Your Ultimate 7 Day Coastal & Wildlife Itinerary (Mid-May to Late October)
Article Intent
This guide is designed for intentional travelers seeking a “Slow Travel” perspective on Newfoundland’s Avalon and Bonavista Peninsulas. It highlights specific photography “golden hours,” 2026 logistics for local operators like Trinity Eco-Tours, and provides a verified booking checklist to streamline your planning.
Transparency Matters
This guide features my favourite travel tools. If you book through the links below (Expedia, GetYourGuide), I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. This supports my award-winning photography. Thank you!
The “Slow Travel” Experience
Eastern Newfoundland is the kind of place that changes how you see a landscape. From the first light at Cape Spear to puffins skimming the cliffs of Elliston, this region reveals itself through movement, weather, and time. This guide is for those who value depth over speed.
2026 Traveler’s Booking Checklist
Use these verified links to secure your 2026 Newfoundland journey.
| Category | Item to Book | Link | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | Ottawa to St. John’s (YYT) | Search Skyscanner | ☐ |
| My top Whale Tour and Stay, Trinity | Trinity Eco-Lodge Trinity Whale Tours | Book direct with Trinity Eco Lodge | ☐ |
| Hotels and Lodges | Essential for the Avalon | Check Expedia.com | ☐ |
| Activities | Witless Bay Boat Tour | Tickets on GetYourGuide | ☐ |
| Stay Connected | Canada Data eSIM | Get Yesim eSIM | ☐ |
Quick Essentials
Best Time to Visit: Mid-May to Late October
Photo Highlights: Icebergs, puffins, whales, dramatic cliffs, fishing villages, historic lighthouses
Seasons to Note:
– Icebergs: Late April–mid-June
– Whales: June–September
– Puffins: May–September
– Peak colours: August–October
Day 1: St. John’s & Cape Spear Orientation
St. John’s is North America’s oldest city—colourful, resilient, and dramatically set.
Photographer’s Insight: This is the easternmost point of the continent. Bring a tripod for long exposures of the crashing Atlantic waves.
Morning: Sunrise at Signal Hill.
Best Shot: Panoramic views as sunlight washes over the bright houses of the “Jellybean Row.”
Brunch: Mallard Cottage. (Note: Re-opening Spring 2026).
Evening: Sunset at Cape Spear (Parks Canada).
Day 2: Wildlife & Coastal Immersion
Depart St. John’s for a half-hour drive to Witless Bay.
Lunch: Ferryland Lighthouse Picnic. A uniquely Newfoundland experience—gourmet food on the grass overlooking whale-filled waters.
The Experience: Join Gatherall Tours to see 2.5 million seabirds.
Photo Tip: Use a shutter speed of 1/1000s or faster to capture puffins in flight.
Evening: Ferryland Trails & Historic Settlement
Photograph rolling green hills, deep-blue ocean, and remnants of the 17th-century settlement.
Photographer’s Perspective:
“The contrast between grassy cliffs and blue water makes for beautifully cinematic compositions.”
Where to Stay This Night
Stay in St. John’s or move your base south to The Wilds Resort.
Day 3: Indigenous Culture & Connection
Understanding the land requires connecting with the Miawpukek Mi’kamawey Mawi’omi and local traditions.
Art: Visit Eastern Edge Gallery in St. John’s to see contemporary Indigenous works.
Experience: I recommend Under the Stump Wilderness Tours for land-based teachings and storytelling.
1. Miawpukek Mi’kamawey Mawi’omi (Conne River Powwow)
Experience Mi’kmaq traditions through dance, ceremony, and community celebration.
2. Inuit Games & Cultural Gatherings
Participate in Inuit games, drumming, and throat singing at community events.
3. Under the Stump Wilderness Tours
Guided cultural tours through remote wilderness with storytelling, food traditions, and land-based teachings.
4. Eastern Edge Gallery (St. John’s)
A contemporary space showcasing Indigenous artists from across Newfoundland and Labrador.
5. NL Indigenous Tourism Association (NLITA)
Indigenous-owned accommodations, culinary experiences, cultural tours, and more.
6. Additional Cultural Experiences
Workshops, plant medicine walks, language classes, craft sessions, community feasts, storytelling with Elders, art exhibitions, film screenings, and cultural festivals.
These experiences deepen any visit to Eastern Newfoundland — offering perspective, connection, and a greater understanding of the land.
Where to Stay in Eastern Newfoundland
Use this interactive map to find the best hotels and unique B&Bs across Newfoundland. The map pulls live availability and pricing from major partners, including Expedia, VRBO, and Booking.com, ensuring you find the perfect stay, whether it’s a luxury hotel in St. John’s or a remote coastal cottage.
