Top Things to do in Bonavista
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What to do and see in Bonavista, Canada: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Bonavista, Canada including Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, Tuckamore Discoveries, Dungeon Provincial Park, Ryan Premises National Historic Site, Discovery Sea Adventures, Ye Matthew Legacy, Garrick Theatre, Mockbeggar Plantation, King’s Cove Lighthouse, Cape Shore Trail.
Restaurants in Bonavista
1. Cape Bonavista Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 360 reviews
Reviewed By harry w - Burlington, Canada
Besides the beautiful lookout over the water, it is worth going for the explanation by tour guides of how the lighthouse keepers lived and maintained the lights. It was a family job, as every few hours someone would have to get up in the night to crank up the weights and ensure that the coloured lights rotated to give the positioning.
2. Tuckamore Discoveries
Overall Ratings
5 based on 61 reviews
Tuckamore Discoveries is a nature based eco-hiking venture located in Bonavista on the Island of Newfoundland - puffins are one of the main attractions. The business is operated by Jonathan Joy, a local biologist and educator whose goal is to provide a safe, enjoyable and educational experience for people interested in the natural history of coastal Newfoundland.
Reviewed By Deborah M - Chicago, Illinois
This tour was wonderful. Jon is such a knowledgeable guide and so interesting to listen to. While the puffins were the ultimate goal, the journey to reach them was fascinating. Jon discussed many of the plants we encountered during the hike, explained their medicinal and...MoreHi Deborah, it was a pleasure to meet you! I am glad that I was able to open up the natural world of coastal Newfoundland for you. Hopefully, we will see you again soon! All the best, Jon
3. Dungeon Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 250 reviews
Reviewed By Nancy S
So they joke that this is the smallest provincial park in the country! I have never checked it out to confirm but all I can say is that it is certainly worth the visit. This park offers communal farm land to the communities around it....so the first thing you drive over to get into the park is a cattle guard! No park ranger collecting a fee here:) Basically you drive your car along a dirt road that runs next to a very beautiful coast line....watch out for cow crossings! After a few bends in the road you hit the main feature, a sort of large sink hole with a rock support where the ocean runs through two openings into the sink hole. Sounds a little odd and it is! All I can say is that if your lucky enough to snap a photo of cows grazing near this natural phenomena with the waves crashing in the background.... It could be the picture of the trip!
4. Ryan Premises National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Closed for the Season
Reviewed By Warren D - Peterborough, Canada
The exhibit included 3 buildings and the family home across the street. The families life was interwoven with the history of the Cod industry. Many excellent exhibits and artifacts told the story of NFLD and its dependance on the Cod Fishery for their way of life. Those of us not familiar with Impact of the closing of the fisheries in 1992 could equate it to closing the auto industry in Ontario at the same time. The family home is worth a brief visit to see the photos of the area's past and the furnished dining room. Allow a minimum of an hour.
5. Discovery Sea Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 32 reviews
We offer the most authentic and exciting experiences on our Fast Rescue Craft. Tours depart three times a day from our dock in Bonavista, adjacent to the Matthew Legacy building on Roper Street. Each trip runs between 2 1/2 and 3 hours. Come see Humpback, Fin and Minke Whales on our trips. Other sightings may include: icebergs, puffins, ocras, seals, porpoises and a variety of sea birds.
Reviewed By dj1111 - Toronto
I was looking forward to this boat tour and it exceeded my expectations! I have done whale watching in large boats and small boats. I much prefer the small boat experience. We got to see at least 10 humpback whales from up close at water...MoreThank You for the review and doing our tour
6. Ye Matthew Legacy
Overall Ratings
4 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By Greyfoodie - Crewe
This is potentially a very interesting visit but a couple of changes would make it better. The information boards are in old style script which makes it difficult to read and almost impossible for dyslexics. Plain script versions alongside would be good. The staff didn't always seem to know all the potential answers. We were just unlucky to arrive at the same time as a bus load of bumbling tourists! Also, the entrance fee was too high for a short visit. Other attractions in the town are either free or substantially cheaper.
7. Garrick Theatre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 51 reviews
WE'RE A BIG CITY VENUE IN THE HEART OF A SMALL TOWN. The Garrick is a multi-use cultural facility located in the heart of Bonavista. Owned and operated by the Bonavista Historic Townscape Foundation, the Garrick boasts comfortable theatre Seating for 200, full digital cinema, state-of-the-art sound and lighting, and exceptional acoustics ... and that’s just the beginning. Cross the lobby and you’ll find the Annex - a beautifully furnished bar, eatery and intimate performance space. Head upstairs, and you’ll discover our soon-to-be completed conference/event space with room for 100. From Opera to open mic, the Garrick offers a diverse, year-round program of mainstream and indie films, live music, theatre, public lectures, and special events. But The Garrick is more than a cultural and entertainment venue. It’s also a place to go and gather, and to meet friends, old and new. MAKE THE GARRICK PART OF YOUR WORLD. For more information, please visit our Events Calendar or contact us. The box office is open Monday to Friday, 1:00-5:00 p.m., one hour before show time, and online 24/7.
Reviewed By GoodFood&Drink - St. John's, NL
Enjoyed a fantastic, intimate musical evening with Craig Young performing in the inviting Annexe. A full house of 65 with every one having a perfect view and friendly bar service meant a lovely evening even though the temperature was oppressive (a NL rarity) despite two fans as there is no air conditioning. So sad that there is only one, at most two, live musical Performances a week ...this is a lovely spot with more potential to draw people to Bonavista more often. And please, please put a sign on the door to advise people that the Box Office is across the street... who would expect that?
8. Mockbeggar Plantation
Overall Ratings
4 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By Janet_753 - Torbay, Canada
This property has several features that would be of interest to anyone who enjoys history. Most of the items on display were the belongings of the family who had lived in the house and donated it to the provincial government, so there's a true authenticity to what you see when you visit. Some of the features of the building itself are quite unique, such as the stained glass windows and the huge marble fireplace. The history of the family also includes connections to Newfoundland's entry into the Canadian federation.
Our guided tour was hosted by a friendly, well-informed staff member who obviously takes great pride and pleasure in her work. I'm glad I had the opportunity to visit and to learn about the history and the family who lived in the house and their life as part of the local community.
9. King’s Cove Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
King's Cove Lighthouse Trail is just 1 of 7 Trails Hike Discovery has within it's network. This trail has an inner trail of a 1.7 km loop and an outer trail of 3.5 km providing spectacular views of coastal scenery. Please visit our webpage to learn more about our other trails.
Reviewed By Keon14 - Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
We were in this area exploring and came upon this walking trail that led to this lighthouse. The lighthouse is located very close to the cliff edge and some sheer drops are within view. The location on this day was perfect. It was a sunny day and the walk itself through the wooded area along the coastline was peaceful and scenic. Definitely worth a visit.
10. Cape Shore Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Ginger I - New Westminster, Canada
Somehow I missed any write ups on this trail, instead I set out to visit the lighthouse which was closed for the season. The trails snake around the side of the lighthouse providing fantastic views of cliffs, breaking waves, and commanding rocks. My favorite memory is looking down, through binoculars onto the flying Northern Gannets. These are a large, crisp and pretty bird which are interesting to watch fishing. The trails were also dusted with flocks of busy snow buntings, a pretty song bird. Most of the trail is very easy, there are a few spots that may be a challenge for those who are uncomfortable on uneven surfaces, but they are optional spurs. If the lighthouse is closed then the nearest washroom would be the outhouses (or long drops) in the lower parking lot, maybe 5 minute walk from the lighthouse parking lot.
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