poetry in 2022 and the Writer’s Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador has published her short stories. She has performed her tales at storytelling events in St. John’s and onboard the bus for McCarthy’s Party guests. Her main work is in screen and script writing and she has received a grant from the Newfoundland and Labrador Independent Film Makers to produce a short film this year.
Michelle can also be seen in the background and in small roles in locally produced television shows like Hudson and Rex, Son of a Critch and Astrid and Lilly Save the World. Michelle believes that any day spent outdoors is a grand day and she has spent many days hiking, snowshoeing, backpacking and camping. She feels the best food is cooked over an open fire and enjoyed with a lovely view of a cove or a mountain. Michelle has always
enjoyed gardening and has recently added a greenhouse and the production of some very fine tomatoes and gourds to her flower beds.
Many members of Michelle’s family have dedicated their careers to the preservation of our historical sites and properties and she can’t wait to share the sites, artifacts, stories and culture of this wonderful place to new friends and visitors.
SHAWN DOYLE
Hello, my name is Shawn Doyle. I am a retired school teacher. I taught for 31 years. I attended Memorial University and acquired a Physical Education degree as well as an Education degree that set me on a path to teaching. I also have a master’ degree in Education as well.
I have been married for 34 years and have 4 children. They have all finished their education and are now working in their chosen field. I spent a lifetime in musical and athletic endeavours. I play in a 5-piece rock and roll band called “Croc and Doyle Rock,” and play in an acoustic 2 man band called the “Harbour Byes.” I still play slow-pitch softball in the summer and hockey in the winter. I usually try to walk every day. When I was a little younger I ran 5 Tely Ten marathons. The famous St. John’s July half marathon. Look forward to meeting new people from the many corners of the world!
GORD WALL
Gord is from Grand Falls in central Newfoundland. He studied at Memorial University and spent 30 years teaching in 3 different schools along the Southern Shore. He was very involved in extracurricular activities, coaching sports at all levels, especially basketball and hockey. He spent many years both leading student tours and attending adult tours to Australia, China, and several European Countries. Gord is an outdoor enthusiast and an avid woodworker.
He spends most of his summers travelling and camping around Newfoundland enjoying the outdoors. He enjoys hiking, canoeing and kayaking, fishing and golfing. During the winter months he loves to ski and snowshoe.
ELLIS COLES
Ellis was born in Grand Bank NL at a time when every community on the Burin Peninsula prospered from the fishery. Life in a small town was certainly a wonderful experience! Ellis acquired a master’s degree in physical education and worked with every grade level over his 30 year teaching career. Starting in 1985, Ellis spent the first 5 years as both an administrator and a teacher in some of our provinces small isolated outport communities along the south coast.
In 1990 he moved to the St. John’s area where he currently resides. Living and teaching in practically every type of community NL has to offer gives Ellis the opportunity to showcase this wonderful province we call home!
Sport, specifically soccer, has also played a major role in Ellis’ life as he has been both a Coach and a player at the local, provincial and national levels. He is also a avid sports fan but you will have to get on the bus to discover his passion for one particular sporting team! If you are lucky enough to have Ellis as a guide this summer,
you will be sure to find out.
Ellis is an experienced bus tour guide in the St. John’s area. To him, there is no better feeling than interacting with tourists from all over the world! He takes pride in providing informative facts, telling interesting stories, and, of course, hearing all the laughter on the bus. After the tour, Ellis would be proud if you said that the ride was “some wicked my son”!
Bridget Ricketts
Bridget grew up ‘around the bay’, first in Marystown on the beautiful Burin Peninsula where she spent many hours exploring the tidal pools of Mortier Bay. When she was ten years old, her parents bought a restaurant and gas bar on the Trans-Canada Highway near Glovertown, where Bridget worked as a waitress, cashier, and cook during her teenage years. However, taking over the family business was not for her and she went on to pursue a degree in Marine Biology at Memorial University and worked for a time at the Ocean Sciences Center in Logy Bay.
After an interview on CBC Radio she was encouraged to become a teacher and went on to teach high school science, first on Fogo Island and then in Gander and St. John’s. Bridget moved into administration in 2003 and spent the next 18 years as principal of two large high schools in St. John’s before retiring in 2021. Since that time Bridget has been busy putting her technology skills to use designing web sites and graphics as well as writing, editing and directing. She is married to Douglas Ballam who she met at the Marine Biology Field Station in Bonne Bay and almost 40 years later they still enjoy travelling the province together playing “John and Janet Foster”. Bridget is excited to be part of the McCarthy’s team and can’t wait to share stories of the biology, history and culture of this amazing province.

