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Explore Conception Bay from Downtown St. John's - Book Your Tour Today
Drive from Downtown St. John's into the scenic outport communities that line Conception Bay and discover a region rich in history and local character; you’ll hear stories of ancient pirates, WW2 submarine attacks, the dawn of transatlantic aviation, arctic exploration, and North America’s first European colony. This authentic Newfoundland experience invites you to meet great people, enjoy great food, and soak up the coastal atmosphere as you tour the bay’s charming settlements. Lunch is served as soup with fish cakes and a dessert-please let us know any dietary restrictions and we will accommodate you.
About this activity in Downtown St. John's
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Drive the scenic Conception Bay coastline from Downtown St. John's and visit charming outport communities full of seafaring history and storytelling.
- Hear live-guide narration in English about pirates, WW2 submarine action, early transatlantic aviation and Arctic exploration as you travel the region.
- Enjoy a local 3-course lunch featuring soup, fish cakes and dessert - classic Newfoundland flavours served on the tour (tell us about dietary needs).
- Family-friendly experience: suitable for all fitness levels, strollers are fine and service animals are welcome, making it ideal for multi-generational groups.
Important Information
- The full land-based tour lasts about 7 hours including driving; expect roughly 15 minutes at most stops while travel time between sites accounts for much of the schedule.
- Pickup and drop-off are included from major hotels and B&Bs in Downtown St. John's; pickup begins before the official tour start time - check your pickup list for the exact window.
- A minimum of four booked guests is required for the tour to proceed; the operator reserves the right to cancel if the minimum isn’t met. Gratuities are not included.
- Passengers may need to navigate a few steps at stops; you can stay on the vehicle during visits if you prefer not to walk around.
Meeting Point
Pickups occur across Downtown St. John's at major hotels and B&Bs; the closest convenient point to the cruise terminal is the alt hotel (approximately 300 m). Check your booking pickup list for your exact pickup time and location.
Includes
- Enjoy a 3-course lunch included with your full-day tour departing from Downtown St. John's.
- All fees and taxes are covered so you can relax and focus on the sights.
- Pickup and drop-off at major hotels and B&Bs in the area are included for your convenience.
- Follow a live English-speaking guide who will lead the tour and share local insights.
Excludes
- Gratuities are not included and may be given at your discretion.
Other
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, making this tour family-friendly in St. John's.
- Service animals are welcome on the tour to accommodate guests with accessibility needs.
- Public transportation options are available nearby if you prefer to meet at a central point.
- The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; minimal walking is required unless you wish to explore on foot.
- A minimum of four people is required for the tour to proceed; the operator reserves the right to cancel if minimum numbers are not met.
- Passengers may need to go up and down a couple of steps; we stop and walk around at each site, but you may remain in the vehicle if you prefer.
- The tour lasts 7 hours total, including driving time between coastal sites and hotel pickups; expect about 15 minutes at each stop with additional travel time.
- The closest pickup to the cruise terminal is the alt hotel, approximately 300 meters away for easier access.
- Pickup begins prior to the scheduled departure time-check your pickup list to see how long before the start time you should be ready.
- If you have dietary restrictions, you must let us know in advance; otherwise the included lunch will be the standard fish cakes.
- This is a land-based driving tour that travels along the coast, offering scenic views of the region without water transfers.
Customer Reviews
10/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
This was my 2nd day trip with McCarthy's Party and I was lucky enough to have the same driver again! Steve really knew his stuff and made the trip even more enjoyable with his singing, stories and knowledge.
The scenery was beautiful and well worth the trip.
I'd highly recommend the company, the trip and their great driver, Steve!
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Summary:
Steve was a great guide and definitely gave a lot of historical background on all the stops we visited, and everything in between. The views of the bay and the coves were so beautiful, and understanding the role that these played (and in some cases, continue to) in Newfoundland's history was enlightening. The lunch stop was also excellent and the food was great (we were quite full afterward). I loved that there was not a lot of crowds in our photo stops. Steve was also very knowledgeable and so we were able to ask questions during our photo stops. I would definitely recommend this day tour!
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Summary:
Fun and knowledgeable tour guide (Steve) and a well paced visit to all the beautiful sites. Lunch was lovely, and the restaurant staff were very welcoming.
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Know more about Downtown St. John's
You’ll drive along the scenic Conception Bay shoreline visiting pretty outport communities steeped in stories of ancient pirates, WW2 submarine attacks, the dawn of transatlantic aviation, arctic exploration and North America’s first European colony. The land-based tour stops at multiple coastal sites so you can step out, take photos and soak up local history and culture.
The standard included lunch is a three-course meal featuring soup, fish cakes and a dessert. If you have any dietary restrictions you must let the operator know in advance and they will accommodate you.
Pickup and drop-off are provided at major hotels and B&Bs in the area. The closest pickup to the cruise terminal is the alt hotel, roughly 300 metres away. Pickup begins prior to the tour start time, so check your pickup list to see how early you should be ready.
The full excursion lasts about 7 hours, which includes driving between communities and hotel pickups. You can expect roughly 15 minutes at most stops, with driving time accounting for much of the schedule.
Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are allowed. Note that passengers may need to go up and down a couple of steps at stops; you can remain in the vehicle if you prefer not to walk around.
Tours are led by a live guide in English who shares stories about the region’s maritime history and local culture. The operator requires a minimum of four people booked for a tour to proceed, and they reserve the right to cancel if the minimum isn’t met.
