Top 30 things to do and attractions in Bonavista

Absolutely amazing spot. Fantastic scenery and the puffins were going off! Cute little gift store and great walking trails

The sun was shining when we visited Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, and it felt amazing being up on the cliffs with the wind and the wide-open ocean all around. The views were endless, with waves crashing below and the horizon stretching far into the distance. Walking around the lighthouse, I felt a mix of calm and awe—just standing there, watching the water and the seabirds, it was easy to forget everything else. The fresh air and the open space made it feel like a perfect little escape.

This is proclaimed to be one of the most photographed places in Newfoundland and rightly so. The views from the lighthouse are spectacular but we did not see an iceberg on the day we went. John Cabot made landfall at this location and there is a statue dedicated to him and his crew. Excellent gift shop with great prices and super friendly staff.

Absolutely breathtaking views and it’s home to a puffin colony as well! The views from the cliffs are incredible, and the ocean waves crashing in below look nothing short of vicious. The puffins were my favourite part, they are just so cute and amazing to watch!

A beautiful spot to appreciate the rushing Atlantic waves. The Shoreline Trail is a wonderful hike to do but the wind is continuous so make sure you are well dressed for it.

Cape Bonavista Lighthouse - on a cold and very windy day in August. It’s just 51° but there’s a 30 mph sustained wind with gusts to 45 mph. My dog Juni and I were careful to avoid the cliff edges due to the fear of being blown over the edge. The nice thing was there were no other people on the trails so no one got in my way as i was taking my photographs. We boondocked just down the road from here and the winds were howling all through the night with predictions that they’ll continue for the next few days. Welcome to Newfoundland.

Beautiful views! The light house exhibit was closed for the season but walking around was still a great experienc! There are a lot of hiking trails around and a great gift shop with fudge and ice cream!

This exhibit is an excellent stop. You get to see a different perspective of fishery and seal hunting in the area. Parks Canada also acknowledged they were working to add perspectives from other groups such as Mi’kmaq people’s to provide fuller picture of history of the land. The Parcs Canada gift shop next door also has a variety of cute purchases. Highly recommend.

This was one of my favourite historic sites I stopped at! The staff were so welcoming and excited to see me, they were great at showing me around, they were all so knowledgeable explaining all about the site, they were very passionate. It was easy to go through and it was absolutely beautiful in the family’s home and the artifacts were amazing to see. I took my time reading everything and probably took me around 2hrs. It was amazing to learn about the cod fishing empire in Bonavista. Parking was tricky to find, but it’s just on the grass behind the house/fish flakes.

Little fishing town that kept Is old look. There's a museum and a gift shop.little will walk around. Did the smell of the sea. there is also a small seafood restaurant by Ryan Premise

Go visit Richard first, he will enthusiastically tell you all the stages of the fisheries,!!

We were here in early June. It wasn't open but we took lots of pictures outside and of the plaques. We were staying at The Harbour Quarters Inn next door, so it was an easy walk over here to explore around Ryan's Premises.

Nestled in the heart of Bonavista, the Ryan Premises National Historic Site offers a captivating journey into Newfoundland's vibrant maritime history. Step back in time as you explore the beautifully restored premises that once served as a bustling salt fish processing plant. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and stories of the early 20th-century fishing industry that shaped the livelihoods of countless Newfoundlanders. The site features interactive exhibits that vividly depict the daily lives of fisherfolk and merchants who worked here, from the bustling fish rooms to the merchant office. Marvel at the craftsmanship of the salt fish flakes and stages, essential components of the traditional fish drying process that sustained communities along the rugged Newfoundland coast. The staff at Ryan Premises are exceptional—they are extremely informative and take their time to explain the rich history of the site. Don't miss the opportunity to stroll through the scenic grounds overlooking Bonavista Harbour, where you can imagine the bustling activity of fishing schooners unloading their precious catch. The Ryan Premises also hosts special events and demonstrations that bring history to life, making it a perfect destination for history buffs, families, and anyone curious about Newfoundland's maritime heritage.

learned a lot about the proud fishing history at the site and the area. The museum includes a fascinating overview of that history, as well as changes in technology, the people, the culture and social life of the community.

Beautiful park, with stunning ocean views and unique geological features. The signs explaining the area help provide more depth and context. A lovely place to stop when exploring the peninsula.

We stopped by here after visiting Cape Bonavista Lighthouse. It was an easy detour on the way to the town of Bonavista. The cliff rock formations are incredible! It is only a short walk from the car so good for kids and seniors. If you had a young child I would just have them hold your hand so they are close to you. It is amazing what nature and the sea can do over time to the rocks and erode them! Make sure to see this if you are passing through as it is worth it!

Awesome geologic feature easily accessible by a short drive on a gravel road from the lighthouse. The arch is right off the gravel road and has an accessible viewing platform with ample parking spaces nearby.

One of Mother Nature's miracles not to be missed! Sitting across the waves from Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, the Dungeon offers a peaceful spot to watch the birds, whales and waves while you wonder how this place came to be. As a child, my friends and I used to climb all over the surrounding rocks, which still offer a challenge for those who dare. But be careful. Slippery When Wet!

