The Colony of Avalon at Ferryland, on the Southern Shore of the Avalon Peninsula, is one of the most important historical sites in eastern Canada. In the 1620s Sir George Calvert, later Lord Baltimore, founded a colony here, and for decades archaeologists have been uncovering its cobbled streets, stone foundations, a forge, a seawall and thousands of everyday objects. It is rare to see a colonial settlement from this period excavated so completely, and rarer still to watch the excavation going on while you walk around it. The site sits on a grassy point above the harbour, with the village of Ferryland and the open Atlantic behind it, so the setting is as memorable as the history. The Colony of Avalon keeps a summer season, roughly June to October, with its core tour window in the middle of summer, and it is one of the best reasons to take a day along the Irish Loop.
What to do
The standard visit is a guided tour of about an hour and a half, led by interpreters who know the dig closely and can point out what is being exposed this year. You walk the excavated lanes, look into the foundations of the colonists' buildings and see how the settlement used the shoreline for fishing and trade. Tours run several times a day, and the site also offers other experiences in season, including a heritage garden tour, a children's dig-themed tour, artifact conservation talks and longer archaeology dig programs for people who want to get their hands dirty.
The conservation lab is a highlight for many visitors, since it shows what happens to a pot, a pipe or a coin after it comes out of the ground.
Practical planning
Ferryland is roughly an hour's drive south of St. John's along the Irish Loop, so most people allow half a day for the site and the village, or a full day if they carry on to other stops. Because the season is limited, check the Colony of Avalon's own calendar before you set out, and book a time ahead in July and August when groups are common.
Dress for wind off the water, with a warm layer and sturdy shoes, since the dig is open to the weather and the ground can be uneven or damp. Washrooms and a gift shop are on site during the season. Parking is available near the visitor area, and paid admission includes on-site Wi-Fi.
Fitting it in
If you do not have a car, the guided Irish Loop day trip from St. John's includes Ferryland and removes the driving. If you do have one, combine the dig with a walk around Ferryland itself, where the lighthouse headland, known as the Ferryland Head, offers a coastal walk and, on some days, a picnic lunch. In spring and early summer you may see icebergs offshore, and humpback whales often pass this coast in summer.
It also pairs well with a puffin and whale cruise on a different day, since both are on the Avalon Peninsula but in opposite directions. If you like history, plan a long stop here; if you only want a quick look at the village, an hour will do but you will miss the best part of the site.
What to expect
The experience
A guided tour of a working archaeological site, with optional garden, conservation and dig experiences in season.
Best time
Summer, roughly June to October, with the core tour window from mid-June to mid-September; book ahead in July and August.
How long
A tour takes about an hour and a half, so allow two to three hours with time in the village.
Tips
Check the site's calendar before you drive, dress for wind and damp, and wear shoes you do not mind getting dusty.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers who want to see real archaeology in progress rather than a museum display.
- Families
- Children who like digging and treasure will enjoy the dig-themed tour and the conservation lab.
- Couples
- A scenic and quiet half day on the Southern Shore with a coastal walk afterwards.
- Pair with
- The Irish Loop day trip, or Mistaken Point further south on a separate day.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours at the site, plus about an hour each way by road.
Good questions
When is the Colony of Avalon open?+
It keeps a summer season, roughly June to October, with its core tour window from mid-June to mid-September. Check the site's own calendar for the dates in the year you travel.
How long does the tour take?+
A guided tour takes about an hour and a half, and tours start several times a day. Allow longer if you add the garden tour, the village or a coastal walk.
Can children take part?+
Yes, the site offers a children's dig-themed tour in season, and the conservation lab is popular with curious kids. Younger children may find a long walk outdoors tiring.
How far is Ferryland from St. John's?+
It is roughly an hour's drive south along the Irish Loop, so you need a car or a guided day trip. There is no public transport to the site.
Is it worth visiting if I am short of time?+
The tour is the heart of the visit, so it is worth keeping a morning or afternoon free. If you are limited to a day trip, the guided Irish Loop tour from St. John's includes Ferryland.
