5 Best Stops on the Irish Loop Newfoundland
Planning a drive along Newfoundland’s Irish Loop and wondering which stops are actually worth making?
From searching for puffins and whales along the coast to hiking to a suspension bridge and exploring historic fishing villages, the Irish Loop is packed with unforgettable places to see.
With so many communities and a whole coastline of rugged nature along the Irish Loop, it can be overwhelming to choose where to stop along the way.
I’ve driven the Irish Loop myself twice and quickly learned that trying to see everything in one day is too much. There are so many scenic viewpoints, coastal communities, wildlife experiences, and hiking trails that it’s easy to spend much longer at each stop than you planned.
Let’s get right into the best things to see on the Irish Loop, where to eat, where to stay, and helpful tips for your Newfoundland road trip.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Cliff’s Edge Retreat and Molly Bawn Whale and Puffin Tours. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
1. Search for Puffins, Whales, and Icebergs
The eastern shores of Newfoundland are the best places to search for puffins, whales, and icebergs.
Each year, puffins nest on the rocky island outside of Witless Bay, whales come into and near the harbours to feed, and icebergs float across the ocean from Greenland.
There are two options to see these amazing sights for yourself: you can take a boat tour from Bay Bulls or Mobile, or search for wildlife from the shore in Witless Bay or from your accommodations along the Ecological Reserve area. I recommend both for the best experience!
The best time to see puffins, whales, and icebergs, doesn’t always perfectly overlap. Iceberg season usually runs from early April-early June, while puffins and whales can be seen from June – September.
Whether you look for wildlife and icebergs from the shoreline or by boat, you will not want to skip visiting this area of the Irish Loop.
I chose to take a scenic cruise from Bay Bulls in September and saw puffins on the water and bald eagles. I was so happy to finally see puffins in person! The tour the day before was also lucky enough to see dolphins.
When I visited a second time in June, I joined a tour with Molly Bawn Whale & Puffin Tours in Mobile and saw puffins on the cliffs and a pair of humpback whales. The tour the day before had even spotted orcas! I enjoyed that the tour group was smaller and the tour guide Jeannine was so knowledgeable about whales and local seabirds.
If you want the best chance of seeing wildlife, I recommend choosing a boat tour that fits your Newfoundland itinerary and leaving some flexibility in your schedule. Wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the coastal scenery makes the ride worthwhile even when the animals don’t cooperate.
2. Hike the La Manche Suspension Bridge Trail
If you’re looking for an easy hike with beautiful scenery, hiking La Manche Suspension Bridge Trail is one of my favourite things to do along the Irish Loop.
This 1.2 km scenic path leads through the forest before reaching the suspension bridge, with ocean views and opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. It is one of the best hikes along the East Coast Trail.
You can return after crossing the bridge or continue toward the La Manche Village ruins.
The trail is relatively easy overall, but it does have some rougher, muddy, and slippery sections. I slipped a few times near the end of the trail, so I recommend wearing shoes with good grip.
My favourite part of the hike was spotting 4 seals relaxing beneath the bridge! Three were hanging out on the rocks while another swam around below. It was one of those unexpected wildlife encounters that made the hike especially memorable.
3. Explore Ferryland and Visit Ferryland Lighthouse
Ferryland is one of the most historic communities along the Irish Loop and one of the places where you can really experience the region’s coastal scenery and Irish heritage.
The small community is known for its culture, coastal views, seafood, and access to the Ferryland Lighthouse.
After a 25-minute walk, you can reach the red-and-white lighthouse and enjoy the surrounding coastal scenery. You can also visit the archaeological museum, stop for a meal, enjoy a summer festival, or simply explore the community and ocean views.
One of my favourite stops in the area is Bernard Kavanagh’s Million Dollar View Restaurant. Even when I wasn’t hungry enough to stop for a meal, I pulled over to enjoy the view from the cliffside. The name is fitting as the view really is beautiful.
I plan to try one of the Lighthouse Picnics on my next visit.
Ferryland is a particularly good stop if you want a mix of history, scenery, food, and a classic Newfoundland coastal experience.
4. Watch for Whales at Saint Vincent’s Beach
One of the most unique things to do in Newfoundland and along the Irish Loop is whale watching from the shore at Saint Vincent’s Beach.
Unlike a traditional whale-watching experience, you don’t need to board a boat. The 5km long cobblestone beach offers the chance to watch for whales from land.
The underwater cliff close to shore allows the whales come in super close to shore as they feed on the capelin.
Whale sightings are never guaranteed, but if you visit in late June through August, the possibility of seeing these enormous animals from the shoreline makes Saint Vincent’s Beach a memorable stop.
During my visit in September, I didn’t see any whales, but I did spot a seal swimming close to shore.
If you are driving the southern section of the Irish Loop, Saint Vincent’s Beach is a worthwhile stop for the scenery alone.
5. Explore Mistaken Point
At the southern tip of the Avalon Peninsula, Mistaken Point offers a completely different experience from the coastal villages and wildlife stops along the Irish Loop.
