Bay Bulls

A charming fishing village south of St. John's that serves as a major departure point for boat tours to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Visitors come to see whales, puffins, and icebergs while exploring authentic coastal Newfoundland character.

Things to do

• Witless Bay Ecological Reserve boat tour — Join a guided boat tour from Bay Bulls harbour to see Atlantic puffins, whales, and seabirds nesting on the three islands of this protected reserve.
• Iceberg spotting — Visit Bay Bulls during spring and early summer (April to June) when icebergs drift south from Greenland and pass close to the village shores.
• Gull Island tour — Take a boat excursion to Gull Island, the largest island in the reserve, to observe thousands of nesting seabirds and dramatic coastal geology.
• Captain William Bligh monument — Visit the historic monument dedicated to the HMS Bounty captain who mapped Witless Bay in the 1700s, located near the village waterfront.
• Coastal hiking — Explore scenic trails along the rocky shoreline and cliffs surrounding Bay Bulls for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and marine wildlife.
• Local brewery visit — Stop at a craft brewery or distillery in the village to sample locally-made spirits and beers featuring Newfoundland ingredients and traditions.
• Photography at sunrise — Rise early to photograph the fishing boats, colourful stage buildings, and morning light reflecting off the harbour waters.

Food to try

• Fish and brewis — A traditional Newfoundland dish of salted cod and hardtack bread served with crispy fried salt pork, commonly found in local restaurants and homes.
• Cod cheeks — A local delicacy featuring the tender meat from fish heads, pan-fried and served with potatoes, highly prized by residents and adventurous visitors.
• Seal flipper pie — A traditional Newfoundland meat pie featuring seal flipper as the protein, representing authentic outport cooking passed down through generations.
• Fresh lobster and crab — Bay Bulls harbours active lobster and crab fishing, with local restaurants and boat tour operators offering freshly caught shellfish prepared simply.
• Toutons — Fried bread dough served with molasses or salt pork gravy, a classic Newfoundland comfort food often served for breakfast or as a snack.
• Screech and a story — Share in the Newfoundland tradition of drinking local dark rum while listening to fishermen's tales at the bar or around the village.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect fishing traditions — Bay Bulls is a working fishing village first and tourist destination second; observe from a distance and ask permission before photographing working fishermen or their boats.
• Understand the weather — Coastal weather changes rapidly and fog is common, so dress in layers and check forecasts before booking outdoor activities, especially boat tours.
• Learn local dialect — Newfoundland English includes unique words like 'bye' (friend), 'some good' (excellent), and 'hard tack' (hardship); locals appreciate visitors who engage warmly with these expressions.
• Support local operators — Choose tour companies and restaurants owned by Bay Bulls residents to ensure tourism benefits the community that has stewarded these waters for centuries.

Nearby

• Cape Spear — 30 km
• St. John's — 38 km
• Trinity — 135 km
• Terra Nova National Park — 164 km