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Elliston Root Cellars

4.6
·491k reviews·Elliston, Canada

Discover Elliston, the 'Root Cellar Capital of the World,' where quirky history meets abundant puffins and dramatic coastal beauty.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best for puffin viewing

CrowdMedium
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Elliston Root Cellars - Image 1

Elliston Root Cellars

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best for puffin viewing

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Elliston, the 'Root Cellar Capital of the World,' where quirky history meets abundant puffins and dramatic coastal beauty.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Cool and creepy....root cellars at Elliston among the puffins. These doors are speckled all around this town."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Wander and Discover

Explore the town on foot to find the most charming root cellars and scenic coastal spots. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Magic

Bring your camera for puffins, root cellars, and stunning ocean views. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Root Cellars

The Root Cellars

Throughout Elliston

Discover over 130 historic underground root cellars, a unique architectural marvel of Newfoundland.

Puffin Colony

Puffin Colony

Coastal areas of Elliston

Witness thousands of puffins nesting on the cliffs during the summer months. A true wildlife spectacle!

Coastal Scenery & Sea Stacks

Coastal Scenery & Sea Stacks

Elliston coastline

Marvel at dramatic cliffs, rugged coastlines, and impressive sea stacks sculpted by the Atlantic.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Quirky Charm

Elliston is the 'Root Cellar Capital of the World,' boasting over 130 unique underground storage spaces. Explore these fascinating historical structures scattered throughout the town, often near the coast. Don't miss the chance to spot puffins, especially during nesting season, adding to the town's unique appeal.

Puffin Paradise & Coastal Views

Plan your visit to coincide with puffin season for an unforgettable wildlife experience. Elliston offers accessible land-based viewing opportunities. Combine this with the stunning coastal scenery, sea stacks, and wild roses for a truly picturesque Newfoundland adventure.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best for puffin viewing
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Cool and creepy....root cellars at Elliston among the puffins. These doors are speckled all around this town, and the world's largest number of roots cellars are found here...random facts. #random #rootcellar #creepy #practical #elliston #adventure #explorecanada #explore #travelcanada #beautiful
becksworldtreks
11 likes • 409 views

🚶‍♀️ Wander and Discover

Explore the town on foot to find the most charming root cellars and scenic coastal spots. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Magic

Bring your camera for puffins, root cellars, and stunning ocean views. :camerawithflash:

A visit to Elliston, Newfoundland & Labrador - the Root Cellar Capital of the World. I believe there are 130 accessible cellars. Holy Wow! Oh and the puffin colony is amazing. It has breathtaking coastline with fascinating rock formations, and an extremely accessible, land-based puffin colony. The sealer’s museum is also a must see! #elliston #puffins #rootcellars #newfoundlandandlabrador #bonavi...
kimberlyropsonart
13 likes • 288 views
I believe the universe is trying to give me a sign It’s obvious isn’t it? I hear Elliston has puffins, I believe that they are famous for it; and root cellars, after all, it is the Root Cellar Capital of the World. Yet I ain’t seen nar puffin and only one root cellar. Perhaps I am doing too much talking to the people. People like Laurie Mouland and Daisy Templeman who served me like I was fa...
newfoundlandvacationrentals
9 likes • 544 views

🦤 Puffin Etiquette

Observe puffins from a distance and avoid disturbing their nests. :bird:

🗺️ Explore Nearby

Elliston is close to Bonavista and Maberly, offering more to see. :world_map:

Sunset Elliston NL home of the Root Cellars and Beautiful Puffins….
stanmac96
3 likes • 54 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Wander and Discover

Explore the town on foot to find the most charming root cellars and scenic coastal spots. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Magic

Bring your camera for puffins, root cellars, and stunning ocean views. :camerawithflash:

🦤 Puffin Etiquette

Observe puffins from a distance and avoid disturbing their nests. :bird:

🗺️ Explore Nearby

Elliston is close to Bonavista and Maberly, offering more to see. :world_map:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are charmed by Elliston's unique identity as the Root Cellar Capital and its abundant puffin population. The quirky historical cellars and stunning coastal scenery are consistently praised. Some find dining options limited within the town itself, suggesting nearby Bonavista for more choices.

