Avalon Peninsula

Home to St. John’s, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador’s historic capital, the Avalon Peninsula has lots to see and do beyond its main city. Marine Drive follows the craggy coast north of St. John’s, passing through numerous fishing villages up to pretty Pouch Cove. Between June and mid-August, whales, dolphins and porpoises frequent these waters, passing down the coast on their journey south. Due south of St. John’s, Cape Spear National Historic Park presides over a sensational setting on the most easterly point of land in North America. The lighthouse is the oldest existing one in Newfoundland, dating to 1836. Farther south, the ...

Home to St. John’s, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador’s historic capital, the Avalon Peninsula has lots to see and do beyond its main city. Marine Drive follows the craggy coast north of St. John’s, passing through numerous fishing villages up to pretty Pouch Cove. Between June and mid-August, whales, dolphins and porpoises frequent these waters, passing down the coast on their journey south. Due south of St. John’s, Cape Spear National Historic Park presides over a sensational setting on the most easterly point of land in North America. The lighthouse is the oldest existing one in Newfoundland, dating to 1836. Farther south, the community of Bay Bulls and two others – Witless Bay and Cape Broyle – are the main departure points for bird and whale-watching tour boats to the three islands within Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. This summer refuge is home to some two million birds, including North America’s largest Atlantic puffin colony. For nature, history or culture buffs, the Avalon Peninsula has plenty to offer.

About the Expert

Joanna Ebbutt is the author or editor of three Insight Guides to Toronto and Canada, and coauthor of Off the Beaten Track: Western Canada. She has been writing about travel for three decades, including chasing the aurora borealis in Northern Ontario.