A beautiful spot at Bonavista, pretty close to the Bonavista Peninsula and lighthouse. The park is spectacular and scenic. There are several trails and cliffs for hikes. There are limited parking spots available in the park so be prepared for that. Would highly recommend carrying an insect/bug spray, we observed several insects everywhere in Bonavista and this provincial park which was pretty annoying and one of our friends got bites as well . You can see the dungeons right near the lookout point and parking spot.

It might look similar to many other coastal areas in Newfoundland. However, once you see it, you realize how special it is. Probably a sunrise would be a better time to visit and light up the rocks. All three spots I shared in my images are minutes away from each other by car, and the place is not very crowded. There is no personal to watch over you. Be careful as you climb the rocks. The cliffs are very steep and dangerous. Enjoy!

Beautiful spot to stop and enjoy the scenery! The small sea caves/arches are cool to watch and there’s a little observation deck at the top so you don’t have to worry about getting too close to the edge. I bet this place is amazing for sunrise on a clear day!

Great place to visit. So much history.

Small site but it was incredible that basically everything in the home was actually used in that time period. The workers were very nice and knowledgeable, and the house was well kept and beautiful. Lots of history!

Had a lovely visit today! The interpreters did and excellent job telling us about the site and talking about its importance to Newfoundland. We'll be going back for a walk tonight when it's dark to see if there's any truth to the ghost stories!

This small museum was well staged, and our interpreter was knowledgeable. We were surprised that one of the buildings is the oldest wooden building in all of Newfoundland! We learned about how Newfoundland joined Canada!

Awesome experience for all ages! Amazing artifacts from the era and great people. They have tours and even games for kids to play I would suggest setting side and hour or more to see everything this beautiful plantation has to offer!

Canada Day celebrations in Bobavista. Good information about Newfoundland entry into Confederation. Fun times for kids and adults alike

Cool place to visit with lots of history about Newfoundland. If you are lucky, there will be icebergs floating by...very cool!

We enjoyed our visit to the Matthew Legacy. The first room is full of signs walking you through the life and experience for those traveling with John Cabot. After that you can enter the room with the replica. A staff member explained the exhibit to us and then a different staff member gave us an intro to the boat before we were free to wander on our own. I appreciated the clear communication and education provided. For us the whole visit was about 30 minutes - there isn’t a ton of things to see. But we still felt it was enjoyable and worth our time.

Very fun experience. Informative self-led museum inside. The ship replica is a cool concept and getting to walk on board and explore was great. My only gripe was that while the ship is technically covered, it is not completely enclosed. There are MANY birds that make their way inside and the ship is completely covered in bird droppings. It was a little slippery to walk as the deck wasn’t cleaned. Why they wouldn’t want to take better care in maintaining the ship is beyond me!

Amazing staff very knowledgeable but the state of the boat was pretty disgusting.The whole boat is covered in rat and bird droppings and the tour guide had to wear a face mask because the of the smell /air quality. If this is one of your stops please bring a mask for yourself.

Interesting history and I appreciate all the hard work that went into to making the replica of the ship and the innovation of the building in which it is housed. However, I think that the air quality is so poor in the area in which the ship is stored that it could be considered a health hazard. I couldn’t stay in the space more than a few minutes and anyone with breathing difficulties or asthma might reconsider visiting.

Amazing souvenir shop with lots of collectibles, fridge magnets, key rings, apparel and toys. The staff is friendly and welcoming. Our group got some cute puffin toys and magnets as souvenirs. Would highly recommend.

Bonavista is well-known as the (official) place where John Cabot first touched land on his expedition in 1497. This museum is dedicated to him and his ship, the Matthew. The exhibits contain different tidbits of information on naval navigation back in the day. The coolest exhibit, however, has got to be the full-sized replica of the Matthew that's technically seaworthy.

A nice museum. Not large. Very informativeTje guides will give you a brief explanation then you view the signs and exhibits. The last part of the museum you go aboard the MATTHEW and you have full access. Give yourself 60 to 90 min to do everything.

A beautifully restored little theatre. Lovely decor, in great condition.

Wonderful venue. Love the atmosphere and the staff.

Great venu, great show, (Matthew Byrne, and Newman Sound Men's Choir). We were passing through and looking for local entertainment a definite must to check and see what is playing at the Garrick if your in Bonnavista.

Just an outstanding place...everything about this venue first rate. From the staff to the facility to the performers....never a disappointment for us here. We have made the Garrick "Summer Music Series" an annual event past 4 years during our visits from Ontario, Annex not a bad choice either for a night of entertainment.

Everything about the place was excellent, Everything.

Went to see Shanneyganock June 3 with the host of my Seaside Cottage, it was a blast, bought a CD and played it all the way back home to NS.

First time attending an event there (2018-02-29) since my childhood which of course stirred up many memories. Beautifully done inside and out. Well done to all involved.

Friendly and engaging crew who had tons of local knowledge to share. Truly beautiful scenery around the peninsula. The boat was clean and well maintained. And they set very clear expectations that the boat would rock while we were on the ocean :) Despite the rocking boat we didn’t have any trouble with seasickness as some others have mentioned. We didn’t see any whales because it was too early in the season. We had a little trouble finding the place but they waited for us and we made it just in time. We really enjoyed our tour and would definitely go again a little later in the season when the whales are actually off the coast!

