Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.
Leave Florenceville-Bristol around 6:00 AM for the long run to Marine Atlantic’s Port aux Basques Terminal via the Trans-Canada Highway. Allow roughly 7.5–8.5 hours of driving, plus fuel, food, and short rest stops; this is a full travel day, so keep the morning efficient. Top up fuel before leaving, then plan another substantial stop around Edmundston or Grand Falls, with a final fuel and grocery check near Channel-Port aux Basques. Keep your ferry reservation, identification, snacks, water, and camping essentials in the cabin rather than buried in the truck bed.
You should arrive at the terminal 2–3 hours before your reserved sailing, as Marine Atlantic vehicle check-in and staging take time and the cutoff can be firm. Have your reservation ready, follow the staff’s lane instructions, and expect to wait in the vehicle before boarding. Ferry timing is reservation- and weather-dependent, so check Marine Atlantic’s sailing status before leaving and avoid planning anything fixed immediately after arrival.
The Marine Atlantic ferry crossing takes about seven hours, although loading and unloading add time. Once aboard, leave the vehicle and settle into the passenger areas; bring a small day bag with layers, medication, chargers, and food. The onboard café is convenient, but prices and menu choices can be limited, so a packed lunch and snacks are worthwhile. Weather can make the Gulf crossing rough, particularly on exposed decks, so take sea-sickness medication before sailing if you are prone to motion sickness.
After disembarking at Port aux Basques, head first to the Port aux Basques waterfront for a short 30-minute leg stretch and a look around the harbour. Keep this easy after the long drive and crossing—there is no need to turn the evening into another sightseeing session. For food, stop near the ferry terminal at a local diner or takeaway rather than driving far; budget approximately CAD 15–30 per person and allow 45 minutes. Confirm your overnight truck-camping spot before dark, and remember that wind, rain, and cool temperatures are common on this coast even when conditions were mild in New Brunswick.
Start with Cape Ray Lighthouse, about a 20-minute drive south of Port aux Basques on Route 408. Aim to arrive around 9:00 AM, when the coast is usually quiet and the light is excellent for photographs. Allow about an hour for the lighthouse grounds and the short coastal walk; the exposed headland can be windy even on a mild day, so bring a warm layer. There is no need to rush—this is one of the better places on the southwest coast simply to watch the ocean and seabirds.
Continue north to J.T. Cheeseman Provincial Park, roughly 25 minutes away. Spend about two hours on the sandy beach and forest trails, keeping to marked paths and checking for any seasonal day-use or parking notices at the entrance. Pack a picnic or snacks, as food options are limited near the park, and avoid assuming the water will be warm enough for swimming.
Drive east toward Grand Codroy Estuary Nature Reserve in Doyles, approximately 35–40 minutes from the park. Give yourself about 90 minutes for the viewing areas and quiet walks; bring binoculars if you have them, since shorebirds and waterfowl are the main attraction. Tides and weather strongly affect what you see, and the reserve is best enjoyed at an unhurried pace rather than as a checklist stop.
Return to Port aux Basques for a seafood dinner in the town centre, budgeting about CAD 25–45 per person. Restaurant hours can be seasonal, particularly outside the main summer period, so check same-day hours and arrive early if only one or two dining rooms are open. After dinner, take a short drive or walk to Scott’s Cove Park on the waterfront for roughly 45 minutes of sunset scenery. Sunset times vary considerably by season, and the shoreline is open to the weather, so keep a jacket handy; parking is generally straightforward, but leave extra time if local spaces are busy.
Leave Port aux Basques around 8:00 AM for Woody Point, allowing 3.5–4 hours on Route 1 and Route 430, plus a fuel stop and brief viewpoints. Services thin out once you leave the Trans-Canada Highway, so top up before turning onto Route 430 and keep snacks and water in the truck. On arrival, continue toward Norris Point rather than trying to park in Woody Point first; roadside parking near the waterfront and aquarium is generally straightforward, though space can be limited in peak summer.
Spend about an hour at the Bonne Bay Aquarium and Research Station, whose small, hands-on exhibits focus on the species and working waters of Bonne Bay. Opening hours are seasonal, so check the current schedule before setting out; budget roughly CAD 10–15 per adult if admission is being charged. Afterwards, take an easy 45-minute walk along the Norris Point waterfront. The shoreline is the place to slow down after the drive, with broad views across the bay toward the mountains—bring a wind layer even on a sunny day.
