Avalon Scenic Driving Routes Map

Description:
This map shows cities, towns, trails, Trans-Canada highway, secondary roads, national parks, provincial parks, provincial visitor information centres, provincial/national historic sites, ferries, airports, and natural scenic attractions in Avalon.

Previous version of the map (2016)

Avalon Scenic Driving Routes

Overview

The Avalon Peninsula in Newfoundland features several designated scenic driving routes that showcase coastal landscapes, historic sites, and natural attractions. These routes follow provincial highways and local roads through communities and natural areas, providing access to viewpoints, trails, and cultural heritage sites.

Irish Loop

The Irish Loop follows Route 10 (Southern Shore Highway) and Route 90 south from St. John's, creating a circular route around the southern Avalon Peninsula. The route covers approximately 300 kilometers and passes through communities with strong Irish heritage. The drive includes views of the Atlantic coastline, access to Ferryland and its archaeological sites, and the Cape Race Lighthouse area.

Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, located along this route, protects major seabird colonies including puffins, murres, and kittiwakes. Several tour operators in Bay Bulls and Witless Bay offer boat tours to view the seabird colonies from May through September. The route continues south to Trepassey before turning north along the western shore through communities such as St. Shott's and Holyrood.

Cape Shore Route

Route 100 and Route 90 form the Cape Shore scenic route along the western coast of the Avalon Peninsula. The drive extends from Holyrood to Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve, a distance of approximately 140 kilometers. This route passes through communities including Salmonier, St. Bride's, and Branch.

Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve, located at the southern terminus of the route, features accessible seabird colonies on Bird Rock, visible from clifftop viewing areas. The reserve is noted for its gannet colony, with thousands of birds nesting on the sea stack during breeding season. The route provides ocean views and access to beaches and coastal walking areas.

Baccalieu Trail

The Baccalieu Trail follows Route 80, Route 70, and Route 75 around the northern portion of the Avalon Peninsula, circling Conception Bay and Trinity Bay. The route begins west of St. John's and travels north through communities including Bay Roberts, Harbour Grace, Carbonear, and Heart's Content. The complete loop covers approximately 200 kilometers.

Significant sites along the Baccalieu Trail include the Hawthorne Cottage National Historic Site in Brigus, the Heart's Content Cable Station, and numerous coastal viewpoints. The route provides access to hiking trails, beaches, and heritage buildings in historic communities. The northernmost section offers views of Baccalieu Island, an important seabird sanctuary.

Route Selection and Connections

These scenic routes connect via Route 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) and roads through St. John's, allowing travelers to combine multiple routes into extended touring itineraries. Route 60 connects the Baccalieu Trail to Route 70 via the interior of the peninsula. Secondary roads provide access to smaller communities and additional coastal viewpoints throughout the region.

Road Conditions and Travel Considerations

The scenic routes consist primarily of paved two-lane highways with some sections of local roads. Weather conditions, particularly fog and wind, can affect driving conditions, especially along coastal sections. Services including fuel, accommodations, and dining facilities are available in larger communities along the routes. Some smaller communities have limited services, particularly outside peak tourism season.

Newfoundland and Labrador Highways Maps: | Large detailed map of Newfoundland and Labrador with cities and towns | Newfoundland and Labrador road map | Newfoundland and Labrador Highways Map | Newfoundland and Labrador Airports Map

Maps of Labrador: Map of Labrador | Labrador Scenic Driving Routes Map | Labrador Tourist Map | Map of Labrador with towns

Maps of Newfoundland: Map of Newfoundland | Newfoundland Road Map | Western Newfoundland Tourist Map | Western Newfoundland Scenic Driving Routes Map | Eastern Newfoundland Tourist Map | Eastern Newfoundland Scenic Driving Routes Map | Central Newfoundland Scenic Driving Routes Map | Central Newfoundland Tourist Map

Maps of Avalon Peninsula: Map of Avalon Peninsula | Avalon Tourist Map