The Ultimate Guide to Getting to Newfoundland

Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada’s easternmost province, offers travelers a unique blend of rugged natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Planning a trip to this captivating destination involves understanding the various transportation options available. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your journey to Newfoundland.

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What to Pack for Newfoundland: Your Essential Checklist

Newfoundland’s unpredictable weather and rugged landscapes mean smart packing is key! Whether you’re hiking in Gros Morne, whale watching in Twillingate, or road-tripping, the right gear will keep you warm, dry, and ready for adventure.

🚀 Want a printable checklist? Grab your free Newfoundland Packing List here!

Can You Drive to Newfoundland?

While Newfoundland is an island, you cannot drive directly from mainland Canada via a bridge like in PEI. However, you can drive to ferry terminals in Nova Scotia or Labrador and then take a ferry to Newfoundland. Below are the only two options to get to Newfoundland by car (or RV or motorcycle!).

Driving to Newfoundland via Nova Scotia

To get to Newfoundland via Nova Scotia, drive to North Sydney, Nova Scotia, where you can catch a Marine Atlantic ferry to either Port aux Basques or Argentia in Newfoundland.

Directions:

From Halifax, Nova Scotia: Take Highway 102 north to Truro, then follow Highway 104 east towards Cape Breton. Cross the Canso Causeway and continue on Highway 105 to North Sydney. (~4.5 hours, 400 km)
From Moncton, New Brunswick: Take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 2) east to Nova Scotia, then follow Highway 104 towards Cape Breton and continue to North Sydney. (~4.5 hours, 450 km)

Once in North Sydney, board the Marine Atlantic ferry:

To Port aux Basques: This is the shorter, year-round option (7-hour crossing). From Port aux Basques, drive along the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) to reach other parts of Newfoundland.
To Argentia: This seasonal ferry (June-September) takes 16 hours and provides direct access to the Avalon Peninsula, including St. John’s.

Book ferry tickets in advance through Marine Atlantic.

Map of Routes to Newfoundland via Nova Scotia

Driving to Newfoundland via Labrador

Driving to Newfoundland via Labrador requires you to drive from Quebec City to Labrador City and is an adventure through some of Canada’s most remote regions. Both QC-138 and the Trans-Labrador Highway each stretch over 1,000 kilometers and is the only route to Newfoundland via Labrador.

While much of the highway is paved, some sections remain gravel, and services are very sparse. It’s essential to prepare adequately, ensuring your vehicle is in good condition and carrying emergency supplies.

Here’s a simple route:

Quebec City to Tadoussac: Take Rue Dauphine to Av. Honoré-Mercier N (QC-175 N), then follow QC-138 E to Grandes-Bergeronnes. (~2.5 hours, 211 km)
Tadoussac Ferry: Take the Tadoussac – Québec 138 ferry to Tadoussac. (~24 minutes, 1.5 km)
Tadoussac to Labrador City: Follow QC-138 E and QC-389 N to Vanier Ave in Labrador City. (~9.5 hours, 770 km)
Labrador City to Blanc-Sablon, Quebec: Follow Trans-Labrador Highway (Route 500) east from Labrador City, then take Route 510 south through Red Bay to the Blanc-Sablon ferry terminal. (~9 hours, 590 km)

Map of Route to Newfoundland via Labrador

Newfoundland Ferries

Marine Atlantic operates ferry services connecting Newfoundland to mainland Canada and Labrador. The primary routes are:

North Sydney, Nova Scotia to Port aux Basques, Newfoundland: This year-round service takes approximately 7 hours.
North Sydney, Nova Scotia to Argentia, Newfoundland: Operating between June and September, this route lasts about 16 hours.

For those traveling from Labrador:

Blanc-Sablon, Quebec to St. Barbe, Newfoundland: This ferry service connects mainland Labrador to Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula, offering travelers an alternative route.

Map of Newfoundland Ferry Ports

Best Driving Routes to and Around Newfoundland

The ‘Circumnavigation’ Route – Take the Ferry to Argentia. Explore the Avalon Peninsula and St. John’s. Then drive west, exploring places like Bonavista, Twillingate, Gros Morne etc. before departing the island via Port aux Basques. Ideal duration: 10-15 days

The Western Route – Take the Ferry to Port aux Basques. Explore the southwestern corner, including Burgeo, then head north to hike in the Bay of Islands and Gros Morne National Park. Continue north to explore St. Anthony and L’anse aux Meadows. Return the way you came, departing the island via Port aux Basques. Ideal duration: 7-12 days

The Eastern Route – Take the Ferry to Argentia. Explore the Avalon Peninsula and St. John’s. Then drive west, exploring places like Bonavista and Trinity, perhap St. Pierre and Miquelon. Depart via the Ferry from Argentia. Ideal duration: 7-12 days

The Ultimate NL Route – Drive to Labrador and take the ferry from Blanc-Sablon to Saint Barbe. Head north to explore St. Anthony and L’anse aux Meadows. Drive south to Gros Morne National Park, then head east to Twillingate, Bonavista, and St.John’s. Depart via the Ferry from Argentia. Ideal duration: 20-30 days

Flights to Newfoundland

Air travel is a convenient option, with several main airports in Newfoundland serving the province. While flying to Newfoundland is not cheap, it is way faster than driving which allows those on a tighter timeline to still enjoy the province.

Newfoundland Airports

St. John’s International Airport (Airport Code YYT): Located in the capital city, it offers direct flights from major Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax with regular flights from the USA (such as New York, Orlando, and Tampa) and Europe (including London and Dublin).
Gander International Airport (Airport Code YQX): Situated in central Newfoundland, it provides regional flights and some national connections. Gander International Airport receives regular and seasonal flights from major Canadian cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax.
Deer Lake Regional Airport (Airport Code YDF): Serving western Newfoundland, it’s a gateway to Gros Morne National Park and nearby areas.