Drive around the bay to the town of Woody Point, where you can park and explore on foot. Give yourself about 1.5 hours for the waterfront, heritage buildings, small galleries, and quiet side streets; it is a compact place, and the best experience is simply wandering rather than rushing between sights. If you are travelling outside the main summer season, expect some galleries and small businesses to keep irregular hours, particularly early or late in the week.
Finish at The Old Store Café for a relaxed meal, budgeting about CAD 15–30 per person. Confirm the day’s hours before relying on it for dinner, as seasonal businesses in Woody Point can close earlier than expected. After eating, settle into your campsite or accommodation nearby rather than driving much farther—the roads around Bonne Bay are dark and winding at night, and tomorrow’s Gros Morne National Park plans will be more enjoyable with an early start.
Start in Woody Point with the Discovery Centre, allowing about an hour to understand Gros Morne’s geology, wildlife, and trail conditions before heading out. It is especially useful today because the Tablelands Trail takes you into one of the park’s most unusual landscapes: exposed mantle rock with sparse vegetation and broad views toward the surrounding mountains. Drive to the Tablelands trailhead on Route 431, then allow roughly two hours for the walk. Bring water, sun protection, and sturdy footwear; there is little shade, and the rocky surface can be uneven. Check Parks Canada’s current opening information before setting out, as seasonal hours and services vary.
After the Tablelands, drive north on Route 430 toward Western Brook Pond. Plan on roughly an hour to reach the parking area, followed by the access trail to the dock. The Western Brook Pond boat tour takes approximately 3.5–4 hours including the walk in, boarding, and the cruise itself, so a pre-booked departure is essential—do not rely on same-day space. Tours are weather-dependent, and rain gear is worthwhile even on a pleasant morning because conditions can change quickly on the water. If your sailing is later in the day, keep lunch simple from your cooler or stop for takeaway in Rocky Harbour before continuing.
Return to Rocky Harbour for dinner at Java Jack’s Restaurant & Gallery, where local seafood and other Newfoundland ingredients make a good end to the park day; budget about CAD 25–45 per person and allow around 1¼ hours. Afterward, drive a few minutes to Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse for an hour of evening light over the Gulf. The grounds are best treated as a sunset stop rather than a guaranteed indoor attraction, since seasonal access and hours can change. Keep a warm layer in the truck—coastal wind can make the evening feel much colder than the inland trail.
Leave Rocky Harbour around 7:30 AM and follow Route 430 north on the Viking Trail toward St. Anthony. Allow 4.5–5 hours of driving overall, with roughly two hours reserved for your stop at Port au Choix National Historic Site. Fuel up before leaving the Gros Morne area, as services become more limited farther north; keep water and snacks in the truck, and watch for moose along the highway.
At Port au Choix National Historic Site, spend about two hours exploring the archaeological and coastal heritage of the region. The interpretation centre and shoreline setting help put the area’s Indigenous and fishing history in context, while the exposed coast is a good place for a short leg-stretch. Check seasonal opening hours before setting out, since visitor services can be limited outside peak summer; if the buildings are closed, you can still enjoy the surrounding coastal landscape.
Continue north to St. Anthony, arriving in the mid- to late afternoon depending on your stop and road conditions. Begin at Grenfell Historic Properties, where exhibits and restored buildings explain Wilfred Grenfell’s medical and social work in northern Newfoundland and Labrador. Allow about 1.5 hours, and confirm the day’s opening hours before driving over—hours can vary seasonally. Afterward, make the short drive to Fishing Point Municipal Park for a slower coastal walk. The trail is an easy way to finish the day, with good chances of seeing seabirds and, in the right season, whales offshore; bring a warm layer, since the headland is often windy.
For dinner, stay near the St. Anthony harbour and choose a local seafood restaurant, budgeting about CAD 25–45 per person. Ask what was landed locally that day—cod, crab, shrimp, or scallops may feature depending on the season. After dinner, stock up on breakfast supplies and fuel in town, since tomorrow’s drive toward Red Bay is long and services are sparse. Parking is generally straightforward in St. Anthony, but check whether your chosen restaurant requires reservations during the summer or on weekends.
