Explore a site that’s changing our understanding of early Colonial life in North America.

Start at our Visitor Centre. Its introductory film and exhibit will set the scene and introduce you to the Colony’s cast of characters. Upstairs you’ll find our Archaeology Lab where trained staff process the thousands of artifacts unearthed each week. Then, head out with a local guide. They’ll help you de-code our ongoing excavations and (from Monday-Friday) introduce you to our archaeologists. Stroll our heritage gardens and don’t miss our recreated 17th century kitchen where you can touch and taste the daily life of Ferryland’s first settlers.

Regular admission includes guided tour and access to our visitor centre, conservation lab, archaeological site, and 17th-century kitchen and gardens. Family and youth admissions include FREE rental of our Baltimore Backpacks. Bilingual self guided tours always available and bilingual guided tours are available upon request.

Special Programs & Events:
Archaeologist for a Day
Dig and Dig In
Baltimore Backpacks
Colonial Cook Off
Colony Day

1. Perfect Timing. While the Colony is open 7 days a week, our archaeologists are on site Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00pm.
2. Relax and Refuel. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the Colony’s grounds.
3. We dig dogs! Leashed pets are welcome on site. Sorry, service dogs only inside buildings.
4. When Nature Calls. Public toilets, including facilities for folks with limited mobility, are located inside our Visitor Centre.
5. Click away! The Colony of Avalon welcomes photographers. Please share your photos with us on Facebook and Twitter.
6. Parlez Vous Francais? Please enquire about availability of French-language guided tours. Printed versions of our tour are available in French at Reception.
7. Limited mobility? Blue Zone parking is available immediately outside our Visitor Centre. A chair lift is available to our second floor. While most visitors walk from the Visitor Centre, parking is also available next to the archaeological site. Please ask staff for directions. Access around the archaeological site is uneven but fairly level.
8. Expect the unexpected. Weather in Newfoundland is unpredictable. No matter what the temperature or state of the sky, pack a warm layer and a raincoat. Skip the sandals. Sneakers or walking shoes work best on site.