Discover Newfoundland: West to East Self Drive Journey

Photo Credit: Destination Canada

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Discover Newfoundland: West to East Self Drive Journey

Explore the island on a spectacular Newfoundland self-drive adventure, travelling from Corner Brook / Deer Lake to St. John’s.

Spend a night in Labrador, exploring one of Canada’s most remote and least-visited regions, renowned for its rich culture and history and unspoiled wilderness.

Visit L’Anse aux Meadows, North America’s only authenticated Viking site, and historic Red Bay in Labrador.

Experience the glacial fjords and otherworldly Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park.

Cruise Iceberg Alley to spot humpback whales, seabird colonies and drifting icebergs.

Discover Newfoundland’s picturesque fishing villages and historic lighthouses, including Cape Spear.

Enjoy authentic maritime culture, fresh local seafood and legendary coastal hospitality at every stop.

Read Charlotte’s guide to Newfoundland Slang

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Book this Trip

From £2,167 per person (excluding flights)

This is based on 2 people travelling, with 11 nights in 3 star standard accommodation on a Bed and Breakfast basis (except in St. John’s), return ferry to Labrador, listed excursions, and intermediate car hire for duration of stay.

This roughly converts to 2,579 EUR | 2,795 USD

Please note: This trip can be tailored to your specific requirements. Speak to one of our Travel Specialists for a customised itinerary.

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Additional Information

Departure Dates: This trip operates daily from early June to early September.

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ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Corner Brook or Deer Lake

Welcome to Canada’s eastern edge! Your adventure begins on the island of Newfoundland's rugged west coast. Travelers sailing across from Nova Scotia on the overnight ferry will disembark with their vehicle and head to the historic town of Corner Brook for their first night. Those flying into Deer Lake Airport will collect their vehicle at the terminal to begin the Newfoundland self-drive with an overnight stay in the town of Deer Lake.

Whichever way you arrive, take the evening to settle in, enjoy some local hospitality, and prepare for the scenic West to East Newfoundland drive ahead.

Photo Credit: Chris Hendrickson

Day 2: Driving the Viking Trail to Port au Choix

After breakfast, set off on the West to East Newfoundland route, with a journey north along the scenic Viking Trail. Along the way, you’ll pass charming outports and quiet beaches before arriving in Port au Choix. This quaint fishing town is home to one of North America's most remarkable archaeological regions, preserving over 5,000 years of Indigenous history.

Spend the evening exploring the dramatic limestone coastline and watching for seabirds along the shore.

Photo Credit: Barrett & MacKay Photo

Day 3: Crossing the Strait to Coastal Labrador

This morning you board the ferry and cross the Strait of Belle Isle into coastal Labrador. Upon arrival, continue to the historic fishing community of Red Bay, where your included admission to Red Bay National Historic Site reveals the remarkable story of 16th-century Basque whalers who established one of the world's earliest industrial whaling stations. Continue to nearby L'Anse au Clair, where spectacular coastal scenery and authentic Labrador local hospitality await.

Photo Credit: Scott McClellan

Day 4: Cross back to Newfoundland & L'Anse aux Meadows

Cross back via the Strait of Belle Isle as you continue your journey to discover Newfoundland and head north towards St. Anthony. En route, visit L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, the only authenticated Norse settlement in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore reconstructed Viking buildings and learn about the remarkable voyages of Leif Erikson and the Norse explorers who arrived here over 1,000 years ago.

Photo Credit: Dru Kennedy Photography

Day 5: Iceberg Alley Cruise & Drive to Gros Morne

This morning you head out on an unforgettable whale watching cruise. Depending on the season, you'll have the chance to spot humpback, minke and fin whales, dolphins and towering icebergs drifting south along Iceberg Alley. Afterwards, continue your Newfoundland self-drive south to Gros Morne National Park, one of Canada's most spectacular natural treasures. You have a two-night stay in the scenic fishing village of Cow Head, home to one of the longest sandy beaches on the island.

Please note: Late May to early July are the best months to see the biggest icebergs in Iceberg Alley.

Photo Credit: Finn Beales

Whale Watch Cruise - St. Anthony

Set sail from St. Anthony on an unforgettable cruise through the rich waters of Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula. This scenic boat tour offers exceptional opportunities to spot humpback, minke and fin whales, as well as dolphins, seabirds and, early in the season, magnificent icebergs drifting along the coast. As you take in the breathtaking scenery, your experienced local crew and onboard naturalist share fascinating stories about the region's wildlife, history and culture, making this a memorable and authentic Newfoundland experience.

