Consisting of four islands in Witless Bay, this reserve is North America's largest Atlantic puffin colony, with more than 260,000 pairs nesting here during the late spring and summer. Every summer, more than a million pairs of birds gather here, including puffins, kittiwakes, storm petrels and the penguinlike murres; the incredible mass of avian life moves like living clouds. Tour boats sail through cold waves to the islands, hugging the shore beneath the cliffs.
Shutterstock / Gilbert S. Grant
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
Newfoundland & Labrador
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Signal Hill National Historic Site
21.72 MILES
The city's most famous landmark is worth it for the glorious view alone, though there's much more to see. The tiny castle atop the hill is Cabot Tower,…
21.2 MILES
Not many museums offer the chance to see a giant squid, hear avant-garde sound sculptures and peruse ancient weaponry all under one roof. But that's The…
19.15 MILES
Constructed in 1835, the oldest surviving lighthouse in the province sits on the dramatic headlands of the continent's most easterly point. The wind here…
22.43 MILES
Over Signal Hill, away from town, is the tiny picturesque village of Quidi Vidi. Check out the 18th-century battery and the lakeside regatta museum, but…
17.28 MILES
The seaside surrounds of the Colony of Avalon archaeological site only add to the rich historical atmosphere that permeates Ferryland. Join a tour and you…
21.92 MILES
The feature-filled 13-sq-km CA Pippy Park coats downtown's northwestern edge. Recreational facilities include walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, a…
9.04 MILES
Diverse birdlife, along with beaver, moose and snowshoe hare, can be seen in this lush park only 53km south of St John's. A highlight is the 1.25km trail…
27.69 MILES
Back in its heyday as a busy port, Capt Abram Bartlett needed a new deepwater berth. Brigus was ideal, but the surrounding cliffs made docking tricky. His…
Nearby Newfoundland & Labrador attractions
9.04 MILES
Diverse birdlife, along with beaver, moose and snowshoe hare, can be seen in this lush park only 53km south of St John's. A highlight is the 1.25km trail…
2. Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium
14.27 MILES
This small attraction is perfect for kids, who will love the touch tanks filled with sea life. Animals are re-released into the ocean at season's end. The…
14.44 MILES
Drive or hike up to this outcrop, popular with local road-trippers, find a spot to sit (or stand), then enjoy the stellar views of icebergs and fishing…
17.11 MILES
The village's former courthouse is now the small Historic Ferryland Museum. The towering hill behind the museum was where settlers climbed to watch for…
17.28 MILES
The seaside surrounds of the Colony of Avalon archaeological site only add to the rich historical atmosphere that permeates Ferryland. Join a tour and you…
18.05 MILES
This beautiful 200-acre city park features a duck pond, tennis courts, swimming pool and playground.
19.15 MILES
Constructed in 1835, the oldest surviving lighthouse in the province sits on the dramatic headlands of the continent's most easterly point. The wind here…
8. Cape Spear National Historic Site
19.17 MILES
In a stunning windswept setting, this site includes an interpretive center, a refurbished 1835 lighthouse and the heavy gun batteries and magazines built…