The 2 hour tour is a must if you are visiting the Bonavista area. We were too late in the year (early July) to see icebergs but we di see seabirds and whales. We were lucky (I think) in that we saw whales for about 1.5 hours of the tour, breaking the surface and plunging back into the water again). Just writing the words takes me back there. The crew were fantastic, stories about life in Newfoundland and knowledge about its nature. This was one of the highlights of our visit to Newfoundland.

This was a great tour! The staff was friendly and the vessel was clean and trustworthy. The upper viewing deck was a great place to stay for the trip. Have been on other vessels where the upper deck has not been opened. We were fortunate to have lots of whales during our trip. The price was very very good compared to other whale watching tours we have been on.

A nice boat tour with amazing tour operators. They were witty and funny during the trip to keep us entertained. I am thankful to them for waiting for us as we were a bit late to join the 10am trip. They called and took our confirmation. I really liked this gesture. Again whale watching completely depends on your luck so we were unlucky on that part. However we did see the puffins and an ancient iceberg that came floating from Greenland. Would definitely recommend this tour and suggest Carry your luck to spot the whales.

Great afternoon on the water! Wish we could stay longer. Great views of the icebergs, up close and whales!

This tour was very good, the crew was entertaining, and knowledgeable...we got to see a couple of whale spouts,

Nice crew Great little ship Cool beer Whales and more No icebergs in july July Lots of puffins

Delicious food, very creative, loved the carrots especially. Unfortunately they'd run out of pork fillet so we were left a choice of either lobster or a beef tenderloin for two, neither of which we fancied. The steamed potatoes with white truffle and dandelion and capers were great and original too. Overall I loved it.

Absolutely delicious spot with creative and beautiful dishes. The smoked beet dish, cod, and Koji marinated beef were particularly stellar. Everything was great, fun eclectic twists on local ingredients. I'd say dessert is the weakest link here but even that was solid. They accommodated a gluten-free member of the party with a special menu (we forgot to give them prior notice to do this, but if you have allergies let them know ahead of time and I'm sure they'll do even better).

I live in a large city with a lot of dining options and this was hands down of the best meals I have ever had. Everything was prepared perfectly. The menu was very creative and the service was excellent. We also loved the cozy space. Cannot recommend this place enough if you are looking for a higher end meal in this area. Definitely book ahead!

The best restaurant in two weeks of travel in Newfoundland, and I would say one of the best we have met in Canada (both East and West coast). I would give this restaurant a Michelin star, a recommendation at least;) Beautiful food presentation, local products, cooked perfectly, everything was so fresh and well balanced! Came there for dinner two days in a row😁 Fast and friendly service, simple cozy interior😍Highly recommend!

After reading the reviews, we had high hopes for this place as a special meal out during our mini break in Bonavista. The beef tartare, steamed carrot buns,steak, and grilled cabbage wedge were delicious with wonderful flavors and textures. Sadly, though, the crab and lobster dishes were disappointing. The crab was rather bland, and the lobster's rich flavour was lost, buried under a spicy, too strongly flavored sauce. While we enjoyed our time here overall, it was a bit disappointing that it was the seafood that wasn't quite up to par.

I hyped myself up for this place because I read the reviews about how it’s a great place for special occasions with an amazing fine dining experience (some even say it’s Michelin star worthy). I tried so hard to like this place but the aftertaste here is worse than the scallops they served me. Even a month later I am writing this review just to warn others about how bad it truly is. If you’re coming from a big city, this place is not even close to what you could get from a Michelin guide restaurant. And the staff is hilariously undertrained. Go here if you want an overpriced meal while children scream downstairs and the waiter asks what you need and then dismisses your request to bring the side dish you ordered. They charge fine dining prices and make unique dishes but their seafood quality is extremely lacking while their steaks are sous vide to mush. Enjoy your special occasion here because I’ll never forget how bad it was.

Best start to finish meal I've had in a long time. Visiting the city, and was not expecting that level of dining. Absolutely fantastic.

Popped in for lunch, first time there. Loved it. The RR Burger (pic) was fantastic, and a generous portion. Good selection of drinks. Service was top notch. Our server apologized at least twice for the "delay" upon our arrival, but I didn't think there was any delay worth mentioning, to be honest. She was really friendly, attentive, prompt. I particularly loved the location and the facility itself. Bright but cozy, extremely clean, well maintained, and architecturally cool! It looked to me like it might have been a grocery or general store many years ago, but I'm only guessing. Would eat there again and recommend to others in a heartbeat.

One of the best lunches we had our entire trip. Excellent chowder and the turkey club had 3 layers of turkey! The home made potato chips were served warm. Our friend said the cod was the best she had tasted. The cheese cake we saw at the other table was very tall with bakeapple or partridge berries. No hesitation recommending this restaurant.

We ate here 2 out of the 3 nights we we were in Bonavista and I would recommend it to anyone who might be visiting. I had the best lobster roll that I had in NL during my whole trip (and I tried quite a few), the chowder was hearty and delicious. The next night I had the scallops toutons. The scallops were some of the best cooked scallops I have ever had, paired with a delicious Caesar salad (not pictured), it was the perfect dinner. Service was quick and friendly. Definitely recommend for your next meal out!

