Excursions
The six different excursions we're offering have now been finalized:
- Historic St. John’s and Cape Spear Tour (Half-Day)
- Bird Island Boat Tour (Half-Day)
- Downtown Walking Tour (Half-Day)
- Excursion Around the Bay (Full Day)
- Around the Bay Brew Bus Tour (Full Day)
- Secrets in Stone: Exploring Newfoundland’s Fossil Coast (Full Day)
Please see below for a short description of each, and pictures. The capacity of the last one (fossils!) is limited to one bus. The half-day excursions will go from roughly 9.30am until early afternoon. The full-day excursions will go from roughly 9.30am until late afternoon. Lunches will be provided.
We shall send out a separate link for choosing which excursion you'd like to be part of.
Historic St. John’s and Cape Spear Tour (Half-Day)
Discover the highlights of St. John's on this guided bus tour featuring breathtaking coastal views and rich local history. Visit iconic sites like Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site (the easternmost point of North America, more information here), Signal Hill and Cabot Tower (where Marconi received the first trans-Atlantic radio transmissions), while hearing colourful stories and legends from a local guide. From charming Quidi Vidi Village to the famous Jellybean Row houses, this tour offers the perfect introduction to the culture, scenery, and character of Newfoundland.
Bird Island Boat Tour (Half-Day)
Take a scenic drive along the Southern Shore to the charming outport of Bay Bulls, then set out on an unforgettable boat excursion with O’Brien’s Boat Tours. Cruise through the spectacular Witless Bay Ecological Reserve (Gull, Green, Great, and Pee Pee Islands; more information here), home to millions of seabirds including Atlantic Puffins, Murres, and Kittiwakes, while keeping watch for whales—and even icebergs in late spring. This 4-hour adventure is a must-do Newfoundland experience combining coastal scenery, incredible wildlife, and authentic outport charm.
Downtown Walking Tour (Half-Day)
Step into the history and culture of St. John's on this 3–4 hour guided walking tour through the heart of the city. Explore iconic landmarks like Government House, Colonial Building, and the stunning Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, before wandering through colourful Jellybean Row and the lively streets of George Street and Water Street. Finish along the scenic harbourfront with beautiful coastal views on this perfect introduction to the city’s charm and character.
Excursion Around the Bay (Full Day)
Experience the charm and stories of Newfoundland on this full-day bus tour exploring the picturesque outport communities along Conception Bay. Discover tales of pirates, WWII submarine encounters, early transatlantic aviation, Arctic exploration, and the region’s unique Irish heritage as you travel through stunning coastal scenery. With memorable photo stops, local food, and colourful characters along the way, this tour offers an authentic taste of outport Newfoundland that every visitor will love.
Around the Bay Brew Bus Tour (Full Day)
Explore Newfoundland’s thriving craft beverage scene on this full-day bus tour through the coastal communities of Conception Bay. Visit two local breweries and Newfoundland Distillery Company (their web-site is here), enjoying tastings, great food, and lively stories that showcase how craft beer and spirits have become part of the province’s culture. With beautiful scenery, local flavours, and plenty of laughs along the way, this tour is a perfect blend of Newfoundland hospitality and coastal charm.
Secrets in Stone: Exploring Newfoundland’s Fossil Coast (Full Day)
Join a fascinating bus tour to explore world-renowned fossil sites at Upper Island Cove and Manuels River Fossil Site, where 500-million-year-old discoveries have been studied for decades. Led by fossil expert Rod Taylor, this guided tour brings Newfoundland’s ancient past to life with engaging stories and hands-on interpretation. Transportation, a guided fossil experience, and a picnic lunch are included—making this a memorable adventure for anyone curious about the deep history of our coastline. (Articles about the recent find of Ediacaran fossils at Upper Island Cove here and here. Information about Manuel Rivers fossil site here.)
