Witless Bay Ecological Reserve

Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is a spectacular natural sanctuary located off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, comprising four islands: Gull Island, Green Island, Great Island, and Pee Pee Island. The reserve protects North America's largest Atlantic puffin colony, with an estimated 260,000 breeding pairs, as well as the world's second-largest colony of Leach's storm-petrels, hosting over 620,000 pairs. During breeding season, more than four million seabirds inhabit these islands, including thousands of black-legged kittiwakes and common murres.

Located approximately 20 minutes from St. John's, the reserve is recognized as a globally significant important bird and biodiversity area. Visitors can experience the reserve through guided boat tours departing from nearby communities, though landing on the islands is prohibited to protect the breeding populations. The surrounding waters are rich with food sources, particularly capelin and other fish species that sustain the massive seabird populations. This remarkable destination offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness nature's grandeur on an extraordinary scale.