I came here 2 years ago and it was amazing. Like others, the toutons was a highlight and the snow crab was quite tasty too. I ate there twice on that trip. I was very excited to come back again for more food but this time around, I was pretty disappointed and really hope that it was only a one-off experience. Food: The salmon was ok but a bit bland and bit overcooked but it was the better of the two dishes. The lobster roll was quite disappointing tbh. The lobster salad didn't have much lobster flavour and bland overall, but the worst part of it was that it was served on a very cold burnt bun. Unfortunately the photo didn't show it (and I didn't notice it until I started eating it). Why the bun was so burnt and then served chilled (not room temp) is weird. I had to pick the burnt pieces off. The lettuce is nice visually but it creates a barrier between the lobster salad and bun which keeps it dry but flavours less infused. The salad was great because the blueberry dressing was good and that was the highlight of this meal. Service: We arrived shortly after 12 and indoor seating was empty but it still took some time for someone to seat us even though there were 3 staff around. During the meal and already disappointed with the food, I tried not to hear them, but it's quite unprofessional of them to gripe about their hours, shift and such especially when were not that close to them. Again, I hope this is a one-off incident as my other 2 experiences were good or great but I felt that management should be aware of this experience.

Loved the cod burger and generous portion of rock chips - a special on the night we were there. The blueberry mojito was one of the best cocktails I’ve ever had. Definitely visit if you’re in Bonavista!

I was not happy with my meal or the service. Took a long time to be seated and the workers kept walking past me not acknowledging my presence. When I was seated it took over an hour to get my food (I was one person), and the food was not great. The drink was great, I liked the fries, but the cod tongues/cheeks were swimming in grease. There was literally a pool of grease under my food. And I’ve had tons of cod tongues, so I know that isn’t normal.

My wife and I went there late Saturday evening for dinner, and wow what a gem! The place is beautiful with a great atmosphere and live music. The food was absolutely delicious, and the service was outstanding. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area!

The place to see the abode of puffins with an amazing scenic view. Free entrance. No washrooms.

Hiking Trail Review Klondike Trail to Spillars Cove Loop - 5.5 Miles Absolutely stunning and breathtaking. The trail is very easy to find and parking is limited at the start. The beginning part of the trail is a bit slow and boring. You will have limited to no signal for the duration of the hike. Once you get closer to the sea, things change. Seeing the puffin colony was a once in a lifetime opportunity. The Chimney was also amazing. I paired this trail with the Spillars Cove Loop as they connect. Would heavily recommend this trail to any and everyone.

A decent hiking trail with breathtaking views of the coastline. The trail isn't well-maintained and was flooded at parts so proper footwear is recommended despite the trail being relatively flat. There are also points where the path isn't visible, but we were able to follow the GPS in the general direction. We saw some ravens and an eagle while hiking.

The Klondike Trail (point to point) and the Spillar's Cove/Chimney Rock (loop) trail share a small portion in common as the Klondike nears its northern end. Car parking for both trails is a 6 minute walk on a gravel road. I focused on the Spillar's Cove/Chimney Rock Trail and did not complete the Klondike Trail.

Great views on a really easy walk out. Was very quiet the day we went. Beautiful.

Gorgeous trail with stunning views, it was incredible!

The Klondike Trail is a little trailhead up. You can drive up but be prepared for lots of potholes. It's much more scenic to walk up. The views were breathtaking! We took the trailhead over to Elliston after. If you're lucky, you'll see plenty of icebergs. We saw roughly 7 that day and lots of puffins.

Beautiful colourful houses in the loop of the pond. The walk is pleasing and fulfilling. However the only drawback would be the insects around the pond and an annoying smell which was gross. Some treatment can be done to fix it. Apart from that it was a wonderful experience. It has got parking for a few vehicles.

We were here in the morning, it was very beautiful.

Great walk around the pond with beautiful view of colourful houses of bonavista

The hike around the pond was really relaxing!

Recently did this hike around the pond. What a beautiful thing that was made here, great idea. Very relaxing and well maintained. There was numerous ducks swimmung around as well. Very well worth it.

It's a nice little boardwalk around the pond to walk around. I saw it at low tide so unfortunately lots of garbage that you can see watched up. It's a good size loop under a km in distance. Hope to see it at high tide.

Nicely done; what was once an eyesore in the town has been completely transformed into a beautiful, scenic municipal park and sanctuary for wildlife. A must see for visitors.

I am enjoying my second day out of a three night stay in the Lawrence Suite at this lovely Inn. My room is huge, well appointed, clean, and is comfortable. I have been touring Newfoundland for the past two weeks, and this is definitely the most modern room I have occupied so far. I am a seasoned traveller with discerning taste. The continental breakfast which is delivered to the door is adequate to get the day started. Restaurants, and other facilities are located within walking distance, or a short drive from the Inn. I am a solo, senior traveller, and the Lawrence suite suits me well as it is on the ground floor.

