The Smiling Land: All Around the Circle in My Newfoundland and Labrador

by Alan Doyle

From one of Canada's most beloved and celebrated Newfoundlanders comes a rollicking insider's guide to the province, told as only Alan Doyle can tell it.

Few Canadian musicians are as synonymous with their home province as Alan Doyle is to his—and even fewer once worked as tour guides. In The Smiling Land, Alan reprises his tour-guiding role to welcome the rest of Canada to his home and take listeners on an a freewheeling road trip through Newfoundland, its history, and its culture. From Fogo Island to the Southwest Coast, Labrador to Ferryland, and everywhere in between, Alan's Newfoundland awaits you.

There are visits to windswept coastlines and towering crags, ancient Viking and Basque fishing settlements, and more lighthouses than you can shake a foghorn at. More recent settlements are also part of the itinerary, from burgeoning arts venues and communities to more humble but no less world-class locales, such as Foley's Shed, a jaunty live-music pub that—as its name suggests—happens to be in some guy named Foley's shed. Alan provides savvy insider tips for visitors to St. John's, like how to score fish and chips and a free ride by hopping into the delivery person's car as they drive your food to your desired destination. Or, for the aspiring rum smuggler visiting the Burin Peninsula, how to sneak bottles from the French territory of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon to the shores of Newfoundland. There are dolphin sightings, cliffside hikes among flocks of ocean-plunging puffins, and a pilgrimage to the home of the (late) great auk. And what tour of Newfoundland could be complete without a short history of what can best be described as "icebergs that look like things," an illustrious history that includes an exact replica of the Virgin Mary that once washed into St. John's harbour, and the more recent—and far less holy—"Dickie Berg," which made international headlines for looking like . . . well, not the Virgin Mary.

Wildly entertaining, informative, and brimming with Alan's classic brand of storytelling and romping good fun, The Smiling Land is a celebration of Newfoundland—both its storied past and its ever-vibrant present.

Genres: Nonfiction, Canada, Audiobook, Travel, Book Club, Music

Audible Audio

Published November 4, 2025

About the author

ALAN DOYLE is a Canadian musician and actor, best known as a lead singer in the Canadian folk-rock band Great Big Sea. In 2012, Doyle released his first solo album, Boy on Bridge, which made the top twenty on the Canadian Albums chart. Alan lives in St. John's, Newfoundland.

Reviews

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I learned about this book, I knew I had to read it. Newfoundland is my absolute favourite place in the world. I have visited 40+ times, I’m married to a Newfoundlander. And, Alan Doyle (formerly of Great Big Sea) is one of my favourite Canadian singers. He is so full of life and joy, simply infectious. I've read and loved his previous books.

This book is a tour around a few parts of Newfoundland, the province Alan is from and lives in. It's not just a travelogue, it's a bit of history, a lot of culture and humorous anecdotes. Alan covers everything from the history of churches, the Vikings and alcohol smuggling. He is quick to laugh at himself, he is very humble. He writes just as he talks, I’m sure the audio version would be just like a conversation with him.

Alan takes us, the reader, through many places. And, he only covered a small portion of the province. He shows us that even though the population is relatively small, it is quite diverse: from customs to local accents.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I smiled quite a few times as Alan talked about The Smiling Land. Even though I have been to Newfoundland many times and seen many sights, I still have not seen it all.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

[Brandon St. Croix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the reflection of the province and small stories from past and current day intertwined in this book. Great job and even more enjoyable in Audiobook

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a love letter and travel guide to Newfoundland and Labrador, written by a lifelong resident, tour and museum guide, and frontman of Great Big Sea. Each chapter brings together people, history, and personal memory as he travels the island. I loved discovering corners of Newfoundland I’d never thought about before (I saved so many spots to check out), and realizing just how big and culturally rich the province is. This book is warm and affectionate without being overly romanticized. Some rough edges are there, especially the realities of shifting from a cod-based economy to tourism. It’s hard, and it’s working. I want to see the whales and puffins, drink in the pubs, and snuggle under a quilt. My main takeaway is to start planning a visit, just not in February.

Thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday Canada for the advance copy.

[Ellen McClure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 star read from the man who has made me laugh, cry and want to go to Newfoundland and Labrador since his first book came out. Such an amazing gathering of local sights, anecdotes and reasons to see all parts of your home, and other, provinces and territories. Honestly, I don't have anything bad to say about this. It was charming and well paced. If you haven't read an Alan Doyle book, what's your hold up? Do it, please. I promise you won't regret it.

[Lindsay B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking forward to the day when I can finally visit « The Smiling Land » ❤️

[Todd Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cozy read, felt like I was traveling with Alan Doyle the whole time.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Smiling Land is Alan Doyle's fourth book and as always its a pleasent reading/listening experience. This time it is a love letter to Newfoundland and Labrador as he travels through out the island to various towns/communities and historical landmarks part of which he did the journey with his wife and son.

