Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Perched on the rugged and windswept coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve offers a breathtaking and immersive experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This protected site is home to a diverse array of seabirds, making it a must-visit destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
The reserve is best known for its awe-inspiring sea bird colonies, which are among the most accessible and populous in North America. Visitors can witness the dramatic spectacle of thousands of nesting seabirds, including Northern Gannets, Common Murres, Razorbills, and Black-legged Kittiwakes, as they soar, dive, and roost along the towering cliffs of the cape.
In addition to the impressive bird colonies, the Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve also boasts stunning coastal scenery, with rugged cliffs, sweeping ocean views, and a rich marine environment. Hiking trails and viewing platforms provide opportunities to observe the seabirds and take in the breathtaking vistas, while guided tours and interpretive programs offer insights into the ecology and conservation efforts within the reserve.
For those seeking a deeper connection to nature, the reserve offers camping facilities, allowing visitors to spend the night under the stars and wake up to the sounds of seabirds and crashing waves. The serene and remote setting of Cape St. Mary's provides a unique opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse oneself in the natural beauty and tranquility of the Newfoundland and Labrador coastline.
Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve Attractions - What to See and Explore
Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Cape St. Mary's. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Best Time To Visit Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve
Learn when is the best time to travel to Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Long-tailed duck
The long-tailed duck, once known in North America as the oldsquaw, is a fascinating medium-sized sea duck and the sole surviving member of the Clangula genus. Initially classified under Harelda, it later became the type species of its own genus.
Birds
Common eider
The common eider, also known as St. Cuthbert's duck or Cuddy's duck, is a large sea-duck found along the northern coasts of Europe, North America, and eastern Siberia. These ducks breed in Arctic and northern temperate regions and migrate to temperate zones during...
Birds
Humpback whale
The humpback whale is one of the most captivating creatures of the sea, easily recognized by its unique body shape, impressive breaching behavior, and intricate songs sung by males. These magnificent whales can grow up to 16 meters (about 52 feet) in length and weigh...
Mammals
Razorbill
The razorbill, also known as the lesser auk, is a seabird that thrives in the subarctic waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This bird, a close relative of the extinct great auk, belongs to the Alcidae family and is the sole species in the Alca genus.
Birds
Northern gannet
The northern gannet is a magnificent seabird and the largest member of the gannet family, Sulidae. These birds can be found along the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean, where they breed in regions such as Western Europe, North America, and the Caribbean.
Birds
Newfoundland and Labrador