The Russelltown Inn consists of lovely fully restored cottages in Bonovista, Newfoundland. The cottage we stayed in was divided into 4 beautiful suites, two upstairs and two downstairs, we stayed one night in the Alexander suite (ground floor). Really charming and cozy, clean and beautiful decoration. Breakfast is brought to your suite in the morning in a wood crate , so lovely. The cottage is located perfectly so you can walk into town and sample the delights of Bonavista. The staff were super friendly and helpful with arrangements and suggestions. I wanted to post two reviews but that seems not possible as we stayed in another suite for an additional night. We stayed in the loft which is all of the above but more spacious. We tried to stay an additional night here but it was all booked up .... I guess because its so lovely !!!

We had a wonderful experience at the Russelltown Inn! (We stayed in the Magistrate Room). This quaint and cozy bed and breakfast is the perfect place to relax while still being close to everything in town. The inn was spotlessly clean and thoughtfully maintained, which made us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. One of the highlights was the delicious continental breakfast delivered right to our door each morning — such a lovely touch! Fresh, tasty, and convenient, it really made our mornings extra special. If you're looking for a peaceful, charming place to stay with a personal touch and great location, we highly recommend the Russelltown Inn. We'd absolutely stay here again!

Beautiful, clean, modern and stylish place. Fluffy white duvet, French Press and kettle in each room, with coffee from Bonavista. Locally made soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion - very luxurious! We had breakfast delivered to our rooms (warm croissant & boiled egg and yogurt) with a carafe of coffee. bonus - 2 luggage racks in all the rooms! We checked out the lighthouse & puffin viewing site — both incredible, and within 15 mins driving of the Inn.

The host communicated well, was friendly and provided a lot of great recommendations. Check in was super easy and the room that we stayed in (Lawrence) was beautiful! The only drawback was that you could very much hear those in the suite above us. Overall, lovely spot!

This place was perfect for what we needed. I just wish we could have stayed longer. Our room was in the cottage across the road from the main cottage. Nicely decorated, and clean, the bed was super comfy. I saw some complaints about the breakfast thats provided but we had no issue. Boiled eggs, almond croissants (which were so tasty), yogurts, apples, coffee and tea. The cottage is also just a short walk from the waterfront, and other shops and restaurants. We hope to be back one day. - Our only issue was the guests staying above us, I'm not sure if they knew people were below (or maybe didn't care), but they were up early, stomping and speaking very loudly, I had to go out and tell them to keep it down.

They have clearly spent some money making the rooms look nice. However, our room was so badly sound insulated that we could hear all the conversations from the people staying above us AND every footstep. I would not recommend staying here. I understand that heritage buildings will have worse sound proofing than modern buildings but the room we were given really wasn’t suitable for anyone to sleep in. The management also still have not bothered responding to our complaint - very rude. We ended up having to move hotels. The photos look nice, but I would avoid this place.

Absolutely wonderful experience, and you can get very close to them! Do not touch them of course, but you can take some fantastic pictures from a few feet away!

A lot of people are confusing this place with the Elliston Puffin viewing location. This is a different location but you can actually get closer to the island that the puffins are breeding on, to see them in their natural habitat. There is a great museum with information on the lighthouse that was there and clean restrooms. There are several cliffs with amazing views to see just before the top of the hill. The staff at the museum are great and very informative.

Puffins were flying over to the viewing side of the cliffs. We were 5 feet away from them. They were so curious and funny.

For generation of mariners along this coast, the light at Cape Bonavista was their only connection to land while out on the dark sea. Built in 1843, the light at Cape Bonavista is one of the few in the world where you can still climb up the stone tower and see the same seal oil fueled catoptric light apparatus that was used in the 1800s. One of the most photographed places in Newfoundland and Labrador, this is a prime location to view whales, icebergs and puffins.

This place is a must. There is parking very close with a very short walk to get up close and personal with puffins. They fly very close to you and if you give them a chance to land nearby they just might. (we weren't lucky but couple leaving said one landed 5 ft away from them).

Amazing place. I have not been lucky when it comes to weather the 3 seperate times I came. But I will keep coming back.

Went there in the evening 7pm ish. Full of Puffins. Amazing spot for viewing with icebergs in the backdrop!

The Bonavista dump used to have a semblance of order, and one could find useful items to recycle. Nicknamed, "Canadian Tire", it actually made for a fun outing. It is now, sadly, a toxic cesspool where everything is immediately mechanically destroyed, and half buried. Dismal.

Great location for landscape photography and icebergs in spring!

So beautiful everyone so friendly and helpful

Very pretty.

AWESOME!!!

A Slice of Heaven by the Sea – Skipper’s Restaurant, Bonavista NL Skipper’s is truly a magical place — perched near the edge of the Atlantic, with breathtaking views of the ocean and passing boats. The atmosphere is peaceful and inviting, making it the perfect escape from the noise and stress of the city. The food is absolutely delicious — fresh, well-prepared, and generously served. Whether you choose the lobster or the fish and chips, you’re in for a real treat. Every bite feels like a taste of the ocean. The service is outstanding; the staff are friendly, attentive, and genuinely care about making your experience memorable. This place has a unique charm — simple, cozy, and unforgettable. It’s the kind of restaurant where time slows down and you can truly relax. There aren’t many tables and lots of people want to get in, so make sure to arrive early. But even if you have to wait, you can order a drink and enjoy the view while you wait for your table. It’s more than worth it.

