My Firsthand Newfoundland and Labrador Travel Guide  Directory

Stories, logistics and local insights to help you explore Newfoundland with confidence – from wild coastlines to remote communities.

I’ve been returning to Newfoundland for 18 years, and there’s always more to discover. Start with the region you want to explore, or jump to the planning details if you’re still deciding where to stay.

Jump to Eastern Newfoundland · Central & Western Newfoundland · Newfoundland logistics

Eastern Newfoundland

Discover Eastern Newfoundland, where colourful fishing villages, dramatic coastlines, historic lighthouses, and incredible wildlife encounters make every road trip memorable. Explore Bonavista, Trinity, the Burin Peninsula, and beyond with practical travel guides covering scenic routes, photography locations, ferry connections, and unforgettable coastal experiences.

Whether you’re planning a seven-day road trip, searching for puffins and whales, or taking the ferry to Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, these guides will help you explore the region at your own pace.

Central & Western Newfoundland

Discover Central and Western Newfoundland, where dramatic mountain landscapes, colourful fishing villages, towering cliffs, icebergs, and incredible wildlife encounters create unforgettable road trips. Explore Twillingate, Fogo Island, Gander, Gros Morne National Park, Corner Brook, and the Great Northern Peninsula with practical travel guides covering scenic routes, photography locations, ferry connections, and local experiences.

Whether you’re planning a seven-day road trip, searching for icebergs and whales, hiking through Gros Morne National Park, or exploring traditional coastal communities, these guides will help you discover Central and Western Newfoundland with realistic travel planning and the freedom to explore at your own pace.

My Top 5 Activities in Newfoundland

These are five experiences I recommend when exploring Newfoundland, from dramatic coastlines to small communities full of character.

1. Explore Gros Morne National Park: Discover the towering fjords, dramatic landscapes, Tablelands and some of Newfoundland’s most spectacular scenery.
2. Go iceberg and whale watching: From Twillingate to Bonavista and the Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland offers incredible opportunities to see marine wildlife and, in season, towering icebergs.
3. Discover the Bonavista Peninsula: Explore colourful fishing communities, visit historic Trinity, watch puffins near Elliston and enjoy the rugged coastline.
4. Experience St. John’s and Cape Spear: Walk the colourful streets, explore Signal Hill and Quidi Vidi, and visit North America’s easternmost point.
5. Take a boat trip to a remote outport: Discover places such as François, where dramatic cliffs, traditional fishing heritage and communities accessible only by boat offer a completely different Newfoundland experience.

Newfoundland Logistics

Newfoundland at a Glance

Island size: 108,860 km²
Recommended first trip: 7–14 days, focusing on one region
St. John’s to Bonavista: Approximately 3.5–4 hours driving one way
St. John’s to Gros Morne National Park: Approximately 6.5–7.5 hours to the park’s eastern entrance, without major stops

Where to Base Yourself in Newfoundland

Choosing the right base can save hours of unnecessary travel. Rather than changing hotels every night, consider staying several days in one location and exploring the surrounding region.

In Newfoundland, this is especially important because distances between communities can be longer than they first appear. A few well-chosen bases can make the trip feel much more relaxed while still giving you time to explore the coast, local communities, national parks and nearby attractions.

DestinationSuggested StayBest For
St. John’s2–3 nightsHistoric streets, Signal Hill, Quidi Vidi, Cape Spear, harbour views, food, Life on George St, culture and an introduction to Newfoundland
Bonavista & Elliston3 nightsCoastal scenery, puffins, whale and iceberg tours, historic sites, lighthouse views, local food and exploring the Bonavista Peninsula
Trinity2 nightsHeritage architecture, theatre, whale watching, coastal walks, quiet evenings and exploring the communities around Trinity Bay
Twillingate2–3 nightsIcebergs, whale watching, coastal hiking, fishing heritage and slower exploration of Newfoundland’s north-central coast
Terra Nova National Park & Happy Adventure2 nightsHiking, kayaking, sheltered bays, national park landscapes and outdoor experiences around Eastport
Gander2 nightsCome From Away, aviation history, local stories and a useful Central Newfoundland stop
Gros Morne National Park3 nightsDramatic landscapes, hiking, fjords, Tablelands, boat tours and exploring Western Newfoundland
Saint-Pierre et Miquelon2–3 nightsFrench culture, colourful streets, local cuisine, history, coastal scenery and an easy international side trip from the Burin Peninsula

My Recommendation: Explore One Region at a Time

Newfoundland is bigger than many visitors expect. Even a 6.5–7.5-hour drive can become a full travel day once you include meals, fuel, scenic stops, and photography. Trying to cover too much ground means missing the coastal communities, local experiences, and unexpected discoveries that make the island special.

Allow additional time to explore communities and attractions within Gros Morne National Park. Reaching the park is only the beginning of experiencing it.

