Where to See Puffins in Newfoundland

Where to see puffins in Newfoundland? I’d heard rumors about these cute little birds having a home base here, and I knew I had to see for myself! Turns out, you don’t have to flock to Iceland or Ireland to see puffins—because you can actually spot them right here in North America! And guess what? Newfoundland is home to THOUSANDS of these adorable seabirds.

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing puffins up close, you’re in luck! I’m spilling all the details on where to see puffins in Newfoundland, from scenic coastal cliffs to hidden nesting spots. And the best part? Most of these locations are totally free! Let’s dive in and find these feathered cuties!

What time of year can you see puffins in Newfoundland?

If you’re wondering what time of year you can see puffins in Newfoundland, you’re in luck—these adorable seabirds return every summer! The best time to see them is from May to mid-September, with peak puffin season happening in June and July when they’re busy nesting.

By late August, many start heading back out to sea, so if spotting puffins is at the top of your bucket list, plan your visit during the warmer months.

What Time of Day are Puffins Most Active?

Puffins are early birds—literally! These little cuties are most active in the early morning and late evening when they’re out fishing, socializing, and fluttering around their nesting sites. Midday tends to be a bit quieter since many puffins are out at sea, so if you’re hoping to see them in action, plan your visit around sunrise or sunset.

Elliston Newfoundland Puffins

I had heard that Elliston was THE place to see puffins, so of course, I had to check it out for myself! This free puffin viewing site is not only a fantastic wildlife spot but also offers incredible coastal views that give off serious Ireland vibes. It’s easily one of the best locations for anyone wondering where to see puffins in Newfoundland without taking a boat tour.

When we arrived, we expected to be just feet away from the puffins, but we quickly realized they actually nest on a cliff across the water from where visitors stand. While we still saw plenty of puffins, we learned that they sometimes fly closer in the evening or early morning—something to keep in mind if you’re hoping for a closer encounter!

Insider tip: Since puffins nest on a cliff across the water, using a zoom lens made all the difference. We shot our photos with a 100mm-400mm lens on our Sony camera, which helped us capture all the adorable details—those tiny wings, bright orange feet, and curious expressions! If you're hoping to snap some great puffin shots, you can rent a lens at lensrental.com

Bonavista Puffins

The Bonavista lighthouse was hands-down our favorite puffin sighting spot! We couldn’t believe how many were just feet away from us—it was absolutely magical. We arrived around 9 AM and had the entire place to ourselves, which made the experience even more special.

The puffins were so close that I even sat down near them for a while, just watching them waddle around and interact with each other. Of course, we made sure to keep a safe distance so we wouldn’t spook them.

Seeing them this close was unreal, but it’s important to remember that while these little seabirds might seem friendly, they’re still wild animals.

No touching! Puffins have delicate feathers, and human contact can cause stress or even remove the waterproof coating that helps them survive at sea. So, admire them, take all the photos your heart desires, but let them do their puffin thing!

Spillars Cove, Twillingate Puffin Sightings

Spillars Cove near Twillingate is an absolute gem for anyone who loves dramatic coastal landscapes. If you thought Elliston’s cliffside views were impressive, just wait until you see this place! The rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and endless ocean views make it worth a visit, whether or not you spot puffins in Newfoundland.

While this spot is known as one of the more off-the-beaten-path locations for those searching for where to see puffins in Newfoundland, we didn’t have much luck during our visit. That said, puffins are definitely known to nest in the area, especially in summer, so you might have better luck than we did!

The best way to spot them here is to bring a good pair of binoculars or a zoom lens, as they tend to stay near the edges of the cliffs. Arriving in the early morning or evening also increases your chances of seeing them up close.

Witless Bay Ecological Reserve Puffin Tour

Home to over 260,000 puffins, Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is Newfoundland’s largest Atlantic puffin colony! Since these little cuties nest on protected islands, the only way to see them is by hopping on a boat tour from Bay Bulls. Along the way, you might even spot whales and tons of other seabirds!

If you’re researching where to see puffins in Newfoundland, this spot might seem like a dream, but to be honest, we weren’t super impressed by the puffin sightings here. Yes, you’ll see thousands and thousands of them, but the boat doesn’t get very close to the islands, and since puffins are already quite small, it wasn’t the jaw-dropping experience we had hoped for.

We booked this tour on our last day just to try our luck at seeing more, but we found that other locations offered much better puffin-watching experiences.

That said, if you’re looking for where to see puffins in Newfoundland and don’t mind admiring them from a distance, this tour is still a fun experience—especially if you’re lucky enough to spot whales along the way!

Tors Cove: Hidden Puffin Sighting Spot

We stumbled upon an unexpected puffin-watching gem in Tors Cove, and we’re so excited to share it! While this spot isn’t officially listed as a prime location for puffin sightings, we found it to be a fantastic place to watch these adorable birds in their natural habitat.

If you’re wondering where to see puffins in Newfoundland, the La Manche Suspension Bridge Hike is a hidden treasure. The trail takes you along the water, giving you the chance to spot hundreds of puffins floating on the waves. Not only was the hike itself absolutely beautiful, but we also completely fell in love with Tors Cove.

For anyone looking for where to see puffins in Newfoundland without the crowds, this spot is well worth a visit. Even if you don’t catch puffins in action, the breathtaking scenery along the trail makes it an unforgettable stop!

Fogo Island: Best for a Hike with Puffins

If you’re looking for a scenic hike with incredible ocean views and the chance to spot puffins, The Joe Batt’s Trail on Fogo Island is a fantastic option! This stunning trail offers breathtaking coastal scenery and is perfect for those who want to combine birdwatching with an outdoor adventure.

While researching where to see puffins in Newfoundland, we came across this spot and were so tempted to go! Unfortunately, we ran out of time and didn’t get the chance to hike it ourselves. But if you’re visiting nearby Twillingate, you can carve out a day to explore Fogo Island and try your luck at spotting puffins along the trail.

Since sightings aren’t guaranteed, it’s best to bring binoculars and keep an eye out for these little seabirds along the cliffs.

Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve: Potential Puffin Sightings

Of all the places we didn’t make it to, Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve is the one we seriously regret missing! With its towering cliffs and breathtaking ocean views, this spot gives total Cliffs of Moher vibes, and we can only imagine how magical it must be in person.

While Cape St. Mary’s is famous for its massive gannet colony, it’s also a place where you might see puffins in Newfoundland. The dramatic cliffs provide an incredible backdrop for birdwatching and photography, making it a dream destination for nature lovers. 

That said, puffin sightings here aren’t as well-documented as in other spots, so it’s a bit of a wild card.

If you’re on a mission to discover where to see puffins in Newfoundland, this reserve could be worth the visit—especially if you love jaw-dropping coastal scenery. And honestly, even if the puffins are shy that day, the views alone make it a must-see!