The airport serves people from Rocky Harbour to Corner Brook, as well as around Deer Lake.

It is the closest major community to Gros Morne National Park and is home to the Deer Lake Regional Airport.

A hydroelectric plant was established on the Humber River in 1925 to provide electricity to a pulp and paper mill in Corner Brook.

Deer Lake offers accommodation for tourists as well as restaurants, supermarkets, convenience stores and gas stations.

[5] The town is often referred to as the Snowmobile Hub of Newfoundland and Labrador because it has the advantage of being located at the center of a network of groomed trails that lead to the deep powder and untouched vistas of the province[6] The town is home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Annual Deer Lake Strawberry Festival, Thomas Amusements Fair, and The Deer Lake Winterfest.

With precipitation high year-round, Deer Lake receives plenty of snowfall in winters.

The community is served by Deer Lake Regional Airport, which offers direct flights to St. John's, Labrador City, Halifax, Montreal and Toronto.