Bonavista
Peninsula
Lighthouse-topped headlands, puffin-covered cliffs, Viking-age history, sea stacks carved by the Atlantic, and the warmest people in Canada. Welcome to the Bonavista Peninsula the best of Newfoundland.
Touched America
Eastern Newfoundland’s
Crown Jewel
The Bonavista Peninsula juts northeast into the Atlantic from Eastern Newfoundland a rugged, breathtaking arm of land where history, wildlife, and coastal beauty converge in a way found nowhere else in Canada. Its coastline is raw and dramatic: sea stacks, natural arches, puffin-crowded cliffs, and lighthouse-topped headlands that have guided mariners for centuries.
This is where John Cabot first touched North American soil in 1497, beginning the age of European exploration of the continent. The same cape where his flagship Matthew is believed to have made landfall still looks exactly as it did wild, windswept, and magnificent. Five distinct communities dot the peninsula, each with its own character: Bonavista, Trinity, Port Rexton, Elliston, and Catalina.
From the world-renowned Skerwink Trail to the puffin cliffs of Elliston, from Rising Tide Theatre performances to fresh cod straight off the boat the Bonavista Peninsula is, as Newfoundlanders say, the best coast.
Five Communities, One Spectacular Peninsula
Each town on the Bonavista Peninsula is worth a full day of exploration. Here’s a quick guide to each.
Bonavista Where History Meets the Sea
The town from which the peninsula takes its name is a living museum of Newfoundland history. The Cape Bonavista Lighthouse stands on the exact headland where John Cabot is believed to have landed in 1497, and the view from its clifftop is as wild and magnificent as it must have been that day. The lighthouse itself is a Provincial Historic Site.
The Ryan Premises National Historic Site preserves a complete 19th-century merchant fishing complex the best of its kind in Canada. The Matthew Legacy celebrates the voyage of Cabot’s ship with a full-size replica. And Dungeon Provincial Park, just outside town, features spectacular collapsed sea caves and natural arches carved by the relentless Atlantic.
Cape Bonavista Lighthouse
John Cabot landed here in 1497. Panoramic ocean views. Provincial Historic Site.
Ryan Premises National Historic Site
Best-preserved 19th-century merchant fishing complex in Canada.
Dungeon Provincial Park
Collapsed sea caves, sea stacks, and natural arches free admission.
Trinity Newfoundland Most Charming Village
Trinity is a living postcard. One of the oldest and best-preserved historic towns in Canada, its narrow one-lane streets are lined with brightly painted Georgian and Victorian houses that climb the hillside above a magnificent harbour. Eleven heritage buildings are open to visitors through the Trinity Historical Society.
Trinity is also home to Rising Tide Theatre, one of Canada’s most beloved regional theatre companies, performing original works in heritage buildings and outdoor venues throughout the summer. And the Skerwink Trail, rated among the top 35 trails in North America, begins just minutes from town.
Trinity Historic Sites
11 heritage buildings including the Lester-Garland House, Green Family Forge, and Trinity Museum.
Rising Tide Theatre
World-class summer theatre in historic venues. Book ahead sells out every season.
Skerwink Trail (nearby)
5.3 km coastal loop ranked top 35 trails in North America and Europe.
Elliston The Puffin Capital of Eastern NL
Elliston is a small coastal village with an extraordinary claim to fame it has one of the most accessible Atlantic puffin colonies in North America. The Elliston Puffin Viewing Site lets visitors walk right to the cliff edge and observe hundreds of puffins nesting just metres away no boat required. Free to visit, from May to September.
Elliston is also the self-proclaimed “Root Cellar Capital of the World” over 135 historic root cellars dot the hillsides, built by early settlers to store vegetables through Newfoundland’s harsh winters. The Sealer’s Memorial on Main Street honours those lost in the 1914 sealing disaster.
Elliston Puffin Viewing Site
Most accessible puffin colony in N. America. Walk to the cliff edge. Free. May–September.
Root Cellar Capital of the World
135+ historic root cellars fascinating glimpse into traditional Newfoundland life.
Roots, Rants and Roars Festival
Annual Elliston food & arts festival a beloved highlight of the Bonavista summer calendar.
Port Rexton Gateway to the Skerwink Trail
Port Rexton is a small community that punches well above its size. It is the trailhead for the Skerwink Trail a 5.3 km coastal loop ranked among the top 35 hiking trails in North America and Europe. The trail hugs the dramatic clifftops above Trinity Bay, offering heart-stopping views of sea stacks, coves, and open ocean with opportunities to spot whales, icebergs, and seabirds.