Driving times are approximate and vary depending on your exact route, weather, road conditions, and stops along the way.

Book Your Rental Car Early

For most Newfoundland road trips, a rental car is essential. Public transportation is limited outside the main centres, and many of the places travellers want to reach are spread across long distances.

Rental cars can become scarce during the main travel season, especially in smaller gateway cities and during busy summer periods. If your trip depends on driving between regions, book your car as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.

This is especially important if you are flying into St. John’s, Gander or Deer Lake and planning to continue beyond the immediate area.

Planning tip: Compare your flight and rental-car options together. A cheaper flight is not always the better deal if rental cars are unavailable or significantly more expensive at that airport.

Planning a trip to Newfoundland and Labrador? Understanding the distances, ferry connections, driving conditions, and travel costs is essential for a successful road trip. Explore practical Newfoundland travel logistics guides covering car and RV travel, ferry schedules, transportation options, accommodation planning, and realistic travel budgets.

Whether you’re arriving by ferry, renting a vehicle, travelling with an RV, or building a multi-region itinerary, these guides will help you make informed decisions, avoid unexpected costs, and spend less time worrying about logistics and more time discovering Newfoundland and Labrador at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Newfoundland

How many days do you need to explore Newfoundland?

Four weeks is a great start if you want to explore several regions of Newfoundland. However, most travellers visit for one or two weeks. My recommendation is to choose one section of the island and plan your trip around it. Newfoundland is much larger than many visitors expect, and driving distances can quickly eat into your vacation time.

What is the best time of year to visit Newfoundland?

May through mid-September is generally the best period for exploring Newfoundland, with most seasonal attractions and tourism experiences operating during the summer months. Iceberg viewing is often best in spring and early summer, while whale watching is especially popular during the summer. Autumn offers beautiful scenery and fewer visitors, while winter brings skiing and outdoor adventures, particularly in Western Newfoundland.

Do you need a car to travel around Newfoundland?

Yes, I strongly recommend renting a car or bringing your own vehicle if you want to explore Newfoundland beyond the main communities. Public transportation is limited, and many scenic coastal routes, national parks, and smaller fishing villages are difficult to reach without a vehicle. Having your own transportation gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Where is the best place to see icebergs and whales in Newfoundland?

Newfoundland’s eastern and northeastern coastlines are particularly well known for iceberg sightings, including Twillingate, Bonavista, and the Avalon Peninsula. Whales can be spotted along several coastal areas, including Eastern Newfoundland and parts of the western coast. Sightings depend on the season, weather, and wildlife movements, so nothing is guaranteed.
Explore my dedicated Newfoundland Whale Watching Guide and Newfoundland Iceberg Roadmap for seasonal information, recommended locations, and practical planning tips.

Should you visit Eastern, Central or Western Newfoundland?

Pick one region and really discover it! Newfoundland is far too big to experience properly during a one-week vacation spent looking through your windshield.
I recommend taking your time, exploring the communities, meeting locals, and leaving room for unexpected discoveries. Then come back for more, and more, and more.
My own Newfoundland journey started 16 years ago with what I thought would be a one-time trip to St. John’s. More than 18 visits later, I still haven’t explored Western Newfoundland!
That’s the beauty of this island. There’s always another coastline, another community, and another story waiting to be discovered.

About the Author — Roland Bast

I’m Roland Bast, an Ottawa-based travel photographer, storyteller, and the creator of RolandBast.com, where I share firsthand destination experiences, original photography, and practical travel guides

My love for Newfoundland began 16 years ago with what I thought would be a one-time visit to St. John’s. More than 18 trips later, I keep returning to discover new coastal communities, photograph landscape, wildlife, and experiences as I explore remote outports and connect with the people who make this island so special.

Over the years, I’ve worked with Newfoundland tourism partners and explored much of the island, yet Western Newfoundland is still waiting for me. That alone should tell you how much there is to discover!

Through these guides, I share what I’ve learned about driving distances, ferry connections, seasonal experiences, and realistic itineraries so you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the journey.

My philosophy is simple: Stop Rushing. Start Travelling.

Trusted by Tourism Partners

I work with destinations and tourism partners to turn firsthand travel experiences into useful stories, photography and planning resources.


“Roland Bast is a world-class photographer. He captured the beauty of our wilderness, culture, and townscapes with a creative and informed eye. Roland is straightforward to work with and receptive to ideas, bringing some great suggestions. He is curious, open, and flexible. He was a joy to work with and an excellent fit for our destination.”
Andrew Hiscock
Director, Legendary Coasts of Newfoundland


“Le Québec Maritime was fortunate enough to have collaborated on various projects with Roland over the past few years. He is a productive travel blogger and photographer, always ready for a new challenge. He’s on time and super well-organized! It was an absolute pleasure to work with him!”
Suzie Loiselle
Director, Destination Québec Maritime

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