DRY DOWN
By: Ray | Aug 27, 2022
While “Staycationing” with friends in Greenspond we were invited to watch their family’s “Trap Crew” set fishing gear for the schools of ‘Caplin’ that were soon due in Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland & Labrador. This is an especially eventful weekend since much of the community’s livelihood is based on the fishery, and caplin adds a completely different dimension to the fisherman’s “stake” when they race to capture their share before the bay’s TAC (Total Allowable Catch) is filled. It only took eleven hours for the crowd in Conception Bay to reach their quota this year – so the pressure was pretty intense.

“… staycationing in Greenspond…”
We haven’t seen a trap set in Newfoundland since the cod moratorium in 1992 so it was an intriguing display that truly piqued our interest, and throughout the weekend we became more and more engaged as the talk intensified and all conversation focused on the likelihood of success with Monday’s season opener.

“… haven’t seen a trap in years…”
We had lots of questions, and with great patience the locals explained that every effort was made to ensure the gear was properly set on the most productive grounds (berths). They checked and rechecked their moorings, leaders, trap doors and floors. They discussed their chances, and why they favoured fixed and passive fishing over an active seiner. They explained all the intricacies of their efforts, and together we prayed with a wanton eye to the ocean sky.

“… did not look promising…”
Things did not look promising at the onset, for we never saw so much as a gull when we put to sea on Thursday. But by Friday there were quite a few ‘Gannets’ diving for bait. Saturday brought great flocks of ‘Turres’ and ‘Puffins’ returning to their nests with beaks full of caplin, the cod’s bellies were full, and we spotted a feasting ‘Minke’ whale. On Sunday the place exploded as dozens of Humpbacks cruised the shores – blowing, breaching and frolicking in the smorgasbord of caplin that we hoped to share.

“… flocks of turres…”
Sure enough, on Monday morning the trap’s corner floats were nearly submerged by the weight of the nets and the sheer volume of fish it ensnared. We rushed to the cliffside to get closer to the action, observe the great haul, and partake in the celebration that would surely follow.
As the boats weighed in, we saw lots of activity – but little in the way of fish, with nothing coming over the gunnels. When questioned, a skipper shook his head and stated simply;
“She looks dry to me!”
“Dry?”, we asked with obvious dismay, for a “landlubber” normally associates this with an empty well, and their nets appeared to be full.

“… looks dry to me…”
When questioned on the discrepancy he simply shrugged and dismissed our question with a reminder of days gone by;
“That’s what the old fellows would say!”
“Well my friend, it looks like we’re the “old” skippers now, so we’d best come up with some sort of explanation for the kids!”
He looked with some skepticism – but responded nearly as quickly;
“That’s it boy – suppose its so full of fish there’s no room for any water. Dry, eh boy! And if there’s no fish, we’ll go with your explanation and hope those young ones are still wet behind the ears!”


WEATHER WOMAN
By: Ray | Oct 22, 2021
A friend of ours married a girl from the mainland who says; The only thing she dislikes about Newfoundland weather is the amount of complaining Newfoundlanders do about the weather!” Like us, she believes Newfoundland & Labrador has the most spectacular environment on the planet, and together we marvel at the many misconceptions about the climatic conditions and what it’s residents are forced to “endure”.

Here are some thoughts;
There is no denying the fact that we get weather in Newfoundland. The island is located on the very edge of the North Atlantic at the exact point where two of the world’s most extremely polarized ocean currents converge – the frigid waters of the Labrador Current and the tepid flow of the Gulf Stream. The resulting collusion of energy can generate violent weather swings and the resulting glory of sun, wind, clouds, precipitation, and the diffusion of light it creates.