The 17km of rugged coastline is known for fossils dating back more than 500 million years and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can take a half-day guided tour to learn about the fossils and the history of life on Earth preserved along the coastline. Reservations are required for the morning and afternoon tours, and you should be prepared to hike 6 km round trip.
This is not a quick roadside stop. Mistaken Point is a dedicated half-day experience and a roughly 30-minute detour from the main route, so you’ll need to allow extra time to visit.
I wasn’t able to visit Mistaken Point myself, but its unique fossils and UNESCO World Heritage status make it one of the most distinctive experiences in the region and I plan to visit on a future trip.
Bonus Stops
6. Go Sea Kayaking in Cape Broyle
If you are spending multiple days exploring the Irish Loop and want to add an active experience, consider getting out on the water with a guided kayaking experience in Cape Broyle.
The sheltered harbour provides a beautiful setting for exploring the coastline by kayak, and guided sunset kayaking experiences offer a unique way to experience Newfoundland’s scenery.
I haven’t personally kayaked in Cape Broyle, but my first sea kayaking experience was at the Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick, and I loved it. If you are new to sea kayaking, a guided experience can be a great way to try it for the first time.
Because kayaking takes more time than a quick scenic stop, I would recommend adding it to a multi-day itinerary for the Irish Loop rather than trying to squeeze it into an already-packed day.
7. Explore Tors Cove
Tors Cove is a small coastal village along the Irish Loop with picturesque landscapes, local shops, and access to East Coast Trail paths. It’s tucked beside Mobile and Burnt Cove.
You might even spot whales from the shore!
I originally visited Tors Cove by mistake while driving the Irish Loop, but it turned into a happy accident. Sometimes the unexpected stops end up being some of the most memorable parts of a road trip.
If you want to explore a small coastal community and want to get away from the busiest attractions, Tors Cove is a lovely place to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
How Many Days Do You Need for the Irish Loop?
You can technically drive the Irish Loop in one day, but I would not recommend trying to see everything in a single day.
The drive itself takes a little over 4 hours without stopping, but the entire point of driving the Irish Loop is to enjoy the places along the route.
You’ll want time to:
- Stop for scenic viewpoints
- Explore coastal communities
- Look for wildlife
- Go hiking
- Enjoy a meal or snack
- Take photos
- Spend time at the attractions that interest you most
1 Day
A one-day Irish Loop road trip is possible if you start early and choose only a few stops.
When planning my first trip to St. John’s, I knew I wanted to rent a car and drive the Irish Loop. I started the day by watching the sunrise at Cape Spear before enjoying breakfast in St. John’s and heading toward the loop.
The route passes through forests, along the ocean, and across open landscapes, with sweeping views of Newfoundland’s rugged coastline. I found myself constantly pulling over to admire the scenery and take photos.
Along the way, I saw puffins, seals, bald eagles, and some incredible coastal views.
With so many beautiful places to stop and activities to enjoy along the route, we ended up spending more time at each stop than planned. By the time we returned to St. John’s, it was dark, meaning we missed the scenery along the final hour of the drive.
When I returned to Newfoundland, I decided to explore the Irish Loop in smaller sections instead. I spent two days exploring one section of the loop and plan to return to explore more of the area at a slower pace.
If you only have one day? Don’t try to see everything. Pick one or two activities and actually enjoy them.
2 Days
Two days gives you much more flexibility and allows you to explore several of the main highlights without feeling quite as rushed.
You could focus on the northern section one day and continue farther south on the second day. Or do what I did and spend the night at a cottage with a hot tub, giving yourself time to relax and explore the area at a slower pace.
When I returned to Newfoundland, I spent two days exploring one section of the loop and plan to return to explore more of the area at a slower pace.
3-4 Days
If you want to explore the Irish Loop more slowly, spend time in the communities, add activities like kayaking, and visit attractions such as Mistaken Point, I would recommend spending three to four days in the area.
This is how I would plan the Irish Loop if I were doing the road trip again.
Tips for Driving the Irish Loop
- Start your day early if you aim to complete the Irish Loop road trip in a single day. This gives you more time to stop along the way and avoid driving after dark.
- There aren’t many gas stations or bathrooms along the way, so fill up on gas and use the restroom when you get the chance.
- Aim to be back at St.John’s or your accommodations before dusk, as the roads along the Irish Loop have no streetlights, so the route is very dark after sunset. Wildlife is also more active around dusk.
- Check the weather before setting out. Strong winds and severe weather can make coastal driving more difficult and less enjoyable.
- Dress in layers, so you can adjust throughout the day and be ready for all your adventure activities along the drive, from boat tours to hikes.
- Have fun and be flexible with your Irish Loop itinerary. You may want to spend longer than expected at a scenic viewpoint, stop for wildlife, or discover a small community you hadn’t planned to visit.
The best Irish Loop road trip is one that leaves room for those unexpected moments.
