Witless Bay is 35 km south of St. John’s. on Hwy 10. The community is part of the Irish Loop, an area that was heavily settled by the Irish.
It is home to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. The reserve supports the largest Atlantic puffin colony in North America. There are more than 250,000 nesting pairs.
A small outport community of about 1600 people,Witless Bay was first settled in 1675. While originally English, the Irish began to settle here in the 1700’s. The first Roman Catholic church was established in 1845. I5 years later a convent was opened that included a school for girls. The Holy Trinity Convent and Chapel is now a Registered Heritage Structure. Restoration continues by the present owners.
It is a beautiful community, with historic buildings, a number of boat and sea kayaking tours and numerous trails.
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