Things To Do
in Conception Bay South

A boiled meal of salt beef (or fresh beef), root vegetables, cabbage and pease pudding—often found at community suppers and family restaurants.

Must-Try!

Small fried pieces of bread dough served with molasses or syrup; commonly offered at breakfasts or local cafés.

Local cod or haddock, freshly battered and fried; available at harbourfront shacks and pubs throughout the town.

Partridgeberries (wild cranberries) appear in pies, jams and preserves sold at markets and used in homestyle desserts.

Seasonal weekend markets and roadside stands pop up in summer offering baked goods, preserves, fresh vegetables and crafts—great for tasting local preserves and baked treats.

For a wider selection of artisanal foods, cheeses and seafood, drive to St. John's markets which run year-round/seasonally and showcase producers from the Avalon Peninsula.

Typical restaurant tipping is 15–20% in Canada for table service; leave a smaller gratuity for counter service if desired. Tip taxi drivers and hairdressers modestly depending on service quality.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted (Visa, Mastercard, Interac); contactless payments are increasingly common. Carry some cash for small roadside vendors or seasonal markets; ATMs are available but less frequent in smaller neighbourhoods.

Iceberg and whale-watching season peaks (April–June) — watch for bergs drifting inshore. Weather is changeable: cool temperatures, fog and brisk winds are common; pack layers and waterproof gear.

Mild temperatures (often 10–20°C / 50–68°F), long daylight hours and the most reliable weather for hiking, kayaking and festivals; however, expect occasional fog and wind.

Crisp days, fewer tourists and colourful foliage; temperatures drop and conditions can be windy and wet—good season for photography and quieter trails.

Cold, snowy and icy conditions with occasional storms; winter recreation includes snowshoeing and snowmobiling, but be prepared for short daylight hours and winter driving requirements.

Well-marked trails following a dramatic river gorge with exposed bedrock, salmon pools and interpretive signage—good for families and photographers.

Short coastal trails and headland walks with striking sea views, good for birdwatching and sunset photography.

Nearby wildlife park offering easy trails and wildlife viewing in a managed setting—suitable for families and casual hikers.

Portions of the East Coast Trail system are reachable with a drive to nearby trailheads, offering longer, rugged coastal hikes for experienced hikers.

Main gateway to Newfoundland and Labrador, about a 20–35 minute drive from Conception Bay South; offers domestic flights and connections to major Canadian hubs. Car rental, taxis and shuttle services are available to reach CBS and surrounding communities.

Located further inland (~2–3 hours drive), useful for some domestic flights and as an alternate routing for national travel; best accessed by car if you plan to explore central Newfoundland as well.

Multi-generational residents with deep roots in fishing and maritime trades; strong community ties and participation in local events.

Residents who work in St. John's or neighbouring communities, attracted by more affordable housing and coastal living.

Visitors and seasonal homeowners who arrive in summer for recreation, festivals and scenic experiences.

Newfoundland and Labrador is home to Indigenous groups and increasing cultural diversity; in smaller towns these populations are smaller than in urban centres but contribute to community life.

The dominant winter sport with local minor hockey leagues and community arenas hosting games and youth programs.

Summer ball and community leagues are popular social activities across neighbourhoods.

Widely played by youth and adults during the warmer months on local fields.

A popular winter recreational activity in rural and provincial trails when conditions allow.