Activities
near the Inn
© Rugged Rock Media
Boat tours
Boat tours from Bay Bulls and nearby harbours are the only way to see the islands that compose the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve.
Gatherall’s – Atlantic puffin, iceberg and whale-watching tours by boat from Bay Bulls.
O’Brien’s – Boat tours from Bay Bulls to see Atlantic puffins, humpback whales, icebergs and more.
Molly Bawn – Puffin, whale and iceberg tours and proud members of the puffin patrol, based in Mobile.
Ocean Quest – Zodiac boat tours, sea kayaking and much more from Petty Harbour .
Cultural activities
The Avalon Peninsula is home to a thriving community of artists and makers. Inspired by the dramatic coastline and local traditions, creativity is woven into everyday life here.
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Food, Culture, Place, – Let renowned cultural ambassador Lori McCarthy share "the value of resourcefulness and working with what the land provides" on one of her courses. Check her website for dates.
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Sullivan’s Songhouse – A unique music, song and traditional stories experience at Sean's kitchen, located in Calvert. An unforgettable cultural experience not to be missed. Book early.
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Wayne Maloney Art – Visit Wayne at his nearby shed studio in Bay Bulls tel. 709 763 868.
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Merrymeeting – A working arts space with resident artist, music and stories, located in Renews.
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Nature Minded – join Tina, a certified forest therapy guide, for foraging walks & wild food tastings or guided forest bathing walks; see website for dates and to book.
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Wildera – Small-group experiences blend foraging, story, and sensory resonance.
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Quidi Vidi Village Artisan Studios – a St John’s based collective of studios and shops for emerging craft-based entrepreneurs.
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Colony of Avalon – widely recognised as the best preserved early English colonial site in North America and an active archaeological dig, opens anually in June
© Alex Stead
Fishing
The fishing culture of the Avalon Peninsula is at the heart of Newfoundland’s heritage. Along the Irish Loop, visitors will find historic fishing villages, working wharves, and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
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Cod fishing, from July 1 to Sept 4, with Ocean Quest in Petty Harbour.
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Snorkel and swim alongside many of the majestic creatures to be found in Petty Harbour in the summer, July 1 to August 31, with Ocean Quest.
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Hands on heritage fishing excursions in the historic fishing property at Island Rooms, also in Petty Harbour, tel: 709 740 3474.
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Fly-fishing, and trout and salmon excursions in the Avalon Peninsula, by the East Coast Ghillies Guide Collective.
Breweries
The Avalon Peninsula is home to a lively craft beer culture. From small independent breweries to well-known local producers, there are many places to discover unique brews inspired by Newfoundland’s landscape and traditions.
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Landwash, our "local", usually open Weds to Sunday, check their website for updates. Located in Mount Pearl.
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Bannerman, usually open daily from breakfast to late, check their website for updates. Located in St John’s.
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Ninepenny Brewery, usually open Weds to Sunday, but check their website for updates. Located in Conception Bay South.
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Quidi Vidi Brewery, usually open daily, but please check their website for updates. Located in Quidi Vidi.
Food & Drink
The Irish Loop is quickly emerging as a culinary destination on the Avalon Peninsula, and perhaps all of Newfoundland. With award-winning chefs and memorable restaurants along the way, visitors will find plenty of opportunities to experience the best of local cuisine.
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La Roca, Bay Bulls – with local ingredients and a Spanish/Asian twist, our restaurant at the Bread and Cheese Inn. Set menu at 6.30pm, call for our schedules and to book (sorry, no walk-ins)
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Arbour, Bay Bulls – cocktails, appies, bistro food, live music and events, normally open Weds to Sunday, tel. 709 334 3388.
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The Stone Ducky, Bay Bulls – Italian inspired menu with beautiful views of the ocean and the bay. Normally open from 11am, see website for days, tel. 709 334 3825.
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The Jigger, Bay Bulls – Newfoundland food like cod bites, fish and chips and daily specials, open every day, tel. 709 334 3330.
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Irish Loop Coffee House, Witless Bay – all-day breakfasts, lunch and baked goods, overlooking the water, open daily from April 1st, tel. 709 334 1085.
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Fork, Mobile – Casual fine dining on a 5-acre property, focusing on seasonal, locally sourced food. Check their website for hours and to book, or call tel. 709 743 3490.
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Captain’s Table, Mobile – seafood restaurant, open daily from 12-8pm, tel. 709 334 2278.
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The Forager, Bauline South – a sea, farm and forest to table experience. For hours and bookings check their website or call tel. 709 765 8144.
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The Cape, Cape Broyle – a fixed menu trip around Newfoundland flavours, also offering cooking classes. Check their website for more info.
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Ferryland Picnics – based at the Ferryland lighthouse (built in 1870) and offering unique picnic food to be enjoyed while relaxing and admiring the beautiful scenery, mid-June to mid-October, check their website for details.
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Tetley Tea Room by the Sea – run by the Southern Shore Folk Arts Council, open June to Sept in Ferryland. Tel. 1-888-332-2052.
© Brian Ricks
Museums
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The Rooms, St John’s – modern art gallery and museum, open 7 days a week, tel. 709 757 8090.
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Myrick Wireless interpretation centre – replica of the 1904 marconi wireless station, housing an exhibition about communications at Cape Race, a new Titanic exhibit and a gift shop, located in Cape Race tel. 709 438 1100.
Unique experiences
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Running the goat – a cozy bookstore and working letterpress printshop featuring Newfoundland authors. Located in Tors Cove tel. 709 334 3239 or 709 691 1317.
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Little Emporium – new and vintage gifts, Southern Shore Highway, Cape Broyle, tel. 709 770 0868.
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Play golf, go salmon fishing or hike at The Wilds resort, located on the Salmonier river in Holyrood tel. 709 229 5444.
For more inspiration and itinerary suggestions head to the Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism website.
