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Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

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Road Tripping the Port-au-Port Peninsula in Newfoundland

Last Updated: October 20, 2021 · Canada

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Travelers who visit the Port-au-Port Peninsula say that the drive is one of Newfoundland’s most scenic road trips. And after our road trip down to Cape St. George and on around the 161 km drive, it’s easy to see why.

Port au Port is also dubbed the French Ancestor’s Route (Route 463) in honor of the rich French-Acadian history.

If you’re looking at a map, the Port-au-Port Peninsula very much looks like an arrowhead hanging off the side of Newfoundland!

Thanks to its unique shape, the drive gives way to breathtaking craggy coastline views.

It’s also here, at the tip of Cape St. George, where you can marvel at some of Newfoundland’s best seal, bird, and whale watching.

Here are my best tips for driving the Port-au-Port Peninsula, including where to stop along the way to take in the best views, bird colonies, and even waterfalls!

Also Read — 15 Unique Newfoundland Experiences to Add to Your Bucket List

  • Road Tripping the Port au Port Peninsula and Boutte du Cap St. George in Western Newfoundland and Labrador #newfoundland #roadtrip #adventure #travel // www.bucketlistbri.com
  • Road Tripping the Port au Port Peninsula and Boutte du Cap St. George in Western Newfoundland and Labrador #newfoundland #roadtrip #adventure #travel // www.bucketlistbri.com

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

Starting Your Port-au-Port Road Trip 

Most likely you’ll start your road trip around the peninsula by first crossing Stephenville. While the town is friendly, there’s not much in the way of activities.

If you’re looking to stay overnight in the area, I highly recommend the Zenzville RV Campground where we stayed.

Van Life Journal Week 6: Newfoundland! Bucketlist Bri
A small but strong group of strikers @ Stephenville, Newfoundland #climatestrike | Bucketlist Bri

Continue west to head to the Port-au-Port entrance via highway 460.

From here all the way down to Cape St. George, is mostly coastline views.

There are a few places to stop and take pictures. The drive down this road is especially nice during the golden hour. You’ll pass by clusters of neighborhoods with bright red house numbers, all while peering virtually over the edge of huge cliffs.

Keep driving through Campbell’s Creek and Abrahams Cove until you reach Sheaves Cove.

1st Stop: Hidden Falls at Sheaves Cove

A trip down to Cape St. George isn’t complete without taking a break mid-way to marvel at the Hidden Falls.

Van Life Journal Week 6: Newfoundland! Bucketlist Bri
Hidden Falls nearby Cape St. George | Bucketlist Bri

Truly hidden, these falls are only witnessed if you pull off the road to a little parking lot by the sea.

Beware: Big rigs not recommended as there is a gravel hill you must climb to get back up.

Park in the lower lot and turn to your left. Hidden Falls is directly in view from the parking, but you can go right up to them by following the pathway.

While unmarked, the trail is easy to spot and follow and is cleared for hikers.

Road Tripping the Port au Port Peninsula and Boutte du Cap St. George in Western Newfoundland and Labrador #newfoundland #roadtrip #adventure #travel // www.bucketlistbri.com
Hidden Falls in mid-September | Bucketlist Bri

The waterfall might be low, depending on the season. Usually, it is a roaring waterfall. It’s especially a pretty sight in mid-late September when the leaves on the trees begin to change color.

When you’re ready, hop back in the car and head to your next stop: Boutte du Cap!

2nd Stop: Boutte du Cap @ Cape St. George

You will come to a fork in the road, make sure to veer left to head to the tip of Cape St. George.

Road Tripping the Port au Port Peninsula and Boutte du Cap St. George in Western Newfoundland and Labrador #newfoundland #roadtrip #adventure #travel // www.bucketlistbri.com
At the end of Boutte du Cap | Bucketlist Bri

If you’re traveling by camper van, you can squat overnight in the unofficial municipal campground with carved out sites in the trees on the cliffs. There are even small firepits for each.

You’ll reach the roundabout. Once here, make sure to pay attention to the ancient French oven over on the left. The “Four à Pain” is a traditional-style outdoor French bread oven that is STILL in use.

Maintained by the community, you can eat freshly-baked French bread between the months of July and August from noon – 2 pm. Unfortunately, the bread oven was already closed during our time there (mid-September).

Road Tripping the Port au Port Peninsula and Boutte du Cap St. George in Western Newfoundland and Labrador #newfoundland #roadtrip #adventure #travel // www.bucketlistbri.com
Four à pain at Boutte du Cap | Bucketlist Bri

Yet, the unparalleled views easily made up for the lack of baguette. 🙂

A small monument in the center of the roundabout honors the Acadians who once thrived in this region once known as the French Shore. The monument also explains the “Grand Dérangement” or Great Upheaval of the Acadians when the British expulsed them to other territories in fear of uprisal against the empire.

3rd Stop: Bird Colonies + Whale Watching (Boutte du Cap)

Drive to the end of the road to take in gorgeous views of the coastline. It’s here where you can pull out a camp chair and sit to watch the whales feed off the mackerel along the shoreline.

