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    Welcome to Colony of Avalon

    Experience the History
    Right under Your Feet

Come Home To History

Looking for a fun adventure this summer? Stay tuned for more details on The Colony of Avalon’s upcoming 2026 season! You’ll be able to book your adventure by using our “Book Now” button a the top of the page to experience everything we have to offer.

Join us at the Colony of Avalon to Tour, Dig, and Discover! Tour the grounds, laboratory, and active archaeological site, all with breathtaking 360° views of the ocean, before our guides take you into the 17th-century kitchen. Dig in the active archaeological site, which has uncovered over 2 million artifacts to date, with our Archaeologist For A Day program. Discover 400 years of fascinating history from the presence of the Beothuk, to the settlements of George Calvert (First Baron Baltimore) and David Kirke, to the contemporary residents of Ferryland.

Please stay tuned for our Great Colonial Cook-off that happens each year and follow us on social media as we dig deep to bring our finds and 17th-century recipes to your home.

See you soon!

View Experiences

Uncovering, Preserving and Exploring History

With every scrape of an archaeologist’s trowel, stirring of a pot, or planting of a seed, we’re coming a little bit closer to understanding the history of the Colony and the lives of the people who lived here.

Established in 1621 by Sir George Calvert (the First Lord Baltimore), the Colony of Avalon is widely recognized as the best preserved early English colonial site in North America. Today, on-going work at the Colony is changing the way we understand that past.

Think early Newfoundlanders lived in hovels on a diet of fish, fish and more fish? Think all Catholics were persecuted and women were second class citizens? Think again! Imagine a place where substantial stone and timber-frame houses lined a “prettie” cobblestone street, where protestants AND catholics worshipped in peace, and a woman held most of the power!

History of the site

Explore More

There is so much to do at the Colony of Avalon! Explore the resources at your fingertips before coming and exploring the history beneath your feet.

  • Experiences

    Experiences

    Visiting the Colony of Avalon is an experience like no other, so make the most of it by getting the WHOLE story

    Experiences

  • The Dig Site

    The Dig Site

    While the specific location of Lord Baltimore’s Colony of Avalon was not known, the people of Ferryland were no strangers to the history of the location.

    The Dig Site




Plan Your Trip
Make The Most Of Your Visit

Whether you’re coming directly to visit, or making us part of your trip around the Irish Loop, it’s worth planning how to make the most of the Colony of Avalon and Ferryland where we’re found.

Make sure you know where to find us, where the best picnic spots are, and what other stops are worth it on your route!

 

Explore More

  • We had a wonderful visit!

    We had a wonderful visit! Lulu and Lori were so knowledgeable and kind. The made us feel like family.
    Ann

  • You aren’t done exploring NL if this isn’t on your list!

    Really knowledgeable + fun tour guides. you aren't done exploring NL, if this isn't on your list. We got a family pass which averaged out to $14 p/p which is amazing value- considering all the knowledge the tour guides would have learnt to present it in a easily digestiable way for tourists, well done!
    Deana

  • I was fascinated by this history

    The Museum Center is very easy to get to just off the main road. The people are phenomenally polite. The museum admission price is reasonable and the staff has done an amazing job put together the history of the site. The combination of artefacts and document research shows a vibrant community of various faiths living together in a new land. As someone from Maryland I was fascinated by this history and the connection of Maryland to this place. Go - it is worth the time and energy.
    Andrew

  • Very cool active archaeological site

    Very cool active archaeological site with tons of interesting history on the settlement and power struggles of NFLD. Walking through the cobblestone paths was a treat, and the sweeping shorelines and waves are amazing to enjoy. Would recommend a visit for sure when travelling along the Irish loop!
    Bryan

  • One of the best places to visit…

    We completed the Irish Loop and stopped in for a visit to explore the artifacts and items on display. This was one of our best places to visit on the Irish Loop.

  • So fascinating!

    And the walk up to the lighthouse was worth it! The museum there, the ladies were very helpful and shared some very cool stories and full of knowledge! I’m jealous of where they live and their jobs. History is just so fascinating for this tiny little area on the planet, you won’t be let down by coming here just to see it first hand. It’s a small little museum but very interesting!
    Scott H.

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