We may be as far East as you can get but don’t let that fool you, there’s lots to discover all around us. Just a hop outside of town provides you with natural wonders, spectacular cuisine and communities excited to welcome you. Make St. John’s your urban basecamp and enjoy everything the Avalon has to offer. It’s time to explore your home.
The Irish Loop draws a circle around the Avalon Peninsula that’s about 300 km in length. That’s not terribly long if you’re driving straight through, but this is your vacation! You ought to slow down and make the most of your getaway. With that in mind, we’ve broken the Loop into two day trips: the Southern Shore Route, and the Salmonier Route. Both have you departing from here in St. John’s, so feel free to do just one, or combine the two and make a weekend of it.
Where to Stop Downtown St. John’s
What to Do Breakfast or Brunch al fresco
Park your car and make your way to your restaurant of choice — you’ll have enough options to please your whole bubble. Find your restaurant to make your reservation here.
Pssst Many dining options are located in the pedestrian-only section of Water Street in heritage downtown, new for Summer 2020. City of St. John’s release
Distance from St. John’s: 0km
Where to Stop Bay Bulls
What to Do Visit the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Tour and O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tours have collaborated to offer you their lively, fun and safe boat tour experiences, book your spot now:
www.gatheralls.com | www.obriensboattours.com
Pssst You’ll experience the rhythm of 400 million wings beating as 40 tonne whales pulse through the clear blue waters. Gift store on premises.
Distance from St. John’s: 32km
Where to Stop Ferryland
What to Do Lunch, with a view
Picnic at the Ferryland Lighthouse with Ferryland Lighthouse Picnics. Make your reservations early: www.lighthousepicnics.ca
Pssst Work up an appetite with the 1 km walk to the lighthouse — a natural isthmus where you are surrounded by the sea on both sides of the path.
Distance from St. John’s: 76km
Where to Stop Portugal Cove South
What to Do See some of the oldest fossils on earth
Tour the Mistaken Point UNESCO World Heritage site (opening June 25). Book your tour before you travel at edgeofavalon.ca.
Pssst You’ll see fossils of the oldest, large, complex life-forms found anywhere on Earth.
Distance from St. John’s: 136km
At the end of the day… The journey back to the city will fly by as you chat about all your favourite moments. Or, if you’d like to continue on The Irish Loop, click here for highlights of the Salmonier route.
The Irish Loop draws a circle around the Avalon Peninsula that’s about 300 KM in length. That’s not terribly long if you’re driving straight through, but this is your vacation! You ought to slow down and make the most of your getaway. With that in mind, we’ve broken the Loop into two daytrips: the Southern Shore route, and the Salmonier Route. Both have you departing from here in St. John’s, so feel free to do just one, or combine the two and make a weekend of it.
Where to Stop Downtown St. John’s
What to Do Breakfast or Brunch al fresco
Park your car and make your way to your restaurant of choice — you’ll have enough options to please your whole bubble. Find your restaurant to make your reservation here.
Pssst Many dining options are located in the pedestrian-only section of Water Street in heritage downtown, new for Summer 2020. City of St. John’s release.
Distance from St. John’s: 0km
Where to Stop Salmonier Line
What to Do Hit the trail, spy on wildlife
The Wilds Three kilometres of boardwalk winds through a mixture of woods and wetlands which are home to over a dozen species of wildlife displayed in sensitively-designed enclosures. Plan your visit here.
Pssst We hear that there’s a new all-weather Wildlife Discovery Centre with displays on Newfoundland & Labrador’s wildlife.
Distance from St. John’s: 74km
Where to Stop Salmonier Line
What to Do Swim, Eat, Sleep
The Wilds resort offers a delicious menu of activities, accommodations and dining possibilities. Make your reservations here.
Pssst As well as golf, the walking trails and pool at The Wilds offer diverse outdoor activities for the family.
Distance from St. John’s: 74km
At the end of the day… The journey back to the city will fly by as you chat about all your favorite moments. Or, if you’d like to continue on The Irish Loop, click here for the highlights of the Southern Shore route.
With so much to do on the edge of the city, you’ll trade driving time for adventure on this day trip! Be sure to set off early enough to catch the first attraction, one provided by Mother Nature.
Where to Stop Cape Spear
What to Do Experience the rising sun first in North America
Turn your camera to the horizon, at the most easterly point in North America: spectacular Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site. Plan for your visit here.
Home to the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland, Cape Spear is as far east as you can get on the North American continent. Keep an eye on the water too — whales love it here!