St. John’s
– *Alt Hotel St. John’s
– *Blue on Water
Avalon Peninsula
– *The Wilds Resort (Golf)
– *Edge of the Avalon Inn (near Mistaken Point)
Trinity
– *Trinity Eco-Tours Lodge (my favourite stay — rustic, authentic, and adventure-focused)
– Artisan Inn
– Fisher’s Loft Inn (Port Rexton)
Day 4+ Cape St. Mary’s & the Southern Avalon
Cape St. Mary’s is home to one of North America’s most dramatic seabird colonies. Standing on the edge of the “Bird Rock” with thousands of Gannets swirling in the fog is a bucket-list experience for any visual storyteller.
Avalon Wilderness Reserve: Keep your telephoto lens ready for woodland caribou and willow ptarmigan.
Photographer’s Window: Aim for 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM or the last two hours before sunset for the softest light on the cliffs.
Don’t Miss These Nearby Gems:
Mistaken Point (UNESCO): See 565-million-year-old fossils (Guided tours only).
Cape Race Lighthouse: The site that received the Titanic’s distress signal.
Elliston Puffin Colony
Elliston offers what I believe is the most intimate puffin encounter in the world. Unlike boat tours, where you view from a distance, here you are on the cliffs, often just feet away from these “clowns of the sea.”
Cost: Access is free, though donations to the local site maintenance are highly encouraged.
The Experience: On calm days, puffins land right at the cliff’s edge to rest.
The “Slow Travel” Secret: Stay patient and move slowly. If you sit quietly, the puffins will accept your presence, allowing for close-up portraits that feel like a memory rather than just a photo.
Day 6-7: Trinity & the Whale Watching Experience
Trinity is the soul of the Bonavista Peninsula. While the architecture is stunning, the real magic happens on the water. For an authentic, non-rushed encounter, I only recommend one person.
My Featured Recommendation: Trinity Eco-Tours (Captain Bob)
Captain Bob is part naturalist, part storyteller, and deeply connected to these waters. In a world of “rushed” tourism, he embraces the Slow Travel philosophy.
- Why I Trust Him: He doesn’t just “drive to whales”—he searches for them with a commitment to the animal’s welfare and the guest’s experience.
- What You’ll See: Beyond humpbacks breaching, keep an eye out for bald eagles and the rugged “Random Passage” coastline.
- Pro Tip: Timing your tour for late afternoon often provides the best light as the sun drops behind the historic Trinity lighthouse.
Discover more about Trinity Eco-Tours and reserve your 2026 excursion.
Exploring Bonavista: Root Cellars & Sea Stacks
Bonavista is a photographer’s playground where history meets the raw power of the North Atlantic. It is a town defined by its geology and its resilient spirit.
- Top Photography Spots: The Dungeon Provincial Park (natural sea arches), the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, and the iconic “Root Cellars” of Elliston.
- The Vibe: Spend your afternoon wandering between coastal trails and local boutiques. The cafes here offer some of the best locally roasted coffee in the province—perfect for a “Slow Travel” break.
Essential Photography Gear for the North Atlantic
To capture the mood of Newfoundland, you need to be prepared for everything from sea spray to distant whales.
- Lenses:
- Wide-angle (16–35mm): For the dramatic cliffs and Quidi Vidi harbour.
- Telephoto (150–600mm): Essential for puffin portraits and breaching humpbacks.
- Filters: ND and CPL filters are non-negotiable for managing the glare of the Atlantic and creating long-exposure “silk” effects on the waves.
- Protection: High-quality weatherproof clothing and extra batteries (the cold coastal air drains them faster).
Pro Travel Tips for a Smooth 2026 Journey
- The 8-Month Rule: Book your rental car 8–12 months in advance. In 2026, summer availability vanishes quickly. Check car rental rates on Expedia.
- Fuel Strategy: Always fuel up before returning your car or heading into remote coastal loops; gas stations can be far apart.
- Layer Up: Even in July, the “fog-drip” and coastal winds require a good rain jacket and layers.
Why I Return to the Rock
Eastern Newfoundland draws you in slowly. I return not just for the #6 influencer rankings or the TMAC gold medals, but for the feeling of presence. It is a place that asks you to look longer and listen—and in doing so, it gives something back.
Plan your 2026 Newfoundland Trip soon
Frequently Asked Questions about Eastern Newfoundland
The ideal season is mid-May to late October. This window covers the iceberg season (late April–June), whale watching (June–Sept), and the peak puffin nesting months.
Safety must always come before the shot. Stay behind posted lines at Cape Spear and Elliston. Coastal winds are unpredictable—keep your gear secure and your tripod weighted.
Absolutely. While I’ve designed this with professional gear in mind, the locations are accessible to everyone. The beauty of Newfoundland is that the landscape does the heavy lifting for you.
A minimum of three days covers St. John’s and Witless Bay. For a true “Slow Travel” experience, including Trinity and Bonavista, plan for five to seven days.
About the Author
Roland Bast is an award-winning Canadian travel photographer (TMAC Gold Medalist 2024). He specializes in authentic visual narratives, with Newfoundland as his top destination. Roland’s work focuses on the intersection of people, culture, and the wild Canadian landscape.
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