St. John's 
The Bonavista area on Newfoundland’s eastern coast is a must-visit destination for those wishing to explore spectacular natural formations framed by the ocean.
Anyone wanting a place on the island to relax for a spring or summer weekend can take advantage of the amazing number of places to stay.
Those looking for adventure will find it on and off the land with tours and incredible hiking or biking trails. But this area may spark extra interest for nature lovers, wildlife photographers, or natural history enthusiasts.
A short drive east of the town of Bonavista is Newfoundland’s rugged and imposing east coastline and Spillars Cove shoreline. Over the last hundreds of thousands of years and still to this day, the Atlantic Ocean continues to carve out or reshape the rocks and cliffs. From this, visitors to the area get to marvel at the incredible structures left behind, including those in Spillars Cove.
The area is well worth the short drive from Bonavista with Spillars Cove and more to explore.
Highlights of Spillars Cove
The views from Spillars Cove are awe-inspiring, especially for those not accustomed to any scenery like it. This includes sweeping views of Newfoundland’s rugged coastline, the Atlantic Ocean, and unique rock formations.
Part of Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark, the most famous attraction, the Chimney demarcates the geological division of the Bonavista Peninsula, with the Spillars Cove-English Harbour Fault Zone separating the Ediacaran fossil-laden St. John’s basin from the Bonavista basin’s rocks.
The east features shallow-dipping sandstones, while the west has steeply dipping, fractured sandstone and conglomerate due to faulting.
- The Chimney is one of the notable formations created by the forces of the sea. It stands tall and narrow with straight edges among large, rounded rocks.
- The Klondike Trail is a 3km trail at Spillars Cove that will provide excellent views of the Chimney and rest of the coastline. Watch marine life and sea birds along the way and learn through interpretive signage.
- Longer and more challenging hikes are available courtesy of the Rockcut Twillingate Trails organization. They help maintain the 6km French Beach Trail, and the 8km Spillar’s Cove Trail.
- Dungeon Provincial Park, a day use area north of Spillars Cove, is another great way to explore these scenes from the trails. The park’s trails lead to viewing areas over cliffs, massive sea caves, and the bluffs.
- The puffins! The Atlantic puffin is Newfoundland’s official bird, and is often spotted in the Spillars Cove area.
The Best of Bonavista’s Summer Dining
Bonavista is in many ways, a summer town, especially for tourism. So, many shops, eateries, or other businesses are seasonal.
- The Ragged Rocks Gastro Pub is a good place for food and drink, but also live music (summer)!
- Enjoy waterfront dining, cold beer on top, fresh seafood, or handmade desserts at Bonavista’s Skipper’s Restaurant (May-September).
- Bonavista’s The Boreal Diner offers an upscale dining experience with appetizers, mains, and tasting menus, all made with fresh, seasonal ingredients (May-September).
- Sweet Rock is the town’s summer go-to for ice cream and other cold, delectable desserts (May-September).
- For year-round dining, try the island’s famous fast food: Mary Brown’s Chicken & Taters.
History in Bonavista
There are opportunities to explore history all around this part of Newfoundland. This includes geological and natural history, as well as the history of the people and cultures around Bonavista.
- Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site provides insight into the area’s natural, lifestyle, and geological histories.
- The Mockbeggar Plantation Provincial Historic Site offers summer tours, hosts special town events, and provides historical information on the area’s fishing history.
- The Ryan Premises National Historic Site is a museum located in a preserved fishery. The location has five main buildings to explore, as well as picnic areas.
- Take a walk along some of Bonavista’s main roads to see the historic houses! There are several, but all are marked.
Book a Place to Stay on the Coast
Don’t attempt to fit all these activities into a day if you don’t need to; there are many nearby cabins, rentals, B&Bs, or small inns from which to choose.
- Oceanside Cabins are a simple and affordable spot with incredible ocean views where guests can sit on their private deck watching for whales or icebergs.
- The Russell Town Inn is a restored heritage home with cottage and glamping options available in the heart of Bonavista.
- The East Coast Cottage is perfect for any birding enthusiasts after a glimpse of the puffin! The rooms are directly beside Bayley’s Cove.
- Find several more options here!
Planning your Trip – Spillars Cove
What: A rocky bay between Cape Bonavista and Spillars Point on Newfoundland’s northeast coast. The area and its rocks and enormous cliffs have given geologists significant clues about the area’s unique geological and natural history. Previous geological events created the beautiful coastal scenery that only adds to the area’s draw for tourists and locals. The area has more historical sites, parks, puffin colonies, whale-watching opportunities, and interesting coastal scenery.
Location and how to get there: 4km east of Bonavista on the Bonavista Bay Hwy./Spillars Cove Rd. Follow to the end for parking
Best time to go: May-September
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