Blog Post:
The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary for Newfoundland’s Southern Shore
Just a short drive south of St. John’s lies one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in the world: the Irish Loop. If you are coming to Newfoundland to see breaching humpback whales, millions of nesting seabirds, and dramatic coastal cliffs, the Southern Shore is exactly where you want to spend your time. Let’s plan your prefect Newfoundland Southern Shore itinerary!
But with so many incredible restaurants, historic sites, and ocean views scattered between Bay Bulls and Mistaken Point, it can be hard to know how to fit it all in. You don’t want to spend half your trip driving back and forth when you could be out on the water or enjoying a local meal.
That is why we put together the ultimate weekend itinerary. Whether you are a local looking for a weekend getaway or a visitor trying to experience the absolute best of the East Coast, this step-by-step guide will help you build the perfect trip down the shore.
Here is how to spend an unforgettable weekend exploring the wildlife and wonders of Witless Bay and beyond.
Day 1: Friday Afternoon:
Arriving in Bay Bulls & Mobile
New Transition Text: Start your weekend by driving south from St. John’s into the heart of the Irish Loop. As you leave the city behind and the sweeping ocean vistas open up, it is time to set the tone for the weekend. We recommend making your first stop in Bay Bulls to stretch your legs and grab a bite before settling into your accommodations for the night.
Arbour Restaurant & Lounge
4.9/5 stars
Restaurant
Arbour Restaurant & Lounge: This chic spot in Bay Bulls offers an elevated but welcoming vibe.
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- Grab some craft cocktails and tasty tapas to kick off your trip.
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- It often features live entertainment from local musicians to get you into the Newfoundland spirit.
Hike the East Coast Trail – Mickeleens Path (Bay Bulls/Mobile):
🥾 Hike
To work up an appetite for dinner, take a late-afternoon hike along the world-famous East Coast Trail. The Mickeleens Path trailhead is right in Bay Bulls and offers dramatic cliffside views, sea stacks, and a high chance of spotting bald eagles before you head into Mobile.
Whale House Guest House
4.7/5 stars
Hotel
Whale House Guest House: Make your way down to Mobile to check into your weekend headquarters.
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- Settle into your suite and take in the panoramic ocean views right from the property.
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- End your travel day by relaxing in an outdoor hot tub overlooking the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve.
Fork Restaurant
4.9/5 stars: (429)
Restaurant
Fork Restaurant: For your first dinner, you don’t have to go far. Fork is an absolute staple on the Southern Shore, located right in Mobile.
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- Enjoy award-winning, mind-blowing dishes crafted by top chefs using fresh, high-quality local ingredients.
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- The intimate, cozy atmosphere and stunning Atlantic views make it the perfect setting for a memorable meal.
Day 2: Saturday Morning:
Wildlife & Literature
Wake up early and grab a coffee—it is time for the main event! The waters of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve are teeming with life in the summer, and the morning light offers the absolute best conditions for wildlife spotting. After your time on the water, you’ll start making your way further south down the coast.
Great Island Boat Tours
5/5 stars
Whale Watching Tour
Great Island Boat Tours: Head to Bauline South to step aboard for a breathtaking morning on the water.
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- Morning sailings often offer the calmest waters, getting you incredibly close to the towering humpback whales.
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- Marvel at the buzzing colonies of Atlantic puffins that call the ecological reserve home.
Running the Goat
5/5 stars
Book and Gift Shop
Running the Goat: After finding your sea legs, take a short drive to Tors Cove for a charming stop.
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- This independent micro-press and bookstore is a literary treasure trove.
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- Pick up some unique local literature and beautifully printed books as the perfect souvenir.
Saturday Afternoon:
History & Casual Eats
Keep heading south to dive into the rich history of the area. Ferryland is one of the oldest European settlements in North America, offering a perfect blend of archaeology and incredible coastal dining. Afterward, you will slowly make your way back up the shore, stopping for one of the most photographed sights in the province before grabbing a casual, well-earned dinner.
Colony of Avalon
4.6/5 stars
Museum
Colony of Avalon FoundationClick to open side panel for more information Travel down to Ferryland to walk through one of the most significant archaeological sites in North America.
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- Explore the remains of the 17th-century settlement founded by Lord Baltimore.
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- Watch archaeologists actively uncovering artifacts from the 1620s.
Lighthouse Picnics
4.7/5 stars
Restaurant
Lighthouse Picnics: Also in Ferryland, you can grab one of the most iconic lunches in the province.
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- Pick up a gourmet sandwich and dessert packed in a traditional picnic basket.
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- Enjoy your lunch sitting on the grassy hills next to the historic Ferryland Lighthouse with sweeping ocean views.
La Manche Suspension Bridge (La Manche)
🥾 Hike
On your drive back north toward your guest house, pull over at La Manche Provincial Park. A short, beautiful hike through the woods brings you to a stunning 50-meter suspension bridge that crosses a deep, wave-crashed cove and the ruins of an abandoned outport village.
Stone Ducky
4.4/5 stars
Restaurant
- Stone Ducky: Head back up towards Bay Bulls for a relaxed, casual dinner.
- This intimate spot is famous for its fresh, homemade pizzas and creatively inspired dishes.
- It sits just steps from the ocean, giving you scenic views while you eat.
Day 3: Sunday
Deep Time & Legendary Fish and Chips
For your final day, take a scenic drive further south for some awe-inspiring geology and shore-based whale watching.
Saint Vincent’s Beach
4.7/5 stars
Beach
Saint Vincent’s Beach: Start your morning at this steep, rocky beach that drops off rapidly into deep water.
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- Because the water gets deep so quickly, humpback whales often feed on capelin mere feet from the shoreline.
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- It is one of the best places in the world for shore-based whale watching.
Mistaken Point
4.7/5 stars
Natural Feature
Mistaken Point: Continue to the edge of the Avalon Peninsula to step back in time.
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- Take a guided hike to view the world’s oldest known large fossils, dating back millions of years.
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- The staggering coastal cliffs and UNESCO World Heritage status make this an unforgettable adventure.
The Captain’s Table
4.5/5 stars
Restaurant
The Captain’s Table: On your drive back up the shore, stop in Mobile for a legendary farewell meal.
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- The restaurant is named in honor of Captain William Jackman, a renowned Newfoundland hero.
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- Treat yourself to their award-winning, golden-fried fish and chips before heading home.
Ready to Experience the Southern Shore?
A weekend on the Irish Loop is more than just a road trip—it is a chance to disconnect and experience the raw, untamed beauty of Newfoundland. From world-class dining and ancient fossils to the thrill of a humpback whale surfacing just yards from your boat, this stretch of coastline truly has it all.
While the historic trails and scenic beaches will always be waiting for you, the peak wildlife window is short and our small-group tours fill up incredibly fast. If you are ready to make this itinerary a reality, lock in your anchor event first.