Unfortunately, we have been programmed to only associate “good” weather with sunshine and sandy beaches. That may be fine for lounging at the poolside with fancy cocktails, but an active participant will come to appreciate the many facets of Newfoundland & Labrador; a cool breeze on a strenuous mountain hike, the added dimension clouds bring to photo opportunities, and the dust free trails we ride in a gentle rain.
Spontaneity is therefore a desirable quality for anyone hoping to gain a better appreciation for weather in Newfoundland & Labrador. Thankfully, we have a wide array of attractions and activities which are ideally suited to almost any conditions. Though you might have planned a whale watching excursion or a day of cod jigging, its best to wait for the wind to die out and instead choose a seaside picnic, kite sailing, or a berry picking excursion.

It’s also important to recognize that Newfoundland & Labrador is an enormous country that exhibits several distinct climatic regions; within which several smaller anomalies exist. A North East wind might envelope the City of St. John’s in fog, but it assures the ardent naturalist that this “off shore” breeze in Cape St. Mary’s promises perfect viewing opportunities for the millions of nesting gannets in their internationally recognized bird sanctuary.

Finally, guests, residents, and for that matter, Canadians, should be aware that the only weather conditions Newfoundland & Labrador broadcast to the international community, are collected at Torbay Airport. Though the airfield is located within St. John’s city limits, the site was selected because of its proximity to shipping routes and U-boat surveillance during WW2 – Not for visibility. The area is renowned for its fog and daily temperatures that can be as much as 8 to 10 degrees colder than those recorded in the nearby burrows of Waterford Valley, Kilbride and Mount Pearl. Talk about “Fake News”
Of course, the most important thing to remember is our Mother’s favorite adage; “Newfoundland & Labrador has the best weather on the planet – so long as you really love weather!”

MAMMA MIA
By: Ray | Oct 14, 2020
Every drive through Newfoundland’s Humber Valley elicits a little chuckle, an opportunity for personal reflection, and a special offering of thanks to our mother, Regina McCarthy, founder of McCarthy’s Party Tours.

“… share that joy…”
We often share that joy when we enter the city of Corner Brook on the first evening of our ’12 Day Newfoundland and Labrador Comprehensive Tour’, asking our guests;
“Do you know what a Newfoundland man does better than any other fellow on the face of the planet?”
“What he’s told!”

“… a matriarchal society…”
Quickly explaining that Newfoundlanders live in a matriarchal society where women make most family decisions. And thank God for that!
McCarthy’s Party Tours would not exist if father had his druthers back in the day. Despite his trepidations, our Mother was committed to her business plan, and though she only greeted a single tourist in her first year of operation, this guest was a Harvard University professor whose endorsement proved to be a significant influencer on future travelers and her ultimate success.

“… learned our real history…”
Growing up in a tourism environment provided us with such great opportunities. We learned our “real” history and came to appreciate what it truly means to be a Newfoundlander. Public speaking was a birthright as we were expected to engage with guests from an especially tender age. Independence and personal responsibility come naturally when 36 guests are placed in your charge for 12 days of touring. Respect for our business partners was absolute, and our “why” became infinitely obvious with so many communities relying on tourist dollars as their primary economic driver.
There’s no doubt we’ve been blessed, but perhaps the greatest gift was an opportunity to grow up looking at Newfoundland & Labrador through the eyes of a tourist. Life on an island has many wonderful attributes, but the isolation eliminates any kind of reasonable comparable. While its difficult to refute the province’s natural beauty, the look of astonishment when guests first gaze upon the ‘Humber Valley’ provided an unassailable proof that we cherish to this very day.

“… through the eyes of a tourist…”
Great job Mother; and to all the women whose brave, new tourism experiences provide the backbone of our industry – from Jill Curran and her Ferryland Lighthouse Picnic, to Gina Noordof at the Norseman Restaurant, Kim Wiseman’s ‘Here to Stay’ 911 dinner theater, Viola at Skipper Bens, Ethel Young and the Plum Point Motel, Shirley Letto with Northern Light Inn, Glynmill Inn’s Connie Rose, our sister in law Lori McCarthy from Cod Sounds, Sinbad’s Marie Gill, the Swyers Sisters in Bonavista, and so many others – we salute you and everything you do.
Long live the Queen!


TRUTH OR DARE
By: Ray | Jul 15, 2020
We encourage guests to capture a guide’s attention whenever they see something of interest, desire a photo stop, or simply want to ask a question on tour;
“Scratch, holler, scream, kick, jump up and down – do whatever it takes. Our busses have good brakes and this one even has a reverse gear!”

