Start at The Rooms when it opens—typically 10 a.m. in May, though confirm the seasonal schedule before setting out. Allow about two hours for the galleries, especially the Newfoundland and Labrador history exhibits and the views over the harbor from the upper levels. It is an easy walk from most downtown hotels; if driving, use paid street parking or nearby garages, and expect roughly C$15–20 admission. From there, walk a few minutes up the hill to Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, usually open for visitors during daytime hours outside services. Spend about 45 minutes admiring the Italianate interior, stained glass, and quiet side chapels; modest clothing is appreciated, and access can occasionally be limited during weddings or funerals.
Walk downhill toward George Street for lunch, roughly 10 minutes from the basilica. This compact lane is liveliest later at night, but at midday it is a convenient place to settle into a casual pub or restaurant—YellowBelly Brewery, The Celtic Hearth, or Piatto Pizzeria are dependable choices, with lunch generally C$25–45 per person. Afterward, continue toward St. John’s Harbour and Water Street, following the colorful façades and working waterfront for about an hour. Water Street is Canada’s oldest commercial street, but it remains thoroughly practical rather than museum-like: browse local shops, watch the boats, and duck into a café if the May wind turns sharp. Wear the waterproof boots and carry the rain shell; weather can change quickly even on a bright morning.
From the waterfront, drive or take a taxi to Signal Hill National Historic Site, allowing about 10–15 minutes by car; walking is possible but steep and takes closer to 35–45 minutes. Parking is available near the summit and visitor areas, though spaces can fill on clear afternoons. Give yourself roughly two hours for the North Head Trail, a dramatic coastal path with steep steps, exposed sections, and Atlantic views—use the waterproof boots, warm layer, and gloves, and avoid the cliff edges in strong wind or fog. The site grounds are generally accessible year-round and free, while the visitor centre operates seasonally. Finish at the summit around sunset if conditions are clear, but check the trail and weather advisories before starting, as May fog and wet rock can make the route much slower.
Collect the rental car early and aim for Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site around 8:30–9 a.m.; from St. John’s, allow roughly 20 minutes via Route 11. The site grounds and coastal paths are generally accessible from sunrise, while the lighthouse interior is seasonal, so check Parks Canada’s May hours before going. Give yourself about 90 minutes to walk to North America’s easternmost point, see the historic lighthouse, and explore the exposed cliffs. Wind is often fierce even on a bright day—wear your waterproof boots, warm layer, gloves, and rain shell, and stay well back from the edges. Parking is free, but the small lot can fill on clear mornings.
Continue about 15 minutes along the coast to Petty Harbour–Maddox Cove, where an hour is enough for harbor photographs and a relaxed look around the colorful fishing village. Park considerately near the waterfront and keep the working wharves clear; this is an active community rather than a formal attraction. Have a coffee or light bite before leaving if something is open, but do not count on every business operating in early May. From here, follow Route 10 south toward La Manche Provincial Park, allowing roughly 45 minutes, plus extra time for the narrow, winding Irish Loop roads.
Spend two to three hours at La Manche Provincial Park on the East Coast Trail, walking toward the suspension bridge and along the coastal sections as conditions allow. The trail can be wet, muddy, or slick in May, and some sections may be affected by spring damage, so check the latest provincial trail notice locally before committing to the full route. Waterproof boots, gaiters, a daypack cover, snacks, water, and a charged phone are worthwhile; there are limited services once you leave the main communities. Afterwards, continue south toward Cape Race Lighthouse, near Portugal Cove South. Allow about 75–90 minutes for the scenic approach and drive slowly on rough or gravel sections. The remote headland is ideal for a short lighthouse walk and dramatic ocean views, but there are few facilities, so use washrooms and refuel before heading farther south.
Finish in Trepassey with a simple seafood supper near Trepassey Harbour, choosing the local fish-and-chips or seafood option that is open that evening—May hours can be limited, so call ahead or ask your accommodation to confirm. Budget roughly C$25–45 per person. After Cape Race, allow about 45 minutes back to Trepassey; arrive before closing if you need groceries or fuel, as choices are sparse later at night. Keep dinner flexible rather than rushing the final viewpoint: fog, wind, and road conditions can easily add time on the Southern Shore.
Leave Trepassey around 7:30 a.m. with the tank full—the drive to Bonavista takes roughly 4.5–5 hours via Route 10, Route 1, and Route 230, and services become sparse once you are away from larger towns. Build in time for a coffee and fuel stop around the Trans-Canada Highway, plus weather breaks; May fog, rain, and wind can slow the trip. Pack breakfast or pick up something early, since you will want to reach Cape Bonavista with enough daylight for the coastal walk. On arrival, park near the Bonavista Lighthouse and keep valuables out of the car; the lot can fill on clear afternoons, but May is generally manageable.