If you are familiar with Alan Doyle or even just Great Big Sea you know Alan is a natural storyteller and as always he puts his heart and soul in these stories. Honestly Newfoundland and Labrador tourism should be paying for the free advertising he's giving the province. And if you don't want to go after reading this what's wrongs with yous? Truly a delight to read/listen especially on audiobook. I loves it.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Smiling Land by Alan Doyle is a journey around Newfoundland, the author’s home, one with which he is totally in love. It is full of lyrical descriptions and wry observations about a place that has fascinated me for years. This is the man to read if you are interesting in this amazing part of the world. He has a way with words and will charm his way into your heart with his musings. For a very occasional non-fiction reader, this hit the mark.

I was invited to read The Smiling Land by Penguin Random House Canada. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #PenguinRandomHouseCanada #AlanDoyle #TheSmilingLand

[Michelle Poirier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read (or listen to an audiobook narrated by Alan Doyle (of the Great Big Sea), I have a smile from ear to ear. Many times listening to this book while driving, I laughed out loud. Real loud! Like belly roared! He is the best at funny anecdotes without ever insulting anyone or any place. One of Newfoundland’s greatest ambassadors, he takes us on a journey of NFLD’s beautiful scenery and culture. It’s on my bucket list to meet Alan Doyle one day at a kitchen party! There it is. I put it out into the universe. He is a great musician and an amazing storyteller!

[Amy Hueston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read! As expected, Alan Doyle tells a good story, adding humour and emotion throughout. I kept having to stop and search places on Google, all of which look amazing. I think I just gave 4 stars because I prefer his own personal stories, but it was great to hear some background from the history of our eastern-most province :)

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Alan's books and they are always an enjoyable read. Funny, heartwarming and entertaining. I really enjoyed reading this one about his travels across Newfoundland and it just made me want to go back and visit all the places I never got to see. I loved all the little bits of trivia he throws in and I even learned a few things I didn't know like despite the fact I am married to a Newfie, I have been pronouncing Quiddi Vidi wrong my entire life. Who knew?!

[Lana Wilkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book certainly made me smile. It definitely draws you to Newfoundland and Labrador.

[Debbie George · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I have read this year! This is a wonderful tribute to Newfoundland and Labrador. Alan Doyle vividly brings it alive, and I cannot wait until I can explore the many many places he recommends.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a recent move to Newfoundland, this book got me so excited for all there is to explore and love here.

[DaEun · Rating 5 out of 5]

cutie lil gift from Ryan!! made my nfld wish list

[Lukas Jarron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to read while bumming around Newfoundland

[Darwin Froese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely exceptional.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved travelling around Newfoundland to places I've been and other places I haven't! Such good travel inspiration, as if I needed more. Loves the silly Alan Doyle narrative along the way as well. Perfect read.

[Reading_seas0n · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Penguin Random House Canada (Adult) | Doubleday Canada and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book honestly. Here is my opinion on the book!

There is a special place in my heart for books that share personal experiences and journeys.

As someone who immigrated to Canada when I was in my mid teens, I missed a lot of Canadian moments many have or learn growing up and discovered them through my friends and by accident later in life. One of my goals is to explore Canada, so when I saw this book and the fact that I recognized Alan Doyle (From his play work, please don't be mad it wasn't from his music/band) I requested.
We are showed a map with cute drawing about certain spots at the beginning of the book and as we read we get small information about the backstory of the spots visited and traveled as well as personal moments between Alan & his family on the journey.

I think this will be a sweet book to gift those who love Alan Doyle, who love Canadian Travel/experiences and sweet books that show family travel and history.

Side note: I did wish there were some pictures that accompanied the book as I would have like to see if the descriptions matched in my head.

[Kelly (miss_kellysbookishcorner) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: The Smiling Land: All Around the Circle in MY Newfoundland and Labrador
Author: Alan Doyle
Genre: Non Fiction
Rating: 4.00
Pub Date: November 4, 2025

T H R E E • W O R D S

Savvy • Infectious • Comical

📖 S Y N O P S I S

Few Canadian musicians are as synonymous with their home province as Alan Doyle is to his—and even fewer once worked as tour guides. In The Smiling Land, Alan reprises his tour-guiding role to welcome the rest of Canada to his home and take readers on an adventure: a freewheeling road trip through Newfoundland, its history, and its culture. From Fogo Island to the Southwest Coast, Labrador to Ferryland, and everywhere in between, Alan's Newfoundland awaits you.

