Perched along the rugged coastline of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Elliston Puffin Viewing Site is one of the best and most accessible places in North America to photograph Atlantic puffins. Unlike other puffin colonies that require boat access, Elliston allows visitors to stand just meters away from these charismatic seabirds as they nest, socialize, and take flight.
The site's dramatic cliffs and ocean backdrop provide a stunning setting for wildlife and landscape photography. On clear days, the deep blue Atlantic contrasts beautifully with the green grass and dark rock formations, while foggy conditions add a moody, ethereal atmosphere. Depending on the season, photographers may also capture icebergs drifting along the horizon, adding a striking element to their compositions.
With thousands of puffins returning each summer, Elliston offers a rare opportunity to photograph these birds in remarkable proximity. Whether capturing their vibrant beaks in portrait shots, their rapid flight patterns, or their interactions on the cliffs, this site is a must-visit for wildlife photographers seeking unforgettable images of Newfoundland's coastal beauty.
Best Photography Opportunities
• Close-Up Puffin Portraits
– The unique geography of Elliston allows photographers to stand just a few meters away from nesting puffins on an adjacent rock formation. With a good telephoto or zoom lens, it's possible to capture stunning close-up portraits that highlight the intricate details of their vibrant orange beaks, expressive eyes, and striking black-and-white plumage.
• Puffins in Flight
– These agile seabirds are incredibly fast flyers, reaching speeds of up to 88 km/h (55 mph). Capturing sharp, mid-air shots of puffins taking off or returning to their burrows requires a fast shutter speed and good panning techniques. The contrast of their dark wings against the deep blue Atlantic makes for dramatic action shots.
• Seabird Colony Landscapes
– Beyond individual puffins, the larger scene of thousands of birds dotting the rocky cliffs and green grass creates a dynamic storytelling opportunity. Wide-angle compositions that include the puffin-covered rock outcroppings, ocean waves, and sky can provide context and scale.
• Golden Hour and Sunset Photography
– As the sun sets over the Atlantic, the warm light casts a golden glow on the cliffs, enhancing textures and colors. Silhouettes of puffins against a glowing sky or the soft reflection of the sunset on the ocean add depth and emotion to evening compositions.
• Coastal Scenery and Icebergs
– In addition to the puffins, Elliston's coastline provides breathtaking landscape photography. Towering sea stacks, crashing waves, and rolling fog create moody, dramatic scenes. In late spring and early summer, icebergs drifting south from Greenland occasionally appear on the horizon, adding another layer of visual interest to compositions.
Best Time to Visit
The prime season for photographing puffins at Elliston runs from late May to early September, with peak activity in June and July. During this time, puffins are actively nesting, socializing, and feeding their chicks, providing endless opportunities for dynamic shots.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best lighting conditions, as midday sun can create harsh contrasts and deep shadows on the birds' black-and-white feathers. Windy conditions can enhance flight photography by making puffins hover slightly before landing, giving photographers more time to focus and capture sharp images.
For those hoping to capture icebergs in the background, the best time to visit is from April to early June, though sightings vary from year to year. Fall brings dramatic coastal storms, with towering waves crashing against the cliffs—ideal for capturing the raw power of Newfoundland's rugged coastline.
How to Get There
The Elliston Puffin Viewing Site is located on the Bonavista Peninsula, approximately 300 kilometers northwest of St. John's, Newfoundland. The drive from St. John's takes about 3.5 to 4 hours via the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) and then Route 230 toward Bonavista. A well-marked road leads to the site from the small town of Elliston, known as the "Root Cellar Capital of the World" due to its historic underground food storage structures.
Once at the site, a short walking trail leads to the viewing area. The puffin nesting rock sits just a few meters offshore, providing an incredibly close view without the need for binoculars or long telephoto lenses. Parking is available near the trail entrance, and there is no admission fee, though donations to maintain the site are encouraged.
Exploring Elliston and the Surrounding Area
Beyond the puffin colony, Elliston and the Bonavista Peninsula offer an array of stunning photographic opportunities. The town itself is rich in history, with its famous root cellars and picturesque fishing stages providing insight into Newfoundland's traditional way of life. Nearby, the town of Bonavista features colorful waterfront buildings, historic lighthouses, and expansive ocean views.
For those interested in dramatic coastal scenery, Dungeon Provincial Park offers rugged sea caves and rock arches carved by the relentless Atlantic waves. Photographers seeking wildlife beyond seabirds can visit Cape Bonavista, a prime location for spotting whales, including humpbacks and minkes, as they migrate along the coast.
Nearby Photography Locations
– Located at the tip of the Bonavista Peninsula, this striking red-and-white lighthouse offers stunning seascape photography, especially at sunrise and sunset. The rocky cliffs provide dramatic foreground elements against the endless Atlantic horizon.
– Just outside of Bonavista, this rugged coastline features towering cliffs, sea stacks, and panoramic views. The combination of jagged rock formations and rolling waves creates compelling landscape compositions.
– This site is home to a collapsed sea cave, now forming a dramatic, naturally sculpted rock arch. The park's windswept cliffs and open fields are perfect for moody, atmospheric photography.
– One of the best places to capture breaching whales from shore, Cape Bonavista offers sweeping ocean views and high cliffs that create excellent vantage points. During the right season, it's possible to photograph puffins, icebergs, and whales all in one location.
– A short drive south from Elliston, the historic town of Trinity features beautifully preserved 18th-century buildings, colorful fishing boats, and a stunning coastal backdrop. The town's charming streets and harbor make for excellent travel photography.
The Elliston Puffin Viewing Site is a true gem for photographers, offering an unparalleled opportunity to capture puffins at eye level in their natural habitat. Whether focusing on the intricate details of a puffin's beak, the vast seabird colonies dotting the cliffs, or the wild beauty of Newfoundland's coastline, this destination promises unforgettable images and a deep connection to one of North America's most spectacular wildlife experiences.
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