What People Like

Unique root cellars
Abundant puffins
Scenic coastal views

What People Dislike

Limited dining options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Elliston is located on the Bonavista Peninsula in Newfoundland and Labrador. The easiest way to reach it is by car, typically driving from St. John's. The drive takes approximately 3-4 hours. You can also fly into St. John's International Airport (YYT) and rent a car. TikTok

Public transportation options are very limited in rural Newfoundland. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Elliston and the surrounding areas at your own pace. Reddit

The best way to explore Elliston is by car to reach different viewpoints and cellar locations. Once you're in the vicinity of a cluster of cellars, walking is ideal for discovery. Instagram

While there aren't many formal 'root cellar tours,' local tourism information centers or accommodations might offer insights or self-guided route suggestions. Many visitors enjoy simply driving and walking around to find them. Instagram

Roads in Elliston are generally well-maintained, but be prepared for winding coastal roads. Always check local weather conditions, especially outside of summer. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to see the root cellars. They are part of the town's landscape and can be viewed freely as you explore. Instagram

Generally, there are no specific entrance fees for the natural puffin viewing areas. However, always be respectful of private property and follow any posted guidelines. Reddit

The best time to visit for puffins is typically from late May to early August. For general exploration and pleasant weather, summer months (June-August) are ideal. Instagram

Root cellars are historical structures and do not have opening hours. They are accessible to view from the outside at any time. Instagram

While Elliston is a small community, you can often find local information at nearby tourism offices in Bonavista or through local accommodations. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The coastline offers stunning photo opportunities with sea stacks and rugged cliffs. Many root cellars are also photogenic, especially when framed by the landscape. Sunset can be particularly beautiful. Instagram+1

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and wildlife. A wide-angle lens can capture the vastness of the coast, and a telephoto lens is useful for puffins. Instagram

Yes, you can take photos of the puffins, but always maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them. Reddit

Generally, there are no restrictions on photography in public areas. However, be mindful of private property if you are exploring near residences. Instagram

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for puffin viewing. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Elliston is a small community, and dining options might be limited. You'll find more extensive restaurant choices in nearby Bonavista. Instagram

Expect fresh seafood, particularly cod and lobster, as well as traditional Newfoundland dishes. Instagram

Small communities like Elliston may have local cafes or convenience stores. For more variety, Bonavista is your best bet. Instagram

Yes, packing a picnic is a great idea to enjoy the scenic coastal views. There are many beautiful spots to stop and eat. Instagram

Dining hours can vary, especially in smaller towns. It's advisable to check with local establishments or plan meals in Bonavista. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Elliston offers a unique and engaging experience for families. The 'Root Cellar Capital of the World' title sparks curiosity, and kids often find the idea of underground storage fascinating. Encourage them to spot as many root cellars as possible during your explorations. The accessible puffin colony is another major highlight, providing an exciting wildlife encounter. InstagramReddit

Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as dining options can be limited. Consider a picnic lunch to enjoy the scenic coastal views. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the terrain. The relatively short driving distances between attractions make it manageable for younger children. Instagram

📸 Photographers' Paradise

🚶‍♀️ Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts

For those who love nature and wildlife, Elliston is a must-visit. The primary draw is the chance to see Atlantic Puffins up close during their nesting season. Reddit The accessible land-based viewing points make this a convenient and rewarding experience. Instagram

Beyond the puffins, the dramatic coastal scenery is a major attraction. Explore the rugged cliffs, sea stacks, and the vast Atlantic Ocean. Keep an eye out for other seabirds and marine life. The natural beauty of the area, with its wild roses and windswept landscapes, offers a true taste of Newfoundland's untamed charm. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Fascinating History of Root Cellars

Elliston's claim to fame as the 'Root Cellar Capital of the World' stems from a unique historical necessity. These underground structures were ingeniously built by early settlers to preserve root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and turnips through the harsh Newfoundland winters. The cool, stable temperatures inside the earth provided an ideal environment for long-term storage, crucial for survival. Many of these cellars are constructed from stone and earth, often with wooden doors, and are found scattered across the landscape, some even near the coast. TikTokInstagram

Exploring Elliston means stumbling upon these historical gems. They are not just relics of the past but a testament to the resourcefulness of the people who settled this rugged land. While many are no longer in active use for storage, they remain a significant part of the town's identity and a draw for curious visitors. Some are remarkably well-preserved, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of self-sufficiency. Instagram

When visiting, take the time to appreciate the craftsmanship and the sheer number of these structures. They are often integrated into the natural terrain, making their discovery part of the adventure. Look for the distinctive doorways peeking out from hillsides or nestled into the landscape. Instagram

Puffin Encounters: A Wildlife Spectacle

Elliston is a prime location for observing Atlantic Puffins, particularly during their nesting season from late spring through early summer (roughly May to August). These charming seabirds, with their distinctive colorful beaks and waddling gait, choose the coastal cliffs of Newfoundland for their breeding grounds. Elliston offers accessible land-based viewing points, allowing visitors to witness these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat without the need for boat tours. InstagramReddit

To maximize your chances of seeing puffins, aim for early morning or late afternoon when they are most active, flying to and from their burrows. Remember to maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the birds or their nesting sites. Binoculars can enhance your viewing experience, allowing you to observe their behavior from afar. The sight of thousands of puffins dotting the cliffs is truly a breathtaking spectacle. Instagram

Beyond the puffins, the coastal environment of Elliston is rich with other seabirds and marine life. The dramatic cliffs themselves provide a stunning backdrop for wildlife photography and a sense of the raw beauty of the Newfoundland coast. Instagram+1

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