In 1982, Regina McCarthy had an idea that would shape the future of tourism in Newfoundland. She believed that visitors to the province deserved more than self-deprecating Newfie jokes or misconceptions about its economy and culture. They needed someone who could share the true story of Newfoundland—its rich history, unique ecology, vibrant economy, and deep-rooted traditions.
With this vision in mind, Regina designed a 7-day tour of Newfoundland and mailed out her itinerary to a handful of potential customers. Only one man responded: Dr. Avery Wiseman. Regina drove Dr. Wiseman across the island in the family station wagon, offering him an authentic, unfiltered experience of Newfoundland. Impressed by both the destination and the guide, Dr. Wiseman contacted the Harvard Alumni Association and recommended they visit Newfoundland with Regina.
Thus, McCarthy’s Party was born, with Regina, her husband Jim, and their four sons—Andrew, Mark, Jason, and David—making up the initial team. The tours grew in popularity, and the McCarthy family worked tirelessly each summer to provide their guests with an unforgettable, authentic Newfoundland experience.
In the late 1980s, Regina recognized a new opportunity as the Hotel Newfoundland and Radisson Hotel began offering more meeting spaces. With the growing meeting and convention market in mind, she expanded her services to include destination management, offering decor, local tours, and musical acts to enhance the experience for large groups. She carefully selected the best local talent to ensure every client’s experience was one-of-a-kind.
By 1997, McCarthy’s Party had reached a crossroads. Regina’s sons had moved away, and she needed to decide the future of the company. When her son Mark graduated with an MBA, he agreed to return home and take the reins—on the condition that he would have the freedom to grow and expand the business. Regina had instilled in Mark the core values of the company: offering the best tour guiding and assistance to groups who wanted to “See It, Taste It, Feel It, Live It!” Mark embraced this principle, and his parent’s assistance, as he assumed leadership and later took full ownership of McCarthy’s Party in 2004.
Under Mark’s leadership, McCarthy’s Party flourished. In those 28 years, the company expanded significantly. While continuing to offer multi-day cross-island tours, local tours, and destination management services, Mark grew the company’s reach. McCarthy’s Party now employs more than 70 full-time and part-time staff members, delivers over 80 multi-day tours to over 3,000 people annually, and provides local tours in and around St. John’s to over 8,000 visitors. Additionally, the company serves more than 40 meeting and convention groups each year. 90% of all revenue generated by the company stays in Newfoundland and Labrador and is largely spread out over small communities from Red Bay to Renews.
Expanding beyond Newfoundland, McCarthy’s Party now offers multi-day tours across the Maritime Provinces, as well as in Ireland and the UK, making it one of the largest inbound tour companies in Canada.
Today, while technology and social media play an important role in marketing, the company’s true ambassadors are its loyal past clients. Their glowing recommendations bring new travelers each year, ensuring that McCarthy’s Party remains the trusted choice for those seeking authentic Newfoundland experiences.In 1982, Regina McCarthy had an idea that would shape the future of tourism in Newfoundland. She believed that visitors to the province deserved more than self-deprecating Newfie jokes or misconceptions about its economy and culture. They needed someone who could share the true story of Newfoundland—its rich history, unique ecology, vibrant economy, and deep-rooted traditions.
With this vision in mind, Regina designed a 7-day tour of Newfoundland and mailed out her itinerary to a handful of potential customers. Only one man responded: Dr. Avery Wiseman. Regina drove Dr. Wiseman across the island in the family station wagon, offering him an authentic, unfiltered experience of Newfoundland. Impressed by both the destination and the guide, Dr. Wiseman contacted the Harvard Alumni Association and recommended they visit Newfoundland with Regina.
Thus, McCarthy’s Party was born, with Regina, her husband Jim, and their four sons—Andrew, Mark, Jason, and David—making up the initial team. The tours grew in popularity, and the McCarthy family worked tirelessly each summer to provide their guests with an unforgettable, authentic Newfoundland experience.
In the late 1980s, Regina recognized a new opportunity as the Hotel Newfoundland and Radisson Hotel began offering more meeting spaces. With the growing meeting and convention market in mind, she expanded her services to include destination management, offering decor, local tours, and musical acts to enhance the experience for large groups. She carefully selected the best local talent to ensure every client’s experience was one-of-a-kind.
By 1997, McCarthy’s Party had reached a crossroads. Regina’s sons had moved away, and she needed to decide the future of the company. When her son Mark graduated with an MBA, he agreed to return home and take the reins—on the condition that he would have the freedom to grow and expand the business. Regina had instilled in Mark the core values of the company: offering the best tour guiding and assistance to groups who wanted to “See It, Taste It, Feel It, Live It!” Mark embraced this principle, and his parent’s assistance, as he assumed leadership and later took full ownership of McCarthy’s Party in 2004.
Under Mark’s leadership, McCarthy’s Party flourished. In those 28 years, the company expanded significantly. While continuing to offer multi-day cross-island tours, local tours, and destination management services, Mark grew the company’s reach. McCarthy’s Party now employs more than 70 full-time and part-time staff members, delivers over 80 multi-day tours to over 3,000 people annually, and provides local tours in and around St. John’s to over 8,000 visitors. Additionally, the company serves more than 40 meeting and convention groups each year. 90% of all revenue generated by the company stays in Newfoundland and Labrador and is largely spread out over small communities from Red Bay to Renews.
Expanding beyond Newfoundland, McCarthy’s Party now offers multi-day tours across the Maritime Provinces, as well as in Ireland and the UK, making it one of the largest inbound tour companies in Canada.
Today, while technology and social media play an important role in marketing, the company’s true ambassadors are its loyal past clients. Their glowing recommendations bring new travelers each year, ensuring that McCarthy’s Party remains the trusted choice for those seeking authentic Newfoundland experiences.