Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve: Newfoundland's Seabird Sanctuary
Witness thousands of nesting seabirds at North America's most accessible seabird colony, set amidst Newfoundland's stunning coastal scenery.
Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve, located on the southwestern Avalon Peninsula, is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. This protected area is home to one of North America's largest and most accessible seabird colonies, including the third-largest nesting site of Northern Gannets. Visitors can witness thousands of birds nesting on dramatic cliffs and a towering sea stack known as Bird Rock.
A brief summary to Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve
- Saint Bride's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A0B 2Z0, CA
- +1709-277-1666
- Visit website
Local tips
- Bring binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens for optimal bird viewing and photography.
- Check the weather forecast before visiting, as fog is common. If it's foggy in St. John's, it will likely be foggy at Cape St. Mary's.
- Visit the Interpretation Centre first to learn about the reserve's ecology and birdlife.
- Be aware of the dangers associated with high cliffs, slippery surfaces, and strong winds.
- Consider visiting during the summer for the Cape St. Mary's Performance Series, featuring local music and entertainment.
Getting There
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Driving
From St. John's, take the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) west, then Route 100 south towards the Cape Shore. Follow Route 100 through St. Bride's. Watch for signs indicating the turnoff to Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve. The final approach is a narrow, paved road leading to the parking area and Interpretation Centre. Be cautious of potholes on the road. Parking is available at the visitor center. Overnight parking may be permitted with permission from the rangers. There are no tolls on this route. Driving time from St. John's is approximately 2.5 hours.
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Public Transport
There is no direct public transportation to Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve from St. John's. The most feasible option involves taking a bus from St. John's to Whitbourne, followed by a taxi to the reserve. The bus ride to Whitbourne takes approximately 1 hour and costs around $20-$30. The taxi ride from Whitbourne to Cape St. Mary's is approximately 2 hours and costs around $220-$260. This is a time-consuming and expensive option.
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