South Avalon

Castle Hill National Historic Park is between Placentia and Highway 100. It is the site of English and French fortifications, whose history is told in the Interpretive Center. Fort Royal was built by the French in 1693 then handed over 20 years later to the British, who renamed it Castle Hill. There is a magnificent view from here over Placentia Bay, and from Le Gaillardin, 10 minutes' walk away, a redoute built by the French in 1692.

Open all year round, Cape Spear National Historic Park, on Highway 11 11 km (7 mi.) south of St John's, is the most easterly point in North America, and has Newfoundland's oldest lighthouse. Dating from 1835 it was in operation until 1955 and is now an interesting museum. In addition there are massive half-ruined gun emplacements from the Second World War, including the barrels of two guns each weighing 30 tons and having a range of 13 km (8 mi.).