Watching puffins was on our must-do list while exploring Newfoundland this summer, and there is no better and easier place on the island to do so than Elliston. According to Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism, the Elliston Puffin Viewing Site just outside the community offers the closest view of puffins, from the land, in all of North America.
This Puffin Viewing Site is easy to drive to and walk to, and is very family-friendly. As you walk towards the viewpoint, you’ll see puffins swooping over the water, waddling on grassy cliffs, and even diving for fish! These small birds are adorable and super fun to watch. It’s one of the rare places you can watch the puffins without needing a boat tour, and it’s completely free to visit.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about puffin viewing in Elliston. I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary, as it was one of the highlights of our two-week road trip across Newfoundland.
The lands and waters in the Ellison area and Newfoundland are the ancestral homelands of the Mi’kmaq and Beothuk peoples. We are grateful to be able to explore and experience the rich natural and cultural wonders of this special place, and honour the diverse histories and cultures of Indigenous people who have lived and cared for this land for thousands of years.
Why are there so many puffins in Elliston?
The Atlantic Puffin migrates to this region every year during the summer. The rocky islands and grassy cliffs in this area make a prime breeding habitat. The puffins can dig little burrows in the soft soil between rock crevices to build their nests, lay eggs and raise their young.
It just so happens that these coastal cliffs and islands are accessible by land and located close to the road! Thousands of puffin pairs come here in the warmer months to nest and raise their chicks, and thousands of visitors come to watch.
Everything you need to know about the Elliston Puffin Viewing Site
How to get there
Known as the Puffin Site by locals, this special spot is located on the Bonavista Peninsula, outside Elliston, just half a kilometre past the Elliston Municipal Park. Signs for the site are clearly marked, and a large parking lot is located just across the road from the site entrance.
Driving distances:
- Bonavista: 10 km, 13 minutes
- Trinity: 53 km, 47 minutes
- St. John’s: 300 km, 3.5 hours
When is the best time to visit the Elliston Puffin Viewing Site?
The best time to visit is between spring and early fall, May to September, with the peak time being July and August. This is when the puffins come to the area to nest and raise their young.
We were told that the best time of day to visit the Puffin Site is in the morning. A local told us that often the puffins will leave their nests and the cliffs to go fishing in the afternoons. So if you want to stand amongst the puffins as they waddle around, come earlier. However, we didn’t get to see much fishing, which would also be a unique experience.
We went first thing in the morning, and it was raining. We basically had the area to ourselves, but by the time we were walking back, the parking lot was filling up and more people were arriving. Get out early!
Things to know for your visit
Arrival: When you get there, you’ll see a small building and chairs that look like puffins. After you take some photos, you can walk through the gate towards the site. Near the entrance of the site, you’ll find a historic Newfoundland root cellar. This is also free to check out!
Cost: It is free to visit, but there is a small donation box at the trailhead. Donations are appreciated and used for promotion and tourism-related activities. You can also donate here.
Trail difficulty: The trail is short and easy, taking less than five minutes to get to the main viewpoint. There are some rocks and uneven ground, so wear sturdy footwear.
Observation etiquette: There are signs at the viewpoint that tell you how far you can go. Please respect the signs and do not approach the puffins. Never touch the birds or their nests. It is best if you remain quiet, stay patient and respect the wildlife and natural surroundings.
Puffin viewing tip: During our visit, there were so many puffins that we only had to sit down in the grass for a few minutes before they started hopping and waddling close by. While this made for a good photo op, it’s important to remember not to approach them or try to disturb them.
Elliston: The Root Cellar Capital of the World
Elliston is known for two things: puffins and root cellars!
Built into small hills or embankments, root cellars are a traditional method for storing food, particularly root vegetables like carrots and potatoes. They can keep things cool in the summer and prevent freezing in the winter. The root cellars of Elliston are interesting to look at, and many of them are still in use. Multiple families will typically share a root cellar. There are 130 known root cellars in Elliston and the surrounding areas, making it the Root Cellar Capital of the World!
If you want to go inside a root cellar, you can do so at the one near the Puffin Site entrance. It is empty, but visitors are welcome to step inside and explore the little, quaint cavern that has been used for hundreds of years to store food.
