You can drive to Newfoundland, but the question isn’t quite as simple as it might seem initially. The reason it’s not a simple yes or no answer is due to there being both a Newfoundland Island and Newfoundland & Labrador Province. The former is an island within the province with no direct road connections, albeit several vehicle ferries service the island. The latter encompasses the island and a large area of territory (Labrador) connected to Quebec and the rest of mainland Canada. However, whichever Newfoundland you’re referring to, it’s possible to drive there, albeit with the aid of a ferry in the case of Newfoundland Island.
Newfoundland is situated on Canada’s eastern coast and is home to North America’s easternmost point. The area is located to the north and northeast of the provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick. It’s also located next to the province of Quebec, with which it shares a land border. To the east of Newfoundland lays the Labrador Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
The best way to get to Newfoundland depends on which area you’re trying to reach. For ease, we’ll look at all the routes into Newfoundland and Labrador Province, as well as to Newfoundland Island.
Road – Despite the extensive land border between Newfoundland and Quebec, only one connecting road leads into the province. The Québec-Labrador Highway runs from Baie-Comeau in Quebec to Happy Valley-Goose Bay in Newfoundland & Labrador. The route follows Route 389 in Quebec to Route 500 in Newfoundland & Labrador.
Ferry – There are several ferry connections between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. The port of North Sydney in Nova Scotia is the primary embarkment port. It connects with Port aux Basques on Newfoundland twice daily, all year round. The journey takes between 6 to 8 hours, depending on sea conditions. The other option is the summer ferry service between North Sydney and Argentia. It takes around 15 hours and sales thrice weekly during July, August, and part of September. Both services are operated by Marine Atlantic Ferries.
On the northern side of Newfoundland Island, a ferry connects St. Barbe with Blanc Sablon in Québec on the mainland. From Blanc Sablon, it’s a short hop across the border into Newfoundland & Labrador province. The ferry service runs several times daily during peak season and takes just 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Plane – Newfoundland is well served by air through its five airports: St. John’s, Gander, Deer Lake, Stephenville, and St. Anthony. St John’s is the only international airport connecting the island with the USA. The other airports offer domestic flights, primarily connecting with Halifax, Montreal, and Toronto.
Yes, it’s possible to drive in Newfoundland. The island has a limited road network, but the main road, Route 1, connects all the major towns and is a sealed road. It’s not a difficult drive, but it’s essential to take precautions given the remote nature of the island and the poor phone coverage. Therefore, all drivers should rent a satellite phone, carry adequate food and water, and ensure their vehicle is sufficiently fuelled.
There are a few essential rules that drivers need to be aware of when driving on the island. All drivers must be age 17 or older and carry a driver’s license, vehicle registration certificate, and proof of liability insurance.
Newfoundland is all about the great outdoors and nature. Therefore, it won’t surprise you that most of the best things to see relate to these areas.
Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s home to fossils of the oldest complex life forms on the planet. Dating back 580 to 541 million years, these are fossils you won’t see anywhere else in the world.
Iceberg Alley – Referring to the length of the eastern coast of Newfoundland, you’ll be able to see icebergs of all shapes and sizes during spring and summer. Some of these glacial giants can be up to 10,000 years old.
The Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park – This otherworldly national park provides an opportunity to see a very different side of Newfoundland. Home to oceanic crust and mantle rocks exposed by strange plate tectonic movements, it’s a unique and fascinating place. There are a couple of great hikes in the area that are well worth undertaking.
Cape Spear Lighthouse – Built in 1836, this lighthouse sits atop a cliff on the easternmost point of North America. It’s a stunning location, particularly at sunrise. A good museum at the site details life during the lighthouse’s early years.
Jellybean Row, St. John’s – These beautiful and colorful houses are the main draw in St. John’s. The houses provide a picturesque background, and the vibrant colors live up to their jellybean name.
The best time to visit Newfoundland is during the summer months of July to early September. The weather is warm during this time, and getting to the island is easier with the additional ferry service that runs to Argentia. Visitor numbers are much higher during this time, meaning bookings for accommodation and tours are essential. Despite the higher visitor numbers, the island still feels quiet, and you won’t see large crowds, even at the top attractions.
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