Puffins in Newfoundland: How to Get the Best Views
Do you want to find one of the most accessible places to view Puffins in Newfoundland? Head to Elliston! Known as the clowns of the sea, Puffins nest here from May to September. This is the best time to see Puffins in Newfoundland.
Did you know that during the winter months, they spend their time out at sea in frigid open waters? Imagine that! Spend your morning viewing Puffins, and head to Cape Bonavista for a chance to see whales.
To that end, a great place for viewing whales is off the coast of the Bonavista Peninsula, which is just a stone’s throw away from Elliston. Take a hike on the Cape Shore Trail, and you just might spot one!
Finish up this busy day with a hike on the breathtaking Fox Island Trail. This is another great day from our 12 day itinerary through Newfoundland.
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Before You Venture Out
- Fees are not required for today’s hikes, but please donate to the Puffin Viewing Site in Elliston.
- Head out early to get the best conditions for Puffin viewing. Arrive as early as you can to get a parking spot. We did not have issues parking here, but this is a very popular place.
- There are no restrooms at the Puffin Viewing Site, Spillars Cove, or Dungeon Provincial Park. There is a restroom inside the visitor centre at Cape Bonavista Lighthouse and at Champney’s West Aquarium.
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 lunch and plenty of snacks with lots of water. Carry at least 1 liter of water per person for every 5 miles planned to hike. Ditch those old water bottles and invest in a water bladder. This one is our favorite!
Animal Safety in Newfoundland
- Newfoundland is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including iconic species like moose, caribou, black bears, lynx, and foxes. In addition, the island is home to numerous bird and fish species. While encounters with predators are rare, there’s one creature you’re almost certain to meet: the infamous black fly!
- Newfoundland’s pristine natural environment provides the perfect habitat for black flies, which are active from spring through summer. If you’ve been here, you know just how persistent they can be. Count on some mosquitoes as well!
- Keep DEET bug spray handy, and a head net will become your best friend if you get swarmed.
Puffin Viewing Site
Get ready for one of the coolest experiences of your life. It’s time to visit with Puffins in Newfoundland! Drive to the Puffin Viewing Site in Elliston, NL. We recommend taking Route 230 to Bonavista and then backtracking on Route 238 East to Elliston.
This is due to rough roads on 238 coming from the south. Either way will get you there, but you may encounter potholes on Route 238 heading northeast.
Once you arrive on site, please park in the designated parking lot and not directly in front of the viewing site. Be careful on the cliffs around this area as a fall would be disastrous. Keep a close eye on your kids and spouses!
Now, hang out with cute and curious Puffins in Newfoundland! Please do not get too close or touch the Puffins. Often, these curious auks might start to approach you as they do not seem to fear humans like other birds.
Take your best camera with a telephoto lens to get the best shots. Then, relax along with the Puffins who will provide you with plenty of entertainment! We could have literally spent hours here just watching them. Now you can tell all your friends you got to spend some time “up close and personal” with Puffins in Newfoundland.
Don’t forget, the best time to see Puffins in Newfoundland in between May and September, so plan your trip within those months if you really want to see these cuties!
Spillars Cove
Next, take a quick jaunt over to Spillar’s Cove for a short hike to view the famous chimney-like rock of the Bonavista Peninsula. This is a short walk from the parking area and you can continue along the trail for more views of the coast as time allows. You just might see a lone Puffin in the area as well!
👉🏽 Read next: How to Visit the fairy-tale-like village of Trinity.
Dungeon Provincial Park
Next, head to the Dungeon Provincial Park where you can view a natural heart-shaped hole in the ground. As you drive through the community pastures from Spillars Cove, be on the lookout for friendly horses and other animals grazing along the coast!
Take a walk along the bluffs to get a view of the Dungeon from all angles. This is a quick stop, but it offers excellent views of the Bonavista Peninsula.
Cape Shore Trail and Cape Bonavista Lighthouse – easy – 5.4 miles, out and back.
Now it’s time to hike up the coast and look for whales. The Cape Shore Trail starts at the parking area just south of Lance Cove Road. As you meander along the coast, watch out for traffic. Sometimes, the trail is close to and on the road, so please be aware of your surroundings at all times.
About halfway through the trail, you’ll reach Little Dairy King, which is a great stop for a Coffee Crisp milkshake!
As you continue along, the coastal trail meets up with John Cabot Municipal Park and continues until it reaches Cape Bonavista Lighthouse. As you hike along the trail you might see some whales out in Bonavista Bay.
Explore the lighthouse and learn all about the history inside the visitor centre. Make your way back the same way you came and maybe you’ll need to stop for ice cream again!
Fox Island Trail – moderate – 3.4 miles, loop
Finally, finish up this busy day of fun with a hike on the Fox Island Trail. Dare I say it? This hike may be better than the world-famous Skerwink Trail! Hike both and see for yourself.
Right near the famed Skerwink Trail lies the Fox Island Trail. This trail is right on par with other trails in the area and has beautiful coastal scenery, views of the surrounding communities, and local wildlife.
This trail seemed a bit less traveled than others, so you may have the place to yourselves! Start your hike at the parking area near the signage to the trail and meander through the alternating coastal cliffs and forested areas.
As you continue along the trail, you’ll lose elevation and arrive close to the water. This is a great place to stop for a snack or rest with excellent views of the sea and Fox Island. Continue along the trail on your way to Champney’s West.
You’ll pass by some homes and end up on the main road. If you take a right, you can visit Champney’s West Aquarium! Head left at the roadway intersection to continue the trail around the road with great views of the community. You might even be able to chat with some local residents.
Eventually, you’ll reach the docks where you’ll see the colorful fishing stages! Continue up the hill and around the coastal cliffs overlooking Champney’s Cove. Finally, head up the hill, and cross the road to the parking lot.
Where to Stay
🛏️ Book your stay in beautiful Bonavista! Most of the hotels here are local, and you may have to book with them directly. Expedia has a few options, so be sure to check out the rental homes and other accommodations.
Final Reflections
This was one of the busier days during our trip to Newfoundland, but we wouldn’t change a thing. Seeing Puffins in Newfoundland was definitely on our bucket list. Where else do you get to see Puffins up close and whales out to sea on the same day?
Everything we experienced today made us fall in love even further with Newfoundland and all it has to offer. Topped off with a Coffee Crisp milkshake, we couldn’t have asked for a better day!
🛎️ Before you head out, be sure to book your stay in Bonavista
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