Looking for an authentic outdoor escape in Newfoundland and Labrador? Venture beyond the popular St. John’s to explore the eastern region of this Atlantic province, where you’ll find rugged coastlines and charming villages. From Bonavista peninsula to the picturesque coves of Trinity, this area is rich in history and culture, with plenty of things to do outdoors making for a scenic road trip. Here are 7 amazing things to do outdoors in eastern Newfoundland.

7 Amazing Things to Do Outdoors in Eastern Newfoundland

Boat tour in Trinity with Trinity Ecotours

One highlight of my eastern Newfoundland tour hosted by the Legendary Coasts of Eastern Newfoundland was getting soaked aboard the Trinity Ecotours zodiac boat while on the lookout for whales in Trinity Bay. Our host and captain, Skipper Bob expertly steered the way through the rain and fog, zipping along the majestic rocky shorelines. You can see caplin, fin and minke whales, as well as humpback whales which are the “whale-watching” whales because they’re social and like to play as a means of communication! On our rainy adventure, our crew caught sight of a few minke whales.

Other wildlife you may spot on your boat tour are orcas (killer whales). You may even see a Steller’s sea eagle, which are not native to Canada – they typically live in Russian and northeast Asia. In Their wingspans reach up to 8 feet, making them one of the largest eagles in the world. Finally, if you’re super lucky, you’ll see an iceberg! 

Salmonier Nature Park

Get up close and personal with moose, caribou, lynx, foxes, otters and owls at Salmonier Nature Park, a wildlife rehabilitation center in Holyrod. The Park is a centre for environmental education, research and environmental monitoring and has evolved to include wildlife rehabilitation, where it houses and protects wildlife like this bald eagle which has a broken wing. Visitors can hike a three-kilometer boardwalk trail and view wildlife along the way. The trail is scenic and not difficult, making it a good activity for families with younger children.

Puffin Viewing Site & Elliston Root Cellars 

Did you know there is a Root Cellar Capital of the World where the Atlantic Puffins also fly? Yes, and it’s what Elliston is famous for and its 133 documented root cellar structures to preserve vegetables and perishables. While the Puffins land on the cliffs of these geologically historical rocks that define the region, the soil beneath tells a story about how families would live in this region. Because the soil in this region is stony and not fertile, families would grow crops in their own gardens and using whatever they could find locally to enrich the oil, including kelp, a type of seaweed, fish bones, offal, and capelin fish. The harvest – mostly root vegetables – would then be stored in their root cellars, made of the local flagstone, to last them through the long and harsh winter months. Visiting the root cellars in Elliston gives you a deeper understanding of the people who lived and raised families here. But of course, watching the puffins will be a delightful highlight of this stop.

Bring a camping chair and perch yourself on the Elliston’s Puffin Viewing site for a while, so you can get a close-up view of the puffins. They fly close to viewers and often land on the cliffs just several feet away – the best view of the puffins in all North America.

Cupids Cove Plantation Provincial Historic Site  

If you’re visiting Eastern Newfoundland, then you will undoubtedly learn a few lessons in Canadian history at the Cupids Cove Plantation Provincial Historic Site in Cupids. In 1610, Bristol merchant John Guy arrived at Cupids Cove in Conception Bay with 38 settlers, marking the start of the first English settlement in what would become Canada. These settlers were here to stay—they cleared the land, fished, farmed, and even tried to establish trade with the Indigenous Beothuk.

Since the site’s discovery in 1995, archaeologists have been uncovering more about their lives each summer. So far, they’ve revealed four 17th-century buildings and over 170,000 artifacts, shedding light on the story of Canada’s first English settlers. 

You can take a walk through the active archaeological dig site and explore the cobblestone floors and foundations of buildings that the colonists built over 400 years ago. You can even chat with an archaeologist to discover what they’re uncovering and hear fascinating stories of the settlers. While you’re visiting, you can hop into the Cupids Legacy Centre Museum just a five-minute walk away to learn more about 17th century life in Cupids.

The Dungeon Provincial Park  

The pounding and powerful waves of the Atlantic Ocean eroded this rugged coastline at Dungeon Provincial Park at the tip of Bonavista Peninsula. It may be a small park but it’s incredibly scenic. With dramatic cliffs and a rugged coastline offering stunning views, its standout feature is a collapsed sea cave, which has created two stunning natural rock archways. Caves were carved out of the sedimentary rock -which are over 600 million years old – eventually forming this “dungeon” which is shaped like a heart.

This geological wonder highlights the raw beauty of nature and how truly amazing to witness how the landscape has evolved over millions of years. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or just someone who enjoys extraordinary landscapes, a visit here promises an unforgettable experience.

Cape Bonavista Lighthouse

The lighthouse at Cape Bonavista built in 1843 is one of the few in the world where you can climb up and see the same seal oil fueled catoptric light apparatus that was used in the 1800s. For generations of mariners along this coast, the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse was their lifeline to land while navigating the dark sea.
It’s a beautiful spot to take photos and catch some whale-watching, see some puffins and if you’re lucky, see an iceberg. The area has some uneven and rocky ground so wear sturdy shoes or boots.

Beach Lobster Boil Up

A Newfoundland boil-up is a beloved tradition where friends and family gather on the beach to enjoy tea and snacks around an open fire. On this adventure with Bonavista Adventure Tours, you’ll get to enjoy a lobster boil-up – also called a ‘mug-up’ right on the beach. Our guide and owner, Jordan Stagg, shared stories about growing up here while he kindled the fire and prepared fresh seafood for us.

During our lunch, he told us about Bonavista being one of the most important towns in Newfoundland because of its prime location – close to fishing and sealing. The soil was also softer than Newfoundland’s rocky terrain. The Spanish, Portuguese, French and English fished off Cape Bonavista during the 16th century.
When Italian explorer Giovanni Caboto – known as John Cabot – first came to North America in 1497, he exclaimed “O buono vista!” which means, “Oh happy sight!” How fitting name for what would become the town of Bonavista.

Where to stay: The Wilds Resort

The Wilds Resort at Salmonier River is a four-season resort that feels like you’re in the middle of, well, the wilderness! My room had a balcony with a lovely view of the rolling hills and trees. With nature trails nearby and a Championship Golf Course on the Avalon, you can enjoy time outdoors like hiking, biking and golf. I didn’t get a chance to enjoy the pool but did have breakfast and dinner in the restaurant and they were able to accommodate my gluten sensitivity.

Eastern Newfoundland offers a perfect blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re hiking along rugged coastlines, exploring charming villages, or soaking in the region’s heritage, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures to enjoy. As you wrap up your journey, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and warmth of this Atlantic gem. So pack your bags, hit the road, and let the magic of eastern Newfoundland inspire your next adventure!