TL;DR: This 2026 guide is a curated roadmap for photographers and slow travellers. From the first sunrise in North America at Cape Spear to the intimate puffin colonies of Elliston, discover the rugged beauty of the Avalon and Bonavista Peninsulas.
Article Intent: This guide provides a logistical and cultural roadmap for independent travellers. It prioritizes coastal photography, wildlife encounters (whales and puffins), and maritime heritage, verified through first-hand professional storytelling.
Transparency Matters: My photography journey through this region was a paid partnership with Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism. As a professional visual storyteller, my goal is to show you the “real” Newfoundland—including the fog that rewrites your plans and the light that makes the wait worth it. This post contains affiliate links; booking through them supports my work at no extra cost to you.
| Category | Recommendation |
| Best Way to Arrive | Fly into St. John’s (YYT). It is the most practical gateway for the East. |
| Car Rental | Non-negotiable. Book 6 months out for 2026 summer travel. |
| Photography Tip | Pack a rain sleeve for your camera. The salt mist and fog are beautiful but relentless on gear. |
| 2026 Update | Cape St. Mary’s: Accessibility to “Bird Rock” is best in the morning before the heavy afternoon fog settles. |
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 sets the tone: vibrant, historic, and wrapped in Atlantic air. The famous “Jelly Bean Row” houses offer a masterclass in colour and composition for street photography.
Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton St. John’s — The harbour views from the upper floors are perfect for blue-hour photography.
Quidi Vidi Village: A short drive from downtown brings you to this “gut” where fishing stages cling to the rocks.
Pro Tip: Visit Quidi Vidi Brewery to try the Iceberg Beer—brewed with water from 20,000-year-old ice—and then hike the coastal trails linking to Signal Hill for a panoramic sunset.
Day 2 – Cape Spear Sunrise & The Avalon Giants
Cape Spear National Historic Site greets the sunrise before anywhere else in North America.
- The Shot: The lighthouse stands firm against the Atlantic. Use a long exposure to blur the crashing waves against the jagged cliffs.
- Whales from Shore: During capelin season (typically July), keep your long lens ready. Humpbacks often feed so close to the cliffs you can hear them breathe.
Afternoon: Puffins & Whales in Bay Bulls
A boat tour with Gatherall’s is essential for marine photography.
Overnight: The Wilds Resort. A perfect reset with quiet trails and zero light pollution for astrophotography.
The Experience: Navigating the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve brings you face-to-face with North America’s largest Atlantic Puffin colony.
Photography Note: Shooting from a moving zodiac or tour boat requires a fast shutter speed (at least 1/2000) to freeze the puffins as they “skitter” across the water.
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: The Alchemy of Fog
Few places on Earth compare to Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve. Thousands of Northern Gannets nest on a massive sea stack known as “Bird Rock.”
Verified Tip: Don’t be deterred by a “foggy” forecast. In Eastern Newfoundland, fog is a gift for photographers—it creates a moody, ethereal atmosphere that clear blue skies can’t match.
The Experience: The scale makes you feel small in the best way. When the fog rolls in, the cliffs disappear into a white void, leaving only the sound of thousands of birds and the golden heads of the gannets piercing through the mist.
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.
The “Slow Travel” Moment: Spend an evening at Dungeon Provincial Park. The sea caves, carved over centuries, echo with the power of the Atlantic. It’s a place for early mornings and soft reflections.
Where to Stay: Trinity Eco-Tours Lodge. Staying here places you directly in the landscape. It’s an ideal base for sea kayaking and slow observation.
Why I Love Eastern Newfoundland
This region doesn’t perform—it reveals. Its beauty comes through patience. The cliffs, the whales, the shifting fog, and the people create a rhythm that stays with you. It 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 an Ottawa-based Canadian travel photographer and visual storyteller with a deep-rooted passion for the Atlantic coast. A member of the Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC) 2022–2025, Roland specializes in capturing the intersection of rugged landscapes and human heritage.
Discover Other Beautiful Destinations in Newfoundland
Eastern Newfoundland is where the sun first meets North America, but the soul of the province continues westward into the “hidden heart” of the island. Use these resources to build a complete 2026 itinerary that balances coastal light with inland adventure.
Plan Your Logistics
- Interactive Map & Logistics Guide – Eastern Edition: Plot your 6-day journey from the neon heights of Signal Hill to the rugged sea stacks of Bonavista. This is your master roadmap for 2026 travel.
Central Newfoundland: The Hidden Heart
- Central Newfoundland: From shark conservation in Hare Bay to Indigenous culinary experiences in Twillingate, discover why this region is a masterclass in slow travel.
or
How to spot caribou with Rob Clarke and navigate the rugged barrens of Silver Mountain.
Deep Dives & Themed Escapes
5 Unforgettable Whale Watching Boat Tours: My verified list of the best operators for photographers who need a steady deck and a great vantage point.
24 Hours in St. John’s: A Perfect Local Escape: A photographer’s guide to the best sunrise and sunset spots in the capital city.
Chasing Whales in Newfoundland: A deep dive into the gear and timing required to capture the perfect breach, from Bay Bulls to Trinity.
A Photography & Explorer’s Guide to Eastern Newfoundland
Twillingate: Finding My Way Through Fire, Salt, and Sourdough
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
Discover more from Roland Bast Photography
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