Discover the Irish Loop to Ferryland Tour: A Coastal Journey with Authentic Charm
Imagine cruising along Newfoundland’s Southern Shore, where rugged coastline, colorful fishing villages, and tales of yesteryear unfold before your eyes. For about seven hours, you’ll explore the Irish Loop with a knowledgeable guide, visiting highlights like Bay Bulls, Bauline East, the Colony of Avalon, and Renews. Priced at $155.89 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded slice of Newfoundland’s natural beauty and local history.
What we love about this experience is how it balances stunning scenery with engaging storytelling. The guides, especially Billy, are praised for their knowledgeable commentary and friendly demeanor, making the trip feel personal rather than touristy. Plus, the included lunch of pan-fried cod is a simple but delicious taste of local cuisine.
One thing to consider: the tour involves quite a bit of driving, with many of your stops being short visits, so if you prefer longer walks or exploring at your own pace, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, it’s perfect for those wanting a rundown of Newfoundland’s Irish Loop without the hassle of renting a car.
This tour appeals especially to travelers who appreciate scenic coastal drives, small community charm, and stories from locals. It’s excellent for those who want a guided experience that covers both natural and cultural highlights while enjoying the comfort of a small group.
Key Points
- Beautiful Coastal Drive: Enjoy Newfoundland’s dramatic seascapes and picturesque fishing villages.
- Authentic Local Stories: Meet friendly locals and hear stories that bring the communities to life.
- Historical Insights: Visit the well-preserved Colony of Avalon, a 17th-century archaeological site.
- All-Inclusive Value: Includes admission fees and a tasty lunch of local fried cod.
- Small Group Experience: Max 20 travelers for a more personal and flexible tour.
- Comfortable Transportation: Pickup from major hotels/B&Bs makes logistics easy.
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The Itinerary in Detail: What You’ll Experience
Starting Point: Ease of Access and Early Morning Pickup
The tour kicks off around 9:30 am, with convenient pickup options at major hotels and B&Bs, including the Alt Hotel near the cruise terminal—just about 300 meters away, making it straightforward for cruise passengers. This small-group tour (maximum 20 travelers) ensures you’ll never feel lost in a crowd.
First Stop: Bay Bulls—A Picturesque Fishing Village
Our first taste of Newfoundland’s charm is Bay Bulls, a village renowned for its scenic harbor and proximity to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. You won’t have long here—about 10 minutes—but that’s enough to take in the views, snap photos of colorful boats, and start getting a feel for local life. The natural beauty here is striking, with rugged coastline framed by traditional clapboard houses.
Second Stop: Bauline East—Natural Beauty and Coastal Views
Next, we visit Bauline East, another small community that offers stunning coastal vistas and some scenic hiking trails. Again, about 10 minutes, but a perfect chance to breathe in the fresh sea air and admire Newfoundland’s rugged shoreline. The reviews highlight this stop as a favorite for its peaceful atmosphere and picture-perfect scenery.
Third Stop: Colony of Avalon—A Window into Colonial Life
The highlight for history buffs is the Colony of Avalon, a 17th-century English settlement. Your guide will lead you through well-preserved archaeological sites, sharing stories of early colonial life and the thought-provoking signs of opulence hidden beneath the surface. The site includes an admission fee—well worth it for the insights into Newfoundland’s early European settlers. Expect about an hour here, with plenty of storytelling and photo opportunities.
Lunch Break: A Taste of Local Cuisine in Ferryland
After the historic site, the tour proceeds to Ferryland for a delicious lunch—typically pan-fried cod, a Newfoundland classic. Many reviews mention the quality of the meal and appreciated the chance to relax and enjoy a true local flavor before continuing the journey. This is also a good time to chat with your guide or fellow travelers about what you’ve seen so far.
Final Stop: Renews—Local Charm and Storytelling
The last stop is Renews, a small town where a local storyteller welcomes guests and shares tales from his hometown. This short visit, about an hour, is a perfect way to end the day—balancing scenic views with authentic local storytelling. Many travelers praise this part as a highlight due to the warmth and authenticity of the local guide.
The Experience: What It Feels Like to Join the Irish Loop Tour
We loved the way this tour combines spectacular scenery with meaningful stories. The guided narration turns a scenic drive into an engaging experience, especially with guides like Billy who are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share stories. The stops, though brief, are well-chosen to give a taste of Newfoundland’s natural and historic charms.
The small group setting makes it easy to ask questions and stay engaged. The included lunch is a simple, hearty meal that provides a taste of local cuisine—nothing fancy, but satisfying, especially after a morning of sightseeing. The comfortable pickup and dropoff at your hotel or B&B mean you can relax and focus on the views rather than logistics.
However, the tour involves considerable driving, so if you’re sensitive to long stretches in a vehicle or prefer more time at each stop, it might feel a bit rushed. Also, the stops are short—generally around 10-15 minutes—so if you love wandering or taking extensive photographs, be prepared for limited time at each site.
Why This Tour Is a Great Fit
This experience is ideal for travelers who want a rundown of Newfoundland’s southern coast without the hassle of self-driving. It suits those interested in small-group intimacy, local stories, and stunning scenery. If you enjoy learning from guides who know their stuff and want to see a variety of sights—historic, natural, and cultural—this tour ticks all the boxes.
It’s particularly good for cruise passengers or visitors with limited time who want a full day of sightseeing and storytelling in one convenient package.
The Sum Up: Who Should Take This Tour?
For anyone eager to explore Newfoundland’s coast with a friendly guide, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenery, history, and authentic local flavor. The inclusion of a local storyteller and a historic archaeological site makes it more than just a drive—it’s an engaging glimpse into the soul of Newfoundland.
If you’re someone who values insightful commentary, stunning views, and the comfort of a small group, this tour will suit you perfectly. It’s especially worthwhile if you’re visiting St. John’s and want to venture beyond the city without planning all the details yourself.
While it does involve a good amount of driving, the value of the experience—including transportation, guided stories, and lunch—makes it a solid choice for those wanting to get a meaningful taste of Newfoundland’s Irish Loop.
FAQs for the Irish Loop to Ferryland Tour
- What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7.5 hours, including pickups, site visits, and traveling time. - Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should note that you may need to go up and down a few steps and walk around at stops. - Does the tour include all entrance fees?
Yes, the admission to the Colony of Avalon is included in the price. - What is the price of the tour?
It costs about $155.89 per person, which includes all fees, taxes, and a meal. - What should I bring?
Comfortable footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera are recommended. - Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. - What is the group size?
A maximum of 20 travelers ensures a more personal experience. - Will I have enough time at each stop?
Typically around 10-15 minutes per stop, which is enough for photos and quick exploration. - Are there dietary accommodations?
The lunch is generally pan-fried cod; if you have dietary restrictions, notify in advance as arrangements might be needed. - What is the transportation like?
Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with pickup at major hotels and B&Bs.
This guided tour offers a practical way to explore Newfoundland’s Irish Loop—a journey that combines stunning landscapes, authentic stories, and a taste of local history—all with the ease of small-group travel and expert guidance.