Explore burgeo

Discover Burgeo—where nature, history, and the sea come together to create unforgettable experiences.

Outline of a flying bird with outstretched wings, depicted with white lines on a black background.

From sandy beaches and coastal trails to historic sites and wildlife, Burgeo offers a rich mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences to explore.

nature & SCenic Attractions

  • Sandbanks Provincial Park is named for its rolling sand dunes and long stretches of flat, white sandy beaches—among the most striking on the island. Beyond the shoreline, the park features spruce-fir forests and open barrens typical of Newfoundland’s south coast.

  • Situated next to the campground, this pond is multiuse, whether its swimming or kayaking/canoeing this spot will get you the outdoor experience that all nature goers love.

  • Visit the sandbanks graveyard to learn more about the resettled island community of Upper Burgeo on Cornelius Island and earliest settlers of Burgeo.

  • Take a hike to the scenic lookout where you can see a birds-eye view of the town. The lookout is ideal for picnics, photos, and taking in the fresh air. The area is easily accessible as the hike is mainly up a gentle slope on a boardwalk. This location is perfect for viewing the sunset or stargazing.

  • Take in the sights of Aarons Arm on this scenic trail. The 5.3km out and back, boardwalk meanders through the forest, across the barrens, and ends up on a nearby beach near Sandbanks Provincial Park. The views are impeccable with sights of the islands, coastline, and potentially wildlife! Definitely worth the visit.

  • Take a walk to this iconic site. Often used by the locals, this scenic location just outside of town has majestic waterfalls and a serene swimming hole, don’t forget a change of clothes and a camera!

  • This iconic mountain is a highlight of the drive down the caribou road. Be sure to get a picture of this iconic landmark as you travel to or from the town. ask a local to guide you to the top as the area is often frequented by locals for hiking or hunting.

  • Explore the historic island that was used for determining Newfoundland’s first lunar distance longitudinal coordinate. Captain James Cook measured the longitude during a total solar eclipse in 1766. He sent the information to Dr. John Bevis who deduced the location. In the late 1800s the island had a beacon used for navigational purposes, a recreation of one of the beacons is present today.

  • The town has great access to the pristine bays and fjords that line the coast, be sure to find someone that will take you to the iconic Bay de Loup, Bay de Vieux, Connoire Bay and White Bear Bay to see the towering cliffs and waterfalls.

  • With many different harbours situated throughout town there are many viewpoints taking in scenic ocean views and colorful houses along the shoreline. Be sure to take a walk around these iconic places of rural Newfoundland, where boats still roam!

  • Stop by the wharf and see the sights of the fishing industry, take shelter in a safe harbour and watch the speedboats and sailboats drift by. If you are a sailor this is the ideal spot to moor your vessel for a day or two!

  • Connecting the town to the other outport communities of the southwest coast this wharf provides access to the provincial ferry service which runs once daily to Grey River and Francois and multiple times for the Ramea islands. Ferries are cash only and the Ramea route is car and passenger while the Grey River/Francois is passenger only. There is a public facility for you to wait which has washrooms, tv, and a small selection of food and drink.

Sunset at a sandy beach with rocks on the left, gentle waves, and footprints leading towards the horizon.

Sandbanks features sweeping white sand beaches and rolling dunes along Burgeo’s coastline.

A person jumping off a rocky ledge into a river with another person standing on the rocks, and a clear blue sky in the background.

Seal Brook is a scenic waterfall and swimming spot just outside of town.

A large body of water, possibly a fjord or lake, surrounded by mountains with clear blue sky.

The fjords showcase dramatic coastal cliffs and pristine ocean views.

historical & cultural Landmarks

  • Take a step back in time and learn about the town's history. With artifacts covering aspects of the fishery, military, everyday life, businesses, church, tools, and boats, there’s something for everyone to learn.

  • Pay respects to loved one who have passed away, discover your roots and uncover more about your family tree. The cemetery also has a memorial for the crew of the Cape Royal disaster that occurred in the 1977.

  • Be sure to stop at the symbolic monument in the town with engraved names of fallen soldiers from Burgeo who served in the wars. Whether you're there to pay respects or potentially discover an insight into your family tree, this monument is important to our town's history.

  • Discover the history of the ancestors of the town. ask around town for a tour or kayak and explore your own! Theres lots to uncover about the town from aboriginals, old settlements, such as Hunts Island and Grand Bruit, shipwrecks, and more among the various islands; one for each day of the year!

