Seabirds, old settlements, and a local storyteller. This Irish Loop to Ferryland tour is a smart way to see Newfoundland’s southern Shore without renting a car, and you get pickup plus an English-speaking guide who keeps the day moving.

I especially like the small-group feel (up to 20 people), because you’re not stuck staring out a window. You also get short, focused stops that work well if you’re short on time in St. John’s.

My other favorite part is the combination of culture and food: pan-fried cod lunch in Ferryland, then a local storyteller back on the shore in Renews. One possible drawback: weather can change what you can actually do outside, and the day is packed enough that rain can feel like you’re rushing between brief viewpoints.

Key things I’d plan around

• Seven-plus hours of driving, not just sightseeing, so expect a full day from start to finish.
• Small group (max 20) keeps it conversational, and you’ll hear more than just facts.
• Colony of Avalon gets a full hour with an included admission ticket.
• Lunch is included (pan-fried cod unless you flag dietary restrictions).
• Renews includes storytelling and a proper Mug Up with a local host.
• Short stops at Bay Bulls and Bauline East mean you’ll see a lot, but you won’t linger for long.

Why this Irish Loop to Ferryland day makes sense from St. John’s

If your St. John’s visit is mostly city days, this tour gives you a clean break into classic Newfoundland shoreline country. You’ll trade traffic for sea views, then shift gears from coast to 17th-century settlement life, and end with a community storyteller—so the day doesn’t feel like one long drive.

The value here is that the tour handles the heavy lifting: pickup and dropoff, guided interpretation, admissions, and lunch. At $157.36 per person, you’re paying for convenience plus experiences that cost extra on your own—like the Avalon admission and guided timing.

This is also the kind of day trip that fits people who don’t want to manage a route, parking, and fuel. You get a structured loop, but you still get real moments to step out, look around, and ask questions.

The small-group rhythm: what you actually experience on the road

The tour runs about 7.5 hours, and that includes pickup time, driving between sites, and stops. On average, the schedule is built around roughly 15 minutes at many stops, while two highlights—Colony of Avalon and Renews—get 1 hour each.

That timing matters. If you show up hoping for long hiking breaks at every stop, you might feel slightly compressed. If you want a guided overview plus a couple of deeper stops, the pacing works nicely.

You can also expect a guided day in plain, practical English. In past outings, the guides named Billy and Larry stood out for how much local context they shared—everything from Irish heritage connections to everyday details of living along the southern shore. You don’t just hear where you are; you hear why people built communities in these specific places.

One more day-of detail to keep in mind: there may be a couple of steps when you’re getting in and out and moving around at sites. If you’d rather not do steps, the tour notes you can stay in the vehicle when you want.

Bay Bulls: a fast look at the harbor and the seabird world

Stop 1 is Bay Bulls, a fishing village known for its scenic harbor and boat tours. You’ll spend about 10 minutes here, so think of it as a quick setup moment—orient yourself, look at the water, and get that Newfoundland coastal feeling before you move on.

The tour also frames this area as part of a seabird-rich environment linked with the nearby Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. You can’t count on seeing puffins in every weather window, but the point is clear: the seabird presence is part of the story of this coast, and the guide helps connect the land to the birds you might see when you’re out at sea.

Practical tip: if the day is bright, Bay Bulls is a good place to take photos of the waterline and harbor shapes. If it’s raining, you’ll still get orientation, but don’t expect a long walk.

Bauline East: 10 minutes of coastal calm and village texture

Stop 2 is Bauline East, another small community where the coast does the talking. Again, you get about 10 minutes, so this isn’t a place for a big meal or a long stop—it’s more about variety.

You’ll be able to take in coastal views and a hint of local heritage without needing to “plan” anything. It’s one of those add-on stops that makes the whole loop feel less repetitive. The day already has history and storytelling later, so these short village breaks keep the pace from feeling purely museum-like.

If you’re the type who likes to see a slice of real life rather than just landmarks, Bauline East is a good palate cleanser.

Colony of Avalon: the hour that adds real historical weight

Stop 3 is Colony of Avalon, and this is the day’s main history stop. You get about 1 hour, with admission included.

This 17th-century English settlement on Newfoundland’s southern tip gives you a chance to explore archaeological sites and learn about early colonial life. In plain terms, it’s where the tour shifts from modern scenic driving into the question of how people lived here, worked here, and adapted to a harsh coastal environment.

Why this hour matters: it’s long enough to do more than glance and move on. You can actually slow down, look closely, and connect the landscape (literal shoreline and settlement remains) to what you hear from the guide.

If you care about colonial-era survival stories, this is the stop to give your full attention. Even if you’re not usually a “history person,” you’ll probably appreciate how specific and physical the remnants are.