Day 6: Exploring Gros Morne National Park & Fjord Cruises

Spend the day exploring Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extraordinary geology and breathtaking scenery along this West to East Newfoundland drive. Walk the fascinating Tablelands, where the Earth's mantle has been thrust to the surface, creating one of the planet's most unique landscapes. Your day also includes the choice of a scenic cruise through the wildlife-rich waters and dramatic fjords of Bonne Bay, or the sheltered waters and soaring cliffs of landlocked Western Brook Pond.

Please note: There is a 45-minute walk (3km / 2 miles) to the dock both ways for the Western Brook Pond Cruise.

Photo Credit: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

Bonne Bay Boat Tour

Experience one of the highlights of Newfoundland's spectacular west coast with a scenic cruise across the sheltered waters of Bonne Bay, in the heart of Gros Morne National Park. Surrounded by dramatic fjords, towering cliffs and the striking landscapes of the Tablelands, your guide will offer fascinating insights into the area's unique geology, cultural heritage and diverse marine ecosystem. Keep your camera close by, as the bay is home to an abundance of wildlife, with opportunities to spot bald eagles soaring overhead, moose along the shoreline, whales, seabirds and, occasionally, playful seals.

Day 7: Scenic Central Drive from Cow Head to Gander

Travel east as you discover Newfoundland across the central heartland, passing forests, rivers and countless lakes that showcase the province's vast wilderness. Arrive in Gander, a town forever linked to transatlantic aviation history and celebrated for the extraordinary hospitality shown to stranded airline passengers following the events of September 11, 2001. Pay a visit to the North Atlantic Aviation Museum this afternoon and enjoy a relaxed evening.

Photo Credit: Barrett & MacKay Photo

Day 8: Twillingate Coastal Loop & Drive to Clarenville

A scenic detour along this West to East Newfoundland route leads to the outport of Twillingate and Long Point Lighthouse, where panoramic ocean views offer excellent opportunities to spot whales, seabirds and, early in the season, drifting icebergs. A visit to the Prime Berth Fishery & Heritage Centre offers fascinating insight into the island's traditional fishing heritage. Afterwards, head south through Terra Nova National Park toward the Bonavista Bay region and Clarenville, your home for the next two nights.

Photo Credit: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

Day 9: Exploring the Historic Bonavista Peninsula & Trinity

Enjoy a full day exploring the spectacular Bonavista Peninsula. Start your day in historic Bonavista, the site where John Cabot first stepped ashore in North America in 1497, before stopping at the iconic Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site, one of the region's best-preserved lighthouses. Continue your Newfoundland self-drive to the charming outport of Trinity, where you can enjoy a relaxed afternoon stroll through its winding lanes and discover beautiful heritage buildings preserved from the 18th century.

Photo Credit: Destination Canada

Day 10: Driving to St. John's – Capital of Newfoundland & Labrador

Travel along the scenic Avalon Peninsula towards the vibrant capital of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is also North America's oldest city. Colourful houses, active harbours and rich maritime history make St. John's one of Canada's most distinctive destinations. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the historic downtown and stopping by "Jellybean Row", famous for its bright, multi-coloured Victorian row houses. This evening, enjoy fresh local seafood at one of the city's many excellent restaurants.

Photo Credit: Troy Maher

Day 11: Puffin Cruise, Iceberg Beer & Historic St. John's

Enjoy a morning boat tour through the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, a seabird sanctuary where you'll experience dramatic sea stacks, hidden coves and abundant marine wildlife, including a large colony of Atlantic puffins. Afterwards, continue to discover Newfoundland at Cape Spear National Historic Site, standing at the easternmost point of North America where historic military fortifications and panoramic ocean views await. A stroll around the nearby fishing village of Quidi Vidi is also recommended, a local brewery is famous for crafting beer using pure water harvested directly from ocean icebergs. Back in the city, spend the rest of your day exploring the rugged heights of Signal Hill, the lively pubs of George Street, or the cultural exhibits at The Rooms museum.

Photo Credit: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

Witless Bay Boat Tour

Departing from the picturesque fishing village of Bay Bulls, this boat tour takes you into the spectacular Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, home to North America's largest Atlantic puffin colony. Cruise along Newfoundland's rugged coastline while keeping watch for humpback whales, seabirds and, early in the season, vast icebergs. Throughout the journey, your knowledgeable local guides share fascinating insights into the region's wildlife, history and culture, making this an unforgettable way to experience Newfoundland's incredible marine environment.

Day 12: Concluding Your West to East Newfoundland Drive

Your Newfoundland and Labrador adventure concludes today. As your West to East Newfoundland drive comes to an end, return your rental car at St. John's Airport and take home wonderful memories of dramatic coastlines, Viking history, remarkable wildlife and the warm hospitality that makes this province so special.

Photo Credit: Gord Follett