  • Scattered around the town there are information boards describing historic sites and important events of the town’s history, be sure to walk around and see how many you can find!

  • Take in a sermon or two at the Anglican church, services every Sunday.

  • Stop by and visit this historic church. Built in the 1800’s and renovated to keep up with modern times, the United Church stands tall offering services to everyone.

  • Straight off the highway you can’t miss this sign! The iconic board, featuring the footprints you leave behind from sandbanks and a set of caribou antlers in name of the drive, the notable features make this spot ideal for a picture to commemorate your time in town! Be sure to get your shot taken before the car ride home.

  • Take in the views and get an iconic picture in the rainbow chair! This chair was created by the local HELP committee and is designed to remind visitors and locals to be accepting of others, despite our differences.

The exterior of the Burgeo Museum, a small white building with blue accents, featuring a colorful mural of a coastal scene with houses and hills on the side. There is a blue and yellow ramp and stairs leading to the entrance, decorated with a sign and flowers nearby.

Take a step back in time and learn about the town's history. With artifacts covering aspects of the fishery, military, everyday life, businesses, church, tools, and boats, there’s something for everyone to learn.

A memorial site with a wooden staircase leading up to a raised platform with crosses, flags, and memorial plaques, surrounded by green grass and trees.

The Cape Royal Monument honours those lost in the 1977 marine tragedy.

An island with rocky and grassy terrain in the water, featuring a tall, white, sail-shaped structure on top, under a cloudy sky.

Eclipse Island is a historic site named by Captain James Cook during a solar eclipse in 1766.

community Spaces & activities

  • Experience the local Mi’kmaq culture and participate in the celebrations hosted by the local first nation band. Try traditional foods, experience a sunset ceremony, hand drumming, sharing circles and other fun activities.

  • Typically, a rental space for events and the lions club meetings, this facility turns into a bingo hall on Tuesday nights. Other fundraising events and meetings also occur.

  • Does the thrill of speed and ice excite you, if so the stadium is meant for you! Open to general skate and hockey games during the winter, it’s a town favourite. The rink has celebrated many wins and losses with school teams and local tournaments. The rink is used as a party stage in the summer, hosting concerts and dances.

  • Typically, a rental space for events and the fire department meetings, this facility is used for darts, dances, meetings, and other fundraising events.

  • Try your green thumb or learn more about how to do it! The town’s community garden is great for growing crops that will benefit residents and tourists alike, stop by to learn from resident gardener and see the growth yourself!

  • The outskirts of town are home to two of the most lucrative salmon rivers in the province, with majestic views around them, these spots are ideal for the avid angler and outdoor tourist alike!

  • Take advantage of the barrens and back country. The area has various types of wild game to hunt including but not limited to moose, caribou, grouse, ptarmigan, bear, coyote and rabbits. If hunting isn’t your forte, the experience, landscape, and meals will be spectacular!

  • Situated on the old Parish Hall site, the gazebo in Town square is ideal for a picnic or to watch the action of the busy Town streets. The site has garden plots and history boards, making it ideal to relax, learn, and participate.

  • The playground offers many activities for the children of the town, from tennis courts, to basketball, and a jungle gym with various other activities, including a splash pad. This area will surely entertain any child! Also be sure to read and pay respect to the memorial sign of veteran Vaughn Ingram

  • Take a gander at the community rock wall. It contains painted rocks depicting various images and motivational sayings. Feel free to add your own and spread the joy and kindness to others.

  • Fancy a game of baseball, this diamond is for you! The public field has been used for many years celebrating the wins and losses of both school teams and local tournaments. Take a swing at the bat and hit it out of the park!

A small outdoor area with a teepee tent, children's swings, a small yellow shed, and a greenhouse under a blue sky with some houses and greenery in the background.

The Community Garden is a shared space where residents grow fresh produce and garden together.

A Native American man dressed in traditional regalia performing at a cultural event outdoors, with tents and audience in the background.

Mawiomi is a celebration of Mi’kmaq culture, community, and tradition.

Children playing on a splash pad with water sprayers and water jets on a grassy area under a partly cloudy sky, with a few people standing nearby.

The Splash Pad is a popular summer spot where kids can cool off and play.

book your stay

Your Coastal Getaway Awaits

find a place to stay