As early as 1809, it is recorded; Mr. John Paine and his wife Sarah lived in Rocky Harbour Cove. In 1891 the first church, the Church of England, and in 1898 the first school was built. Today there are six churches and a modern all grade school, Gros Morne Academy.

The community of Rocky Harbour, located between two prominent landmarks, Salmon Point and Lobster Cove Head, at the northern entrance to the beautiful Bonne Bay, gets its name from the reef of rocks at the entrance to the harbour. The settlement consisted of six major areas, which eventually expanded all around the harbour. They are:

1. Lobster Cove – named for the visit of lobsters
2. Woody Point – cove with a growth of timber
3. Bear Cove – bears visited this area and caused havoc
4. Bottom – located at the base of the harbour
5. Rocky Harbour Cove – very deep cove, great for anchoring large boats
6. Rocky Harbour Pond – on the road to Norris Point, a swimming hole favorite

Community and business services in Rocky Harbour include a K-12 school, Gros Morne Academy, a local site for the Tree House Family Resource Centre, a public library with public internet access – Community Access Centre, a community centre and recycling building. A number of fishing enterprises work out of Rocky Harbour and their fishing stores/sheds are located along the town's waterfront. In addition, recreational services that are available include – hockey arena, indoor swimming pool (owned by Parks Canada), ballfield and soccer pitch. Health care is provided in Norris Point (9 kms south). Other community services include post office, Service Canada Centre, police and fire services. Business services include hotels/motels, cottages, housekeeping units, bed & breakfasts, restaurants & take outs, charter bank, ATMs, grocery/convenience stores, craft shops, laundromats, beauty salons, fish plant, fresh seafood market and several service organizations, i.e. Gros Morne Kinsmen, 50 + club and Bonne Bay Search & Rescue. Additional businesses and public services can be found in near by towns in the Bonne Bay region, i.e. Norris Point and Sally's Cove.

Rocky Harbour is an enclave within Gros Morne National Park and thus residents and tourist alike are close to boat tours, hiking trails with spectacular views, heated indoor swimming pool with hot tub, and cross country ski trails in season. The community also plays host to numerous training programs on Adventure and Eco Tourism via GMIST (Gros Morne Institute for Sustainable Tourism) and Gros Morne Cooperating Association.

Rocky Harbour also encompasses the offices and headquarters of Gros Morne National Park. Gros Morne Mountain is a comfortable walk along a scenic trail from Rocky Harbour. Just 20 minutes north of Rocky Harbour, tourist and residents can enjoy a boat tour, and view the incredible beauty of Western Brook Pond. Boat tours of Bonne Bay are available in Norris Point (9 kms south). Tickets for Western Pond Boat Tour can be purchased at the Oceanview Hotel. Residents and tourists can also appreciate the breathtaking scenery provided by the hills, bay, and ocean from Lobster Cove Lighthouse. The popular fully serviced Berry Hill and Green Point campgrounds are only a short drive away. Finally, Rocky Harbour Pond has a municipal beach area for swimmers of all ages.