Placentia Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Placentia, located in the Newfoundland and Labrador region of Canada, is a charming town with a rich history and stunning natural beauty. This picturesque destination is known for its scenic coastal views and historical landmarks, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking a mix of culture and outdoor adventure.

One of the town's most iconic attractions is the Castle Hill National Historic Site, a 17th-century fort that offers panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins and learn about the area's military history, making it a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts.

In addition to its historical sites, Placentia is also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is surrounded by rugged coastline, offering ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and photography. The nearby Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve is a popular spot for wildlife viewing, where visitors can observe thousands of nesting seabirds, including puffins and gannets.

For those interested in experiencing the local culture, Placentia hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, showcasing traditional music, dance, and cuisine. The town's vibrant arts scene is also on display at the O'Reilly House Museum, which features exhibits on local history and culture.

Alternative names: Settled: XV centuryElevation: 0 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 47°14'56"N, 53°57'47"W

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Newfoundland and LabradorCanada

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Placentia Top Attractions

Placentia Attractions - What to See and Explore

Placentia offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: O'Reilly House Museum, Castle Hill, Fort Royal. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Specialty museum • Museum
O'Reilly House Museum
O'Reilly House is located in Placentia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It was built for Magistrate William O'Reilly who served as Magistrate of Placentia from 1897-1923. He was the son of Thomas O'Reilly who had been the magistrate of Placentia from 1877-97. In 1902, Magistrate O’Reilly employed the architect W.J.
Shopping • Museum • History museum
Castle Hill
Castle Hill is an area containing the remains of both French and British fortifications, overlooking the town of Placentia in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Forts and castles
Fort Royal
Fort Royal is a French fort built in 1687 on the island of Newfoundland during the time of New France. In 1662, the French established a commercial counter on a well protected hill overlooking Placentia Bay which separates the Avalon Peninsula form the rest of Newfoundland island and situated near Grand Banks where fish are abundant.

Day trips

Placentia – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Placentia, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Hawthorne Cottage (Brigus), Cape St. Mary's (Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve), Cataracts Provincial Park.

40 milesNE
History museum, Museum, Vernacular architecture
Hawthorne Cottage, Brigus
Hawthorne Cottage is a National Historic Site located in Brigus, Newfoundland and Labrador. It is a unit of the national park system, operated by Parks Canada, the national park service. It was the residence of Captain Bob Bartlett, a famed Arctic explorer.
31 milesS
Lighthouse
Cape St. Mary's, Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve
The headland of Cape St. Mary's is located at the southern tip of the south-western arm of the Avalon Peninsula of the island of Newfoundland in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
16 milesE
Park
Cataracts Provincial Park
Cataracts Provincial Park is located in Colinet, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, on the Avalon Peninsula southeast of Placentia. The park consists of a deep river gorge with two cascading waterfalls. There are stairs and walkways that allow visitors to descend the gorge and cross the river.
48 milesSE
Lighthouse
Cape Pine Light
Cape Pine Light was built on Cape Pine, Newfoundland by the British architect and engineer Alexander Gordon in 1851.
48 milesNE
47°44'17"N • 53°13'42"W
Rorke Stores Museum, Carbonear
Specialty museum, Museum