Road Trips in Newfoundland

One of the most unique things about Newfoundland is its rugged and pristine coastline, which offers stunning scenery, incredible wildlife, and charming fishing villages. Road trippers can explore this coastline on the famous Viking Trail, which takes you through Gros Morne National Park, the Tablelands, and L'Anse aux Meadows, where you can discover the Viking history of the province.

Another must-see destination in Newfoundland is St. John's, the provincial capital, which is known for its colorful row houses, historic sites, and lively culture. Road trippers can explore the city's many attractions, including the Signal Hill National Historic Site, Cape Spear Lighthouse, and the stunning views from the top of the city's iconic Jellybean Row houses.

Newfoundland is also home to several unique and fascinating museums and cultural attractions, including The Rooms in St. John's, which features exhibits on the province's natural and cultural history, and the Ryan Premises National Historic Site in Bonavista, which showcases the fishing and trading history of the province.

One of the most unforgettable experiences you can have on a road trip in Newfoundland is the opportunity to see icebergs up close. Newfoundland is located along the "Iceberg Alley," a stretch of ocean where massive icebergs drift southward from Greenland. You can take a boat tour to see these incredible ice formations up close or view them from the shore as they pass by.

Finally, Newfoundland is known for its unique and delicious cuisine, which combines traditional English, Irish, and Indigenous ingredients and techniques. Road trippers can sample Newfoundland specialties such as cod tongues, toutons, and Jiggs Dinner, as well as local seafood and craft beer.

Overall, a road trip in Newfoundland is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, offering stunning scenery, unique cultural experiences, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Whether you're looking to hike through pristine wilderness, explore charming fishing villages, or simply soak up the province's unique culture and history, Newfoundland has something for every road-tripper.

There are a few things to be aware of when taking a road trip in Newfoundland to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

• Weather conditions: Newfoundland's weather can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature, fog, and rain. Be prepared for varying weather conditions and check the forecast regularly. In winter, be aware of potential snow and ice on the roads.

• Road conditions: Many of Newfoundland's roads are narrow, winding, and sometimes steep. Take care when driving, be aware of other vehicles, and pay attention to road signs and conditions. Some roads may not be paved or maintained, particularly in more rural areas.

• Wildlife: Newfoundland is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose and caribou, which can sometimes wander onto the roads. Be aware of animal crossing signs, particularly at dawn and dusk when animals are most active. If you do encounter wildlife on the road, slow down and give them plenty of space.

• Gas stations and services: Some parts of Newfoundland can be remote, and gas stations and other services may be few and far between. Be aware of your fuel levels and plan your stops accordingly.

• Cell phone coverage: Cell phone coverage can be spotty in some parts of Newfoundland, particularly in more rural areas. Be prepared for limited connectivity and plan accordingly.

• Planning and preparation: It's important to plan your road trip carefully, taking into account driving distances, accommodation, and food stops. Make sure you have a valid driver's license and insurance, and that your vehicle is roadworthy.

By being aware of these factors, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable road trip in Newfoundland. Additionally, it's always a good idea to do your research and check for any road closures or travel advisories before your trip.

The best time of year for a road trip in Newfoundland depends on your preferences and the activities you plan to do. Here are some factors to consider:

• Weather: Newfoundland has a cool and damp climate, with temperatures ranging from 5 to 20 degrees Celsius (40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer months and dropping below freezing in the winter. The peak tourist season is from June to September when the weather is the mildest and driest, making it an ideal time for road trips in most parts of the province.

• Wildlife: Depending on the activities you plan to do, you may want to consider visiting Newfoundland during certain times of the year. For example, if you're interested in seeing whales, the best time to visit is from mid-June to early September when the whales are most active.

• Crowds: The peak tourist season in Newfoundland is from June to September, which means more visitors and higher prices for accommodation and activities. If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, consider visiting during the shoulder season of May or October.

• Fall colors: Newfoundland is known for its stunning fall foliage, which usually peaks in mid-October. If you're interested in seeing the autumn colors, this is the best time to visit.

Overall, the best time of year for a road trip in Newfoundland is during the summer months from June to September, when the weather is the mildest and driest. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, consider visiting during the shoulder season of May or October. If you're interested in seeing whales or fall colors, plan your trip accordingly.

The cost of a road trip in Newfoundland can vary depending on your travel style, the length of your trip, and the activities you plan to do. Here is a rough breakdown of the average costs:

Accommodation:

• Budget hostel dorm bed: CAD 25-50 per night per person

• Mid-range hotel or motel room: CAD 100-150 per night per room (can accommodate 2-4 people)

Food and drink:

• Budget fast food or supermarket meals: CAD 10-20 per person

• Mid-range restaurant meals: CAD 20-40 per person

• Groceries for self-catering: CAD 40-60 per week per person

• Coffee or beer: CAD 3-6 per drink

Transportation:

• Rental car: CAD 50-100 per day, depending on the size and type of vehicle

• Gasoline: CAD 1.40-1.60 per litre

Activities:

• Free activities such as hiking and sightseeing: no cost

• Paid activities such as boat tours, museums, and cultural events: CAD 20-50 per activity per person

Overall, you can expect to spend around CAD 50-80 per day per person for a budget trip, including accommodation, food, and transportation. A mid-range trip can cost around CAD 100-150 per day per person, while a luxury trip can cost upwards of CAD 250 per day per person.

For a week-long road trip, budget travelers can expect to spend around CAD 350-550 per person, mid-range travelers can expect to spend around CAD 700-1000 per person, and luxury travelers can expect to spend upwards of CAD 2000 per person.

For a month-long road trip, budget travelers can expect to spend around CAD 1500-2000 per person, mid-range travelers can expect to spend around CAD 3000-4000 per person, and luxury travelers can expect to spend upwards of CAD 8000 per person.

When renting a car, you can expect to pay around CAD 50-100 per day, depending on the size and type of vehicle. Be sure to budget for gas and insurance as well.

Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and your actual costs may vary depending on your specific itinerary and travel style. It's always a good idea to do some research and budgeting before your trip to ensure that you have enough funds to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

There are several guidebooks and road maps available to help plan your road trip in Newfoundland. Here are some highly recommended ones:

• Lonely Planet Newfoundland & Labrador: Lonely Planet is a popular travel guidebook publisher and their Newfoundland & Labrador guidebook is a comprehensive resource for planning a road trip. It includes detailed information on accommodations, activities, and transportation, as well as maps and suggested itineraries.

• Newfoundland & Labrador Road Atlas: The Newfoundland & Labrador Road Atlas is a detailed and up-to-date road map of the province, with information on road distances, travel times, and points of interest. It's an essential tool for any road trip in the province.

• Newfoundland & Labrador Tourist Map: The Newfoundland & Labrador Tourist Map is a detailed map of the province, with information on attractions, accommodations, and services. It's a great resource for planning your road trip and finding your way around.

• The Great Canadian Bucket List - Newfoundland & Labrador: This book by Canadian travel writer Robin Esrock features 25 must-do experiences in Newfoundland and Labrador, including many road trip destinations. It's a great resource for planning your itinerary and discovering new places to explore.

• Newfoundland & Labrador Traveller's Guide: This guidebook is published by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and provides detailed information on attractions, accommodations, and services throughout the province. It's a great resource for planning your road trip and getting insider tips on local experiences.

These guidebooks and road maps can be found at many bookstores and online retailers. They can also be downloaded as e-books or accessed through smartphone apps for added convenience while on the road.