The Gannet Islands Ecological Reserve shelters one of eastern Canada's most spectacular seabird colonies — tens of thousands of Atlantic puffins, razorbills, gannets, and common murres nesting on dramatic sea stacks. A guided small-boat tour brings you close enough to hear the colony roar.
What to expect
Your naturalist guide navigates the reserve's dramatic rock stacks where the air is thick with wings and calls. Puffins launch from cliff ledges at eye level, while northern gannets perform their arrow-dive fishing spectacle just off the bow. Humpback whales feeding in the rich surrounding waters are a frequent bonus sighting. The 3-hour tour includes a full naturalist briefing on seabird biology and Labrador marine ecology.
Good to know
The Gannet Islands are accessed from the Cartwright area; coordinate travel timing carefully against your all-aboard. Pre-booking is essential — reserve at minimum 6 weeks ahead for summer departures. Bring a telephoto lens, windproof jacket, and sea-sickness remedy if prone, as the open Atlantic crossing can be lively.