The prologue and first leg of Targa take place on the Irish Loop just south of St. John’s. The Irish Loop is the heart of Irish culture and heritage in Newfoundland and Labrador harkening back to the first settlers from Ireland in the 1600s. The Irish Loop begins in Bay Bulls and takes you on a journey along the coastline of the weathered Southern Shore through countless small fishing settlements such as Tors Cove, Burnt Cove, Bauline East and more.

Some of the best spots for whale watching and bird spotting are at Bay Bulls and Witless Bay. The southern shore is teeming with more birds and whales than you could ever hope to count. Each spring and summer their migration takes them to nesting and feeding grounds just offshore. At the right time of year, you may also encounter icebergs as these natural wonders drift by on their journey south.

Bay Bulls and Witless Bay are home to tour operators ready to lead you out on the ocean to watch for whales gathering and feeding along the coast. This area boasts the 300 km East Coast Trail popular with hikers.

There are also a number of restaurants and accommodations to choose from in this area. Among the restaurants, both the Stone Ducky and The Jigger in Bay Bulls have hosted teams and volunteers from Targa with delicious food and beverages. The Stone Ducky also provides an excellent vantage point to watch the rally from its patio. Other notable eateries include the Irish Loop Coffee Shop in Witless Bay and the Captain’s Table in nearby Mobile.

The Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is an amazing spot to visit. From May to August the four islands that make up the reserve teem with hundreds of thousands of birds, of many species. The largest Atlantic puffin colony in North America is here, with more than 250,000 nesting pairs.

Visit the Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism website for great travel tips and check out the Our Communities page to learn about all the places that host the rally.