💭 T H O U G H T S

Growing up I listened to Great Big Sea regularly, so when I saw The Smiling Land announced I didn't bother reading the synopsis and simply added it to my TBR. I falsely expected this to be a memoir, but that's on me for not bothering to read the premise. However, I must say this was an absolute delight to listen to and I am so glad it came onto my radar.

Alan Doyle delivers an insider's guide to his beloved home province in his classic storytelling ability. He, along with his family, travel to a variety of different places around the province sharing humourous anecdotes along the way. This book allowed me to grasp the diversity of the landscape, people, and culture and appreciate the province a whole lot more. I was captivated by everything he had to share, both historically and modern.

The audiobook, read by Alan himself, was highly entertaining. I couldn't help but smile at his antics and side notes as he travels from one place to the next. He tells his stories in a simple and accessible manner making it feel as though I was simply sitting down to have a conversation with him about his travels. His love for his province shines through with such vivid descriptions.

Travelling to Newfoundland and Labrador has always been on my bucket list of travel destinations, yet after reading The Smiling Land it's save to say it has moved up said list. Alan Doyle has delivered a celebration of all that Newfoundland and Labrador is in this entertaining and compact journey. I didn't know until I'd finished that Doyle has released several other books and now I look forward to exploring them.

📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• travelogues
• Alan Doyle
• Canadian landscapes

[Teena in Toronto · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a fan of Great Big Sea and had seen them many times in concert over the years. Alan Doyle was one of the members in Great Big Sea and this is his fourth book (I enjoyed his first three).

This book is part travel guide/part homage to Doyle's home province of Newfoundland. He takes readers on a trip around Newfoundland and Labrador, sharing stories and history. He visits fishing towns, rugged coastlines and lively communities, mixing in local legends, music and humour. For example, he lets you know where to find the best fish and chips, how to spot puffins and tells tales about rumrunning and lighthouses.

It must have been fun for Doyle to embark on this project and to have his wife and son along with him on some of the adventures. I liked the writing style and found that his personality came through ... like we were sitting chatting and having a pint. I found the history of places for the most part interesting (it's obvious he did a ton of research) but I enjoyed his personal stories more of how they related to the places ... like one of his few experiences being in Port aux Basques years ago or his respect for Ron Hynes when visiting his house.

His descriptions of buildings and places were vivid but it would have been nice to have pictures included (it sounded like he did stop and take pictures along the way) ... I would pause and Google so I could see what he was talking about. I've been to some of the places he wrote about (like St. John's and Saint Pierre) so it was fun to relive them through his eyes.

Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2025/10...

[Mary J · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! It's equal parts travelogue, family adventure and memoir, and a love story to Alan's home province. It's also parts history and culture and some fun anecdotes. Very interesting and funny.

Having visited Newfoundland and Labrador in June 2025 for the first time, I concur that St John's & area is the highlight of the province. It's such a wonderful province filled with wonderful people, music and FOOD!

My husband (also Alan) and I took the ferry from North Sydney, NS to Port aux Basque, spent the night then drove the 10 hours to St John's. Alan describes the landscape and places perfectly. We then drove back across the province (with stops in Gander, Dildo!, Elliston, Bonavista and Deer Lake) and up the west coast to take the ferry from St Barbe to Blanc Sablon then drove home to ON through all of Labrador then Quebec.

Labrador is a vast vast part of the country, with hardly any services except for in Goose Bay-Happy Valley and Labrador City.

As Alan and family did, we saw amazing lighthouses, ice bergs and puffins!

I can't wait to go back and visit St John's again, and some of the places we didn't get to and that Alan so wonderfully describes in his book (St Pierre & Michelon, the Burin peninsula, Fogo Island, Burlington and Battle Harbour).

[Alison C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first came across Great Big Sea shortly after moving to Montreal in 1996, saw the band three times over the following 8 months or so, and loved their music (still do). The front man, Alan Doyle, came across as friendly, amiable, interested in everything and, oh yeah, a talented singer and songwriter. “The Smiling Land” is Alan’s third (I think) book about his travels, here focusing on his home province of Newfoundland and Labrador. I’m pleased to report that he comes across in exactly the same way in writing as he did in music - he’s a very genial guide, full of little (and not so little) stories about the places he highlights and clearly exulting in the beauty and quirkiness of his homeland. Certainly this makes the reader want to travel to the province to see all the sights; I have only been to St. John’s, which is a shame but unavoidable if one is a non-driving visitor like me (I remember St. John’s as indeed being very friendly and welcoming, too). If *you* are a driver, read this book and plan a road trip, you clearly won’t be sorry! And if you’re lucky, you may run into Alan Doyle himself; if you do, tell him “hi” for me, will you? Highly recommended!

