Easy hikes and walks around Holyrood

Located near the head of Conception Harbour, the Overfalls are a seasonal cascade where freshwater from the hills above drops over a rock shelf and flows into the inlet. After heavy rain or spring melt the falls are impressively full, creating a curtain of white water that contrasts with the calm harbour below. Surrounded by forested slopes, boulders, and mossy groundcover, the site feels surprisingly wild for being just minutes from town. It’s a popular photography spot and one of the most scenic natural features in the harbour area.

Flowing through the community of Colliers and into Conception Bay, Colliers River is a calm freshwater river bordered by forested banks, alder thickets, and small openings shaped by old farmland. Much of the river runs close to Route 60 and Pondside Road, making it easy to access for short walks or quiet shoreline stops. Anglers know the river for trout in the upper stretches, while locals often use the unofficial footpaths along the lower sections for nature walks and photography. Its mix of wooded edges and gently moving water gives it a peaceful, tucked-away feel despite being close to the main road.

One of Newfoundland’s most picturesque heritage towns, Brigus sits in a sheltered harbour surrounded by rolling hills, historic homes, and narrow lanes shaped by centuries of fishing history. Walking through the village brings you past stone walls, colourful saltbox houses, small wharves, and landmarks tied to early Arctic exploration. It’s a calm, scenic stop on Conception Bay with cafés, coastal lookouts, and easy access to walking trails that show off the area’s rugged shoreline.

Sitting on a cliff above Conception Bay, the Brigus Lighthouse is a compact, modern beacon that’s reached by a scenic coastal trail rather than by road. From the site you get wide ocean views, rugged headlands, and a full look back toward Brigus nestled in its sheltered harbour. Though simple in structure, the setting makes it a standout viewpoint — especially on clear, windy days when the coastline feels wild and expansive.

Starting from the edge of Brigus, this coastal trail follows a rocky, windswept headland toward open Atlantic views and a lookout often used for spotting seals. The route blends steady climbs, uneven footing, and exposed sections, but rewards you with sweeping vistas over Conception Bay and the dramatic cliffs that frame the town. It’s a short but memorable hike with plenty of viewpoints, finishing near the historic Brigus Lighthouse perched above the waves.

Tour like a big zoo. You can see many animals, which you hardly get to see in the wild.