MEET OUR GUIDES!
Our tour guides are local experts who take great pride in their home and the opportunity to share their wealth of knowledge and personal experiences from Newfoundland & Labrador. These are the men and women who distinguish McCarthy’s Party Tours, ensuring every trip becomes a truly personal experience. You might not remember everything they teach you – but you’ll never forget how they’ll make you feel. Meet our guides and enjoy the ride.
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.
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.
REGINA McCARTHY
Regina founded McCarthy’s Party Tours in 1982 and as her husband Jim often suggests, “Back in those days your Mother was actually making up tourism; convincing locals to open their homes to feed her guests, rallying communities to prepare craft displays and interesting activities, and seeking out the most colourful characters to help entertain them.”
Though she has passed control of the company to her son Mark, she is still involved in her favourite part of the business, guiding speciality groups who most appreciate her in-depth knowledge of Newfoundland’s botany, quilting and music. You might say Regina is semi-retired these days, but her schedule suggests otherwise for she is constantly on the move; dedicating an inordinate amount of time to her 13 grandchildren, women’s groups and her quilting guild.
Regina is a true Newfoundlander who loves her province and the wonderful life she’s carved from this island in the middle of the North Atlantic. A true Tourism pioneer, she remains the industry’s greatest ambassador, constantly touting the virtues of her home and native land.
PHIL MERCER
Graduated from MUN in 1981 with a Bachelor of Physical Education and Education, and started a teaching career in Hare Bay, Bonavista Bay. I moved to London, ON where I taught for 10 years. Moved my family back to Newfoundland in 1998 and finished my teaching career in 2013.
Coming from a musical family in which everyone plays a musical instrument, I had a lot of exposure to different types of music and I incorporate that into my tours by having a “Kitchen Party” where everyone is encouraged to sing along and play some instruments.
I have a passion for hiking, salmon fishing, cod jigging during the summer and when not on tour, that’s where I’ll be found. Bring your voices and smiles when you get on the bus.
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 has been a tour guide with the McCarthy’s Party family since 2018. She grew up in South River, a quaint little town about an hour outside of St. John’s, and now resides in the nearby community of Bay Roberts. Carole graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) in 1986 with conjoint degrees in Physical Education and Education, and she also completed a Masters Degree in Leadership Studies from MUN in 2006. She has just retired after 37 years as an educator and administrator in both the Newfoundland and Ontario school systems.
Carole has always been an outdoor enthusiast and was known to “wet her line” in the nearby river, find the best blueberry picking patches, and play a game of “shinny” on the ice at a very early age. In addition to these early outdoor adventures, she also credits much of her love and knowledge of the outdoors to her study of Physical Education, as well as her many years of involvement with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet organization. Carole continues to develop her outdoor skills while volunteering with the Avalon North Wolverines Ground Search and Rescue group based in Bay Roberts. In her spare time, Carole enjoys photography, biking, hiking, camping, motorcycling, golfing, playing piano and fiddle, and having a good game of cards.
Carole is a proud Newfoundlander who is eager to meet new people and share with them 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.