Oh my goodness. I had the fish cakes and they were amazing. We watched the sunset over the harbour and the entire restaurant were in awe with the view. Decent selection of Newfoundland tap beers to wash it down. And the dessert. The blueberry rum cake was to die for. Super glad we ate.

Ashley, Leona and Laura were kind enough to accommodate me at the last moment. Fish and chips was heavenly, the view was amazing and the music was great too! Definitely a must visit when in Bonavista! I went there for Day 2 and had the seafood lasagna. Absolutely delectable. But the dessert stole the show - steamed partridgeberry pudding with caramel rum sauce. A must try. Definitely a place worthy of multiple visits when in Bonavista.

The wait time was long, but the food was phenomenal! I ordered the pan-seared cod with cranberry and mandarin salad — it was a hit! They pan-seared it with pork fat, which was a surprisingly nice seasoning. The blueberry pudding dessert reminded us of toffee pudding — yum!

Skipper’s Restaurant is a must-visit when in Bonavista! There was a bit of a wait when we arrived, which is always a good sign, and it was well worth it. Once seated, we started with a cocktail made with local vodka—refreshing and a great way to ease into the meal. For appetizers, we had the mussels, which were fresh, plump, and served in a flavorful broth. The highlight of the night was the seafood lasagna—rich, creamy, and packed with lobster and other local seafood. We also tried the lobster on its own, and it was perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The service was friendly despite being busy, and the atmosphere was cozy and casual, with a true Newfoundland charm. If you’re in Bonavista, Skipper’s should definitely be on your list—just be prepared to wait a little (it’s popular for a reason), and enjoy a local drink while you do!

Terrific dinner at Skipper's restaurant. The food was perfect, the beer cold and dinner included live entertainment. The view of the harbour was great and included a nice sunset. Highly Recommended!

Service was fast, live music was nice, yet the food could have been better: the frying of the calamari didn’t stick to it and detached itself, the fish cakes tasted more of mashed potatoes than fish and the seafood lasagna made of frozen product and tasteless cheddar lacked flavour. Overall, the price was too high for the quantity/quality. I guess this is the price to pay for seafood in a tourist place where there are so few restaurants.

**I ate a few fries before I took the picture, there were a lot! Me and my family were craving some fish and chips for supper, and I’m thankful we chose Little Dairy King! The food came out as soon as expected (about ten minutes) and the fish was tasty! The fish was buried under the fries, and not a lot of salt, but it’s easy to add. The portions were pretty big and I was very full afterwards! Fries were hot, a bit soft though. Overall the food was great! The view was great! Very close to the water, and there are tables and chairs to sit on the deck outside, and out along the field near the water. However, we decided to sit in the car due to bird poop on almost every table and fresh ice cream spilled on a few. Inside, it was dull and not a lot of lighting which wasn’t too appealing. Not a lot of seating. Newfoundland music was a nice touch, but it was playing in the back but it was pretty loud. Also a lot of flies in the takeout window. They were flying in and out of the kitchen. All that aside, wonderful food and great fish! The ocean view was beautiful. Would totally come again!

We heard this little spot was worth the drive ( near the lighthouse) for the pan fried cod and chips.It did not disappoint. Fish was perfectly cooked and the fries were fresh cut and crispy. Staff were friendly and

We stopped there on the way as it was around sunset time. There's nice viewing area to watch the ocean. We didn't buy ice cream to comment.

-if you plan on stopping in Bonavista this is a must go to for food. It’s more homemade comfort food. The hours are great and the food is delicious. We had the Soup, chowder, grilled cheese sandwich and lemon meringue pie!!!!

Cool Little place by the water. Decent prices and big portions

Staff were very friendly and helpful to accommodate us, a group of 6 adults and 3 kids. The food was delicious and definitely hit the spot after being out on the boat whale watching. Dessert is served but we were so stuffed from the generous portions that there wasn't any room left. We've heard the term "puffin gut" being thrown around by the locals and that's what we felt like when we left. We'll definitely come back at some stage.

The best in town. Crispy onion rings that also somehow melt in your mouth, a poutine that could put you to sleep, and the smokiest/juiciest burger patties known to man. If you don't feel like cooking, then take the scenic drive. If you have room, the ice cream is top notch...

Amazing local history very well done a must see

This was a fantastic little place. The sherbet was delicious and I would definitely recommend. Additionally, I have a sever peanut allergy, and even though there as a peanut flavour in the case, the employee made sure i had a clean scoop, and opened a new pan of sherbet (which is made in different machines than the ice cream) to make sure I wouldn't have any problems. I often can't have ice cream at a place like this so it was really great that they made sure I could enjoy a treat as well!

Went there after an epic whale watching experience and this cute little ice cream parlour had the best ice cream to end the day. I had the lemon meringue pie ice cream and our family of 4 agreed that it was the best but was Very closely followed by the blueberry, caramel and birthday cake ice cream. The staff were super friendly and cheerful serving us. Would highly recommend to anybody looking for a fantastic ice cream on a hot day .