Port Rexton is also home to the increasingly celebrated Port Rexton Brewery, which produces small-batch craft beer with a loyal following across Newfoundland. Pair a post-hike pint with fresh local food and you have the perfect afternoon.
Skerwink Trail
5.3 km loop, top 35 in N. America and Europe. Rocky Hill Road trailhead. ~2.5 hrs return.
Port Rexton Brewery
Award-winning craft beer with ocean views. The best post-hike reward on the peninsula.
Catalina Fishing Heritage & Whale Watching
Catalina is one of the oldest fishing ports in Newfoundland a working harbour town with deep roots in the salt fish trade and a beautiful natural setting on the northern shore of the peninsula. It’s a gateway for whale watching and marine tours, and offers a glimpse of authentic, unvarnished Newfoundland coastal life.
The Discovery Trail the scenic route connecting Bonavista Peninsula communities passes through Catalina, making it a natural stopping point on a full-peninsula drive. The town’s harbour, fish plants, and surrounding coastline are a photographer’s paradise in the right light.
Whale Watching Tours
Several operators offer whale watching departures from Catalina and surrounding harbours in summer.
Discovery Trail
Catalina sits on the scenic Discovery Trail connecting all Bonavista Peninsula communities.
The Icons of Bonavista
Lighthouses, sea caves, hiking trails, and wildlife these are the experiences every visitor needs.
Activities on the Bonavista Peninsula
From sea kayaking to iceberg chasing every day on the peninsula is packed with unforgettable experiences.
North America’s Most Accessible Puffin Colony
The Elliston Puffin Viewing Site is one of the genuine wonders of Newfoundland wildlife. Unlike Witless Bay’s offshore colony which requires a boat Elliston’s puffins nest directly on the clifftops, just metres from a public viewing path. Walk to the edge and puffins will be flying around you, landing on rocks at arm’s reach, waddling between burrows with beaks full of fish.
The colony is active from mid-May to mid-September. Entry is free and no booking required. Combine your puffin visit with a walk through Elliston’s root cellars 135 historic structures built into the hillsides for a uniquely Newfoundland afternoon.
Best Time to Visit the Bonavista Peninsula
Each season on the peninsula brings something different and special there’s no truly bad time to visit.
Icebergs drift south past the peninsula. Puffins arrive at Elliston. Fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices.
- Best iceberg season
- Puffins arrive mid-May
- Cooler but dramatic
Peak season Rising Tide Theatre, Bonavista Biennale, whale watching, puffins, and all attractions fully operating. Book well ahead.
- All attractions open
- Theatre & festivals
- Best whale watching
Bonavista Biennale continues through September. Fall foliage colours the headlands. Fewer tourists, cooler hiking temperatures.
- Biennale art festival
- Fall colours
- Peaceful hiking
The peninsula in its most raw and dramatic form. Most attractions are closed but coastal walks and the communities themselves are open and welcoming.
- Complete solitude
- Dramatic winter seas
- Lowest prices
How to Reach the Bonavista Peninsula
3 hours from St. John’s the drive along the Discovery Trail is half the experience.
🗓️ Plan at Least 3 Nights
Bonavista, Trinity, Elliston, Port Rexton, and the Skerwink Trail each deserve their own full day. Three nights minimum; five nights gives you time to do everything without rushing.
🚗 Rental Car is Essential
There is no public transport between peninsula communities. Book your rental car at least 3 months ahead in peak season vehicles sell out fast in July and August.
🏠 Book Accommodation Early
Trinity and Bonavista accommodations fill up by late spring for July and August. If you want to stay in the most desirable inns and B&Bs, book 4–6 months in advance.
🥾 Skerwink Trail Tip
The Rocky Hill Road trailhead in Port Rexton has limited parking. Arrive early (before 9am) in peak season to guarantee a spot and have the clifftops to yourself for the best photography.
🌦️ Pack for Coastal Weather
Coastal Newfoundland can be cold, foggy, and windy even in July. Always pack a warm layer, waterproof jacket, and sturdy footwear. The weather changes quickly and so does the light for photography.
Common Questions About the Bonavista Peninsula
Everything you need to know before making the trip east.
Get the Official Bonavista Peninsula Travel Guide
Our expertly crafted digital guide covers every town, trail, restaurant, and accommodation on the Bonavista Peninsula. Day-by-day itineraries, hidden gems, insider tips, and the best local food everything you need for the perfect peninsula trip. Available as an instant PDF download.
Bonavista Peninsula Travel Guides
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