Ferryland and Tors Cove: How to Spend 1 Day on the Irish Loop
Looking for some things to do on the Irish Loop? We have you covered! Spend some time south of St. John’s and visit a few fairytale-like spots along the way. Our first spot is the Ferryland Lighthouse, where you can have an optional picnic lunch by the sea.
After that, head to Tors Cove in search of The Cribbies as you hike on the breathtaking East Coast Trail. Keep your eyes peeled for whales or icebergs! For us, this adventure was part of our last day of vacation. It’s always bittersweet. Find out more below on these two amazing destinations.
Plus, if you have more time and want to drive the entire loop, we have some recommendations on what to see. However, you may need more time. Be sure to check out our epic 12-day itinerary across the province.
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Before You Venture Out
- No fees are required for the following hikes.
- There are no restrooms at any of these locations, so plan accordingly! There is a restroom at the Ferryland Lighthouse, but a fee may be required.
- If you plan on having a picnic lunch at Ferryland Lighthouse, order online before 3 pm the day before you plan to visit.
Weather and General Safety
- Be aware of the weather at all times. You might experience all four seasons in one day! Sun, rain, fog, wind, heat, cold, you name it.
- Bring plenty of snacks and lots of water. Carry at least 1 liter of water for every 5 miles you plan to hike. Get our favorite water bladder and never run out.
Animal Safety in Newfoundland
- The island of Newfoundland is home to many animal species, including moose, caribou, black bear, lynx, and fox. Furthermore, many species of birds and fish reside here.
- It is very rare that you would encounter a predator animal anywhere in Newfoundland, but you will encounter flies!
- Newfoundland is a pristine natural location and is thus home to the famous black fly. If you know, you know. Black flies are active from spring through summer.
- Mosquitos might also chase you down as well.
- Keep DEET bug spray handy, and a head net will become your best friend if you get swarmed.
- It is very rare that you would encounter a predator animal anywhere in Newfoundland, but you will encounter flies!
Ferryland Lighthouse
Ferryland Lighthouse is located a little over 1 hour south of St. John’s on the Irish Loop. The Irish Loop is a 200-mile route traveling around the Avalon Peninsula. It got its name from the large number of Irish immigrants who colonized the area.
The first stop on the tour is the Ferryland Lighthouse. As noted above, you can visit and have a picnic here. If you’d like to do so, place your order here. Orders must be placed by 3 pm the day before you plan to visit.
Picnic lunches include items such as sandwiches with homemade bread, salads, and desserts. Just make sure you order early because all the food is made the day of.
Once you arrive in Ferryland, head past the Avalon Colony and follow the road toward the water. The road here will eventually become a one-lane road with pull-offs, so look out for cars coming in the other direction.
Once you reach the parking area, begin your walk toward the lighthouse along the gravel road. If you opted for the picnic, when you arrive at the lighthouse, check in with the team to get your lunch.
Even if you choose not to have a picnic, spend some time here exploring the beautiful green bluffs near the lighthouse and search for whales at sea while you hike around. We were super lucky and got to see multiple whales as we explored!
This truly is a magical place with breathtaking scenery. Once you are finished exploring, hike back to the parking lot and begin your journey north to Tors Cove.
🐳 Don’t forget to check out the tours and things to do in Newfoundland. Go on a food tour, city tour, or head out to sea to look for whales and puffins!
Tors Cove
Now, get ready for a hike along the picturesque East Coast Trail. The portion of the trail you are looking for is called Tinker’s Point Path. The entire path is about 6.2 miles long if you choose to hike the entire trail out and back.
Starting in Tors Cove, park at the site of an old church. Use the following coordinates for this location. Directly across the street is where the trail begins.
First, hike along the emerald green bluffs of Tors Cove with excellent views of Fox Island, which is part of the Witless Bay Islands Park Reserve. This is, in our opinion, one of the most picturesque spots we saw in Newfoundland!
Continue hiking, and you will eventually reach The Cribbies. Two old homes reside on the site of a former 17th-century settlement. As we came around the corner, we were totally surprised at what we saw off in the distance at the first house. It appeared that they were filming something on location.
The trail travels past The Cribbies, so we were escorted through the set by some of the production workers. We discovered Hudson and Rex, a popular show in Newfoundland, was being filmed here!
To be honest, we were a bit bummed we could not explore more of the area around the white house, but we continued down the trail to get our fix at the red home, and it was surely magical! Imagine if the walls could talk.
More Things To Do On The Irish Loop
Unfortunately, the eastern side of the Irish Loop is the only thing we had time for, as we had to make our way back to St. John’s to prepare for our departure. That being said, you can continue the journey south and back up north on NL-90
Just note, if you are driving the entire loop via NL-10 and NL-90 from St. John’s, it will take you about 4 hours without stopping.
Here are some recommendations on what to see if you decide to continue your journey on the Irish Loop:
- Mistaken Point – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with rare fossils from 575 million years ago. These are the oldest-known fossils of complex multicellular life on the planet. Access to the fossil site is by guided tour only, and advance reservations are recommended at the Edge of Avalon Interpretation Centre.
- Visit the Powles Head Lighthouse and Trepassy – drive out along the rough road and enjoy the views of the ocean near the lighthouse.
- St. Vincent’s & St. Vincent’s Beach– one of the best shore-based whale watching locations in North America. Humpbacks often feed close to shore when capelin are out.
- Salmonier Nature Park – easy walking trails wind past spacious habitats where visitors can observe animals such as moose, caribou, foxes, and owls while learning about the province’s unique ecosystems.
Now, what about Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve? If you have some extra time, don’t miss it! It is one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences in eastern Canada. Thousands of seabirds fly above the crashing Atlantic surf, while northern gannets nest on a stack known as Bird Rock.
There is a short trail here with amazing views. That being said, you will need to drive further out to reach this point. To get there, it’s a 2-hour drive from St. Vincent’s Beach. You’ll then need to backtrack to get back to St. John’s.
Where to Stay
If you are looking to spend more time than we did exploring the Avalon Peninsula along the Irish Loop, check out the options on Expedia for a local stay or book a room in Trepassy at the Edge of the Avalon Inn.
Having only taken a day trip from St. John’s, we recommend staying there. Here are some hotels, homes, and historic locations across the city.
- Murray Premises Hotel – best seller and top-rated! Located on the harbourfront, this old-style hotel with exposed beams and brick walls is perfect for walking downtown St. John’s. Book right here on Expedia or Booking.com.
- Alt Hotel St. John’s – panoramic views of the St. John’s harbour and a lobby cafe. Located steps from downtown and the Signal Hill hiking trails. Reserve your stay now on Expedia or Booking.com
- JAG Boutique Hotel – 60s and 70s rock memorabilia themed. Historic and scenic Water Street is just a short walk away with plenty of shops, dining, and bars. Check out the prices and compare rates on Expedia or Booking.com.
- The Elizabeth Manor Guest House – breakfast included! Located right downtown in the historic East End. Check it out on Expedia or Booking.com.
Final Reflections
In summary, our final day in Newfoundland was as spectacular as ever. Lighthouses, whales, green seaside bluffs, and quaint homes from yesteryear. These two stops were a great introduction to the Irish Loop in Newfoundland, and we wish we had planned to stay a few more days.
Oh well, that means we get to return to Newfoundland someday for more awesome adventures!
If you are looking to spend more time on this amazing route, we recommend staying overnight in Trepassy at the Edge of the Avalon Inn.
✈️ Spend your last night in St. John’s, NL, before you fly out. Stay at the top-rated Murray Premises Hotel and walk around St. John’s after dinner.
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