The Southern Shore
& Irish Loop
Newfoundland’s great coastal drive Ferryland Lighthouse Picnic, Colony of Avalon, St. Vincent’s Beach whale watching, Mistaken Point UNESCO fossils, and Cape St. Mary’s gannets. The complete stop-by-stop guide for driving Route 10 from St. John’s.
🚗 The Irish Loop One of Atlantic Canada’s Great Drives
The Irish Loop is a 312-kilometre circular route from St. John’s that sweeps down the eastern shore of the Avalon Peninsula via Route 10, loops around the southern coast, and returns through the interior. It earns its name from the heavily Irish-descended communities strung along its shores fishing villages where the accents still carry traces of County Wexford and Waterford, settled by Irish immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Consequently, this is not just a scenic drive it is a cultural and natural journey that delivers whale watching from shore, a UNESCO fossil site, one of the most dramatic seabird colonies in Canada, an iconic lighthouse picnic, an actively excavated 17th-century settlement, and some of the most rugged coastal scenery in Newfoundland. Furthermore, it is accessible from St. John’s without a single night away though overnighting in Ferryland unlocks the full southern experience including Mistaken Point and Cape St. Mary’s at a relaxed pace.
Allow a full day minimum for the Route 10 section from St. John’s to Ferryland and back (~130 km return, with stops). For the full southern loop including St. Vincent’s Beach, Mistaken Point, and Cape St. Mary’s, plan 2 days and overnight along the southern coast. The complete 312 km loop in a single day is possible but rushed you would need to skip most stops. A 2-day approach with Ferryland on Day 1 and the southern coast on Day 2 is the ideal structure.
📍 Stop-by-Stop Route Guide
Starting from St. John’s, driving south on Route 10. Distances and drive times are from St. John’s unless otherwise noted.
North America’s easternmost point two historic lighthouses, cliff-top walking paths, and Atlantic Ocean views. Humpbacks and minkes are regularly spotted from the cliff paths May–September. Icebergs visible in May–June. Free grounds access. An easy morning warm-up before the longer drive south.
O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tours and Gatherall’s Puffin and Whale Watch depart from Bay Bulls harbour for 2-hour tours into Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. This is North America’s largest Atlantic puffin colony and one of the best humpback whale watching sites in the world. In June, icebergs are sometimes visible on the same tour the triple play. Book ahead for July and August.
One of the most picturesque fishing villages on the Southern Shore colourful stages leaning over the harbour, traditional fishing boats, and excellent coastal scenery. The Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium operates in summer. A 10-minute stop between Cape Spear and Bay Bulls, or a relaxed evening destination on the return drive.
The flagship Irish Loop stop. Collect your pre-ordered picnic basket from the Lighthouse Picnics café at 1 Lighthouse Road, then walk 2 kilometres along the headland path to eat with the Atlantic on three sides. In May and June, icebergs drift past the headland. The Colony of Avalon archaeological site one of North America’s best-preserved 17th-century European settlements is in the same area, with the dig actively running in summer. Allow 2–3 hours for both.
A 5-kilometre trail along the East Coast Trail from La Manche to the remains of an abandoned fishing village, crossing a spectacular suspension bridge (35 metres) above the mouth of the La Manche River. The park, trails, swimming holes, and cliff views make this one of the most rewarding hiking stops on the Irish Loop and it requires no booking.
One of the most remarkable free wildlife experiences in Canada. Deep water extends unusually close to shore here, allowing humpback whales to feed on capelin within clear viewing distance from the beach. Visitors regularly see humpbacks lunge-feeding only metres from where they stand. No boat, no tour, no entry fee. Best in July and August when capelin are most abundant. Combine with a stay in the area for the best odds whale activity is highest in morning.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site near Cape Race on the southern tip of the Avalon Peninsula. Mistaken Point contains the oldest visible fossils of large, complex multicellular organisms in the world approximately 565 million years old. Guided tours are required to visit the fossil beds (to protect the site). The site is named for its history of confusing sailors about their position a deceptive coastline responsible for many historic shipwrecks. Booking a guided tour in advance is essential.
One of the most accessible seabird colonies in North America. A short 1.5-kilometre trail brings you to Bird Rock a towering sea stack home to over 30,000 Northern Gannets, 20,000 common murres, 20,000 black-legged kittiwakes, and other seabirds nesting within metres of the viewing platform. The spectacle of thousands of brilliant white gannets launching from the stack against an open Atlantic backdrop is extraordinary. Humpback and minke whales are also visible offshore from the clifftops. Best May through September.