Pssst Cape Spear is straight across the Atlantic from County Clare, Ireland. Access to outdoor areas only.
Distance from St. John’s: 17km
Where to Stop Petty Harbour
What to Do Get in touch with NL sea life
Park your car and walk through the working fishing village of Petty Harbour. Make your first stop the Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium, especially fun for families. Plan for your visit here.
Pssst The Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium is a seasonal catch-and-release public aquarium.
Distance from St. John’s: 13km
Where to Stop Petty Harbour
What to Do Brunch or Lunch
Park your car and stroll to your restaurant choice for a well-earned meal, a couple of popular options are
WaterShed Coffee Shop, 24A Main Road, 709.747.0500
Chafe’s Landing Restaurant, 11 Main Road, 709.747.0802
Harbour Dog Family Eatery and Pub, 32 Main Road, 709.368.8681
Pssst No matter where you eat, you’ll be in a prime location.
Distance from St. John’s: 13km
Where to Stop Petty Harbour
What to Do Live our fishing heritage
Park your car and walk through the working fishing village of Petty Harbour to Island Rooms of Petty Harbour: Fishing for Success. Check out the youth and community programs designed for fun and education on the land and on the sea: www.islandrooms.org
Pssst Summer tours include wooden boat fishing with cook-ups, walkabouts in a fishing community, and guided hikes along traditional pathways used for hunting and gathering.
Distance from St. John’s: 13km
Where to Stop Petty Harbour
What to Do Treat Yourself
Whether you’ve been having fun in Petty Harbour or touring the coast, why not take a decadent break with a cone or a shake. Tinkers Ice Cream Shop is a hot spot to cool off at 22-24 Main Road, 709.747.1629.
Pssst Tinkers was built by the owners of Chafe’s Landing restaurant to offer takeout service to their guests — we hear that “Freakshakes” are the hit of the harbour.
Distance from St. John’s: 13km
At the end of the day…Return to St. John’s where you’ll find everything you want for an extraordinary evening.
Getting a taste of place wouldn’t be possible without a few pints of local craft beer. From seasonal brews that include hand-picked berries to ales that embrace the splendours of the sea, Newfoundland & Labrador craft brewers are imaginative and using our plentiful landscape as inspiration.
St. John’s is a hotbed of craft brewing, so if you’re a real aficionado, we recommend taking two days to truly explore the scene. Book a room at any one of the city’s accommodations and be sure to enjoy responsibly!
Where to Stop Yellowbelly Brewery & Public House
What to Do Have brunch and a beer tasting
Start your day off by exploring downtown in one of the area’s oldest buildings, YellowBelly Brewery & Public House. While there, you’ve got to try their Come From Away beer inspired by the amazing story of Gander’s part in 9/11.
Pssst Many of Yellowbelly’s menu items use their own beer as the secret ingredient, we recommend the Fish & Chips.
Where to Stop Posie Row & Co.
What to Do Shop
When you’re twacking around downtown, be sure to pop in to Posie Row & Co. on Duckworth Street. With three floors of amazing and unique art, crafts, clothing, and more, you’ll be spoiled by choice.
Pssst Posie Row has an awesome collection of cast iron bottle openers – the perfect treat for the beer lover!
Where to Stop Terre Restaurant & Café
What to Do Enjoy dinner out
Terre offers great food inspired by the local landscape and nearby sea, using traditional cooking methods. Their menu changes weekly depending on the seasonal assortment available. They are conveniently located in the heart of St. John’s on the corner of Water and Prescott streets in Alt Hotel.
Pssst The restaurant offers a great selection of local craft beers as well as Newfoundland spirits to pair with your meal.
Where to Stop Quidi Vidi Brewery – Order online
What to Do Try their seasonal selection of craft brews.
Before settling in for the night, be sure to place an online order for some Quidi Vidi Beer. The idyllic shop is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and steeped in tradition, it is also the province’s largest craft brewery.
Pssst Parking is limited in Quidi Vidi Village, we would suggest finding a spot in the off-site Sugarloaf Trail parking lot, which is across a short bridge from the Quidi Vidi Village Plantation (large yellow building). Quidi Vidi Brewery also offers delivery within St. John’s. Please note their taproom is currently closed.
Where to Stop Any one of Downtown St. John’s amazing accommodations
What to Do Rest and Relax
Downtown St. John’s has an eclectic array of accommodations, from historic B&Bs to five-star international brands, you’ll be sure to find a perfect night’s sleep. Check out destinationstjohns.com/plan-your-trip/accommodations for the complete list
Pssst Looking to accommodate your family or bubble buddies? Why not choose a B&B and ask about renting out the whole space for your ease.
