Exploring Newfoundland’s ocean cliffs and seaside scenery is awe-inspiring, especially if it is your first time in the province.
Many of the more unique or noticeable rock and cliff formations are on the east coast around the Bonavista cape and peninsula as part of the Discovery Global Geopark. On the south end of the Bonavista area, and before you hit the peninsula, these attractions and unique formations start.
The Geopark consists of Newfoundland’s greatest geological formations, discoveries, and manmade structures. And some of these, like the Dungeon, help display, is the incredible power of the Atlantic Ocean.
Currently, the Dungeon is made by two sea arches carved into the cliffs by waves. These cliffs are in constant flux as the saltwater erodes the rock, and the Dungeon will continue to slowly change shape over time, as with other places like the Sea Arch or Chimney.
Cliffside Picnics
A perfect way to take in the incredible ocean scenery for a longer while is with a picnic. Pack up the blankets or chairs, grab snacks from Bonavista, and take in the views. The park has many flat or level cliffside areas covered with grass and several options on where to set up your picnic. Use this as fuel for the hiking around the park, or as post-hike relaxation.
Ocean Stargazing & Sunrises
Get as close as possible to ocean stargazing as possible with Dungeon Provincial Park without ever leaving the mainland. Simply park and set up chairs or a blanket around the grassy or cliffside areas and look up, or out east. Bonavista, the closest town, does not create a ton of light pollution on its own, and Dungeon Provincial Park is still 3-4km away from town. And when you set your gaze to the eastern sky, there is no light pollution at all! Early risers can take advantage of this eastern-facing location for some of the most epic sunrise views in Canada.
Nature Photography & Wildlife Viewing
Whether you’re a pro or amateur photographer, or just catching some selfies and family photos, Dungeon Provincial Park may offer an overwhelming number of backdrop options. From the crater and caves of the Dungeon to the ocean, the waves, and all the lush greenery in between, this area has numerous photo ops. During your explorations and photos, watch for otters in the water, or puffins on the rocks.
More nearby Seaside Attractions
There is much to see along the cape!
- Spillars Cove and the Elliston Root Cellars are a short drive south of Dungeon Provincial Park. Along this trip, you’ll witness more incredible cliff formations like the cove or the Chimney, seaside views, and the Root Cellars Capital of the World.
- Head north from the park to see the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site, which offers summer tours of the lighthouse grounds and interior.
- Bonavista offers a handful of historical attractions to see during your trip, including Ryan Premises National Historic Site, the Matthew Legacy ship of Giovanni Caboto, and the Mockbeggar Plantation Provincial Historic Site.
Where to Stay near Dungeon Provincial Park
While there is no formal campground within the provincial park, there are still a great number of places to stay on the Bonavista Peninsula.
- Find yourself a quiet place to stay in the nearby Bonavista with vacation rentals. This Heritage House sleeps up to six with an interior of modern amenities, while this Long Beach House will bring your stay to the waterfront. Find several more with Airbnb.
- Find yourself a place for a short stay and a warm meal with Bonavista’s bed and breakfasts like the Puffin’s Landing B&B, or Butler’s By the Sea
Planning your Trip – Dungeon Provincial Park
What: The Dungeon is the name given to a large heart-shaped crater on Newfoundland’s Bonavista Peninsula. The crater is visible from marked walking trails, and within the crater are crashing ocean waves, and two massive sea arches. The day use park around the Dungeon offers great views into the massive crater, additional ocean views, and a scenic picnic area.
Location and how to get there: Use Highway 230 or 235 northbound to access Bonavista. From here, use Highway 235, or Faulkner’s Hill, to get to the park.
Cost: Vehicle entry fees – daily passes at $10
Best time to go: May-October
For more information: