Things to do in Bonavista

17 activities, venues and outings in Bonavista, from theatres and live music to parks and tours.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Do
Bayview Hill
The site of a weather station and the second highest point in Bonavista, Bayview Hill has a 360-degree view of the town, the mountains, the sea in three directions, and the lighthouse. A few metres scramble from the gravel road to the top.
24 hours dailyFree
Do
Cape Shore Trail
This pleasant trail starts from a wooden hut just outside of town and runs for 3½ km (one-way) to the lighthouse, following the beautiful shoreline and featuring occasional benches to stop for a break.
Donations appreciated
Do
Elliston Puffin Viewing Point
former Maberly Provincial Park
Perched high on a cliff a few hundred metres from the nearby roadway, Elliston's puffin viewing site is supposedly the closest shore-based viewing of a puffin nesting site anywhere in the world. But it's still worth bringing your binoculars or optical zoom camera! Unlike most puffin viewing sites, these puffins are generally still visible even in the middle of the day.
Sunrise to SunsetFree
Do
Klondike Trail
Elliston to Spillar's Cove Trail
This 3½ km (one-way) trail leads from populated Elliston to spartan Spillar's Cove, running through low hills with drawfen trees before spilling out into a golden view high on the cliffs about the sea. Consider carrying on along the cliffs beyond the trail, but watch where you step, both for your own safety, and to protect the sensitive ecosystem.
Donations appreciated
Do
Old Days Pond Boardwalk
Short boardwalk around a shallow inlet. Catches the sea breeze and has a nice view of the historic town centre.
24 hours dailyFree
Do
The Dungeon Provincial Park
One of Newfoundland's smallest provincial parks, the highlight is an oceanside sinkhole penetrated by waves that pass through two openings in a gigantic archway. A frequent stop for tour buses, but otherwise you generally have the place to yourself.
24 hours dailyFree
Do
White Rock Lookout
Visible from basically everywhere, the highest point in town is punctuated by a large silo that was painted with a blue mural in preparation for Queen Elizabeth II's arrival in 1997 in honour of the 500th anniversary of Cabot's voyage. A good place to get your bearings and to watch for big icebergs.
24 hours dailyFree
Do
World War I Trench Shooting Range
Discovery Shooting Club
Fire off a weapon of your choice (up to a grenade launcher) in one of many ranges, including a World War I trench. Advance booking encouraged.
Packages from $40
Do Not mapped
Bonavista Puffin & Whale Tours
Roughly 2½ hr trips aboard a hard-hulled boat with washrooms and heated indoor seating available. Departs several times daily during peak season.
Adults $65, Ages 4-12 $30
Do Not mapped
Church Street Festival
Featuring Bonavista's Mummer's Parade, a disguised Newfoundland tradition.
Early August
Do Not mapped
Discovery Sea Adventures
2½–3 hr tours aboard a zodiac, operating several times daily during peak season.
Adults $90, under 12 $60
Do Not mapped
MV Shirley R
Operated by the Lancaster Inn aboard a converted fishing boat. Departs twice daily in season. Follows set route: whales subject to availability.
Adults $80, Under 12 $50
Do Not mapped
Bonavista Bienniale
A huge international art exhibition.
Mid-Aug to mid-Sept odd years
Do Not mapped
Bonavista Days
Features the town's annual fireworks celebration.
One weekend in late July
Do Not mapped
Discovery Day
In celebration of Cabot's arrival in 1497
June 24th
Do Not mapped
The Bird Island Puffin Festival
Celebrates Elliston's culture and landscape.
One week in mid-July
Do Not mapped
The Roots, Rants, and Roars Festival
A celebration of food in Elliston.
One weekend in mid-Sep

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Bonavista (CC BY-SA 4.0).