Avalon Wilderness Reserve: Newfoundland's Untamed Heart
Explore Newfoundland's Avalon Wilderness Reserve: a vast, unspoiled landscape offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and true backcountry adventures.
Discover the Avalon Wilderness Reserve, a sprawling protected area on Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula. This vast expanse of forests, barrens, and waterways offers a true wilderness experience, home to diverse wildlife and rugged landscapes perfect for outdoor adventures.
A brief summary to Avalon Wilderness Reserve
- Aquaforte, Newfoundland and Labrador, A0A 1A0, CA
- +1709-685-1853
Local tips
- Obtain a free entry permit before visiting the reserve.
- Inform someone of your travel plans and expected return date, as cell phone coverage is intermittent.
- Bring appropriate topographic maps and a compass for navigation, as there are no marked trails.
- Pack sturdy hiking boots and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
- Carry binoculars for optimal wildlife viewing opportunities.
Getting There
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Car
From St. John's, take the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) southbound. Continue for about 40 kilometers until the exit for Route 10 toward Holyrood. Follow Route 10 for approximately 15 kilometers, then turn left onto Route 73. After a short drive of about 10 kilometers, you will arrive at Avalon Wilderness Reserve. There is ample parking available at the entrance.
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Public Transport
Take a Metrobus from St. John's to the nearest bus stop in Holyrood. This bus runs regularly throughout the day. From Holyrood, arrange for a taxi or rideshare service to the Avalon Wilderness Reserve, which is about 10 kilometers away. Ensure you check the bus schedule in advance as services may be limited, especially on weekends. Expect to pay around $20 CAD for the taxi from Holyrood.
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Taxi/Rideshare
Consider using a taxi or rideshare service from St. John's directly to Avalon Wilderness Reserve. This option is more expensive but offers convenience and saves time. Expect the fare to be around CAD 70-100, depending on traffic conditions and the service used. Ensure you book your ride in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Discover more about Avalon Wilderness Reserve
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ark Of Avalon
30.3 km
Experience Newfoundland's charm at Ark of Avalon B&B: Coastal views, historic sites, and warm hospitality in the heart of Ferryland.
Cape Race Lighthouse
46.4 km
Explore Newfoundland's maritime history at Cape Race Lighthouse, a beacon of hope and a witness to pivotal moments in communication and navigation.
Admiralty House Communications Museum
63.5 km
Discover naval history and maritime communications at this unique museum in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland.
Fort Townshend National Historic Site of Canada
72.8 km
Explore Fort Townshend National Historic Site, a beautiful blend of history and stunning views in the heart of St. John's, Newfoundland.
Commissariat House, Provincial Historic Site
73.7 km
Explore 19th-century colonial life at Commissariat House Provincial Historic Site, a beautifully preserved Georgian landmark in St. John's, Newfoundland.
Drake House
94.8 km
Explore Drake House in Arnold's Cove: A heritage museum preserving Newfoundland's resettlement history and outport life in a beautifully restored 19th-century home.
Unmissable attractions to see
Salmonier Nature Park
24.3 km
Experience the beauty of Newfoundland's wildlife at Salmonier Nature Park, a nature lover's paradise with native species and scenic trails.
East Coast Trail
29.0 km
Explore the captivating East Coast Trail, where breathtaking views, rich wildlife, and Newfoundland's culture await every adventurer.
Colony of Avalon Foundation
31.4 km
Explore the Colony of Avalon, an archaeological museum in Newfoundland, revealing the early European settlement history of North America.
Cataracts Provincial Park
33.4 km
Discover the natural beauty of Cataracts Provincial Park in Newfoundland and Labrador, a serene escape featuring stunning waterfalls and scenic hiking trails.
Ferryland Lighthouse
33.5 km
Explore the breathtaking views and rich maritime history at Ferryland Lighthouse, a must-visit historical landmark in Newfoundland.
La Manche Provincial Park
34.0 km
Explore breathtaking trails, stunning coastal views, and serene camping spots at La Manche Provincial Park in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Edge of Avalon Interpretation Centre
37.2 km
Explore the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Newfoundland at the Edge of Avalon Interpretation Centre, your gateway to unforgettable adventures.
Pee Pee Island
38.4 km
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Butter Pot Provincial Park
42.3 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Butter Pot Provincial Park, an outdoor paradise in Newfoundland and Labrador.
O'Brien's Whale and Bird Tours
47.2 km
Experience the thrill of whale watching and bird watching in the stunning waters of Bay Bulls with O'Brien's Whale and Bird Tours.
Gatherall's Puffin & Whale Watch
47.6 km
Discover the wonders of marine wildlife at Gatherall's Puffin & Whale Watch in Bay Bulls, Newfoundland, where adventure meets nature's beauty.
Cape Pine
50.9 km
Explore Cape Pine, a historical landmark on Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula, where maritime heritage meets stunning coastal beauty.
Cupids Cove Plantation
55.7 km
Explore the captivating history of Cupids Cove Plantation, the first English settlement in Canada, surrounded by stunning Newfoundland landscapes.
Castle Hill National Historic Site
55.8 km
Explore the rich history and stunning vistas at Castle Hill National Historic Site, a remarkable landmark in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Cupids Legacy Centre
55.9 km
Uncover the history of Newfoundland's first English settlement at Cupids Legacy Centre, where culture and heritage come alive.
