The Best Places to See Atlantic Puffins in Canada
Atlantic Puffins are one of Canada’s most beloved seabirds, with their bright orange beaks, clownish expressions, and adorable waddle. These iconic birds are a sight to behold, and if you’re keen to catch a glimpse of them in their natural habitat, Canada is one of the best places to do so. Here’s a guide to the best spots in Canada to see Atlantic Puffins and some tips for making the most of your puffin-watching adventure.
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, Newfoundland and Labrador
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is home to North America’s largest Atlantic Puffin colony. Located just off the coast of Newfoundland, this reserve consists of four small islands: Gull Island, Green Island, Great Island, and Pee Pee Island. During the breeding season, which runs from late May to early September, more than 260,000 pairs of puffins come here to nest.
The best way to see these puffins is by boat tour. Several companies operate puffin-watching tours from nearby communities like Bay Bulls and Witless Bay. These tours not only offer up-close views of puffins but also the chance to see other seabirds, whales, and icebergs.
- O’Brien’s Whale and Bird Tours: This popular tour operator offers daily puffin and whale-watching tours from Bay Bulls.
- Gatherall’s Puffin and Whale Watch: Another highly-rated option, Gatherall’s provides excellent opportunities to see puffins, as well as the stunning coastal scenery of Newfoundland.
Elliston, Newfoundland and Labrador
Known as the “Root Cellar Capital of the World,” Elliston is also famous for its puffin colony. What makes Elliston special is that it offers one of the few land-based viewing opportunities for puffins in North America. From the puffin viewing site, you can walk right up to the edge of the cliff and see puffins just a few meters away. This site is accessible to visitors without the need for a boat tour, making it a convenient option.
The best time to visit is during the summer months when puffins are nesting. Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography.
Elliston Puffin Site: The official website of the town of Elliston provides more information on how to get to the puffin site and what to expect.
Cape Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador
Cape Bonavista, located just a short drive from Elliston, is another excellent location for puffin viewing. The historic Cape Bonavista Lighthouse offers spectacular views of the coastline, and puffins can often be seen nesting on the nearby cliffs. The puffins at Cape Bonavista are known to be quite tolerant of visitors, allowing for great photo opportunities.
The Cape Bonavista area is also rich in history and culture, so be sure to explore the lighthouse and the nearby town of Bonavista while you’re there.
Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site: Learn more about visiting the the lighthouse.
St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, Newfoundland and Labrador
St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve is another prime spot to see Atlantic Puffins. This reserve is located on the southern Avalon Peninsula, about 130 kilometers from St. John’s. It’s one of the largest seabird colonies in North America, with around 70,000 puffins breeding here each summer.
Boat tours are available from nearby communities, providing visitors with close-up views of puffins, murres, kittiwakes, and more. The rugged coastline and abundant wildlife make this a must-visit for nature lovers.
- Bird Island Charters: Offers puffin-watching boat tours around the reserve, providing an unforgettable experience.
Machias Seal Island, New Brunswick
Machias Seal Island, located off the coast of Grand Manan Island in the Bay of Fundy, is one of the best places to see Atlantic Puffins in New Brunswick. This small island is unique because it is a disputed territory between Canada and the United States, but it’s most famous for its large puffin colony.
Boat tours to Machias Seal Island are highly regulated to protect the bird population. These tours offer an exceptional opportunity to see puffins up close, often from just a few feet away.
- Sea Watch Tours: One of the few operators allowed to land on Machias Seal Island, offering a close encounter with puffins and other seabirds.
Bird Islands, Nova Scotia
The Bird Islands, located off the coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, are another great place to see Atlantic Puffins. These islands, specifically Hertford Island and Ciboux Island, host a variety of seabirds, including puffins, during the summer months. Puffins nest on the rocky cliffs and are often seen flying between the islands or resting on the water.
Boat tours provide the best access to the Bird Islands and offer a chance to see puffins, as well as other wildlife like seals and eagles.
- Bird Island Boat Tours: A well-known operator offering puffin-watching tours from Englishtown, Cape Breton.
- Donelda’s Puffin Boat Tours: The Cabot Trail’s only Bird Island boat tour and it’s dog friendly.
Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec
The Mingan Archipelago, located on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, is a stunning chain of over 1,000 islands and islets. This national park reserve is renowned for its unique limestone monoliths and rich biodiversity, including a vibrant population of Atlantic Puffins. The puffins typically nest on the islands from late May to early September, with the highest concentrations found on Île aux Perroquets and Île aux Fantômes.
To see puffins in the Mingan Archipelago, you can take a boat tour from the nearby towns of Havre-Saint-Pierre or Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan. These tours often include stops at several islands, giving you the opportunity to explore the park’s unique landscapes and observe the puffins up close.
- Private companies recognized by Parks Canada: Provide boat tours to various islands in the archipelago, including puffin-watching tours.
Tips for Puffin Watching
- Best Time to Visit: Puffins are most commonly seen between late May and early September. The peak breeding season is in July, making it the best time to visit.
- What to Bring: Bring binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens, and warm clothing. Even in summer, the weather can be chilly, especially on the water.
- Respect the Wildlife: Keep a respectful distance from the puffins, especially during nesting season. Disturbing their nests can have serious consequences for their breeding success.
Seeing Atlantic Puffins in Canada is an experience you won’t forget. Whether you choose to explore by land or sea, these charming seabirds are sure to captivate your heart.
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