Avalon Region E Book

The Avalon Peninsula represents the historic heart of Newfoundland and the gateway for most visitors to the province. This compact yet diverse region encompasses the vibrant capital city of St. John's, North America's oldest European settlements, dramatic coastal scenery, and some of the continent's most significant seabird colonies. Our comprehensive Avalon Region guide helps you explore everything from urban cultural attractions to rugged coastal wilderness.

St. John's - The Capital City

St. John's captivates visitors with its colorful row houses cascading down steep hills toward one of North America's finest natural harbors. The city's downtown core features the historic George Street entertainment district, renowned for having more bars and pubs per capita than anywhere else in North America. Water Street, the oldest street in North America, offers boutique shopping, art galleries, and restaurants serving fresh seafood and innovative cuisine.

The city's rich history comes alive at Signal Hill National Historic Site, where Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901. The dramatic hilltop location provides panoramic views of the city, harbor, and Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can explore Cabot Tower, watch historical reenactments, and hike trails along the cliffs. According to Parks Canada, Signal Hill played a crucial strategic role in both World Wars and represents a pivotal site in communication history.

Cape Spear - North America's Easternmost Point

Located just minutes from downtown St. John's, Cape Spear marks the most easterly point of North America. The historic lighthouse, dating to 1836, stands as one of Newfoundland's most photographed landmarks. This windswept promontory offers exceptional opportunities for whale watching, with humpback whales, minke whales, and even the occasional blue whale visible from shore during summer months. The site also features World War II gun batteries and pillboxes that protected St. John's harbor from potential attack.

Accommodations on the Avalon

The Avalon Region offers diverse accommodation options to suit every traveler's needs and budget. St. John's features boutique hotels in restored heritage buildings, modern full-service properties downtown, and charming bed and breakfasts in historic neighborhoods like Battery and Quidi Vidi. Many properties occupy beautifully restored row houses with harbor views and authentic Victorian-era charm.

Beyond the capital, the Avalon Peninsula offers coastal inns, cottage rentals, and rural bed and breakfasts in communities like Petty Harbour, Brigus, and Cupids. These properties provide peaceful retreats with easy access to hiking trails, fishing villages, and coastal attractions. Many hosts offer local expertise and insider tips for exploring the region.

Tours and Activities

Boat tours departing from St. John's harbor and Bay Bulls provide unforgettable encounters with marine wildlife. The Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, accessible by tour boat, hosts the largest puffin colony in North America along with hundreds of thousands of other seabirds. Whale watching tours operate from May through September, with peak season in June and July. Iceberg tours showcase the massive ice formations that drift south from Greenland during spring and early summer.

Adventure seekers can kayak along the coast, explore sea caves, or hike the challenging East Coast Trail. This 336-kilometer wilderness footpath follows the coastline from Fort Amherst to Cappahayden, passing through coastal communities and offering stunning ocean vistas. Day hikes range from easy two-hour walks to challenging full-day treks.

Historic Sites and Culture

The Avalon Peninsula contains several National Historic Sites beyond Signal Hill. The Rooms, Newfoundland and Labrador's provincial museum, showcases the province's natural and cultural heritage through engaging exhibits. The Johnson GEO CENTRE, built into Signal Hill itself, explores the geological forces that shaped the province over billions of years.

The community of Ferryland features the Colony of Avalon archaeological site, where ongoing excavations reveal artifacts from Lord Baltimore's 17th-century settlement. Visitors can tour the dig sites and view thousands of artifacts in the interpretation center. The nearby Cupids Legacy Centre celebrates the oldest English colony in Canada, established in 1610.

Dining and Local Flavors

St. John's has emerged as a culinary destination, with innovative chefs showcasing Newfoundland ingredients and traditions. Fresh cod, crab, lobster, and mussels feature prominently on menus alongside foraged ingredients like partridgeberries, cloudberries, and sea asparagus. Traditional dishes include fish and chips, cod tongues, Jiggs dinner (salt beef with vegetables), and toutons (fried bread dough).

The city's restaurant scene ranges from fine dining establishments to casual pubs and fish and chip shops. Local craft breweries produce distinctive beers using Newfoundland ingredients and iceberg water. Many restaurants offer ocean views and feature live traditional music, especially on weekends.

Getting Around the Avalon

Car rentals provide the most flexibility for exploring the Avalon Peninsula, with agencies available at St. John's International Airport and downtown locations. The Irish Loop, a scenic 300-kilometer coastal drive, circles the southern Avalon and can be completed in a day with stops, though two days allows more thorough exploration. Well-maintained highways connect major communities, while smaller roads lead to hidden coves and fishing villages.

St. John's offers public transit and taxi services, making it easy to explore the city without a vehicle. However, reaching attractions beyond the capital requires a car or organized tour.