How To Enjoy the Best Things on The Irish Loop in Newfoundland in 2023

This is How To Enjoy the Best Things on The Irish Loop in Newfoundland in 2023

The Irish Loop

The Irish Loop is a scenic drive along the Avalon Peninsula’s southern shore. The Loop starts in St John’s and ends on Salmonier Line. The Loop is approximately 220 km long and passes through many small communities and towns along the scenic coastline. There are many places along the route for visitors to stop and recharge. You can even take a boat tour in Witless Bay to bird and Whale watching, explore the various communities, and discover the Irish heritage of the area. In addition, you can Whale Watch and see Puffins at : 

O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tour:  

O’Brien’s Boat Tour is the ultimate experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Located in Bay Bulls, this tour company offers guided excursions to witness whales and birds in their natural habitats.

The tour begins with a briefing on the different species of whales and birds that can be seen in the area. On your boat trip, you may witness these majestic creatures up close. You’ll see humpback whales breaching, fin whales diving, and orcas hunting. The guides will also point out various bird species, such as puffins, gannets, and bald eagles. The boats for the tour are state-of-the-art and equipped with the necessary safety gear. In addition, the guides are highly trained and knowledgeable about the wildlife in the area, ensuring that you have a safe and informative experience. O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tour is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Newfoundland. It’s a chance to witness some of the most incredible wildlife in the world and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime with your family.

Gatherall’s Puffin and Whale Watch:  

Gatherall’s Puffin and Whale Watch is a popular tourist attraction in Bay Bulls, Newfoundland, Canada. Gatherall’s Puffin and Whale Watch offer a unique opportunity for visitors to observe the area’s rich marine life. The tour begins with a scenic boat ride along the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve’s coast, home to North America’s largest Atlantic puffin colony. Visitors can witness thousands of these colourful birds nesting and diving into the ocean to catch fish.

In addition to puffins, Gatherall’s also offers the opportunity to see other seabirds, such as murres, kittiwakes, and gannets. The tour also includes the chance to spot humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, and even orcas. Visitors will have a memorable and informative experience with the knowledgeable and passionate staff.

LaManche Suspension Bridge

The bridge spans over 35 meters and is complemented by a long hiking trail and picnic area for you to enjoy. This bridge crosses above the mouth of the La Manche River. A thrilling hiking experience can be found in LaManche on your way to the Suspension Bridge. The park, trails and bridge are beautiful, with picturesque river views, swimming holes, and cliffs. This unique place has been around for a long time, and many hikers walk the path to the bridge every summer to experience crossing the bridge.

Colony of Avalon

Two of the main attractions in Ferryland are the Colony of Avalon sites and Museum and the Ferryland lighthouse. To get here, from St John’s, it will take you approximately one hour and ten minutes drive. You will go through a lot of beautiful communities to get here. These are pictures from our last visit to Fettyland. 

Ferryland Lighthouse

Ferryland Lighthouse is a great place to visit, especially if you like history and the outdoors. The lighthouse is an iconic symbol of the Town of Ferryland. The building is quite beautiful, and learning about its history is fascinating. The lighthouse is a popular attraction and can be reached by a short walk. It’s best to visit in summer because it is a beautiful spot for photography and you will probably see some whales in the distance. It’s also a lovely spot for a picnic, and there are several good places to park your car or truck. In addition, there are excellent views of the harbour and nearby restaurants and shops if you want to grab food before or after your trip.

Fermeuse Wind Turbine 

There are a series of wind turbines in Fermeuse generating green energy. These turbines can be seen from the road while driving into Fermeuse. 

Mistaken Point

Mistaken Point is the best place to visit while exploring the Irish Loop. But don’t be Mistaken by Mistaken Point; it is known for its fossils and has been a fossil-hunting mecca for years. This discovery is located on the Avalon Peninsula and considers one of the best places to visit. This fantastic place is designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized as an important geological site. The area was named for its unique rock formations containing fossils from more than 65 million years ago. Mistaken Point showcases some of Earth’s most spectacular examples of fossilized marine animals.

St. Vincent’s Beach

St. Vincent’s Beach is one of the only beaches on the Irish Loop where you can watch whales feed close to the shoreline. It is close to the end of the Irish loop drive, about one hour and thirty minutes from Ferryland. The beach is known for bird and Whale watching, and the whales feed very close to the shoreline. You can watch the birds dive into the water from 15 feet. In addition, the beach is a great place to see other marine life, especially in the spring and summer when they are migrating into Atlantic water to feed. The St. Vincent’s Beach parking lot can fit about 50 cars, but there is no bathroom or drinking water, so bring your supplies. The beach has a long stretch of fine sand and rocks perfect for picnicking and watching the waves crash on the shores. You will likely see people here relaxing and waiting to see a whale breach.

Salmonier Nature ParK 

The Salmonier Nature Park is large and home to many species of animals and an interpretation center. Salmonier Nature Park is open to the public and has many trails that lead through forests, creeks, and up to viewing areas where you can see some of the most spectacular scenery on Salmonier Line. There are also many birds in Salmonier Nature Park, including ducks, hawks and bald eagles. In addition to its conservation efforts, the park also provides educational programs and workshops to promote environmental awareness and conservation efforts. As a result, the park is an excellent destination for outdoor lovers and those interested in learning more about Newfoundland’s natural beauty.