top of page
Search
Writer's pictureCaroline Murphy

7 Unforgettable Day Trips from St. John's



The Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland and Labrador has no shortage of beauty, adventure, and history. Luckily, you can explore any place on the Avalon on a day trip from St. John's. As a local, I have spent my whole life exploring this region and I am so excited to share in-depth information on some of my favourite places.


Cape Spear & Petty Harbour

Distance from St. John's: 16km, 19 minute drive


Things to Do


Hike Cape Spear Path, a 15.4 km path between Cape Spear and Maddox Cove. Find out more info here https://eastcoasttrail.com/choose-a-path/listing/11-cape-spear-path/


Eat at Chafes Landing, famous for its delicious seafood


Enjoy an ice cream on the deck overlooking the harbour at Tinkers Ice Cream Shop


Visit Cape Spear Lighthouse, the most Easterly point in North America. A great place to watch the first sunrise in North America!

Visit the Black Head One-Room School and Church Museum to glance back into Newfoundland history and culture


Soar over Petty Harbour with North Atlantic Ziplines


Stay longer at the Trappers Cabin. This unique remote off-the-grid cabin requires a guided 20-minute walk uphill, or a zipline tour to spend the night.


Visit the Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium



Bay Bulls

Distance from St. John's: 33km, 30 minute drive


Things to Do


Take a boat tour with Gatherall's to see the beautiful coastal scenery, puffins, and a chance to see whales and icebergs


Enjoy a beverage and a bite to eat at Arbour


Take a hike to the Ridge lookout.

You won't find any information on this path anywhere else online, as it is used just by locals. To get there park at the end of Alley Road in Bay Bulls. The start of the hike is across from the second last house on the road. The path forks into two different directions within the first minute, take either of the paths on the left! After that, follow the path until you reach the top. After some incline you will reach the top and the path will veer right to the most scenic viewpoint.


Eat at the Jigger, known for its seafood!


Hike to the Lighthouse in Bay Bulls. The lighthouse is on Spout Path on the East Coast Trail.


Travel 15 minutes from Bay Bulls to Tors Cove where you can find the Cribbies. This is a headland and beach overlooking Fox Island. The Cribbies is often shown in Newfoundland travel advertisements and is a great place for a picnic


Eat at the Irish Loop Coffee House, located just 7 minutes away from Bay Bulls in the neighbouring town of Witless Bay



Ferryland and Brigus South

Distance from St. John's: 79 km, 1 hour 7 minute drive


Things to Do


Visit the Colony of Avalon, the best preserved early English colonial site in North America. To date, the site has discovered over 2 million artifacts from the 1600s


Walk to the Ferryland Lighthouse. This is also a great place to watch the sunrise.

Visit the 17-century kitchen


Enjoy a picnic with the Lighthouse Picnics


Make a stop in Brigus South a cute community roughly 15 minutes from Ferryland


Hike Brigus Head Path, a 6.4km trail from Brigus South to Admirals Cove



Bell Island

Distance from St. Johns: 30 km, 20 minute drive & 45 minute ferry


Things to Do


Visit the Bell Island Community Museum and do the Mine No. 2 Tour


Enjoy a meal at Dicks Fish and Chips


Hike down to Grebes Nest which links two abandoned fishing coves by a man-made tunnel


Visit the Bell Island Lighthouse


Indulge in tea, coffee, desserts, and more at the Keepers Café



Brigus

Distance from St. John's: 86 km, 59 minute drive


Things to Do


Hike to the Lighthouse, which is an out-and-back trail of only 6km total


Have a feed and a drink at the English Style pub, the Riseover


Visit the Brigus Tunnel


Visit the Pinkston Forge


Enjoy lunch and dessert at the Country Corner



Dildo

Distance from St. John's: 102 km, 1 hour 7 minute drive


Things to Do


Shop at Dildo Cove Coffee and Krafts


Enjoy craft beer and food at Dildo Brewing Co. and Museum


Take a tour on Dildo Boat Tours and Adventures


Take a picture with the Dildo sign that mimics the famous Hollywood sign


Conception Bay North

Distance from St. John's: Roughly 120 km, 1 hour 18 minute drive


Things to Do


Relax on the sandy beaches of Northern Bay or Salmon Cove


Enjoy a drink at the Newfoundland Distillery


Swim in the falls and river at Northern Bay Sands


Have lunch at Red Ochre Café and try out their multiple craft beer options


Have a craft beer at the Baccalieu Trail Brewing


Follow the boardwalk to Western Bay Lighthouse



I hope you enjoyed this guide, happy exploring! Is anyone up for the challenge of visiting all of these places before summer is over? :)







1,853 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Комментарии


bottom of page