McCarthy's Party Ltd
1 Patrick St A1E 1B8 St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, NL, Canada

Meet Larry Hann: Larry was born and grew up in Cape Freels, a rural fishing community in outport 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 abou...Continue reading

#Storytime -- I do not know, which way you went! Newfoundlanders are well known for their unique humour and perspective on the world. Peter remembers this story well, told to him by another great storyteller (as the best tales are!). Have a read through this week’s story shared with us by our feature guide, Peter Laracy. ***... Jim McCarthy shared a story with guides while riding together in a mini coach on a pre-season guide training tour across the province. It went like this. As we were passing along by a graveyard in Norris Point, Jim pointed to a headstone in a distant corner of the cemetery and noted that there was an old but unique inscription etched on one of the headstones. The inscription read: Pause stranger here as you pass by As you are now so once was I As I am now you too shall be Prepare for death and follow me Jim noted that sometime subsequent to the burial, a visitor to the cemetery, who upon reading the inscription on the marker took a black marker and wrote the following below it To follow you, I am not content For I do not know, which way you went! The point of the story was to illustrate in a light hearted manner the creativity and wit of the local people. A true storyof course!

Meet Peter Laracy! Peter spent 31 wonderful years as a 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 ...Continue reading

Easter is meant to be a symbol of hope, renewal, and new life. It reminds us that joy and brighter days are in our future. Wishing all our friends and family a very Happy Easter Stay safe!... #happyeaster #bunnykissesandeasterwishes

Buddy, Wassisname, and the "Otter" Fellow Otters frolicking in the small boat basin in St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador yesterday I know its challenging to stay motivated, but its always worth the time to get outside and say hello in Newfoundland... Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism

Into the mist. A fine, foggy day in St. john's, Newfoundland & Labrador. We'll weather the weather, no matter the weather, whether we're weathered or not!... Love this place and all her brilliant facets!

A lovely reminder of one of McCarthy's Party Tours' favorite destinations - the French island's of St. Pierre & Miquelon. While Newfoundland & Labrador remained a part of Europe (arguably) until 1949; this 9 day Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador tour includes a true European lay over with 2 nights on this spectacular island. Perhaps the only article you'll find that doesn't mention Al Capone - LOL. https://www.cbc.ca//st-pierre-burin-connection-allan-stood

A view from our friends in Gros Morne and bon tours. Thanks Wayne Parsons

#StoryTime - Dancing with the Stars Each tour has its own unique and interesting people and a great story of its own. A prime example would be what occurred when, due to inclement weather, Joe Wiseman and his group were forced to spend an extra day and night at The Northern Lights Inn, L’Anse au Clair, Labrador. ***... Ordinarily such an interruption in our schedule might have been rather stressful for the guide, bus driver, and visitors, but fortunately we were travelling with an especially positive, high-spirited, creative, and fun-loving group. Having been informed of our dilemma our group immediately accepted our fate and were open to any suggestions and ideas presented to them. Because there were pending updates regarding crossings throughout the day, I assured them that I would keep them updated every couple of hours. For the first morning since the tour had begun some folks were delighted to enjoy a day at leisure. We all met for lunch at the hotel restaurant at which time we learned that we would be spending our second night at The Northern Lights Inn. Having rescheduled plans for the next couple of days, I decided that what we needed was a good old fashioned Newfoundland Kitchen Party. I checked with the hotel manager about the possibility of our group using the hotel bar for our shenanigans. He kindly set up the sound system and our bus driver, jovial Pat, was quick to bring in my accordion and guitar from the bus. We decided to meet in the bar at seven and the party was on. Before long, we were into the songs, jokes, yarns and enjoying the various libations. To my surprise we had many of our group more than willing to help to provide the hilarity. One lovely lady and friends wrote a humorous song about the dangers and pleasures of being marooned in Labrador until the first snowfall. Amazingly all forty-plus of the group joined in the song. We also took pleasure in hearing a couple of very comical traditional songs by two gentlemen from Cornwall, England. By this time many of the hotel guests, having heard all the fun and laughter, had joined our group. What would a Newfoundland kitchen party be without dancing to the music of the button accordion? By now Pat was more than willing to lead the dancing and before I played the first few notes he had gathered a group on the dance floor. Very soon the dance floor was full and we witnessed dance moves never seen before to the music of the button accordion; Newfoundland Labrador’s version of ‘Dancing with the Stars’. Sadly I had to remind everyone that we would be having an early morning crossing, since the seas and winds had subsided. So, it was time to call it a night! Thanks to the marvellous attitude of our group we were able to change what could have been a mini crisis into a happy and memorable experience. *** #NorthernLightsInn #Labrador #McCarthysParty #McCarthysTours #KitchenParty #Singing #Dancing #DancingWithTheStars

So nice to be back in the "Big City" of St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador when she's graced in the splendor of a weekend storm system that brought every variety of glorious, glorious weather. No place like home and how it ravages your every sensory receptor. Simply magnificent. Love this place with a mad passion!

This week’s #PhotoOfTheWeek is brought to us by our guide feature, Joe Wiseman. My favourite place in Newfoundland and Labrador is the beautiful scenic Fortune Harbour - which also happens to be my home town. Nestled in the heart of Notre Dame Bay, the peacefulness of Fortune Harbour offers a getaway from the busy city life to a true outport experience. It is home to a community of generous, kind-hearted, and loving people that helped shape me into the person I am today. ...I can’t help but feel privileged and lucky to have grown up in such a place. Sounds like a true gem. Thanks for sharing, Joe! #HomeSweetHome #Fortune #FortuneHarbour #NotreDameBay #Newfoundland #NewfoundlandAndLabrador #ExploreNL : Gillespie House

Meet Joe Wiseman. Joe grew up 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. He is an avid outdoorsman with a host of fun and fitness activities for each season. During the off season..., I’ve kept busy with chores around the house and helping some neighbours with their projects such as cutting firewood for the coming winter. I have also renewed my interest in gardening. Every day I walk with my wife, Valerie, and our Golden Retriever, Louie. Over the years I’ve played some sports, did some weight training and earned a black belt in Shotokan Karate. Of course winter means plenty of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing! Can’t wait! Joe is also a musician who sings, plays guitar and accordion, and delights in sharing his province’s culture through song and story. Any tour with Joe will leave you with a passionate, informative and humorous perspective on Newfoundland and Labrador. Getting to know Joe: Name: Joe Wiseman. Hometown: Fortune Harbour, Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador. Time Worked at McCarthy’s: I’ve worked with McCarthy’s for over seven years. Favourite Place in Newfoundland & Labrador: I may be biased but, my favourite place in Newfoundland and Labrador is the beautiful little scenic, Fortune Harbour. Favourite Newfoundland Song: Pat Murphy’s Meadow. It elicits fond memories of my brother and I being lulled asleep to the sounds of our mom playing the organ and singing this song. Favourite Newfoundland & Labrador meal: Nothing beats Pan-fried cod and a Jameson whiskey Recommended Reading for Visitors: Harbour of my Tomorrows by Valerie Wiseman From the famine-ravaged fields of Ireland to the peaceful fishing village of Fortune Harbour, Newfoundland, Harbour of my Tomorrows takes the reader on an unforgettable journey of adventure, suspense, and love. It is also based on true events. Most Surprising/Interesting Fact About Newfoundland & Labrador: Many visitors will be surprised when they realize the expansiveness of the province and the many attractions that can’t be covered in one visit.