Early Atlantic Newspapers

The history of Canadian newspapers and printing in general, begins in the Atlantic provinces with Nova Scotia leading the way. The Halifax Gazette, established in 1752, was the first newspaper in the country, marking the start of a Canadian publishing industry. This article provides an introductory look at the first few printers in each province of Atlantic Canada. While not exhaustive, it highlights the fascinating stories behind these pioneers of print.

Front page of The Halifax Gazette, dated March 23, 1752, featuring text and decorative engravings, printed in Nova Scotia.

The Halifax Gazette, NS, John Bushell, 1752

Front page of Nova Scotia Chronicle dated January 3, 1769, featuring news articles and a crest.

The Nova Scotia Chronicle and Weekly Advertiser, NS, Anthony Henry, 1769

Historic newspaper page from "St. John's Gazette and Nova Scotia Intelligencer" dated January 29, 1784, featuring text about the Definitive Treaty and other articles.

The Royal St. John’s Gazette and Nova-Scotia Intelligencer, NB, John Ryan, 1784

Front page of Royal Gazette and Advertiser, New Brunswick, October 2, 1798, featuring various notices, advertisements, and announcements.

The Royal Gazette and New Brunswick Advertiser, NB, Christopher Sower, 1785

Front page of The American Royal Gazette dated April 25, 1785, featuring various articles, advertisements, and notices. Includes a royal crest at the top.

The Royal American Gazette, PEI, James Robertson, 1789

Front page of "The Halifax Journal," a newspaper dated July 5, 1781. The page features multiple columns of text with faded and damaged sections. The publication includes reports on recent events, such as escapes, battle accounts, and notices. Printed by John Howe.

The Halifax Journal, NS, John Howe, 1781

Front page of an 1833 issue of The Colonial Patriot newspaper from Pictou, Nova Scotia, featuring articles, administration notices, and advertisements.

The Colonial Patriot – Nova Scotia – 1827

Historical newspaper page from July 29, 1791, titled 'Royal Gazette, and Miscellany of the Island of Saint John', discussing public communication practices and a commercial treaty with Poland. The text includes political discourse and announcements, printed in columns with a header and date.

The Royal Gazette and Miscellany of the Island of Saint John, PEI, William Alexander Rind, 1791

old newspaper

The Royal Gazette and Newfoundland Advertiser, Nfld, John Ryan, 1810

old newspaper
old newspaper

The Morning News, NB, George Fenety, 1839

The Acadian Recorder, NS, Anthony Holland, 1813

Historic newspaper front page from 'The Casket', dated June 28, 1855, featuring articles, poetry, and advertisements. The publication is labeled as a commercial, agricultural, and miscellaneous journal based in Antigonish.
Front page of the Newfoundland Mercantile Journal, dated September 11, 1816. It includes advertisements and announcements related to local business, shipping, and auctions.

The Casket, NS, John Boyd, 1852

Newfoundland Mercantile Journal, Nfld, Alexander Haire and Robert Lee, 1816

title of a newspaper

The Novascotian, NS, Joseph Howe, 1828

The Mayflower and the Olive Branch. Sarah and Mary Eliza Herbert, 1844 and 1851, NS

portrait of Charles Fenerty

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