Ten Days of Newfoundland Travel

Newfoundland is the island portion of the Canadian Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Newfoundland travel is very rewarding. The people are friendly and down-to-earth, the scenery is breathtaking and history surrounds you.

Your travel activities consist of a road trip across the province. For this trip you will require a rental car.

Your travels should ideally begin in the capital, St. John’s. Begin Day1 with a visit to Signal Hill for: the Cabot Tower, the Interpretive Center, the Military Tattoo and the Johnson GEO Center The view of the harbor from the summit of Signal Hill is spectacular. Leave Signal Hill for a leisurely walk around the town.

In the evening, visit the three block long George Street and get “screeched in” at Trapper John’s Pub. George Street is unique because of the more than 30 pubs along its short distance.

On Day 2, continue your Newfoundland travels with a one hour drive south of St. John’s to the Colony of Avalon at Ferryland. This colony was founded by Lord Baltimore. It would eventually fail and Lord Baltimore would move on to found the city in Maryland that bears his name.

Return to St John’s for an afternoon visit to the Quidi Vidi Battery and the Commissariat. Both sites are early 19th century military installations. In the evening, take the St. John’s Haunted Hike.

Continue your Newfoundland travels by departing St. John’s on Day 3. Travel to Placentia and visit the Castle Hill National Historic Site (a 17th century French settlement called Fort Royal)and the Museum of the Atlantic Allies.

On Days 5 and 6 temporarily halt your Newfoundland travels and visit France (more specifically the French island of St. Pierre ). Many people arrive on the island in the morning and return the same afternoon- however the trip will be rushed. To really appreciate your visit, stay overnight. Watch for whales and dolphins while you travel to and from St. Pierre.

Back in Canada, resume your Newfoundland travels on Day 7 by driving across the island to Gros Morne National Park. The Visitor Center is at Rocky Harbour, 41 kilometers inside the park.

On Day 8, take the Western Brook Pond Tour inside the National Park. You must reserve this tour in advance and be prepared to walk 3 kilometers each way to the departure dock and back.

After your return, drive on to the Arches Provincial Park and spend some time admiring the scenic view. The final stop for the day is the Port Aux Choix National Historic Site. in the Argentia Visitors Center.

Day 9 of your Newfoundland travel brings you to L’Anse Aux Meadows where you can get in touch with its Viking history. Start with visit to L’Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Site and move on to Norstead Viking Village and Port of Trade. Spend the night in St. Anthony.

Begin Day 10 of your trip with a visit to the Fox Point Lighthouse in St. Anthony for some whale watching. You might even see some ice bergs. Conclude your visit at the Grenfell Interpretation Center and Historic Properties.


Tips for Newfoundland Travel

1) Visit The Budget Travel Store for the best deals on airfare, accomodation and rental cars.

2) The Newfoundland time zone is 1.5 hours ahead of Eastern Time.

3) For a traditional Newfoundland meal try Velma’s Place 264 Water St. St. John’s.

4) Consider purchasing a bottle of Newfoundland rum called “Screech”. While the name may make you weary, the rum is quite smooth. This rum is distilled in Jamaica and bottled in Newfoundland.

5) Arrange your tour of St. Pierre. At the dock, park your car in a secure compound near the Fortune Customs Office (for a fee). The ferry crossing takes 1.5-2 hours. Both Canadians and Americans must have a passport. Other nationalities must check with French Immigration before entering St.Pierre. Travelers must complete an immigration card for French Customs. The Euro is the unit of currency on St. Pierre but Canadian dollars are widely accepted.

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