Town of Cow HeadCow Head is a scenic community on the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland Labrador. People began to settle in Cow Head in the early 1800s.

The community was first named Cap Pointe by Jacques Cartier. Later it was called "Tete de Vache" by French fishermen because of a large rock that looked like a cow's head when viewed from the sea. "Tete de Vache" means (the head of cow).

This small town is an important tourist attraction because it has one of the best and longest sandy beaches in Newfoundland. Cow Head also has unique geological features and an outstanding view of the coastline of Gros Morne National Park. Furthermore, it has one of the best views of the Long Range Mountains, interesting walking trails, varied vegetation, St. Mary's Botanical Walk and friendly people.

The sandy, shallow beach of Shallow Bay provides excellent swimming, clam digging and mussel picking. Cow Head Summerside is an interesting hike across the peninsula. On the Summerside, standing in its original state, is the Lighthouse, which was built back in 1909. Shallow Bay Campground, a Parks Canada site, offers all the services of any modern campground with a view of the Terns (Seabirds) on the islands just offshore. Being within the boundaries of Gros Morne National Park, wildlife in the area is protected and abundant. Visitors are often entertained with sightings of moose, caribou, rare birds, etc…

Community and business services in Cow Head include a K-12 school, Long Range Academy, a public library with public internet access – Community Access Centre and a community centre. A number of fishing enterprises work out of Cow Head and their fishing stores/sheds are located in the "Head - Summerside" area of the town. In addition, recreational services that are available include a ballfield and community trails. Health care is provided in Norris Point (59 kms south). Other community services include post office, and fire services. Business services include motel, cottages/housekeeping units, bed & breakfasts, restaurants & take outs, ATMs, grocery/convenience stores, craft shops, beauty salon, liquor store and automobile repair. Additional businesses and public services can be found in near by towns in the region, i.e. St. Paul's and Parsons Pond.

Finally, Cow Head is home to Theatre Newfoundland Labrador, a world class theatre group. During the tourist season they offer a variety of plays, musical events and dinner theatre. This is complemented by the town's annual Lobster Festival, which provides lively, traditional entertainment to residents and visitors of all ages. There's much to see and do in the Cow Head.