Start at Bonavista Lighthouse, perched at the tip of Cape Bonavista. Allow about an hour for the lighthouse grounds, cliff-top views, and photographs—this is one of the best places in the region to scan for seabirds, whales, and, in a good iceberg season, distant ice. The interior and visitor facilities are seasonal, so check the current opening schedule before leaving; an admission fee may apply, usually around C$5–10. Then set out on the Cape Shore Trail, allowing 1.5–2 hours for the exposed coastal path. Wear your waterproof boots, warm layer, and gloves even if the town feels mild: wind on the headland is substantially colder, and sections may be muddy or slick in May. Stay well back from cliff edges, particularly in fog or strong wind, and carry water and a snack.
Drive back toward Bonavista Harbour for Ryan Premises National Historic Site, where a roughly 1.5-hour visit puts the day’s scenery into context through the buildings and exhibits explaining the salt-fish trade. Seasonal hours can be limited in May, so verify that the site is open before committing to the trail; if it is closed, the harbour area still makes a pleasant, unhurried wander. Finish at The Boreal Diner, a short drive from the waterfront, for Newfoundland-inspired comfort food and local ingredients. Budget approximately C$30–50 per person, and call ahead for hours or a table—small-town restaurants may operate on reduced shoulder-season schedules. After dinner, keep the evening easy: tomorrow’s short drive to Trinity is straightforward, but the coastal roads are much more enjoyable when you are not rushing.
Leave Bonavista around 8:30 a.m. and follow Routes 235 and 230 toward Trinity, allowing about an hour in normal conditions. May roads can be damp, foggy, or slow behind local traffic, so keep a little flexibility. Park near Trinity’s historic center—arriving early makes this much easier, as street parking is limited and many businesses operate on seasonal hours. Begin at the Trinity Historical Society, allowing roughly 1½ hours to tour the restored buildings and exhibits on the village’s seafaring and fishing history; confirm opening hours locally, since May schedules can be reduced and admission is generally modest, around C$10–15.
From there, join the Trinity East walking tour late in the morning. The route is an easy, unhurried way to see the painted heritage homes, churches, and harbor without moving the car, and usually takes about an hour. Wear your waterproof boots and keep your rain shell handy—the waterfront can feel markedly colder than the sheltered village streets. For a quick lunch, pick up something casual in Trinity or allow time for a café stop before driving the short distance to Port Rexton; check same-day hours, as several local restaurants and cafés open only seasonally in May.
Spend the afternoon on the Skerwink Trail, a spectacular 2½- to 3-hour loop near Port Rexton. Expect a mix of forest paths, exposed cliff edges, rocky ground, and muddy sections, with excellent views toward coves and offshore islands when the weather is clear. Waterproof hiking boots, a warm mid-layer, gloves, water, snacks, and a charged phone are worthwhile; wind and fog can arrive quickly, and some sections are uneven or slippery. Park only in designated areas and allow extra time if conditions are wet—this is not a trail to rush. Return to Trinity afterward for a warm drink and a little wandering along the harbor before dinner.
Reserve Twine Loft Dining well ahead, particularly if your May visit falls on a weekend. The historic waterfront setting is one of the region’s memorable dining experiences, with dinner typically running about C$50–80 per person before drinks and gratuity. Arrive in casual-smart layers, since evenings in Trinity are often chilly even after a bright afternoon, and keep the rest of the night relaxed rather than trying to add another scheduled stop.
Leave Trinity around 7:30 a.m. for St. John’s, taking Route 230 to the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1). The drive is usually 3.5–4 hours; fill up before leaving the Bonavista Peninsula, since fuel and food options are limited along parts of the route. A short break around Clarenville is practical, and you should reach the city around noon or shortly afterward. If you are returning the rental car downtown, do that before exploring; otherwise, keep it for the evening and use the parking areas around Quidi Vidi Village. Allow extra time if fog, rain, or wildlife slows the highway.
Start in Quidi Vidi Village, where weathered fishing stages and a narrow inlet make for an easy, atmospheric stroll—especially lovely if the harbor is calm. Give yourself about an hour, then walk or drive a few minutes to the Quidi Vidi Lake Trail for a relaxed 45-minute loop beside the water. The trail is mostly gentle, but May can leave muddy patches, so waterproof hiking shoes and a rain layer are worthwhile. Afterward, drive toward Signal Hill for the Johnson GEO CENTRE, allowing roughly 1½ hours; its galleries are indoors and particularly useful on a cold or foggy afternoon. Check the seasonal schedule before setting out, as May opening hours can be shorter than summer hours; admission is generally around C$12–20.
Return to Quidi Vidi for dinner at Mallard Cottage, a beautifully restored historic cottage and one of the city’s best places for a Newfoundland-focused meal. Book ahead—particularly for a final-night dinner—and expect about C$60–90 per person before drinks. The menu changes with the season, often featuring local seafood, root vegetables, game, and preserves. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to enjoy the village in the evening light, and bring a warm layer: even in May, the harbor can feel sharply colder after sunset.