St. Bernard's appears to have been settled in the early 19th century by the Johnson, Stewart and Whelan families.

Earliest known mention of the location is by James Cook during his survey of Newfoundland on July 16, 1765, he recorded in his log: "At 7PM anchored with the best bower in a bight called Jack Fountain, in 10 fathoms water and moored with the small anchor and hawser.

Two of his children were born at Jack Fontaine according to the Grand Bank Methodist Church Records.

In 1935, there were 125 residents, noting the most common family names as Johnson, Pardy, Allen, Harris and Brushett.

In the early 1980s, the population of Jacques Fontaine reached 200, most people finding employment in the inshore and long liner fisheries.