What to See & Photograph in Eastern Newfoundland
My 7-day Ultimate Photography & Travel Guide to Eastern Newfoundland from Mid-May until Late October
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Introduction Newfoundland is one of the most breathtaking and photogenic places I’ve ever visited. You can capture the sunrise at Cape Spear. Photograph puffins in Elliston. Capture whales in Trinity, Bay Bull, and St. Vincent Beach. Every location is a photographer’s dream.
I fell in love with St. John’s about 15 years ago and have often returned as a professional photographer. My name is Roland Bast, and I adore this island. I hope you love my itinerary as much as I loved experiencing it in person. Because of my deep love for this place, I’ve even been called an honorary Newfoundlander!
Below are my top photography spots when landing in St. John’s, favourite and suggested restaurants, tours, suggestions, and more.
✈️ Getting to Newfoundland
- Porter Airlines: My preferred airline, with convenient flights and great service. FlyPorter Here
- Air Canada & WestJet: More flight options are available from major Canadian cities.
- Air Canada Website | WestJet Website
- Marine Atlantic Ferry: Drive your car and sail into Newfoundland from North Sydney, Nova Scotia. Visit Website
1️⃣ 📍St. John’s My Two-day Itinerary
📸 Photography Highlights (Best time to visit)
- Jelly Bean Row: Iconic colourful houses! Keep wandering, as many homes downtown feature those vibrant hues beyond the famous row. (Any time of the day)
- Quidi Vidi Village: Stunning coastal views. Stop for fresh fish & chips or a brew at Quidi Vidi Brewery. (Best later in the afternoon; softer light with sunset from the left side) Visit Website
- Signal Hill: Best accessed via the scenic trail from Quidi Vidi. Start at the top and walk down to the waterfront for breathtaking views. (Early morning for a chance of fog, or late afternoon while the sunset glows on the cityscape)
- Waterfront: Picturesque views of the bay.
🍽️ Where to Eat
- VU Restaurant & Bar: Great views, delicious meals, and superb service. Reserve your table with a “VU” here
- Blue On Water: Boutique hotel & restaurant with excellent food. Book your “Where the stars meet” on Water st. evening here
- Terre Restaurant: Fresh local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Try the chef’s menu in the summertime – 5 Stars! Book your “Let the Kitchen cook for you Here.”
- The Merchant Tavern: A great downtown spot for seafood. “Trade your umbrella for a table here.”
☕ Coffee Shops
- Rocket Bakery: French-inspired bakery and café with gluten-free and Vegan products, sandwiches and salads available. Consult their Bakery and Food Menu here
- The Battery Café: A cozy spot with great coffee and baked goods. It opens at 8 am Café and the food Menu here
🏨 Where to Stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton: Visit the Website. Ask for a view of the Bay, which is 15-minute walking to the waterfront.
- Alt Hotel St. John’s: Visit the Website | Waterfront area, the most modern hotel in the city
- Blue on Water: Visit Website | Waterfront area, Beautiful Boutique Hotel
Budget-Friendly:
- Cozy Heritage Home (Airbnb): A charming, budget-friendly choice with local Newfoundland vibes. Visit Airbnb Listing
Luxury:
• • Ryan Mansion: A historic and elegant B&B with exceptional service. Visit Website
2️⃣ Cape Spear – Easternmost Point in North America (Free)
📍 20 min drive from St. John’s
Cape Spear Whale Watching – Great for spotting whales near shore.
Historic Lighthouse – Oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland.
📸 Tip: Bring a zoom lens for whales; use an ultra-wide lens for landscapes.
Sunrise Views – Be the first to see the sunrise in North America.
3️⃣ Fort Amherst Lighthouse
📍 10-minute drive from St. John’s
- Explore the Ruins: A fascinating historical site with remnants of WWII bunkers and stunning ocean views.
- Photography Opportunities: Capture unique views of Signal Hill from a different angle.
🏨 Where to Stay Nearby
- JAG Boutique Hotel: Visit the Website
4️⃣Ferryland Lighthouse
📍 10-minute drive from St. John’s
📸 Photography Opportunities – Capture stunning views of Ferryland Lighthouse from unique angles. Many visitors report whale sightings right from the shore!
