Flat Rock

Located 12 kilometers northwest of the City of St. John's, is the town of Flat Rock, Newfoundland, with a population of 1087. This town received its name because of the many flat rocks near the shore line. Flat Rock was settled in 1782 by Norwegian and Irish families. Most of the descendants and residents of Flat Rock are English, Irish and Norwegian.

Since the cod moratorium, fishing is limited but there are still a small number of fisher people in this town. This town has 25 km of road, and is also connected to the Trans Canada Highway, therefore many people travel to St. John's each day to work.

Some facilities in the town are; convenience stores, a beauty salon, a trucking business, a carpentry cabinet making business and an auto repair garage, as well as bed and breakfast accommodations. This town also has a museum, town hall and an outdoor recreation complex which includes a soccer and softball field and a tennis court. Flat Rock has an Ocean View Park with a picnic and playground area which oversees a splendid view of the ocean.

Each year the town has a social gathering referred to as a "Soiree" in late July or early August. This is a community event which provide two days of celebrations; music, dancing and games for children. It is part of an outdoor dance which takes place at the Ocean View Park one night during this event.