🧺 The Ferryland Lighthouse Picnic Everything You Need to Know
The Ferryland Lighthouse Picnic is one of the most celebrated visitor experiences in Newfoundland and it deserves its reputation. The lighthouse café at 1 Lighthouse Road, Ferryland, prepares gourmet picnic baskets filled with fresh local food: chowder, sandwiches, salads, and homemade desserts. You collect your basket and walk 2 kilometres along the headland path to eat on the grass with the Atlantic on three sides.
Ferryland Lighthouse Picnics baskets sell out on sunny summer afternoons. Furthermore, pre-ordering ensures your basket is ready when you arrive the walk to the headland takes 20 minutes each way, and you do not want to be turned away at the café. Call ahead or book online before your visit. Baskets are typically $30–$45 per person and change seasonally based on what’s local and available.
🐋 St. Vincent’s Beach Free Humpback Whale Watching
St. Vincent’s Beach is the best free whale watching experience in Newfoundland and arguably one of the best in Canada. The deep water extending close to shore allows humpback whales to feed on capelin runs within clear viewing distance from the beach. No boat, no guide, no entry fee. You stand on the sand and the whales feed metres away.
Best in July and August when capelin density is highest. Morning is generally the most productive time. Combine with a stay at Edge of the Avalon Inn (Trepassey) or The Wilds Resort (Salmonier) for the best morning viewing conditions. The drive from St. John’s is approximately 2–2.5 hours via Route 90 and Route 100.
🦅 Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve
Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve is one of the most accessible seabird colonies in North America and one of the most spectacular. The reserve is home to over 30,000 Northern Gannets, 20,000 common murres, 20,000 black-legged kittiwakes, and numerous other seabird species. The walk to Bird Rock is only 1.5 kilometres from the interpretive centre, making it achievable by almost any visitor.
Bird Rock is a towering sea stack where gannets nest in extraordinary density so close to the viewing platform that individual birds, their eggs, and their chicks are clearly visible without binoculars. The sound of thousands of seabirds calling simultaneously is immersive and unforgettable. Furthermore, humpback and minke whales are regularly spotted offshore from the clifftops. The reserve is designated an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. Best May through September.
From St. John’s: drive south on Route 10 to Placentia (1.5 hrs), then take Route 100 west and Route 92 south to St. Bride’s and the reserve entrance (30 additional minutes). Allow 30–45 minutes at the reserve for the walk and viewing. Alternatively, combine Cape St. Mary’s with an Irish Loop overnight the reserve is at the southwest corner of the Avalon Peninsula and makes most sense as a 2-day trip from St. John’s.
🪨 Mistaken Point UNESCO World Heritage Fossils
Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Cape Race on the southern tip of the Avalon Peninsula, famous for its extraordinary fossil beds the oldest visible fossils of large, complex multicellular organisms anywhere in the world, dating to approximately 565 million years ago. The site predates the Cambrian explosion and represents a critical window into the early evolution of complex animal life on Earth.
Guided tours are required to visit the fossil beds walking directly on the fossils would cause irreparable damage to a scientifically priceless site. Tours depart from the Mistaken Point Interpretive Centre in Portugal Cove South and walk approximately 5 km return to the fossil beds along the coastal path. Book tours in advance as availability is limited. The site is approximately 2.5 hours from St. John’s via Route 10 and Cape Shore road.
🍽️ Where to Eat & Stay on the Irish Loop
| Property / Restaurant | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lighthouse Picnics | 1 Lighthouse Rd, Ferryland | The Ferryland Lighthouse Picnic pre-order baskets. The signature Irish Loop experience. |
| Tetley Tea Room By The Sea | The Pool, Ferryland | Charming café in Ferryland. Good stop for tea and light lunch before or after the lighthouse walk. |
| Irish Loop Coffee House | 407 Main Hwy, Witless Bay | Good coffee and café food early in the drive south. |
| The Fork Restaurant | 52 Cod Seine Cove Rd, Mobile | Casual, local dining mid-loop. Good quality ingredients, reliable option on the Route 10 corridor. |
| In Da Loop | 412 Main Road, Aquaforte | Traditional Irish-Newfoundland cuisine along the loop. Fish and chips, chowder, local favourites. |
| The Wilds Resort | Salmonier | Resort accommodation and dining near the start of the inland return route. Pool, restaurant on-site. |
| Edge of the Avalon Inn | Trepassey | Accommodation at the southern tip of the loop. Good base for St. Vincent’s Beach and Mistaken Point. |
Planning Your Irish Loop Drive?
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