Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve — Attraction in Island of Newfoundland

A Breathtaking Seabird Spectacle! Prepare to be awestruck! Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve is a hidden gem that will leave you speechless. As you approach Bird Rock, the sight (and sound!) of thousands of Northern Gannets will take your breath away.

The journey is part of the adventure. Driving from St. John's, you'll wind through picturesque coastal roads. Pro tip: Loop around the entire Avalon Peninsula for a scenic route packed with charming villages and stunning vistas.

Upon arrival, start at the excellent interpretive center. It's free (yes, the whole experience is free!) and offers fascinating insights into the area's ecology. The knowledgeable staff will prep you for what's to come.

The 1-mile hike to Bird Rock is easy and well-maintained. Bring sturdy shoes, a windbreaker, and binoculars. In minutes, you're at the viewpoint, mere feet away from one of North America's largest seabird colonies!

While Northern Gannets steal the show, keep an eye out for Common Murres, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and Razorbills. The proximity to these magnificent creatures is unparalleled - you're so close you can almost touch them (but don't!).

Best times to visit? Late spring through early fall. September offers fewer crowds but still plenty of birds. Pack a picnic and make a day of it - there are no food services on-site.

Cape St. Mary's isn't just a birdwatcher's paradise; it's a must-see for anyone who appreciates nature's wonders. The rugged coastline, crashing waves, and soaring seabirds combine for an unforgettable experience.

Don't miss this awe-inspiring slice of Newfoundland's natural beauty. It's more than a destination; it's a reminder of our planet's magnificent...

We visited Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve on Canada Day with my wife, our 1-year-old daughter, and a few family friends, and it was a truly unforgettable experience. It’s hard to describe the sheer scale and raw beauty of this place — it’s like stepping into a live nature documentary.

Our first stop was the Interpretation Centre, which is a must before heading to the cliffs. The displays and staff gave us a great understanding of the bird species, especially the Northern Gannets, and what makes Bird Rock such a special place. It really set the stage for what we were about to witness.

The walk to the viewpoint is around 1.5 km and relatively flat, so it was manageable even with a toddler. As we approached the cliffs, the view was simply stunning — thousands upon thousands of birds packed tightly onto Bird Rock, with the ocean crashing below and more birds circling overhead. It was an incredible sight.

That said, be prepared for the smell — with so many birds, there’s a strong odor from the droppings, and it’s noticeable throughout the area. It’s not exactly pleasant, but it’s part of the natural environment, and we got used to it pretty quickly.

There were a lot of visitors that day, likely because it was a holiday, but it didn’t feel overcrowded. If you’re planning a trip, summer — especially around late June or early July — is the best time to go when bird activity is at its peak.

Despite the smell, we thoroughly enjoyed the visit. The views, the wildlife, and the unique atmosphere made it one of the highlights of our summer. A must-visit spot in Newfoundland for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to experience something truly wild...

This place never disappoints! The short hike out to the rock where the gannets nest is natural trail on uneven terrain. The scenery along the way is spectacular—wildflowers in abundance, breathtaking ocean views, and lookouts that showcase the dramatic coastline. We even saw a family of Partridge walk across out oath. The sheer height of the nesting cliffs is awe-inspiring, and it’s incredible to see thousands of birds gathered in one place. The small museum is informative, and the short film in the visitor center is packed with fascinating details. Out on the cliffs, the birds are so close you feel like you could reach out and touch them as they swoop past, their calls filling the air.

It’s only a couple of hours from where I live, and I’ve returned several times with visiting friends and family. In my opinion, it’s one of the very best places to experience in Newfoundland—a truly...