I was very happy with this location because when I went they had so many flavours to choose from. I got a double scoop of Space Jam Jam and not only were the scoops pretty big, but it tasted amazing! They had big pieces of jam jam in it which is always lovely.

I do like the different flavors and they have ones that have unique names and flavors. Its not a big place but it is a nice place. I understand it's hand made but I think it's a bit much for just a small cup of ice cream and for their other cups or scoops. It is nice though to be able to have access to hand made ice cream around here where there aren't many places or options anywhere to have any. Nothing beats a good snack or dessert of hand made ice cream.

Very generous scoops but it didn’t taste like home made gelato. The mint tasted like gum (artificial flavour) - it actually contained pieces of minty candy which I didn’t expect - and the waffle cone lacked of “biscuity” flavour and was not crunchy enough (probably undercooked). Also, the Aunt Sarah’s chocolates are too sweet to the point you feel sick after eating two (still trying to find the cheesecake flavour of the white ones which seem to be filled with sugar and cream only).

So glad we decided to stop in for a sweet treat to end our day trip to Bonavista. We love to support local businesses and this place did not disappoint. The parking was a little tangily, due to the local festivals, we ended up driving further up the road and just walking down, which wasn't too difficult. I would imagine parking is easier in the down season or when there isn't a community event being held across the street. The first thing you notice is the cute exterior, it is bright and welcoming. There was a short line when you walk in the door but the two employees were working quickly to help everyone and greeted the guests in a friendly matter. Once you are inside, the wall full of chocolates steals the show. So many delicious looking bags and boxes of different flavours, milk, white and dark options. We ended up getting a variety box and a small bag of dark chocolate raspberry, which was the tastiest chocolate I have had in a long time. The raspberry is both sour and fresh tasting, and complements the richness of the chocolate perfectly. I will definitely be buying those again on my next trip. Next we sampled a few flavours of the beautiful ice cream, from the catchy bright pink partridgeberry to the decadent caramel swirled vanilla- there was something for everyone. The banana ice cream tasted like real banana, and the one to win my heart was a gorgeous chocolate with raspberry, keeping in the theme of the day. I recommend stopping in to try if you are in the area, or purchase products which I have learned are now available in different places across the island. I can't wait to try some of the new flavours next visit.

What a tasty treat! The birthday cake ice cream was so tasty and flavourful. It was a bit pricey (6$ one scoop), but the flavour was so amazing that it was worth the treat.

My Mom and I stayed at Oceanside cabins for 8 days and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. It is a stone throw away from the ocean! We had 2 bedrooms, a well equipped kitchen, living room, and 3 piece bathroom. Large deck, fire pit, ample seating. Our accommodation was clean, service was fantastic and we could not ask for a better location. The food and service at the restaurant was spectacular. The proximity to downtown was a 5 min. Drive. A perfect location for road trips and sightseeing. Thank you! Jackie & Val.

Great location, Terrible service at the restaurant took 45 minutes to even take order when there was only one more group of people here. Rude staff, Raw food, and forgotten items. We ended up leaving before the forgotten items came out because they FORGOT again. As for the cabin first look was good once you get in it is filthy bugs everywhere dead and alive, in the bathroom the bedroom especially. Dust all around, dirty couch’s, most lights don’t work, fans don’t work either. All around 1/10 do not recommend this place I don’t know how the ratings are as high as what they are. Jeff M

Stunning view of the ocean from the cabin. Spotless and spacious with well equipped kitchen. Picnic table, barbecue right in front of each cabin. Beautiful sunset. Walk down to the shore (literally a stone’s throw) and see washed up crabs and sea urchins. Just minutes away from Bonavista lighthouse where we saw puffins up close and whales in the background. We only stayed 1 night but would love to come back for a longer period

You gotta stay here - you will be 1000% satisfied Gorgeous views, very well equipped, perfectly clean and comfortable Best nights sleep I had on my vacation

The location was amazing! Unfortunately the cabins are in need of significant updates. There are rusty doors, likely from exposure to saltwater, mold in the bathroom, broken blinds, and the toilet shifts when you sit on it. The kitchen has a broken chair, the TV system is outdated, and the lightbulb in the bedroom did not work. Additionally, we had to go outside to close the bedroom window, and the screen is missing from the back door window. The photos shown online during booking do not accurately represent the condition of the property we stayed in.

Stayed in a two bedroom cabin interior was clean, comfortable and renovated. The patio was large with a BBQ. The view from cabins patio was amazing and very relaxing listening to the surf. Food from restaurant was delicious. Close to Bonavista lighthouse wich you can tour the inside of. Large colony of Puffins live by lighthouse aswell.

Place is beautiful. Location is beautiful. Service is great. My issue is only one if you have a bit of a problem with bugs.... From the pictures and from the reviews I never would have thought the place would be crawling with earwigs. Got there during the day did my usual scan for critters and found none. But, after the sun went down and the lights went out well, that's a different story! Started watching a movie with the lights out wife goes to use the washroom I hear a loud shreak. She says cockroach thank God that wasn't the case. But in the small amount of time that the lights were out from when we found the first one, there were a lot. All over the cabin. Spent the following forty minutes killing them all. Couldn't turn the lights off after that. Spent the rest of the night hunting and killing earwigs so my wife could sleep in peace.