Road Tripping the Port au Port Peninsula and Boutte du Cap St. George in Western Newfoundland and Labrador #newfoundland #roadtrip #adventure #travel // www.bucketlistbri.com
At the top of the Kittiewake Trail + Lookout | Bucketlist Bri

You can also witness the largest North Atlantic bird – the Gannet – as it nose-dives into the sea to fish.

Park and walk up the steep road to your right toward the small and large Kittiwake Trails.

The views from atop the cliffs are simply breathtaking with several species of bird colonies flying about.

It’s no wonder that Newfoundland and Labrador are considered North America’s seabird capital! They have over 35 million seabirds and 350+ bird species alone.

If you visit during the summer months, you have extremely high chances of spotting whales come to play and feed along the shoreline. Cape St. George is the perfect spot for whale-watching as there are unhampered views of the sea for miles and miles.

You can also hike the small Bread Crumb Trail here or “Le Chemin des Miettes” which will take you from one edge of the cliff to the other, through dented pine and berry bushes.

4th Stop: Mainland

A little community called Mainland is another great stop to take in the views of the sea.

Road Tripping the Port au Port Peninsula and Boutte du Cap St. George in Western Newfoundland and Labrador #newfoundland #roadtrip #adventure #travel // www.bucketlistbri.comRoad Tripping the Port au Port Peninsula and Boutte du Cap St. George in Western Newfoundland and Labrador #newfoundland #roadtrip #adventure #travel // www.bucketlistbri.com
A large gannet takes a nose-dive into the ocean | Bucketlist Bri

We got to see a very large gathering of gannets diving into the sea. So much so that we were hoping whales would join in on the feeding frenzy. But in the end, we only spotted gannets.

You can also see the island jetting out from the sea very well from this viewpoint.

There is no internet service in the area, so make sure to plan out your day or even your questions for Google well in advance.

There are a tea room and an old schoolhouse you can visit a museum and see artifacts recounting the history of the people and the land in the area.

Continue along the French Ancestor’s Route from here around the coast toward Lourdes.

Road Tripping the Port au Port Peninsula and Boutte du Cap St. George in Western Newfoundland and Labrador #newfoundland #roadtrip #adventure #travel // www.bucketlistbri.com
A gannet up-close | Bucketlist Bri

5th Stop: Lourdes + Black Duck Brook

Lourdes is a large community on the peninsula, but we found it very residential. Apart from the views of the gorgeous coastline, you can choose to stay here for an hour or get off the Route 463 and drive north to Black Duck Brook.

Drive-up the slim peninsula and you’ll come across the Winter Houses and the museum of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. There’s also bird-watching opportunities for Arctic Terns should you be a bird-enthusiast!

Wrapping Up Your Port-au-Port Peninsula Road Trip

Finish off your road trip around the Peninsula by following the Route 463 back to Abraham’s Cove. We found the route to be less scenic as its more inland rather than on the coast, compared to Highway 460 down to Cape St. George.

Road Tripping the Port au Port Peninsula and Boutte du Cap St. George in Western Newfoundland and Labrador #newfoundland #roadtrip #adventure #travel // www.bucketlistbri.com
Make sure to stop along your western Newfoundland road trip to take in the sunset views | Bucketlist Bri

Alternatively, you could turn around at Lourdes and revisit the coastline counter-clockwise. In either case, you won’t be disappointed with a detour down to Boutte du Cap!

This road trip is a must-do adventure if ever you’re on the west coast of Newfoundland.

  • Road Tripping the Port au Port Peninsula and Boutte du Cap St. George in Western Newfoundland and Labrador #newfoundland #roadtrip #adventure #travel // www.bucketlistbri.com
  • Road Tripping the Port au Port Peninsula and Boutte du Cap St. George in Western Newfoundland and Labrador #newfoundland #roadtrip #adventure #travel // www.bucketlistbri.com
  • Road Tripping the Port au Port Peninsula and Boutte du Cap St. George in Western Newfoundland and Labrador #newfoundland #roadtrip #adventure #travel // www.bucketlistbri.com

More Canadian Travel Inspo:

  • Travel Guide to Exploring Historic Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
  • Sea Kayaking in the Bay of Fundy ft. Red Rock Adventure
  • Top 5 Popular Things To Do in Downtown Halifax
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By: Bri · In: Canada · Tagged: Road Trips

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Comments

  1. Missy says

    May 5, 2022 at 11:17 pm

    How long drive is this adventure if not staying in that area. And what area us best place to stay overnite

    Reply
    • Bri says

      May 10, 2022 at 8:51 am

      I guess it depends on where you are coming from? And I would suggest the campground at Boutte du Cap 🙂

      Reply
  2. Janice M says

    August 22, 2021 at 3:33 pm

    Thank you for a great review. We will now add this drive into the trip we are taking to western NFLD this September. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Bri says

      August 23, 2021 at 11:39 am

      Wonderful! So happy you found it useful and thank you for reading. Hope you have a fun and safe trip!

