Saint John’s-East coast of Newfoundland. Icebergs, Whales, Puffins. Sheer cliffs, Rugged Shorelines, Panoramic ocean views, Lighthouses and Pretty Fishing Villages. Nature’s beauty in its purest form, drive through or stay for a meal, the choice is difficult. Food is delicious and the people are friendly. Drive the inner coastal roads, the views and scenery are worth every mile.
Saint John’s-East coast of Newfoundland
NORTH, WEST and SOUTH of Saint John’s (all distances are from Saint John’s)
NORTH:
- Logy Bay – Middle Cove, Outer Cove (7 miles/11.2 kms)
- Torbay (7.5 miles/12.2 kms)
- Pouch Cove (16.6 miles/26.8 kms)
1. Logy Bay
7 miles/11.2 kms north is Middle Cove beach where you find Capelin rolling. These silver fish come here to spawn, and die out of fatigue. Their arrival is a spectacle that draws in thousands of birds and whales who often put on a show of their own. This unique event is a must see. June – August are the months, to find estimated dates, click here. Just up the hill is a lookout point from where you get a panoramic view of the beautiful Avalon coastline.
Middle Cove beach, Logy Bay-Newfoundland, where Capelin come to spawn
Panoramic view of Middle Cove, Torbay and in the distance, Flatrock
2. Torbay
7.5 miles/12.2 kms north you will find this scenic seaside town that is home to a distinct breed type of Pony. Known as the Torbay Pony, this Newfoundland Pony has been given heritage status. Drive to a breeding unit or sanctuary and appreciate this endangered pony.
Scenic Torbay-Newfoundland
Torbay beach is on the right side of the picture
Torbay Pony, Newfoundland
3. Pouch Cove
16.6 miles/26.8 kms north at the top of the Avalon Peninsula is this very scenic little town. Icebergs and Whales are the thrill during the months of May through July. Visit Town Hall which also houses the Town Museum right besides the Fire Hall. Further north of here, is Biscayan Cove and Cape St. Francis Lighthouse (fully automated now). You can trek to the lighthouse via the East Coast Trail (3.7 miles/6 kms).We couldn’t drive there as the road was in total disrepair.
Pouch Cove-Newfoundland, such a pretty town
The rugged shoreline at Pouch Cove, Newfoundland
A tribute to three young men who drowned trying to save each other in 2001
To see more pictures, click here.
WEST:
Portugal Cove
11 miles/17.8 kms to the west, it is a small town where you can take the ferry to Bell Island. On Bell Island there is a Mine Museum and Underground tour that is worth making the trip.
Ferry at Portugal Cove to Bell Island.
Bell Island as seen from Portugal Cove
A Super-zoom and we see the Water Tower of the Town Of Wabana on Bell Island, from Portugal Cove
SOUTH:
- Cape Spear (9.8 miles/15.8 kms)
- Petty Harbor-Maddox Cove (8 miles/13 kms)
- Bay Bulls (19.7 miles/31.7 kms)
- Ferryland (48 miles/77.5 kms)
1. Cape Spear
9.8 miles/15.8 kms south is Cape Spear with definitely one of the most spectacular sunrises you will ever see. This is the Easternmost point in Canada and North America. Stand at the edge of the cliff with your back to the sea and every person on the North-American continent will be in front of you. To your back will be Ireland, miles and miles away. Constructed in 1836, the now decommissioned Cape Spear Lighthouse is a striking example of the unique lighthouse architecture of the period. Rising up from the centre of the square lightkeeper’s residence, the all-important light was a beacon of safe passage until 1955, when a new lighthouse tower was built nearby, using the original light.
The decommissioned lighthouse at Cape Spear, now a National Historic Site
Now, a gleaming white Lighthouse sits perched atop a craggy headland, with a sky full of seabirds. Overlooking a vast expanse of ocean where icebergs glide by, Humpback whales breach and pods of porpoises send misty spouts into the Atlantic air.
The new lighthouse and a spectacular sunrise at Cape Spear, Newfoundland.
Spectacular sunrise at Cape Spear-Newfoundland
2. Petty Harbor – Maddox Cove
8 miles/13 kms south you will come upon this beautiful, picturesque cove. Still a fishing village, but now dependent on tourism with Icebergs and Whales being the main attraction. Chafe’s Landing Restaurant (in Petty Harbor), comes highly recommended
Petty Harbor, Maddox Cove-Newfoundland
Mini Aquarium, a local attraction at Petty Harbor-Newfoundland
3. Bay Bulls
19 miles/31 kms south, take St. Johns Rd. off Route 10 at the Town of Bay Bulls. You will arrive at the pretty sheltered Bay known for Whale, Puffin and Iceberg spotting (during season). O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tours will take you on a trip you will never forget. Icebergs, mid-May till early June. Atlantic Puffins and other seabirds from May to early-September. The best time for whale watching is during the month of July. Species of Whales include Humpback, Fin, Orca, and Minke. You might also see Dolphins and Porpoises.
Mishell, stands guard over the harbor of Bay Bulls, Newfoundland
A tour operator in Bay Bulls, Newfoundland
West Atlantis, a semi-submersible oil rig off the coast of Bay Bulls, Newfoundland
4. Ferryland
48 miles/77.5 kms south is Ferryland with its pretty lighthouse and stunning ocean views. During season, you can spot Humpback and Minke Whales from the hill where the lighthouse is located. Book in advance to have a Picnic at the lighthouse. Visit the archaeological site of the Colony of Avalon, it is at the entranceway to the lighthouse.
Lighthouse at Ferryland, Newfoundland.
Archaeological site of the Colony of Avalon, Ferryland-Newfoundland
Part of the town of Ferryland, Newfoundland
To see more pictures, click here.
