Artifacts indicate that it have been originally settled by the Acadians. It is named after Neil McLennan.
Victoria Co-Op Fisheries Ltd., Neil's Harbour's largest employer which is located in neighbouring New Haven.
The town has an operating Anglican church and a non-operational Presbyterian church.
The population is approximately 300 permanent residents. There are a few cottages, but mostly there are local residents who work in the lobster/crab and fishing industry.