Direct Flights to Newfoundland

Direct flights are only available from major Canadian cities and select USA and EU destinations.

Air Canada and WestJet offer direct flights from Toronto, Montreal and Halifax to St. John’s and, seasonally, to Deer Lake and Gander.
Westjet offers direct flights from U.S. cities such as Orlando and Tampa to St. John’s and from London, Dublin and Paris to St.Johns. Some of these flights may be seasonal (summer only).
Air Canada offer direct flights from U.S. cities such as New York/Newark, Orlando and Tampa to St. John’s and from London, UK to St. John’s.

Connecting Flights to Newfoundland

Connecting flights via Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL) and Halifax (YHZ) are common for travelers from other regions. I would recommend most visitors connect via Toronto as it has the most flights per day and best amenities for layovers or flight delays.

Looking for more Newfoundland travel tips and inspiration? Check out these other posts:

Getting to Newfoundland by Cruise Ship

For travelers seeking a more scenic and leisurely way to arrive, Newfoundland is a popular stop for various cruise lines. Cruises to Newfoundland allow you to explore coastal towns, stunning fjords, and historic sites while enjoying onboard amenities.

Cruise Lines Offering Newfoundland Itineraries:

Adventure Canada – Specializing in expedition cruises, Adventure Canada offers trips around Newfoundland and Labrador, including visits to Gros Morne National Park and remote island communities.
Holland America Line – Offers seasonal cruises that include stops in St. John’s and other Newfoundland ports, often as part of a Canada & New England itinerary.
Viking Ocean Cruises – Features itineraries that explore the rugged coastline of Newfoundland, stopping in places like L’Anse aux Meadows and St. John’s.
Oceania Cruises – Includes Newfoundland as part of transatlantic and New England voyages, with stops in St. John’s and Corner Brook.
Ponant Expeditions – Offers luxury expedition cruises with a focus on nature and cultural exploration along Newfoundland’s coast.

Cruise itineraries vary, with some focusing solely on Newfoundland and others incorporating stops throughout Atlantic Canada, Greenland, and even the Arctic. If arriving by cruise, you’ll often have the opportunity to explore Newfoundland’s coastal communities, historic sites, and breathtaking landscapes before continuing your voyage.

What is the best way to get to Newfoundland?

As someone who has traveled to Newfoundland many times by both air and road (though not via Labrador, as it’s quite a journey), the best way to get there depends on your priorities—speed or experience.

If you need to get there quickly, flying is your best option because it’s pretty far. Newfoundland has multiple airports, and major routes connect through cities like Toronto and Halifax, allowing you to reach various parts of the island efficiently. In this scenario, you would rent a car and drive to/from a major center or between them.

If you have more time and want a scenic, immersive experience, taking the ferry is a great choice. The ferry ride not only offers breathtaking ocean views but also provides a sense of connection to Newfoundland’s long maritime history. Ferries do require reservations, and delays due to weather can happen, so some planning and flexibility are necessary. I would recommend allowing at least 1 extra day each way for ferry interruptions.

If you’re prone to seasickness, keep in mind that the North Atlantic can be rough. High winds and waves can make for a bumpy crossing, so if you prefer a more stable and predictable journey, flying is the better option.

FAQs

What happens if my ferry is delayed or canceled due to weather?

Marine Atlantic monitors weather conditions closely. If a sailing is delayed or canceled, they notify passengers and rebook them on the next available sailing. Compensation isn’t provided for weather-related disruptions, so it’s advisable to have flexible travel plans. Be ready to hunker down in a hotel for a couple days.

Are there any direct flights from the U.S. to Newfoundland?

Yes, airlines like WestJet offer direct flights from U.S. cities such as Orlando and Tampa to St. John’s.

Are there any direct flights from Europe to Newfoundland?

Yes, airlines like WestJet offer direct flights from London, Dublin and Paris to St.Johns.

Is it possible to explore Newfoundland without a car?

Only the capital city, St. John’s, has decent local transportation options. The rest of Newfoundland is entirely car-centric. Having a vehicle is recommended to fully experience the island’s diverse landscapes and attractions.

What is the best time of year to visit Newfoundland?

The ideal time to visit Newfoundland is during the late spring to early fall months (June to September). This period offers milder weather, longer daylight hours, and a higher likelihood of spotting wildlife such as puffins and whales. Additionally, many festivals and events occur during these months, providing cultural enrichment to your visit.

Infrequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I encounter wildlife while driving in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Encounters with wildlife, such as moose, are possible. It’s crucial to stay alert, especially during dawn and dusk. If you see an animal on the road, slow down and proceed with caution.

Are there any unique driving challenges in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Yes, weather conditions can change rapidly, and some roads, especially in remote areas, may be less maintained.

Can I bring my pet on the ferry to Newfoundland?

Marine Atlantic allows pets on their ferries. Pets can stay in your vehicle or in designated kennels during the crossing. It’s recommended to check specific guidelines before traveling.

Do I need a visa to visit Newfoundland?

If you’re traveling from outside Canada, you’ll need to check the visa requirements specific to your country. Citizens from certain countries may require a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. It’s advisable to consult the official Government of Canada website or contact the nearest Canadian consulate for the most accurate information.

Whether you’re driving scenic highways, sailing across the Atlantic, or flying into one of its airports, Newfoundland and Labrador welcomes you with open arms and unforgettable experiences. From rugged coastlines and charming small towns to breathtaking national parks and rich cultural history, this province offers something for every traveler. No matter how you choose to arrive, be prepared for a journey filled with adventure, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes that make Newfoundland a truly special destination.

Don’t forget your Newfoundland Packing List!

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