Distance from St. John’s: Over 30 licensed accommodations are available within the city.
Where to Stop A traditional Newfoundland Pub, The Guv’nor
What to Do Brunch
Before heading back on the beer trail you’ll need to fuel up. The Guv’nor makes the perfect pit stop. Upon entering you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back to an old English pub, but don’t let the decor fool you; their food and craft beer are modern. Try their breakfast skillet for a filling start to your day.
Pssst The Guv’nor is one of St. John’s hidden gems. It’s a local stop where the craft beer list stretches across the island and into the Big Land, Labrador, too. Why not pair a local beer with your breakfast.
Where to Stop Signal Hill National Historic Site
What to Do Hike the North Head Trail
In addition to admiring the tower, why not take some time to hike along the famous coastal North Head Trail that overlooks the Atlantic, the view is breathtaking. Note: the North Head trail is currently one-direction only — please enter the trail from the top of Signal Hill.
Pssst If you are there for noon you will likely hear the Noon Day Gun being fired. Not to worry no projectile is actually launched, but it does make a booming sound.
Where to Stop Vu Resto & Bar
What to Do Eat lunch overlooking St. John’s famous harbour
Vu offers some of the best views of the harbour and you can even see where you just hiked. Why not pair your sea view with a taste of our brackish waters. The Newfoundland mussels will add a bit of heat to your day.
Pssst Private dining is available if you are travelling with your family or bubble.
Where to Stop Newman Wine Vaults
What to Do Tour and taste at this historic site
This provincial historic site tells the incredible story of a 300-year connection between wine produced in Portugal and Newfoundland.
Pssst A Season Pass is only $15, visit all Provincial Historic Sites for one low price
Where to Stop Landwash Brewery
What to Do Hop out of town and try a flight
Mount Pearl’s only craft brewery creates flavour-forward beers inspired by modern American craft beer, all served in their beer-hall style taproom. A must-try is the Brackish sour beer, that features Newfoundland sea salt.
Pssst We recommend making a reservation before your visit. This is a prime spot for locals who enjoy their beers and the on-site food truck.
Where to Stop Chinched Restaurant & Deli
What to Do Dinner and a night on the town
You may have had your fair share of seafood since in town so it’s time to taste a bit of our land. Chinched features incredible charcuteries butchered in house and if you’re feeling adventurous you have to try the fried pig ears, we promise they are delicious!
Pssst After dinner, head down to the outdoor pedestrian mall for a time on a patio and stop into Millstreet Brewery to pick up a growler of seasonal beer before heading back to your accommodation.
Conception Bay South stretches from Topsail to Seal Cove. In between, there’s so much to see and do! If you’re staycationing in St. John’s, CBS is a great day-trip option from which accommodation you choose: destinationstjohns.com/plan-your-trip/accommodations.
Where to Stop Newfound Inn and Suites
What to Do Rent a bicycle
Biking has really taken off this year, and CBS is a gorgeous place to explore on two wheels. Bike rentals are a local rarity, so it’s very cool to have it on offer close by. Safety equipment is also available.
Pssst Bike rentals are $20 for non-guests or free if you stay the night with Newfound Inn and Suites.
Distance from St. John’s: 31.8 km (26-minute drive)
Where to Stop The T’railway
What to Do Bike Ride on the Conception Bay South T’railway
The former railway bed that winds through Conception Bay South is the perfect place for a hike, walk, or bike ride that takes in heritage, history and the beauty of nature.
Pssst Leave yourself enough time to take photos at coastal locations like the Station Road lookout and Foxtrap Marina, or heritage areas like Remembrance square.
Distance from St. John’s: Approximately 30 km depending on where you join.
Where to Stop Rupert’s Deli
What to Do Late Lunch
Rupert’s Deli is heaven for a sandwich connoisseur with a variety of homemade bread, in-house smoked meats, and delectable desserts. Be mindful that they sell out early and often!
Pssst Why not turn your bike ride into a picnic? Call in your order to have a packed lunch waiting for you to take along.
Distance from St. John’s: 31.6 km (26-minute drive)
Where to Stop Manuels River Interpretation Centre
What to Do Go back in time
By Land: Manuels River Interpretation Centre features unique geological history, stunning natural landscapes, and a leisurely-paced riverside hike.
