Where to See Puffins in Newfoundland and Labrador
By Newfoundland & Labrador
Header image courtesy of Diego Rebello (@diegohrebello)
Every year, Newfoundland and Labrador welcomes thousands of visitors with open arms. Though, some of our most popular guests aren’t even human – they have two wings, strong little flippers and are as cute as can be. Of course, we’re talking about the North Atlantic Puffin. Often nicknamed the “sea parrots” or “clowns of the sea” for their colorful beaks and clumsiness as they skip along the water, puffins often return to the same burrow every year. They mate for life and breed in colonies across the province yearly from early May to mid-September.
To help you make the most of peak Puffin season, we’ve put together a list of locations that we recommend when trying to spot our beloved provincial bird. Enjoy!
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
Home to a colony of over one million seabirds from nine different species during the summer months, the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is the largest puffin colony in the province. Over 350,000 puffins visit the four islands of this site every year, which makes it the second largest colony in the world, second only to the Vestmannaeyjar islands in Iceland. Along with the North Atlantic puffin you’ll also find Leach’s storm petrel, common murre, razorbill, black guillemot, black-legged kittiwake, herring gull, great black-backed gull and more here at the Ecological Reserve.
Located about 45 minutes south of St. John’s, it makes the perfect day trip for those looking to get out of the city. Nearby in Bay Bulls, Gatherall’s and O’Briens boat tours will take you out on the water to experience everything Newfoundland has to offer- puffins, whales, and if you’re lucky - maybe even an iceberg! Don’t have a car? Not to worry! Shuttle services are available from both companies to take you to and from.
Located in Mobile on the beautiful Irish Loop, you’ll find Molly Bawn Whale Watching & Puffin Tours. They cater to smaller groups of up to 20 passengers, ensuring a more personal and engaging experience. Great Island Boat Tours, departing from Bauline South, offers tours of the ecological reserve as well as cod jigging tours for those looking for an authentic hands-on fishing adventure.
Cape Bonavista Lighthouse
One of the most photographed places in Newfoundland and Labrador, Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site is home to one of the few places in the world where visitors can still climb the original stone tower and view the catoptric light apparatus, just as it was in the 1800s.
Located in the grassy burrows just steps away from the light house lives a small colony of puffins. For a truly unforgettable experience, plan your visit during capelin season, when these small, silvery fish roll ashore in massive numbers. The area around the lighthouse becomes a hotspot of activity, with the ocean teeming with marine life such as humpback and minke whale; the air filled with the sounds of seabirds. The site has paved areas as well as gravel and natural paths making it accessible for those looking to catch a glimpse of these charming little birds.
Elliston Puffin Viewing Site
For those who are looking to get an up-close look at puffins while still staying on land, the Puffin Viewing Site in Elliston is the perfect spot for you. Located at the top of the Bonavista peninsula, the Town of Elliston offers one of the closest land views of puffins in North America, just a quick 5-minute walk from the main road, and free to anyone who wishes to visit.
Early mornings or late afternoons are generally the best time to watch puffins at this location. During these periods, puffins are most active, returning from feeding at sea and possibly becoming more noticeable on the cliffs. With that being said, patience is key here, as the island the puffins live on is about 100 feet away from the puffin viewing site itself, so they might not immediately be viewable. Have your camera ready for the moment these clumsy birds make their way to you!
If you want something to remember your trip to the puffin colony by, check out the Puffin Souvenir Shop located a short 2-minute drive down the road. There you’ll find handmade art pieces that are influenced by local tradition such as knitting and rug hooking.
Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve
Located on the southwest coast of the Avalon peninsula is Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve. This ecological reserve is a birdwatcher’s wonderland as its the most accessible seabird rookery in North America and the third largest nesting site and southernmost colony of northern gannets in all of North America. The most common birds you’ll see at Cape St Mary’s Ecological Reserve are northern gannets, razorbills, cormorants and common murres, but puffins also nest here in smaller numbers.
Before you head to the site, visit the interpretation centre to learn about the lives of seabirds and take a moment to watch them soar through the sky from the viewing window. Although the site is open year-round, be sure you check out the Cape St Mary’s Performance Series during the summer months – an annual event that showcases local music, storytelling, visual arts and much more.
Fischot Island Archipelago
Although this region of the province is famous for its rich history at L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, it may be worthwhile to add a boat tour to your itinerary when visiting during the summer months.
Located a few kilometers off the shore from St. Anthony lives a small colony of puffins on an archipelago. Fischot Island was previously inhabited by only four families and had a population of 48 in 1935, but was later left abandoned after the families resettled to other communities. The entrance to Fischot Island Harbour is extremely narrow and shallow, allowing only small vessels to enter and anchor, making it the perfect home for puffins to settle into every summer.
Departing from St. Anthony, Dark Tickle Expeditions will take you by zodiac boat to the Fischot Island to experience the unique opportunity to see these famous birds up close and personal in their native habitat. Launching from Main Brook, Crazy Ray Boat Tours and Sea Adventures also offers daily trips to the Fishot Island on their 22-foot Silver Dolphin Bowrider named ‘Crazy Ray’.
No matter where you see them, spotting these colourful, spunky birds on your trip to Newfoundland and Labrador is a must. For more information on puffin viewing, you can check out our page dedicated to birdwatching.
---
Want to share your puffin pic with us? Use #ExploreNL and tag us @newfoundlandlabrador.
Do you have a tale to tell about a visit to Newfoundland and Labrador?
Planning a trip? Let's have a chat.
© Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism
Sign Up