Places to Eat on the Irish Loop
An all-day road trip is going to make you hungry. If you don’t pack food, you will need to find places to eat along the route.
Most of the Irish Loop restaurants are on the eastern coastline with limited opening hours, so keep that in mind when timing when to eat on your road trip.
Here are a few suggestions for Irish Loop restaurants:
Irish Loop Coffee House
Overlooking Witless Bay, this small cafe is located in an oceanside cottage and serves breakfast, sandwiches, light lunch fare, and homemade treats. Get a seat by the window for views of the bay below.
During my first Irish Loop road trip, I stopped for a snack and had a delicious blueberry muffin. I don’t know what it is about the blueberries in Newfoundland, but I kept eating every blueberry dish I could find. Second time around, I went back to the Irish Loop Coffee House for the breakfast.
The Captain’s Table
Located in Mobile, The Captain’s Table is a great option when you’re looking for a filling meal along the Irish Loop.
The restaurant is known for its seafood and fish and chips, making it a particularly good stop if you want to try local Newfoundland seafood during your road trip. But try the other dishes like the salmon too!
I dined here during my second road trip and loved it. It was one of my favourite places to eat along the route, and I would happily return on a future visit.
Bernard Kavanagh’s Million Dollar View Restaurant
Located on a cliff edge in Ferryland, Bernard Kavanagh’s Million Dollar View Restaurant is known for its scenic views. isn’t exaggerating the scenic views this restaurant offers, especially if you sit outside at the picnic table.
This menu includes seafood and pub-style food, including fish and chips, burgers, and clam chowder.
I wasn’t hungry when I passed by, but I did stop to enjoy the view. It was easy to see why it’s called a million-dollar view.
And if you’re lucky, you can spot whales swimming off the coast during the summer.
Where to Stay on the Irish Loop in Newfoundland
If you decide one day isn’t enough, which I highly recommend, here are some options for places to stay on the Irish Loop, with one suggestion for each section of the loop (beginning, middle, and end):
Cliffs Edge Retreat – Boutique cottages and seaside hotel in Mobile, NL (I stayed here and loved it)
Edge of the Avalon Inn – An award-winning Inn and restaurant in Trepassey, NL
The Wilds Resort at Salmonier River – Tucked-away resort and golf course in Holyrood, NL
Where you stay will depend on how many days you have and which parts of the Irish Loop you want to explore.
Irish Loop Newfoundland Map
Here is the Irish Loop Newfoundland map with all of the stops listed in this guide:
FAQs about the Irish Loop Road Trip
What is the Irish Loop in Newfoundland?
The Irish Loop is a scenic driving route along the southeastern portion of Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula.
The route passes through small coastal communities and landscapes along the rugged Atlantic coastline, with opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, sightseeing, and enjoying local food.
Where is the Irish Loop in Newfoundland?
The Irish Loop in Newfoundland is a scenic driving route on the Avalon Peninsula.
Starting at St. John’s, follow the coastline south along Route 10 to Trepassey then loop back up to St.John’s.
Along its 350 km, visitors can explore small fishing villages, hike along coastal trails, spot wildlife, visit local attractions or enjoy a picnic by the shore.
Where Does the Irish Loop Start and End?
The Irish Loop follows the coastline south along Route 10 before looping back along Route 90.
The most iconic section of the route is the coastal stretch between Goulds and Saint Vincent’s-St. Stephen’s-Peter’s River.
Irish Loop Newfoundland Distance: 312 km start to end
Why is it Called the Irish Loop?
The Irish Loop gets its name from the region’s strong historical and cultural ties to Ireland, dating back at least 400 years.
Many Newfoundlanders are of Irish descent, and Irish influences can be seen throughout the region’s music, culture, food, and traditions.
How Long to Drive the Irish Loop in Newfoundland?
Driving the full loop without stopping takes a little over 4 hours, but you should plan a full day or more if you want to stop at attractions along the way.
Although two to four days will give you a much more relaxed experience.
Give Yourself Time to Enjoy the Irish Loop
Exploring the Irish Loop is one of the best things to do in Newfoundland and a must-do road trip for adventurers.
And it’s one of those road trips where the best moments often happen when you leave extra room in your itinerary.
I originally planned to drive the route in a single day, but after stopping for wildlife, scenic viewpoints, and coastal communities, I ended up returning to St. John’s in the dark and missing the scenery along the final part of the drive.
When I returned to Newfoundland, I decided to explore the Irish Loop in smaller sections instead. I spent two days exploring one section of the loop and plan to return to explore more of the area at a slower pace.
If I drove the Irish Loop again, I would spend three to four days exploring the region. That would give me time to visit more communities, enjoy the coastal scenery, add activities like kayaking, and explore attractions such as Mistaken Point without rushing.
Start your day early, make sure you take a scenic wildlife cruise and stop as often as possible to have the most enjoyable experience as you drive along this stunning route.
Once you’ve chosen your stops, continue planning the rest of your Newfoundland trip.
Happy travelling!
