While camping in Elliston, Tom and I enjoyed a day exploring Bonavista, just a 10 minute drive from our campground.
Visiting Bonavista
The town of Bonavista is a historic fishing port near the tip of the Bonavista Peninsula. Tom and I drove through town on our way to visit John Cabot Municipal Park, Fisherman's Memorial, Cape BonavistaLighthouse, and Dungeon Provincial Park. On our way back through town we enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Quintal Cafe and strolled the streets along the harbor.
You can view a few photos of our visit to Bonavista on the Carpe Diem Facebook page by clicking on the image below.
Visiting John Cabot Municipal Park
We started our tour of Bonavista at John Cabot Municipal Park. Tom and I cringed as we entered the parking lot under a sign with a 12’ 9” clearance. That is the height we previously decided is the minimum we could clear with our tall camper. Until now we never had the opportunity to test our accuracy. A video of us leaving the parking lot confirms our measurements. Yikes!
John Cabot Municipal Park honors what is believed to be John Cabot’s first landfall in North America in 1497. A statue and plaque provide context for Cabot's roll in the history of this area. Picnic tables and an event hall combined with the magnificent views make this a great spot for a celebration. Otherwise, its a great place to park and even boondock overnight with plenty of room for RVs. Tom and I left our camper in the parking lot while we hiked a trail from the John Cabot Memorial to the nearby Fisherman's Memorial and Bonavista Lighthouse.
You can view a few photos of our visit to John Cabot Municipal Park on the Carpe Diem Facebook page by clicking on the image below.
Visiting Fisherman's Memorial
The Fisherman's Memorial is a tribute to local fishermen and women that lost their lives at sea. Hiking trails from John Cabot Municipal Park to the Fisherman's Memorial offer beautiful views of the rugged cliffs below. Continuing farther north on the trail led us to Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site.
You can view a few photos of our visit to Fisherman's Memorial on the Carpe Diem Facebook page by clicking on the image below.
Visiting Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site
Cape Bonavista Lighthouse is one of many historic lighthouses in Newfoundland. The original lighthouse was built in 1843 and was in operation until 1962. The function of the lighthouse has been replaced with a modern technology including a metal tower. The original lighthouse and surrounding buildings are now used as a museum, visitor centewr, and gift shop.
In addition to the touring the lighthouse, Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site is a great place to view icebergs, whales and puffins. Tom and I visited too late in the season to see icebergs but we saw whale water spouts in the distance and a huge colony of puffins right in front of us. The nesting ground for the puffins is on a cliff just across from the lighthouse. However, when we were visiting, many puffins flew across to our side and perched on the cliffs with us.
You can view a few photos of our visit to Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site on the Carpe Diem Facebook page by clicking on the image below.
Visiting Dungeon Provincial Park
Before returning to the town of Bonavista for lunch, Tom and I visited Dungeon Provincial Park. It's one of many UNESCO Geoparks in Newfoundland.
You can view a few photos of our visit to Cape Spear on the Carpe Diem Facebook page by clicking on the image below.
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