Puffins in Newfoundland: Fun facts!
The puffin is the provincial bird of Newfoundland and Labrador, and has been since 1992. There are several puffin colonies in Newfoundland, including in Witless Bay, Cape Bonavista and at Elliston. The Elliston area was once known as Bird Island Cove because it is home to numerous seabirds, including the Atlantic puffin.
There are four puffin species in the world, and the Atlantic puffin is the only one that lives on the North Atlantic Ocean. When you break down their name in Latin, Fratercula arctica, it means “little brother of the north.” Many people refer to puffins as “sea parrots” due to their vibrant colours.
They’re known for their bright orange, yellow and blue bills and orange feet. The colouring around their eyes gives them a cartoonish look, which is why many find them so cute to look at.
Puffins are small but mighty, spending most of their lives swimming, diving and fishing. They can dive up to 7 metres into the water for fish and are good swimmers. They like to eat small fish, like herring, shellfish, land eels and other bait fish.
Puffins are monogamous and mate for life. Both parents care for their young, and it takes almost 50 days for a young chick to fledge and leave the nest. Puffins can live up to 20 years.
Where to eat and stay near Elliston
Accommodation
Elliston itself has a few guesthouses and B&Bs, but you could stay anywhere on the Bonavista Peninsula if you wanted more accommodation options. Bonavista is only 15 minutes away, and Trinity is a bit further at 45 minutes. Find places to stay near Elliston.
Camping
We camped at Lockston Path Provincial Park, which was about 45 minutes from the Puffin Site. For closer campsites, stay 500 metres away at the open, RV-park-style Elliston Municipal Park or down the road at the Paradise Farm RV Park. There is also free camping (it’s a parking lot – RV/dry camping only) at Landfall Municipal Park on Cape Bonavista.
Food
There are restaurants galore in nearby Bonavista. In Elliston, you can try The Puffin Café for casual dining and East Coast classics. There’s also the highly-rated Nanny’s Root Cellar Kitchen, which dishes up traditional Newfoundland dishes in a refurbished historic church.
Elliston Puffin Site FAQs
When is the best time to see puffins in Elliston?
The puffins are in Elliston between May and September, with July and August being the best months to visit. During this time, thousands of puffins are nesting and feeding their chicks.
How close can you get to the puffins?
At the Elliston Puffin Viewing Site, the puffins nest on a small island just a few metres from the viewing area. You may be able to see them as close as a few feet away, especially when they fly back and forth from the sea and wander around the mainland viewing area.
Does it cost anything to see the puffins in Elliston?
No. The Elliston Puffin Viewing Site is completely free to visit, but there is a donation box at the gate.
Do I need binoculars to see the puffins?
You don’t need binoculars, but they can enhance your experience. Many puffins come close enough to see with the naked eye, but binoculars or a zoom lens will give you a closer look!
Is the Elliston Puffin Viewing Site family-friendly?
Yes. The trail is short and easy to walk, making it suitable for families with children. However, the cliffs are steep and unfenced, so please keep your children close!
What other wildlife can I see in Elliston?
In addition to puffins, visitors often spot black guillemots, murres, kittiwakes, and sometimes even whales offshore.
Are there root cellars in Elliston?
Yes! Elliston is also known as the Root Cellar Capital of the World! These are traditional food storage systems, built into the side of hills and banks, for storing root veggies and similar. There are more than 130 known root cellars in Elliston and the surrounding area.
Can I take a guided tour to see puffins in Elliston?
The Elliston site is self-guided and free, but you can join boat tours in nearby Bonavista or Trinity to see puffins on the water and get closer to larger colonies.
Where should I stay when visiting Elliston?
Elliston has a few B&Bs and vacation rentals. For more options, Bonavista (a 15-minute drive away) offers a wider selection of accommodations, restaurants, shops, museums, and other attractions.
How do I get to Elliston Puffin Viewing Site?
Elliston is on the Bonavista Peninsula, about a 3.5-hour drive from St. John’s and only 15 minutes from Bonavista. Once in town, follow signs for the Puffin Viewing Site, where there is a parking lot and a marked walking path to the cliffs.
