We recently discovered that my mother’s people have a strain of aboriginal blood coursing through their veins – just as I suspect many Newfoundlanders can also claim. It seems that our great, great, great Grandfather on the Murphy side of the family (Catalina / Gambo ) married a girl by the name of Alice MacDonaldREAD MORE

Ironically, one of the most frequently asked questions by summer tourists is how we manage to navigate the streets of St. John’s during the winter months. In fairness, even on the hottest day of July, this must seem like a legitimate concern when you consider the steep inclines in the down town core, how narrowREAD MORE

I recently met Zack Werner, and like most celebrity encounters in Newfoundland, it made for a great conversation and a brilliant story to share. Last week, I was heading for Green Sleeves Pub on George Street in St. John’s, Newfoundland, to celebrate ‘Musician Appreciation Night’ with my good friend Erin O’Mara. Many of you willREAD MORE

Most all our guests, and I suspect nearly every person on the planet, is fascinated by the Newfoundland Dog. He is an especially noble creature whose sheer size creates an enormous presence, but his thick black mane, spotted tongue, rescue credits, and wonderful disposition, make him an easily recognizable fan favorite the world over. Unfortunately,READ MORE

I recently rang my cousin David in Toronto and was fortunate to have his wife pick up the phone first. I always enjoy speaking with Joanne and appreciate her take on everything that we think of as Canada. Joanne was raised in Toronto as a first-generation Italian Canadian, which is similar, and yet so veryREAD MORE

When he first moved to Corner Brook, my brother Jason asked why I insisted on introducing him as Doctor Jason McCarthy. Eh boy? Because you make me look smarter! You’re my brother. We have the same DNA, were raised in the same house, and grew up with the same crowd. When people hear that you’reREAD MORE

Despite all the information, the insights, observations, interpretation, songs, jokes and stories we share, sometimes it’s the simple preparations and proper ground work that establish appropriate expectations for our guests, and this truly distinguishes a master tour guide from his peers. This past summer I was tripling down on an overnight destination, sharing the sameREAD MORE

A few years ago, I was providing a private tour for a professional photographer who hoped to add several iceberg shots for his upcoming exhibit in New York City. It was an opportune season for ice and he was presented with many spectacular vistas, including an ocean side cliff that towered above an iceberg thatREAD MORE

I talk about my family a lot when I’m on tour. My brothers, parents, cousins and uncles are my best friends and closest confidants. They are a smart and astute crowd who help form and moderate many of my views and opinions. I speak to most of them daily and no more than a weekREAD MORE

Just like the crowd down north claim more than 100 words to describe snow, so too does Newfoundland use a variety of terms when we talk about rain. There’s driving rain, gentle rain, sly rain, freezing rain, and my all time favorite, “wet rain”. Thankfully we don’t see “wet rain” very often, and when weREAD MORE