Mistaken Point
Ecological Reserve
A Nature Lover’s Paradise
As part of the surrounding Eastern Hyper-Oceanic barrens, the Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve is a nature-lover’s paradise. In addition to the fossil sites, there are a number of hiking trails and natural preserves in the area for you to explore!
Walking Tours
| Trail Length: | 0.5 km (5-10 minutes) |
| Trail Rating: | Easy |
| Directions: | A paved pull-off and a sign for the Rookery is shortly after the Drook Beach. |
As part of the Eastern Hyper-oceanic barrens, The Rookery Trail takes you to a coastal seabird nesting site with extremely steep cliffs (bring your binoculars!). Multiple seabird species, whales, and more can all be observed in their natural habitats.
There’s a beautiful view when you officially arrive at “The Rookery” – the cliffsides offer a stunning ocean view that stretches as far as the eye can see.
Historical Note: The SS Tolesby shipwreck occurred at the Rookery area in 1908. In a daring rescue led by Joe Perry, local fishermen from The Drook and Portugal Cove South risked their lives to save the 27 shipwrecked sailors, using ropes to scale the jagged cliffs and rescue them from the beach.
Fauna
As the resident nesting species, Black-legged Kittiwakes are the most common sighting on the Rookery – but keep your eyes peeled and you just might catch a glimpse of several other seabirds and creatures that call these cliffsides ‘home’ – including the Atlantic Puffin!
Flora
The flora of the Easter Hyper-Oceanic Barrens forms a striking and lush ecosystem. Hikers will notice dense and vibrant carpets of heath and vegetation, including Crowberry, Creeping Juniper, Northern Blue Violet, and more!
| Trail Length: | 1 km (15-20 minutes) |
| Trail Rating: | Easy |
| Directions: | A parking lot for Freshwater Trail is located across the road from the trail, where the gravel road begins. |
Taking you along the post-glacial landscape of the Eastern Hyper-oceanic Barrens, the Freshwater Trail leads you right to the ocean’s edge – and another seabird nesting site.
Developed by the retreat of the last ice age, the moderately rolling terrain offers hikers an up-close view of the ecology of small ponds, streams, coastal cliffs, and sea stacks.
Historical Note: The shipwrecked SS Germania went down near here in 1869, carrying 1,700 tonnes of cargo – including gold and silver. In 1887, Thomas Neill (who had been involved in the rescue efforts of the SS George Washington in 1877) was awarded two gold sovereigns and a silver medal by the Liverpool Humane Society for his role in saving the passengers of the SS Maglona.
Fauna
You’ll find plenty of Black-legged Kittiwakes nesting on the Freshwater Cove trail, but there are several seabirds who come home to roost in these cliffs – you never know what you might see!
Flora
Given its longer length and ground coverage, this trail offers hikers a greater opportunity to spot more flora of the barrens – including the alpine azalea, a special plant of Artic-Alpine affinity.
Slightly larger and scattered growth can also be spotted, such as stunted balsam fir – known locally as ‘tuckamore’.
Keep those binoculars handy! The Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve coastline is home to an official Canadian Important Bird Area, extending from the Drook to Cape Race. Globally significant due to its wintering populations of Purple Sandpipers and Common Eiders, this IBA is designated under the congregatory species criterion.
For the luckiest of watchers, there is a regular presence of Ruddy Turnstones (4 to 6 birds) that over-winter here (they generally winter much farther south).