Pssst Did you know that Manuels River is actually home to some of the oldest geology and fossils on earth. The rocks upstream of the river are 650 million years old!
Distance from St. John’s: 22.2 km (19-minute drive)
Where to Stop Ocean Quest Adventures
What to Do Get out on the water.
Spend your afternoon with the crew at Ocean Quest, where they offer a number of different adventures including sea kayaking, zodiac tours, scuba diving, and cod fishing. Pre-book your adventure.
Pssst Ocean Quest also has a luxurious spa on the premises! Leave some extra time in your schedule and indulge.
Distance from St. John’s: 25.5 km (23-minute drive)
Where to Stop Ninepenny Brewing
What to Do Have an evening meal
Ninepenny is home to a craft brewery and tap house that is sure to wet your whistle. Also on-site is Welcome Home Lunchbox, a mobile vendor with delicious home-styled dishes.
Pssst: Ninepenny has some great merch and glassware for sale, in addition to takeaway beer options.
Distance from St. John’s: 23.8 km (20-minute drive)
Where to Stop Topsail Beach Rotary Park
What to Do Watch the sunset and have a beach fire
Topsail Beach is a popular place for visitors and residents for finding the perfect photo opportunity to capture a stunning #CBSsunset. If no fire bans are in place, small fires are permitted on the beach — the perfect end to a perfect day.
Pssst Grab a beach rock as a souvenir that you can craft into an art piece that tells the story of your wonderful day in Conception Bay South.
Distance from St. John’s: 27 km (25-minute drive)
Think the west end is only about the mall? We all love the mall, and we’ve expanded the possibilities of a full staycation in the west end of St. John’s for you.
Where to Stop Mt. Scio Road
What to Do Immerse yourself in the gorgeous and fascinating Memorial University of Newfoundland’s (MUN) Botanical Garden. Cultivated gardens and meandering trails nestled in a spectacular boreal forest are yours to explore. The Botanical Garden offers five breathtaking trails that wander through trees, waterways, wetlands, and scenic vistas — perfectly family-friendly.
Pssst More than 250 species of vascular plants, 120 species of birds and 26 species of butterflies call the garden home.
Where to Stop Elizabeth Avenue
What to Do After a full morning of walking the trails and gardens you will have surely worked up an appetite. Next, head over to Piatto Pizzeria + Enoteca Midtown where Italian authenticity is big.
Pssst Their pizzaiolo use ingredients and procedures regulated by the Italian governing association (VPN)—so you experience a “true” pizza like you would find in the energetic pizzerias in Naples, Italy (but without the airfare).
Where to Stop Churchill square (off Elizabeth Avenue)
What to Do Stop by Whink for a dose culture and beauty in the form of local and international craft, art, jewellery, décor and gifts for all. Whink’s shop window alone is a delight and known to draw the oohs and ahhs.
Pssst Whink is based in an indoor shopping arcade and so is always a treat when the RDF* is active.
Where to Stop The west end of Long Pond, behind the Shamrock Farm
What to Do Find some adventure at the Oxen Pond section of the Grand Concourse trail system. This 1.84 km wall climbs the steep hill towards the MUN Botanical Garden. Feeling energetic? Continue on this trail that links Oxen Pond to Wishingwell Park, this walk will take you through scenic forested areas.
Pssst This trail system winds through and along one of the last remaining farming areas in this section of the City.
Where to Stop Your hotel
What to Do Next, stay close to all the action by checking in to one of this area’s four major hotels: The Capital Hotel, The Fairfield by Marriott, Ramada St. John’s, or The Guv’nor Inn. Get rested, get cleaned up, get ready for a night out.
Pssst Each hotel is unique, so check out their amenities and you will find your perfect fit.
Where to Stop Kenmount Road
What to Do For supper, head over to Fionn MacCool’s, their Irish hospitality offers a place where you can enjoy the best of both food and drink in an atmosphere that encourages good times with great people.
Pssst The menu covers all restrictions and preferences and we hear that the gluten-free Fish & Chips are wonderful.
Where to Stop Kenmount Road
What to Do Looking for something to do after supper? Known to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as “The Mall”, Avalon Mall‘s has a huge selection of retailers and entertainment options to keep you busy all evening.
Pssst The Avalon Mall is newly renovated and offering even more than before.
At the end of the day…Now that you’ve thoroughly explored, shopped and dined, a pampered and peaceful sleep awaits…so that you’ll be well-rested enough for whatever tomorrow brings!
*RDF = Rain, Drizzle & Fog
