7-Day
Newfoundland
Road Trip
St. John’s to Gros Morne and back — the complete road trip route covering the Avalon Peninsula, Bonavista, Twillingate, and Western Newfoundland. Day-by-day, stop-by-stop.
How Many Days Do You Need
in Newfoundland?
The ideal duration for a visit to Newfoundland depends on what you want to experience. To get a good taste of the island’s main attractions, a stay of 7–10 days is recommended. This allows for time to explore the vibrant city of St. John’s, the historical sites at Signal Hill and Cape Spear, and the scenic drives along the coastlines. For those interested in hiking in Gros Morne National Park, visiting the Viking site at L’Anse aux Meadows, or touring the charming outport communities, a trip extending to 14 days would be more suitable.
The best way to travel around Newfoundland is by car. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore remote areas, scenic routes, and small towns that are not accessible by public transportation. Organized tours and local bus services are available for those without a car but may limit access to some of the island’s more secluded attractions. A standard car will suffice for most main roads and attractions — an SUV is optional but can be beneficial for exploring off-the-beaten-path areas.
Remember the “3-hour rule” in Newfoundland — if you wait three hours, the weather is likely to change. This rule is a reminder to be prepared for quick weather shifts and to plan activities flexibly. Always pack layers regardless of the season.
Your Complete 7-Day
Newfoundland Itinerary
The best month to visit Newfoundland is typically July — the weather is relatively warm and stable, the days are long, and many festivals and events occur. June and August are also excellent months with similar conditions and slightly fewer tourists.
The Capital
A visit to St. John’s can be thoroughly enjoyed in 2–3 days. St. John’s is a walkable city, especially in the downtown area — all the attractions, restaurants, and shops are within short walking distance. The city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, with picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and a lively downtown area.
Puffins & Whales
Spend the day exploring the stunning coastline of the Avalon Peninsula. Start your day driving to Bay Bulls for a boat excursion to see whales and the Atlantic Puffin — if you are lucky you may even spot an iceberg (May/June only). The Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is home to North America’s largest Atlantic puffin colony and offers excellent whale watching.
The Southern Shore
Drive south on the Southern Shore Highway (Route 10) along the scenic Irish Loop. The best part of Newfoundland is subjective, but the Irish Loop is highlighted as one of the province’s most scenic coastal drives. Ferryland is a highlight — the home of the original Colony of Avalon founded by George Calvert, later Lord Baltimore, in 1621.
Trinity, Skerwink & Cape Bonavista
The Bonavista Peninsula is one of the most beautiful parts of Newfoundland — full of adorable small towns, gorgeous hiking trails, whale watching, puffin spotting, and iceberg-chasing opportunities. The two best towns to stay are Trinity and Bonavista, about 40 minutes apart. Drive to the peninsula via the Trans-Canada and Route 230.
The Iceberg Capital
Drive north from Bonavista toward Central Newfoundland. En route to Twillingate, pass through Terra Nova National Park — if you feel the need to commune with nature, a stop will introduce you to coniferous forests, ponds, and a plethora of walking trails. Then continue north to Twillingate, known as the “Iceberg Capital of the World.”
National Park
This is the longest drive of the trip — worth every kilometre. Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that needs no introduction. Words do not give the vistas justice. The park is populated by little villages, bare-topped mountains, and forests inhabited by moose and caribou. The best part of Newfoundland according to many, Gros Morne is often highlighted for its stunning fjords, mountains, and diverse wildlife.
Gros Morne & Return
Spend a final morning in Gros Morne before the long return drive east. Driving from one end of Newfoundland to the other — from St. John’s in the east to Port aux Basques in the west — takes about 9–10 hours along the Trans-Canada Highway without significant stops. Plan a scenic overnight stop in Gander to break up the return, or fly home from Deer Lake (YDF) if your itinerary allows. Gander is perhaps best known to the world where on September 11, 2001, the town took in numerous stranded air passengers — the inspiration for Come From Away.
Tips for Planning Your
Newfoundland Road Trip
A Car Is Non-Negotiable
The best way to travel around Newfoundland is by car. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore remote areas, scenic routes, and small towns not accessible by public transport. A standard car will suffice for most main roads — book your rental car as early as possible, as summer inventory is limited and prices spike.
Book Everything Months Ahead
Accommodation in Rocky Harbour (Gros Morne), Trinity, and Twillingate fills up months in advance for July and August. Book accommodation, car rental, Western Brook Pond boat tours, and Ferryland Lighthouse Picnics as soon as you have your travel dates confirmed.
Fill Up When You Can
When travelling to remote regions, it is essential to be prepared with a full tank of gas. Gas stations are less frequent outside of main towns. The Trans-Canada Highway has regular service stations, but detours to outport communities often do not. Carry a full tank before venturing off the main road.
Moose on the Highway
Moose are a very real hazard on Newfoundland roads, especially at dawn, dusk, and at night. The island has one of the highest concentrations of moose in the world. Drive with caution after dark, use high beams on rural roads, and take moose warning signs seriously throughout the province.
The 3-Hour Weather Rule
The “3-hour rule” in Newfoundland — if you wait three hours, the weather is likely to change. Pack layers regardless of the season: a waterproof jacket and pants, fleece midlayer, comfortable hiking boots, hat and gloves are essential even in summer. The weather can change without notice.
Cash & Cards
All major Visa, MasterCard, credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Newfoundland, especially in urban areas like St. John’s. However, carrying some cash is advisable for smaller towns, rural areas, and places where card payments may not be possible — particularly in remote outport communities and roadside markets.
What to Pack for
a Week in Newfoundland
Consider the variable weather and outdoor activities when packing for a week in Newfoundland. You can experience all four seasons in one day.
Planning Your Newfoundland
Road Trip — Common Questions
Continue Planning Your Trip
Newfoundland Road Trip?
7 days, 5 regions, a lifetime of memories. Book your flights, car rental, and accommodation now — and let the road take care of the rest.