Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve

Located about 200 km southwest of the capital St. John’s, Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, also known as “The Cape”, is one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s major seabird colonies and the second largest gannet colony in North America. During the breeding season, it is home to 24,000 Northern gannets, 20,000 black-legged kittiwakes, 20,000 common murres, and 2,000 thick-billed murres. In addition, more than 100 pairs of razorbill, over 60 pairs of black guillemot, plus double-crested and great cormorant, and Northern fulmar nest there.

What makes it so spectacular, however, is that all these birds can be seen from land, as close as 10 metres away at the end of a 20 minute stroll along absolutely stunning 120 metre cliffs. A top notch provincial interpretation centre is situated near the lighthouse at the parking lot.