You must drive through the town and continue out to the point Very quiet Beautifully maintained You can stay 3 days for free

Fantastic location at the foot of Cape Bonavista. Scenery was spectacular. No services other than outhouse.

John Cabot - This is such an important historical site for North America. It is worth the trek to visit this location. Make sure to see the Puffins at the nearby lighthouse and the replica Matthew (Cabot ship) in town.

Small Municipal Park out by the Cape Bonavista Light House. When whales are in season this is a great spot to go whale watching.

Municipal Park sounds awful ... But it isn't. In reality it's just the statue of John Cabot and a commemorative plaque... set in the surrounding landscape. Simple and stunning.

Quite a nice spot to stay. Close to the lighthouse, quiet and peaceful. I should say that it became very rainy and blustery, but it was still a great spot to spend the night.

Outstanding scenery. Good parking. Not your average municipal park!

Can be very windy. There is a puffin colony behind the lighthouse

Rugged beauty, best seen from below the lighthouse.

Beautiful area of Newfoundland not to be missed!

Nice drive from St. John's. The cape was pretty impressive. Lots of birds but no icebergs or whales.

To bad didn’t see any whale in late September. According to the sign May to July has most chance to see Whale. Stunning views.

One of the best vistas on the island. Saw a pod of orcas. Great cliff views and good walking spots.

Great place to see whales in July!

very clean everything is wonderful near the beach and might see the iceberg

We arrived to a very welcoming host who left us with a tin of fresh baked scones! Not a bed and breakfast per say but a vacation home. There is no home cooked breakfast provided unless you cook it yourself. However the cupboards are fully stocked with dishes, towels, laundry facilities are brand new, and the beds are all very comfortable. Lots of extra pillows and blankets. Highly recommended! Great value for the rental of the entire house with 3 bedrooms.

Great place! Nice people. Recommend to stay if you travel to here.

Loved it...highly recommend Bonavista and Dorman's Manor!

Great place to stay. Advise anyone coming here to stay here.

(Translated by Google) It was a fantastic house. Very clean and comfortable, we could see the glaciers from our windows! The hospitality was wonderful, I give my recommendation. (Original) Cetait une Maison fantastique. Tres net et comfortable, nous pouvions voir les glaciers de notres fenetres! L'hospitalité était merveilleux, je donne mon recommendation.

Beautiful hike that starts with a beautiful church.. bug spray is ideal… there I some uphill with this trail which makes this a little difficult

This is a lovely walk with great ocean views. Geology, rocks and such. Two parts really to the walk, a section near the water and a loop back through the woods. Tickets are not a thing here.

We parked where the pavement ends, and walked up the trail to this light hose. The bay was on one side, woods and fields on the other. I couldn't believe we had such a magical pace to ourselves. Whales paying in the bay, birds singing, and nature all for us! 💚

It's awesome view & experience claiming on rocks. We had lots of fun 😀 just make sure you are safe.

Decent little hike to see the lighthouse. Nice to see it and the coast.

Just a short walk out to the point.

Very easy hike,beautiful views.

Interesting trail that takes you to the lighthouse. Nice views of the cliffs, sometimes the trail takes you to the road that's nearby to avoid the cliffs. There's a dairy bar along the trail.

Stunning views and a history lesson along the way.

How can you review something like this? It's beyond what can be described in words or pictures. Go there and see it for yourself. You will not be disappointed.

Nice and easy. Great view

Just came here to watch sunset. Didn't do the trail. Lots of parking and can watch sunset.

Great walk out to Bonavista Lighthouse and back!

Great trail to Bonavista lighthouse. The trail mostly follows the road but it's still a nice easy walk with lovely views of the sea. Short walk from the trail head, a bit longer at 7km one way if you come from Bonavista waterfround.

The day we went was foggy, so we couldn’t see as far as on a clear day. The coastline and the chimney were still beautiful! We thought the fog gave it a unique look.

Beautiful place with remarkable geological structures. When I was there, there were quite a few people, but there's enough space to feel like you can wander. Parking is a gravel parking lot, and then you walk down a dirt road (around some puddles) to get to the site. Highly recommend.

Coastline is spectacular, as is the puffin colony

spectacular rock unique

It’s spectacular!

(Translated by Google) The geological formations of Newfoundland are simply splendid but here it is truly a step above. You will practically have the place to yourself. The fireplace is superb but seems quite precarious. We hope that it will resist the attacks of the elements for a long time to come. It's not just this formation that is magnificent but the entire coastline around it. Certainly one of the most beautiful places on the island. (Original) Les formations géologiques de Terre-Neuve sont tout simplement splendides mais ici c'est vraiment une coche au-dessus. Vous aurez pratiquement la place pour vous seul. La cheminée est superbe mais semble assez précaire. On espère qu'elle résistera encore longtemps aux assauts des éléments. Il n'y a pas que cette formation qui est magnifique mais tout le littoral autour. Certainement un des plus beaux endroits de l'île.