Ferryland lunch: pan-fried cod with flexibility for diets

Lunch happens in Ferryland. It’s included, and the standard meal is pan-fried cod with vegetables, unless you’ve notified dietary restrictions.

One of the best practical details from the experience is how the guide handles that flexibility. On one outing, a person who didn’t eat fish got their own arrangement at lunch time, and the guide checked in more than once to make sure things were fine. That’s the kind of small attention you want from a day tour—especially when you’re away from your usual routines.

Food-wise, cod fits the Newfoundland setting. You’re not eating a generic boxed lunch; you’re eating something tied to the region’s fishing culture. If you’re a picky eater, still consider it. The core is straightforward, and the tour notes the lunch can adjust when dietary needs are communicated ahead of time.

Renews: storyteller welcome and the real point of community

Stop 4 is Renews, also about 1 hour. This is where the day gets more personal.

After lunch, the tour continues up the southern shore. Then a local storyteller welcomes you to his hometown with tales from his time there. The format includes a friendly invitation to a proper Mug Up, which is exactly the kind of Newfoundland social ritual that’s hard to replicate if you’re just passing through on your own.

What I like about this stop is the contrast. After Avalon’s archaeological focus, Renews gives you lived voice and local character. You’re not learning only from what’s left behind; you’re hearing how people describe life, memory, and place.

And since it’s free time within the tour structure, you’re usually not rushed through this part the way you can be with other attractions.

Weather, timing, and packing for a day that can’t pause

This tour depends on good weather. That doesn’t mean the day is canceled at the first cloud, but it does mean your outdoor options may shrink if it’s rainy or windy. One past experience noted that rain limited how much time they could spend out at places—even though the sights themselves stayed impressive.

Also, because most stops are short, you’ll feel the schedule if you’re hoping for long photo sessions or extra walking. If the weather is rough, you’ll still get the guided context and key highlights, but you’ll likely spend more time in the vehicle between stops.

Pack like you’re going to the coast: layers, something waterproof for your outer layer, and shoes you trust on uneven ground. If you’re prone to cold, bring a hat or light gloves; Newfoundland mornings can feel cooler than they look.

Price and value: what you’re paying for at $157.36

Here’s how I look at the cost, beyond the sticker price. You’re getting:

• Pickup and dropoff at major hotels and B&Bs
• A guided day in English
• Lunch included, with cod as the default
• All fees and taxes
• Admission included for Colony of Avalon

For many people, the biggest hidden cost of self-planning is time and logistics. Even if you rent a car, you still have to work out the route, timing, parking, and admissions. This tour bundles those decisions for you, and it does it with a cap of 20 travelers, which generally helps the guide keep things moving without feeling chaotic.

If you want to see the Irish Loop without the headache of driving, this is the strong match. If you’re the type who already has your own car and wants total freedom to linger, the tour might feel structured. But if you want a guided loop with culture plus a real meal, the price starts to look fair.

Should you book this Irish Loop to Ferryland tour?

I’d book it if you want a day trip that mixes shoreline scenery, a serious stop at Colony of Avalon, and a genuine community experience in Renews. It’s also a great choice if you’re staying in St. John’s and don’t want to sort out a driving plan, because pickup and dropoff are built in.

I’d think twice if you’re expecting long time at every stop or you’re very sensitive to rain days. The tour is designed around short viewpoints and a steady schedule, so bad weather can make the day feel tighter than you’d like.

If you’re coming for the story—how communities formed, how people lived, and how Newfoundland identity shows up both in history and in a local Mug Up—this one fits well.

FAQ

What is the tour duration?

The tour lasts about 7.5 hours, including driving time between sites and pickup time.

Is lunch included, and what do you eat?

Lunch is included. The default is a pan-fried cod lunch with vegetables, unless dietary restrictions are provided.

Does the tour include pickup and dropoff?

Yes. Pickup and dropoff are included at listed major hotels and B&Bs. Pickup times start prior to the 9:30 am departure, depending on your location.

How long do you spend at each stop?

Many stops are short, generally around 15 minutes, with Bay Bulls and Bauline East at about 10 minutes each. Colony of Avalon and Renews are each about 1 hour.

Is there a maximum group size?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

What’s the language of the guide?

The guide speaks English.

What if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is gratuity included in the price?

No. Gratuity is not included.

You Might Also Enjoy

JFarwell Sunset Wine and Cheese Yacht SailingMontreal City Hop-on Hop-off TourHidden Cocktail Crawl in ChinatownBanff: Louise & Moraine Lake or Johnston Canyon 1/2 Day Tour