Welcome to "Excursion Around the Bay”

When Newfoundlanders say "around the bay," they are usually referring to the Baccalieu Trail Area. The song "Excursion Around the Bay," made popular by Great Big Sea, reflects how many people from the St. John's area spend their weekends and holidays. The area is known for its peaceful small towns, beautiful scenery, and its hospitality.

"Excursion Around the Bay" is a guide to each community on the Baccalieu Trail Loop, which was developed by the Baccalieu Trial Tourism Association in partnership with other regional groups.

The Loop has two entrances/exits from the TransCanada. The closer entry to the Marine Atlantic ferry terminal in Argentia is the Trinity Bay entrance on the TransCanada highway at Whitbourne (Exit 28) via Route 80. (Approximately 50 km or 45 minutes from Argentia.) Route 80 is in a paved road through the communities along the South Shore of Trinity Bay.

The closer entry to St. John’s on the TransCanada highway is via the Veterans’ Memorial Drive (Exit 31) Route 75. (Approximately 50 km or 45 minutes from St. John’s International Airport.) Veterans' Memorial Drive leads to Route 70, a paved road winding along the North Shore of Conception Bay.

At Old Perlican, near the tip of the Baccalieu Peninsula, Route 70 and Route 80 meet, so the traveller can make a complete loop around the Baccalieu Trail.

In this web site each community and town on the Trail in Trinity Bay and Conception Bay is described in order.

Beginning - Ending of Baccalieu Trail on the Conception Bay Side.

Brigus / Georgetown and Roaches Line are either an outstanding introduction or a delightful end to your excursion.

Beginning
Leave the Trans Canada at Exit 31. You enter Route 75 (Veterans’ Memorial Drive.)

From Route 75 take the turnoff to Roaches Line - Route 70. Follow Route 70 to the Crossroads between Route 71 and Route 60. Turn right and take Route 60 to Brigus.

You are ready to begin your “Excursion Around The Bay.”

Ending

You have two choices.
1) Remain on Route 60, travelling towards Holyrood, Conception Bay South, and St. John’s. The dive is scenic.

2) To return to the Trans Canada go in the opposite direction. Continue on Route 60, going towards Cupids and Mackinsons and Route 70. At the intersection with Route 70, turn left towards Roaches Line, which leads back into Route 75 (Veterans’ Memorial Drive. ) At the end of Route 75, you can go East to St. John’s or West to Argentia and Port aux Basques.