      Reply

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National Park Week has got me feelin’ a serious National Park Week has got me feelin’ a serious case of nostalgia for our 2-week Southwest USA road trip! 🏜

The NP’s we visited on this trip:

📍Arches National Park
📍Canyonlands National Park
📍Zion National Park
📍Bryce Canyon National Park
📍Grand Canyon National Park (North & South Rims)
📍Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

+ Valley of Fire State Park, Red Rock State Park, & Monument Valley Navajo Park!

Head to my blog bucketlistbri.com for the full 2-week itinerary plus detailed guides & itineraries to each NP!*

*except for BCotG

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"From Santa Catarina Palopó" 💜 I saw her gigg "From Santa Catarina Palopó" 💜

I saw her giggling and chatting with a friend from across the street and, despite my shyness, waltzed over to ask if I could take her photo. 

She was simply radiating sitting there; an amateur portrait photographer's dream. Except I don't even own a portrait lens and this was only the second time ever in my life that I whisked up the courage to ask for something that feels so... intimate. 

But without hesitation, she gazed into my lens and pierced my heart. It was like being drawn to a joyous light that I just couldn't resist. So I dared to ask. 

As soon as she said yes, I hurriedly clicked a few shots; rushing so as to not waste her time. After showing her portraits to her, she gave me a big nod and said softly, "de Santa Catarina Palopó" with immense pride.

I think her sweet smile & kind eyes speak for themselves... ✨ 

You can read more about the indigenous Kaqchikel Maya and the colorfully painted town of Santa Catarina Palopó, Guatemala on my blog @bucketlistbri 💜
10 years together 💛😱 It’s not our annive 10 years together 💛😱 

It’s not our anniversary (it was technically last month, depending on who you ask) and we're not even celebrating Valentine's Day today, but...

I just wanted to remind the internet that I have a pretty badass partner (& not to mention the best cat dad) who puts up with both my silly madness and my need to live around the world in pursuit of adventure. 

If I have any advice for love and long-term relationships, it's this:

Keep choosing each other;
again, and again, and again,
over everything else, no matter what you go through. 

❤️❤️❤️

Can you guess which one of us first "friend-requested" the other all those years ago? 😉

#internationalcouple #ourlove #travelcouplegoals #10yearstogether #digitalnomadcouple #adventuretogether
On every adventure, I’ve thought of you. I am On every adventure, I’ve thought of you. 

I am the granddaughter of a guiding light, a woman so lovely and gentle and spiritual and strong that she attracted to her all walks of life. 

I was the butterfly enamored by her glow. The ship lost at sea that found safety at her shores. 

On every adventure, I’ll think of you. On every adventure, you’ll be with me. 

🦋 ✨
Add this hike to your Caribbean bucket list! ☀️ 

Guadeloupe is rich in breathtaking, diverse landscapes — La Pointe des Châteaux is no exception! Magnificent rocky pillars jut out of the ocean & create a magnificent view that’s best experienced at sunrise from atop Morne Pavillon, the hill marked by the large cross on its summit.

TIPS FOR VISITING:

🚗 Like everywhere in Gwada, you'll need a rental! Parking is free.
☀️ Sunrise and sunset are around 6am and 6pm
🥾 The hike itself only takes 15-20 minutes and is easy!
🦀 Watch for wildlife and other critters (this is a protected heritage site!)
🌊 Plenty of beaches are nearby, including a nude beach and a private beach with cool wave splashing action called "La Douche" (meaning shower 🚿) 

Read more about this epic spot + other must-see places in Guadeloupe on the blog @bucketlistbri 🌴

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#guadeloupeislands #caribbeanisland #pointedeschateaux #wanderlusttravel #caribbeanlife #caribbeanvibes #gwada #hikingtheworld #islandphotography #travelaesthetic
I'M READY FOR YA, 2022 ✌️ HERE'S WHY: ✍️ I'M READY FOR YA, 2022 ✌️ HERE'S WHY:

✍️ 2022 is going to be the year I become a published author. 

💛  It's the year I celebrate 10 years of love & adventure with my best friend. 

💻  It's the year I register my LLC and level up my business. 

🌎  It's the year I hit my bucket list of "slow living in 10 countries" as a nomad and the year I travel and discover even more destinations. 

And some folks will think (do think), "overnight success." But the reality is (as my sweet friend @redwhiteadventures reminded me), it's been about putting one foot in front of the other -- just like on a hike up a mountain (or in this case, to the cliffsides overlooking the Caribbean and Atlantic!). 

2022 is going to be the view from the top!! (Sure, I may get there, and see another summit I want to climb. But I'm so ready for the challenge(s), the journey, & the adventure!) ⛰ 

What are you excited about in 2022?! 

📍Hell's Gate / Porte d'Enfer, Guadeloupe (click the link in my bio to read about this hike!)
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