Eastern Newfoundland is a place that slows you down — not because there’s nothing to do, but because everything asks you to pay attention.
Light shifts by the minute. Weather rewrites your plans. And when a whale surfaces or fog lifts from the cliffs, you understand why people return here again and again.
This six-day journey explores the eastern edge of Newfoundland through photography, landscape, and lived moments — from the colourful streets of St. John’s to the wild edges of Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve and the quiet charm of Elliston and Trinity.
Getting There
Fly into St. John’s International Airport (YYT), the most practical gateway for exploring Eastern Newfoundland. Direct flights are available seasonally from major Canadian cities.
You can compare flight options and schedules to St. John’s through Expedia.
This 6-day Eastern Newfoundland itinerary includes:
- St. John’s & Quidi Vidi Village
- Cape Spear sunrise photography
- Whale and puffin boat tours near Bay Bulls
- Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve
- Elliston Puffin Colony & Bonavista Peninsula
- Trinity coastal experiences
This guide may contain affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Day 1 – St. John’s & Quidi Vidi Village
📍 St. John’s, NL
St. John’s sets the tone: vibrant, historic, and wrapped in Atlantic air. Jelly Bean Row houses climb steep hills.
A short drive brings you to Quidi Vidi Village, where fishing stages cling to the rocks and time slows.
Why visit Quidi Vidi
- Colourful saltbox homes
- Working fishing stages
- Quidi Vidi Brewery (Iceberg Beer)
- Coastal trails linking to Signal Hill
Lunch: VU Restaurant & Bar
Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton St. John’s — harbour views and easy access to downtown
Day 2 – Cape Spear Sunrise & Whale Watching on the Avalon Peninsula
📍 Cape Spear National Historic Site
Cape Spear greets the sunrise before anywhere else in North America. The lighthouse stands firm against the Atlantic, offering dramatic cliffs and long-exposure potential.
During capelin season, whales often feed close to shore — sometimes visible directly from land.
Afternoon: Puffins & Whales
📍 Bay Bulls
A boat tour with Gatherall’s brings you into seabird colonies and whale-rich waters. Puffins skim the surface while humpbacks rise and fall against steep cliffs.
Tours around Bay Bulls are seasonal and often sell out — it’s worth checking availability ahead of time.
Overnight: The Wilds Resort
Cabins, quiet trails, and star-filled skies make it an ideal reset.
Day 3 – Avalon Peninsula & Cape St. Vincent
📍 Avalon Peninsula
Wind, fog, and ocean define this stretch. The landscape feels raw and unscripted — cliffs fade into cloud, waves crash below, and time slows.
Sometimes the most memorable moments are the quiet ones: sitting on a rock, watching the ocean move.
Day 4 – Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve
📍 St. Bride’s, NL
Few places compare to Cape St. Mary’s. Thousands of seabirds nest on the cliffs, filling the air with motion and sound. The scale of the reserve makes you feel small — in the best way.
This is one of the strongest wildlife photography locations in Newfoundland, especially when fog rolls in and the cliffs disappear into cloud.
Day 5 – Elliston Puffin Colony
📍 Elliston, NL
In Elliston, puffins nest within arm’s reach. Known as the Root Cellar Capital of the World, the town offers gentle trails, open skies, and intimate wildlife encounters.
Time disappears here — in the best way.
Day 6 – Trinity & Coastal Experiences
📍 Trinity, NL
Trinity offers a different pace — quieter, softer, and deeply rooted in Newfoundland’s outport history. Colourful clapboard homes line the harbour, fishing boats sway gently at anchor, and the light feels slower here, lingering longer on the water.
Staying at Trinity Eco-Tours Lodge places you directly in the landscape. Designed for travellers who value experience over speed, the lodge is an ideal base for coastal exploration, sea kayaking, and slow observation.
This is a place for early mornings, soft reflections, and evenings shaped by silence, wind, and water.
Final Morning – A Quiet Goodbye
Explore Dungeon Provincial Park, where sea caves echo with waves carved over centuries. The drive back to St. John’s feels reflective — coastal roads, fishing villages, and light shifting one last time.
Why I Love Eastern Newfoundland
This region doesn’t perform — it reveals.
Its beauty comes slowly, through patience and presence. The cliffs, whales, fog, and people create a rhythm that stays with you long after you leave.
Eastern Newfoundland isn’t just a destination. It’s a feeling you carry home.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eastern Newfoundland
Late June to early September offers the best mix of whales, puffins, and stable weather.
Six to seven days allows time to explore the region without rushing between locations.
Yes. Distances are manageable, but public transportation is limited. Rental cars should be booked months in advance during peak season.
Yes. Wildlife viewing, short coastal walks, and small communities make it suitable for families who enjoy nature and slower travel.
About the Author
Written and photographed by Roland Bast.
Roland is a Canadian travel photographer and destination storyteller, sharing first-hand experiences from across Canada and beyond.
For collaborations or licensing: [email protected]
Keep exploring:
A Photography & Explorer’s Guide to Eastern Newfoundland
24 Hours in St. John’s: A Perfect Local Escape
Chasing Whales in Newfoundland: A Photographer’s Journey
5 Unforgettable Whale Watching Tours in Newfoundland
Plan Your Trip to Eastern Newfoundland
Getting There
Fly into St. John’s International Airport (YYT), the most practical gateway for exploring Eastern Newfoundland. Direct flights are available seasonally from major Canadian cities.
Getting Around
A rental car is essential. Distances are manageable, but public transportation is limited outside St. John’s. Book your vehicle well in advance during summer months.
When to Go
Late June to early September offers the best conditions for photography, wildlife viewing, and coastal travel. July and August provide peak whale and puffin activity, while June brings longer daylight and fewer crowds.
Where to Stay
Base yourself in:
- St. John’s for city access and day trips
- Bonavista Peninsula for puffins and coastal landscapes
- Trinity for slower travel and immersive coastal experiences
What to Pack
Weather changes quickly. Pack layers, a windproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes, and camera protection for fog and salt air.
Photography Tip
Eastern Newfoundland rewards patience. Early mornings and shifting weather often produce the most dramatic light — don’t rush clear skies.
Eastern Newfoundland from the Gram
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