🍽️ Lunch Experience – Pre-order a delicious picnic basket. Enjoy a freshly prepared meal in one of the many scenic spots nearby.
🚶 Accessibility Note – This location requires a 1 km uphill walk and is not wheelchair accessible.
5️⃣Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watching Tour
📍 Bay Bulls (30 min from St. John’s) – $89.00 per adult
- Puffins & Seabirds – Thousands of puffins in summer.
- Humpback Whales – Frequent breathtaking encounters.
- Scenic Cliffs & Caves – Stunning coastal formations.
📸 Tip: Fast shutter speed for whales; polarizing filter for water reflections.
🏨 Where to Stay:
- The Wilds Resort – A perfect spot for a two-night stay while exploring the Avalon Peninsula.
📍2) Obrians Bay Bulls (30 min from St. John’s) $80.00 per adult
- Puffins & Seabirds – Thousands of puffins in summer.
- Humpback Whales – Frequent breathtaking encounters.
- Scenic Cliffs & Caves – Stunning coastal formations. 📸 Tip: Fast shutter speed for whales; polarizing filter for water reflections.
Bay Bulls: The Wilds Resort is only a 41-minute drive or 53Kms
- The Wilds Resort is the perfect spot for a two-night stay while exploring the Avalon Peninsula. The spacious cabins include a kitchenette. BBQ on the patio, making them ideal for a comfortable and convenient getaway. The resort also boasts a pool and a restaurant, all set within a stunning 18-hole golf course. While I’m not a golfer, the scenic walking trails make it just as enjoyable for nature lovers!
6️⃣Avalon Peninsula & Avalon Wilderness Reserve
📍 Approx. A 1.5-hour drive from St. John’s
- Wildlife Photography: Spot moose, caribou, red foxes, and bald eagles.
- Cape Race Lighthouse: This historic lighthouse offers stunning ocean views.
- Mistaken Point: UNESCO World Heritage Site with 565-million-year-old fossils. Visit Website
🏨 Where to Stay
- The Wilds Resort: Visit Website
- The Avalon Inn: Visit the Website
Budget-Friendly:
• • Hillside Cottages: Simple and cozy cottages with self-catering facilities. Visit Website
7️⃣Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve
📍 Avalon Peninsula (2-hour drive from Bay Bulls)
- Seabird Paradise – One of the most accessible seabird colonies.
- Dramatic Cliffs – Thousands of nesting gannets, murres, and kittiwakes.
- Mystical Fog – Enhances shots with an eerie, moody feel. It took me 2 seasons to capture what I had been waiting for. Just a beautiful morning
📸 Tip: Fog adds depth—embrace it!
Hotel - The Wilds Resort (again!)—A beautiful golf retreat in nature featuring cabins with full kitchenettes and BBQs. See above for the details.
- Where to eat: The Wilds Restaurant – Full-service dining with fresh seafood and local flavours.
Nearby Essentials:
- Trevor’s Grocery & Liquor Store (Branch, NL) – Nearest grocery choice.
- Mary Brown’s (Placentia, NL) – Quick bite spot on the way.
8️⃣ Elliston Puffin Colony (Free or By Donation)
📍 Elliston (4-hour drive from Cape St. Mary’s)
- Close Puffin Encounters – One of the best places for puffin photography.
- Historic Root Cellars – Adds cultural charm.
- Rugged Coastal Views – Stunning contrast between waves and cliffs.
- 📸 Tip: Use a 300mm+ lens for puffins. Visit early morning or late afternoon.
Hotel/Lodge - Trinity Echo Tours and Lodge offers several stay opportunities. Skipper Bob, the owner, offers cozy accommodations with bay views. My favourite room is the rooftop at Trinity Echo Lodge, with a claw tub and a view of the bay.
- The Loft Restaurant in Trinity – Seasonal: Great seafood and a cozy atmosphere.
Note: Hike Level 2 is inaccessible for wheelchairs, and the terrain can be rough.
9️⃣Trinity & Area
📍 Trinity Whale Watching with Trinity Eco-Tours
- Charming Heritage Town – One of Newfoundland’s most picturesque villages.
- Whale Watching – Best with Skipper Bob.
- Rare Steller’s Sea Eagle Sightings – A treat for birders.