[Martha Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part travel log, part memoir, part travel guide, The Smiling Land is a joyous read about the wonders of Alan Doyle's home land.
Long before Doyle gained fame as a musician with Great Big Sea, he was a docent at the Newfoundland Museum while a college student at Memorial University in St. Johns. His love of history, people, music, and his self admitted gift of gab shine wonderfully throughout this book, as he travels around the province, to places familiar and unfamiliar ( to him, despite being a native!)
Doyle's descriptions of the rocky crags, picturesque harbors, historical buildings, oddly shaped icebergs, jelly bean houses and the food..especially fish and chips, are rich in detail, and honestly I wouldn't be surprised if the province sees an uptick in torusim soon! He definitely sells the beauty, fun and charm of Newfoundland and Labrador. I had no idea of the rich multi cultural history of Newfoundland...and honestly, probably had not heard of it until I became acquatinted with Alan Doyle's music 25 years ago. For fans of Alan, this book will read like sitting down by a fire at a pub, with a pint, with an old friend. An absolutely delightful read!

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I feel my feet on this land, and I smile. Newfoundland and Labrador. Welcome”
I enjoyed this book immensely. Doyle combined humour, factual information, seriousness, and beauty, into one book and captivated me every page.
I loved following him on his travels with his family, and the way he described the environment, the food, and even the people, it was beautiful. He brought the people to life, and I’ve visited many of those towns myself and I was able to picture in my own head, those areas which filled me with pure joy. I felt like I was back in Newfoundland. The history was incredible to read on, and I felt like I learnt a lot. And even when Doyle admitted he didn’t know things, it was quite funny what he came up with. Doyle’s own reflection on certain things were touching to read, I found him to be very reflective and truthful, and it was like he put my own feelings about St John’s into his book.

[Ramona Jennex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a HUGE fan of Alan Doyle and, have had the experience to witness his warm and authentic personality in person and a a concert attendee. Alan, although uber famous in Canada, he is a humble and down to earth fellow.
I recommend reading his book as an audio book and you will hear the correct pronunciations of many a Newfoundland phrase.
I experienced this book a bit differently than many will as I have visited MOST of the places Alan describes in this book. I now need to plan a trip to get over to Red Bay in Labrador as it is the birthplace of my grandmother.
Read this delightful book and plan your All Around the Circle trip. It is as delightful as Alan says it is.
Authentic and down to earth reading experience. Loves it!
(I now have a craving for some dressing on fries with rich gravy....)

[LP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

Once again, Alan Doyle nails it. I've been a fan for close to 30 years and as much as I love his music, at the heart of it he's a natural storyteller. If you know his voice, you can absolutely hear it when you read his books. I found this one to be particularly funny with lots of laugh out loud moments. Was I reading into it when I found parts of lyrics scattered innocuously throughout? Yes indeed, "everything shines" in The Smiling Land. You don't need to be a GBS fan or even know who Alan Doyle is to enjoy this Newfoundland and Labrador travelogue. You'll feel like you're there with him as your personal tour guide.

[Mara Reich · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully narrated journey through Newfoundland & Labrador. I listened to the audiobook, and hearing the author himself made the experience even more engaging and personal. His voice brings the stories to life in a way that feels authentic.
The vivid descriptions made me want to pack my bags and explore this stunning part of Canada. It’s a quick, effortless read with a great pace and captivating stories from places most of us rarely think about - the Canada we don’t usually see.
If you’re looking for something refreshing, away from fiction or self-help, this book is a perfect choice. Highly recommended for anyone who loves travel writing and wants to discover hidden corners of our majestic country.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank God for Alan Doyle. I listened to the audiobook, and after attending at least 15 GBS and Alan Doyle concerts over the last 30 years, it felt like hearing an old friend telling me stories. There could not be a better representative or ambassador of the Newfoundland spirit.

I just want to drop everything right now and drive around Newfoundland. To learn through this book that, when I visited Trinity for my cousin’s wedding in 2015, I was 45 minutes away from a puffin colony I could have visited, makes me want to cry. And also to go back immediately. At least I did hike the Skerwink Trail - and he’s not wrong; it’s magnificent.
As I’m sure is the rest of the province. Cannot wait to return to the Smiling Land!

[Kathleen Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I am a fan of Great Big Sea and Alan Doyle’s music I have been so entertained by his books, this is his fourth book and I have listened to them all and loved each of them. In this book Alan explores his home province of Newfoundland and Labrador and we as the reader are along for the ride. I love Alan’s sense of humour, his descriptions of things and what a treat to listen to his accent with the audiobook. If you are looking for a book set in Newfoundland or want to better understand what it is like to live in or visit Newfoundland I highly recommend this book or if you want to learn what it was like to grow up in Newfoundland in the 1970’s and 1980’s his first book Where I Belong (treat yourself to the audiobook it is fantastic).