“… our busses have good brakes…”
We might then joke about the Newfoundlander who got “fed up working in Toronto” and marched directly to the nearest car lot to negotiate a price on a vehicle to “get me home out of this!”
Unfortunately, he hadn’t saved a big pile of money, and the salesman explained that the best he could offer was an old Volkswagen they had stored out back – warning him in advance;
“You should know, this rig doesn’t have reverse.”
To which the Newfoundlander responded with a dismissive wave;
“No need to worry about that, my son. I wasn’t planning on coming back anyway.”

“,,, wasn’t coming back anyway!”
This tends to put the group at ease and sets the tone for the type of tour we deliver; informative but fun. Which is further supported by our next comment;
“Now don’t worry about embarrassing us with your questions – you can ask anything. If we don’t know the answer, it won’t take long to make something up.”
Which of course, is only partially true. There’s no doubt we deliver a light and anecdotal account of much of our history, but we always support these stories with hard facts and good information.
However, what you must appreciate is that many of your questions don’t have straight answers, and thus we often find ourselves providing the best interpretation we can surmise.

“… don’t have straight answers…”
A great example of this is provided when guests marvel at the magnificent homes and gardens they see all throughout the province;
“Everything is so well kept. The houses are all painted, lawns are mowed, gardens planted, flowers bloom – even their driveways are shining with a fresh coat of sealer! Why is that?”
In typical Newfoundland fashion, a guide’s biggest challenge is determining where to start an interpretation because there are so many factors at play.
Most of our communities have a municipal council who enact rules and regulations about property upkeep, but what town doesn’t?
So we might inject a story about the Newfoundlander who made an appointment with Dr. Olds, (the famous American surgeon who spent a lifetime in Twillingate after completing his studies at John Hopkins University).
The man showed up at his clinic to inquire;
“Can firewood cause eyesores?”
Dr. Olds had a great sense of humour (one of the primary reasons he chose to stay in Newfoundland), and recognizing the potential for a laugh, a quick discovery revealed that the local council sent a notice regarding the winter supply of logs stored in front of the skipper’s house – suggesting it was an untidy “eyesore”. Dr. Olds gladly wrote a note to assure the “haughty” council that a woodpile could not affect the vision of the townsfolk. Since no one dared contradict “the good Doctor”, the gentleman was never bothered about his firewood again.

“,,, doesn’t cause eyesores,,,”
At this point we would likely issue a warning about asking “quick” questions, because there’s no such thing as a short answer in Newfoundland & Labrador.
So….. the first thing you must know, is that most of the homeowners in Newfoundland’s ‘Outport’ communities are either retired fishermen, expatriates who have recently relocated from mainland Canada, or they are part of a migratory workforce who pull “hitches” in various oil fields around the world and thus enjoy significant stretches of vacation pay on their “turnaround” schedule. Any Newfoundlander who is blessed with ample “Idle time” and a pocket full of money is inherently bound to new projects and dozens of home improvements.
Additionally, guests should be aware that we live in a matriarchal society where the women run everything. Know what a Newfoundland man does better than any other fellow on the planet? What he’s told! Thus, we not only have a job jar, but an added incentive to please the head of the household by completing our chores quickly and competently.

“,,, keep the hatches battened down,,,”
Weather also plays a factor in home maintenance. High winds, significant precipitation, and wildly variable temperature swings can lift loose siding, tear worn shingles, and wash away landscaping features that exhibit any sign of weakness. Just like the upkeep on a ship, we keep the hatches battened and make certain everything is in good working order.
One must also consider our propensity towards a socialistic environment where friends, family and neighbours are always ready to help. When we mow the lawn, we’re apt to carry on to the adjacent property to ensure their grass is also trimmed, knowing a favour will be returned the next time we’re away for an extended stint.

“,,, a socialistic environment,,,”
Pride in property is another contributing factor. The most effective way to display wealth and success in a community that places such a high value on land ownership and work ethic is through proper home construction and maintenance We achieve a position of prestige by converting idle to Idol.
And perhaps this provides the most effective interpretation, put quite simply, Newfoundlanders make idle look idyllic.