📸 Tip: Capture the lighthouse at sunset for magical lighting.
Lodge / Inns - Trinity Eco-Tours and Lodge offers several stay opportunities. Skipper Bob, the owner, offers cozy accommodations with bay views. My favourite room is the rooftop at Trinity Echo Lodge, with a claw tub and a view of the bay.
Grocery & Coffee in Trinity:
- Foodland Bonavista (40 min away) – The nearest grocery store.
- Two Whales Coffee Shop – A must-visit café with homemade treats.
- Dock Marina Restaurant – Great seafood with a view.
📍 Return to St. John’s: 2 hr 45 min drive (258 km)
⛳ Where to Golf (suggestions only)
1️⃣ The Wilds Golf Resort – Salmonier, NL
- It is one of Newfoundland’s best golf courses, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.
- On-site accommodations make it ideal for a relaxed stay-and-play experience.
2️⃣ Clovelly Golf Club – St. John’s, NL
- A premier golf destination featuring two courses: The Osprey (challenging) and The Black Duck (beginner-friendly).
📍 Final Explorations & Departure Time to St. John’s is a 3-hour drive
On your last day, take a stroll along the coast. Port Rexton is home to some unique bluffs on the right-hand side of the bay.
You can also visit Dungeon Provincial Park to see dramatic sea caves near Bonavista.
🔹 Final Travel Tips
1-✅ Book your rental car early – Availability is limited, especially in peak season.
2-✅ Stay flexible – The weather in Newfoundland changes fast, so have backup plans.
3-✅ Pack layers – Even in summer, ocean breezes can bring chilly temperatures.
4-✅ Gas Fillup– There are several gas stations on your way to the airport before you drop off your rental
Gear: Bring a tripod and a camera. Use lenses with different focal lengths like 16-35, 24-70, and 150-600mm. Don’t forget a rain jacket and extra batteries. Bring filters like a 6-stop or 10-stop for long exposures.
📸 Final Thoughts
Each visit to Newfoundland fills me with joy and deep appreciation for its breathtaking landscapes and warm-hearted people. Whether you are a photographer or a wildlife enthusiast, Eastern Newfoundland has something unforgettable for you. If you wish to immerse yourself in nature, it offers a memorable experience.
Until next time, Newfoundland—I can’t wait to return!
🎭 Newfoundland’s Cultural & Artistic Heritage
* Folk Festival (August): Newfoundland Folk Festival – Traditional Newfoundland music.
* George Street Festival (August): George Street Association – Live music & street parties.
* St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival (October): Women’s Film Festival – Celebrating women in film.
🌍 Sustainability & Responsible Travel
* Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Choose green-certified hotels or B&Bs. Examples include Trinity Eco-Tours and other eco-conscious stays.
* Wildlife Photography: Keep a respectful distance & follow the Leave No Trace principle.
📸 Photography Challenges & Routes
* IcebergFinder.com: Iceberg Finder – Share iceberg sightings using #IcebergsNL.
* Photo Routes:
* Signal Hill to Quidi Vidi – Coastal views & cityscapes.
* Cape Spear to Petty Harbour – Rugged coastlines & fishing villages.
📅 Plan Your Visit: Seasonal Events & Wildlife Migration
* Whale Watching: Best from June to September.
* Puffin Nesting: May to September.
* Iceberg Viewing: Late April to mid-June.
📷 Recommended Photography Gear
* Camera: DSLR or mirrorless (I use a Canon EOS R5).
* Lenses: * Wide-angle (16-35mm or 24-70mm) for landscapes.
* Telephoto (70-200mm) for wildlife.
* Tripod: For long exposure shots.
* Filters: ND & CPL filters for water and reflections.
* Drone: For aerial landscapes (Follow local regulations).
* Weatherproof Gear: Be ready for sudden weather changes.
✨ Conclusion: The magic that holds Eastern Newfoundland is unique! I’ve travelled to many places, but Newfoundland is special. The rugged beauty is breathtaking. The locals are welcoming. There are endless opportunities for stunning photography. These make this one of the best places to visit and explore. Did I mention that the locals are why I keep coming back? 😊
🔹 Have you been to Newfoundland? What was your favourite photography spot? Let me know in the comments!
Roland
