Incorporated in 1992, it is located at the Northern end of Bonavista Bay just south of Cape Freels.

The municipality was formed by the combination of eight original villages: Newtown, Templeman, Pound Cove, Wesleyville, Brookfield, Badger's Quay, Pool's Island and Valleyfield, which all adjoin each other along a 15 km stretch of coastline containing many harbours, coves and islands.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, this area was home to famous Newfoundland sealing families including the Keans, Winsors and Barbours.

Like many other Newfoundland fishing communities, the town has suffered from out-migration and declining population in recent years.

One of the most famous living persons from Wesleyville, New-Wes-Valley is David Blackwood, an internationally known Canadian artist whose work is inspired by his childhood memories of the area.