Essential places to dine
Riverside Restaurant and Lounge
26.5 km
Discover delightful American cuisine amidst stunning riverside views at Riverside Restaurant and Lounge in Cape Broyle.
Squid Jigger on Caplin Bay
30.2 km
Experience authentic Newfoundland cuisine at Squid Jigger on Caplin Bay—where fresh seafood meets breathtaking views.
Bernard Kavanagh's Million Dollar View Restaurant
31.4 km
Experience exquisite seafood dining with stunning ocean views at Bernard Kavanagh's Million Dollar View Restaurant in Ferryland.
Tetley Tea Room By The Sea
31.5 km
Discover Tetley Tea Room By The Sea in Ferryland - where exceptional teas meet breathtaking coastal views for an unforgettable dining experience.
Lighthouse Picnics
33.4 km
Experience culinary delight at Lighthouse Picnics in Ferryland – where stunning views meet fresh local flavors.
Edge of the Avalon Inn
34.7 km
Discover Edge of the Avalon Inn: A delightful restaurant and historical landmark in Trepassey offering local cuisine and stunning views.
Cliffs Edge Retreat
37.7 km
Discover unparalleled dining experiences at Cliffs Edge Retreat – where local flavors meet breathtaking ocean views in Newfoundland.
Fork Restaurant
41.1 km
Experience authentic Newfoundland cuisine at Fork Restaurant in Mobile – where local flavors meet exquisite dining.
Arbour Restaurant & Lounge
46.0 km
Discover the flavors of Newfoundland at Arbour Restaurant & Lounge – where great food meets live music in beautiful Bay Bulls.
The Quay Restaurant
54.9 km
Discover delightful local cuisine at The Quay Restaurant in Brigus, where stunning waterfront views meet exceptional flavors.
Skipper Ben's
56.2 km
Discover Skipper Ben's in Cupids – where local flavors meet warm hospitality in a stunning coastal setting.
Chafe's Landing Restaurant
64.1 km
Discover fresh seafood delights at Chafe's Landing Restaurant in Petty Harbour – where local flavors meet stunning coastal views.
St. John's Fish Exchange Kitchen & Wet Bar
72.3 km
Discover fresh seafood and cozy ambiance at St. John's premier dining destination in Newfoundland.
Saltwater
72.4 km
Experience exquisite seafood dining at Saltwater in St. John's - where local flavors meet stunning waterfront views.
Blue On Water
72.4 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Colony of Avalon Gift Shop
31.5 km
Explore the Colony of Avalon Gift Shop for unique local crafts, souvenirs, and a taste of Newfoundland's rich heritage in Ferryland.
Brigus Mercantile Co.
54.8 km
Explore the delightful Brigus Mercantile Co. for unique gifts and local treasures in the heart of Newfoundland.
Seacliff House Productions
55.1 km
Explore Seacliff House Productions in Brigus, NL – a charming antique store filled with unique collectibles, vintage furniture, and memorable gifts.
Saltwater Designs
66.3 km
Discover stylish clothing with a local touch at Saltwater Designs in St. John's, Newfoundland – a treasure for fashion lovers.
Chapters
70.0 km
Discover a literary sanctuary at Chapters in St. John's, where every book lover's dream comes alive amidst charming gifts and cozy reading nooks.
Avalon Mall
70.2 km
Avalon Mall in St. John's offers an exciting shopping experience with diverse stores, delicious dining, and entertainment for everyone.
PSEUDIO
70.3 km
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Aerie
70.3 km
Discover trendy women's clothing and accessories at Aerie in St. John's, your go-to fashion stop for stylish swimwear, loungewear, and more.
Showcase
70.3 km
Explore Showcase in St. John's for an eclectic mix of home goods, toys, beauty supplies, and unique gifts, capturing the essence of Newfoundland.
Warehouse One Avalon Mall
70.4 km
Discover fashionable denim and casual wear at Warehouse One Avalon Mall, the perfect stop for stylish tourists in St. John's.
Ricki's - Avalon Mall
70.4 km
Discover your style at Ricki's - Avalon Mall, a premier destination for women's fashion in St. John's, Newfoundland.
X Store
70.4 km
Explore X Store in St. John's for unique gifts and local treasures that capture the essence of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Lush Cosmetics Avalon
70.4 km
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la Vie en Rose
70.4 km
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Downhome Shoppe - Avalon Mall
70.4 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Club 68
62.1 km
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Guv'nor Inn & Pub
71.5 km
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Easton 1602 Pub
71.9 km
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Shamrock City Pub
72.3 km
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Christian's Pub
72.4 km
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O’Reilly’s Irish Newfoundland Pub
72.4 km
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Green Sleeves
72.4 km
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The Martini Bar
72.4 km
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The Black Sheep
72.4 km
Discover The Black Sheep, St. John's lively pub offering local flavors, hearty fare, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for tourists.
The Celtic Hearth
72.5 km
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YellowBelly Brewery
72.5 km
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Trapper John's
72.5 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Trapper John's, a funky pub in St. John's, offering a unique blend of local culture and diverse drink selections.
Luckys Bar
72.5 km
Experience the lively nightlife at Luckys Bar in St. John's, where great drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Velvet Club & Lounge
72.7 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Velvet Club & Lounge, St. John's premier gay night club and bar, where diversity and fun blend seamlessly.
The Duke Of Duckworth
72.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and local brews at The Duke Of Duckworth, the iconic bar in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.
