A day trip from St. John's to Petty Harbour: fish and chips by the water

If you have a free afternoon in St. John's and want a taste of outport Newfoundland, Petty Harbour is one of the easiest trips to make. About half an hour's drive south of the city, it is a working fishing village set in a steep, narrow harbour, with brightly painted sheds and stages along the water. Many visitors come for the views and stay for the fish and chips.

How do you get to Petty Harbour from St. John's?

By car, it is roughly a half-hour drive, depending on where you start and the traffic. The road winds down into the village, and parking near the harbour can be tight on summer weekends. There is no simple public transit link, so most visitors drive, take a taxi or join a tour.

The more adventurous can reach it on foot along the East Coast Trail, a long coastal hiking route. The section from Cape Spear toward Petty Harbour is a full day's hike with steep and exposed stretches, so plan carefully and check conditions.

Where can you eat in Petty Harbour?

The village is small, and its best-known spot is a family-owned restaurant known for its fish and chips with flaky cod, along with other seafood. It sits close to the harbour, and eating cod a stone's throw from the boats is part of the appeal. Check its hours before you drive out, especially outside the summer season, as small-village hours change.

Bring snacks and water if you plan to hike, since options along the trail are few.

What else is there to do in Petty Harbour?

• Walk the harbour and look at the fishing stages, boats and painted sheds.
• Visit the small aquarium, a seasonal touch-tank attraction that families love.
• Hike a section of the East Coast Trail for cliffs, sea views and, in season, whales offshore.
• Watch for whales and seabirds from the shore in summer.
• Join a boat or kayak tour, if one is running.

When is the best time to visit Petty Harbour?

Summer is the easiest, with longer hours, more to do and the best chance of a calm, clear day. Late spring and early summer can bring icebergs along the coast, and summer brings whales. In the shoulder seasons and winter, the village is quiet and some places close, but the harbour is still beautiful on a crisp, clear day.

How do you combine Petty Harbour with Cape Spear?

Many visitors pair Petty Harbour with Cape Spear, the easternmost point of North America, which is nearby. A good plan is to visit Cape Spear in the morning for the lighthouse and the views, then drive to Petty Harbour for lunch and a wander around the harbour, returning to St. John's in the afternoon.

What should you bring for a day in Petty Harbour?

1. Layers and a waterproof jacket, since the coast can be windy and cold even in summer
2. Good walking shoes, especially if you plan to hike
3. A camera, for the harbour and the coast
4. Snacks and water for the trail
5. Patience with parking on busy days

What is an outport?

In Newfoundland, an outport is a small coastal community outside the main towns, traditionally built around the fishery. Petty Harbour is one of the closest to St. John's, which makes it an easy introduction. Outports have a character of their own: houses perched on the rocks, stages where fish were landed and processed, boats tied up in a sheltered harbour, and communities where families have lived for generations. Be respectful when you visit. It is a working harbour and people's home, not a museum, so stay off private wharves and give fishers room to work.

Is Petty Harbour good for families?

Yes. The harbour is fascinating for children, the aquarium is a highlight, and fish and chips is an easy meal for young eaters. Keep a close eye on children near the water's edge and on any trails, which can be steep.

Can you walk to Petty Harbour on the East Coast Trail?

Yes. The East Coast Trail, a long-distance coastal path along the Avalon Peninsula, passes through the area, and the section between Cape Spear and Petty Harbour is a popular day hike with ocean views, cliffs and, in season, whales and icebergs offshore.

If you plan to hike:

• Arrange transport back, since it is a one-way route.
• Check the trail conditions and weather, which can change quickly on the coast.
• Bring water, layers and snacks, because there is nowhere to buy food on the trail.
• Finish with fish and chips in Petty Harbour, which feels well earned after a few hours on the cliffs.

How do you remember the places you loved?

A day trip often produces the most memorable meal of a holiday. Mosey lets you rate the places you ate at and the dishes you ordered, with photos, and keep a list of outport spots to try on your next trip.

More guides to read next:

• Brunch in St. John's: toutons, fish cakes and weekend lines
• Eating in Quidi Vidi Village: a food guide to St. John's fishing village
• Regatta Day in St. John's: what to eat and how to enjoy the day

More in the Canadian food guides and the ranked lists of places.