The drive up to the lighthouse from Bonavista is spectacular. The scenery is stunning, ocean and cliffs and islands. On our first trip the we saw our only iceberg there way off shore. The island has puffins on it and is a quieter alternative to Elliston. One day we only saw about 6 but the next day we saw hundreds, it is all about timing. Lovely stature commemorating the landing of John Cabot in 1497. The whole area is a wonderful place to see the sunset in the evening. Highly recommended.

We visited Cape Bonavista Lighthouse during the first week of July, coinciding with the Capelin spawn, which attracts both whales and puffins. The experience was truly magical. The puffins were incredibly close, just feet away, allowing for an intimate and unforgettable encounter with these charming birds. Surrounding us, humpback and minke whales put on a spectacular show as they feasted on the Capelin, creating a breathtaking scene. I could have easily set up a chair and watched the mesmerizing activity all day. After our visit to the lighthouse, we explored the nearby puffin viewing site and later took a boat tour in the Bay of Bulls outside St. John's. While both experiences were fantastic, seeing the puffins at Cape Bonavista was unparalleled. The proximity to the wildlife and the stunning coastal views made it the highlight of our trip.

A grand place to visit for many reasons. We enjoyed watching whales and puffins from the cliffs near the lighthouse. The lighthouse was not only a wonderful look back on the site itself, but also on the lightkeeping families who kept the oil lamps burning. The reverence held for these people of the past is felt in this place. Big thank you to the interpreters, like Roger and Rory, who made the visit all the more enjoyable.

This is a place that has such beautiful scenery, you might momentarily forget if you're afraid of heights. I shure did. Which is why I had to give it only 4 stars. I made the mistake of looking over a cliff face to the crashing waves below and lost my lunch. Not the experience I was looking for but...c'est la vie. Otherwise the views are breathtaking.

Even if you've been to nearby Elliston, come here to look at those cute puffins. It's a similar setup to Elliston where they're on a rock 50m from your standing position on the edge of a cliff. Less of them perhaps but it's still nice to see them doing their thing. I can't comment on the lighthouse but there's a statue of John Cabot close by that's worth a look. That said, the plaque mentions his importance in discovering the continent for the Europeans long before Columbus, though no one's quite sure where he first came to land! Still, this seems like as reasonable place as any to erect a monument in his honour.

If you are blessed with nice weather in Bonavista, take a short drive or seaside hike to the lighthouse. The views along the rocky coast are spectacular and there are many viewpoints. Puffins mostly live out at sea so come in spring and summer if you want to see them. The lighthouse has been restored to its 1800’s glory, and rooms furnished with period furniture. You can climb up to the light, and this tour is well worth the price of admission.