Ring of the Avalon

The Witless Bay Ecological Reserve a half hour drive south of St. John's is magical. Millions of seabirds, humpback and minke whales and icebergs converge in one of the most spectacular natural displays on the planet.

Drive South on Route 10 out of St. John's and you will be on the Southern shore road. Through the communities of Kilbride and its neighbouring town Goulds, which are the most fertile lands in the province.

Trail Wandering: A Folk History of Bay Bulls, NFLD by Queen Maloney

Continue on route 10 to the historic community of Bay Bulls and one of the several settlements where you can hop a tour boat to see the marine delights of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. the town derives its name from the French "Baie Boules," a reference to the bull bird or dovekie, which winters in Newfoundland.

Witless Bay was originally named for the Whittle family. This is just one of the many photogenic small communities along the southern shore. This town was the locale for Vermont author Howard Norman's book The Bird Artist, a wonderful novel set in 1911. The Bird Artist was short listed for the 1994 National Book Award.

Tors Cove is a good place to see whales from shore, and next to it is St. Michael's which was the original home of the St. Michael's Printshop in an old schoolhouse.

Next is the LaManche Provincial Park, located in a beautiful river valley that teems with wildlife and boasts a marsh with a dazzling display of delicate wildflowers. La Manche river offers canoeing and wonderful sightseeing along a hiking trail that takes you to a great waterfall.

Another trail takes you to the abandoned community of La Manche which was wiped out by a tidal wave, twice. One of the homes that is still standing on the far side of the bay had water come in the front door. When you see how far above the ocean this house is you will have a good idea of the power of the sea. From the community you can work your way back up the river to some wonderful swimming holes in the cold river water.

To Scenic Tours: Avalon Region