A photo history of Newfoundland Coastal Boats. For more than 1000 years, the Atlantic Ocean has been the means by which people came to Newfoundland and Labrador. The ocean's bounty enticed people to our shores and they stayed, settling in bays, harbours, coves and arms along beaches, tickles and sounds. Before Newfoundland and Labrador had roads the Atlantic was the only 'highway' and the coastal boats were the lifeline to our outport communities.