Leave St. Anthony around 8:00 AM for Red Bay, allowing 3.5–4 hours on Routes 430 and 510. Fill the truck before leaving; fuel and food options become very limited along the Labrador Straits. The road is scenic but remote, so keep water, snacks, and a charged phone handy. Once in town, park near the Red Bay National Historic Site waterfront and spend about two hours in the interpretation centre and archaeological exhibits. Seasonal hours can be restricted, especially outside summer, so check Parks Canada’s current schedule before setting out.
From the historic site, walk or make the short drive to Red Bay Lighthouse for broad views across the harbour and the Labrador Strait; allow about an hour, with extra care in windy or wet conditions. Continue with the nearby Red Bay coastal walking trails, an easy-going 1.5-hour outing along the shoreline. This is a good place to slow down after the long drive—look for seabirds, fishing activity, and changing weather over the strait rather than trying to cover too much ground.
Have a casual seafood meal near the Red Bay harbour afterward, budgeting roughly CAD 20–35 per person. Choices can be limited and seasonal, so treat the meal as a flexible stop rather than relying on a late kitchen opening; carry backup picnic supplies if you have them. Before sunset, drive to a Labrador Straits shoreline lookout around Red Bay for about 45 minutes of open coastal scenery. There is little in-town nightlife, and dispersed truck camping should be handled only where permitted—confirm the overnight rules locally or use an established campground, since wind and exposed shoreline conditions can change quickly.
This is the itinerary’s hardest transfer: leave Red Bay before 6:00 AM and allow 10–12 hours, assuming the Blanc Sablon–St. Barbe ferry connection works cleanly. Top up fuel in Red Bay and carry breakfast, water, and snacks—services are sparse on the Labrador Straits, and the ferry crossing is dependent on weather and the current Labrador Marine schedule. Reserve the sailing in advance, arrive at the terminal well before check-in closes, and budget roughly CAD 180–300 for fuel and ferry costs. If the sailing does not align, do not attempt to force the drive to Trinity; plan an overnight stop around Deer Lake or Corner Brook and continue the next day.
After arriving in Trinity, park once and explore on foot rather than trying to move the truck through the compact historic core. Give yourself about an hour to wander the preserved harbour streets, painted wooden buildings, and small lanes around Trinity Harbour. Arrival will likely be late in the day, so treat this as a gentle orientation walk rather than a full sightseeing session; several heritage sites and shops operate seasonally and may already be closed. Keep a little daylight for photographs from the waterfront, and confirm your campsite or accommodation before setting off on the walk.
If there is a performance scheduled, head to Rising Tide Theatre for the evening show—typically about two hours. The theatre’s programming is seasonal, so check the current calendar and book ahead rather than counting on same-day seats. Afterward, have dinner near the Trinity waterfront; expect approximately CAD 30–50 per person and allow 1¼ hours, with seasonal hours and limited late service making an early reservation sensible. This is a day where the ferry and road conditions matter more than squeezing in extra stops: if you arrive too late for the theatre, enjoy the harbour walk and a simple dinner, then rest for the next day’s Bonavista Peninsula drive.
After breakfast in Trinity, drive about 10 minutes to the trailhead near Port Rexton. Allow 2½–3 hours for the Skerwink Trail, a moderately rugged coastal loop with open headlands, sea stacks, and broad views across Trinity Bay. The path can be wet, rooty, and exposed even in good weather, so wear proper hiking shoes and bring water; there are no dependable services along the route. Parking is limited, and arriving around 8:30–9:00 AM gives you a quieter start.
Continue to Champney’s West for the Fox Island Trail, an easier 1½-hour coastal walk through a working fishing community. Keep the pace unhurried—this is a good place to watch for seabirds, fishing boats, and small details such as stages and wharves rather than treating it as another strenuous hike. From there, drive roughly 35–40 minutes toward Cape Bonavista Lighthouse. Allow about an hour for the historic lighthouse and surrounding cliffs; seasonal access inside the lighthouse is conditional on operating hours, but the headland and views are worthwhile regardless. Bring a wind layer, as the cape is often much cooler than inland Bonavista.
Finish the sightseeing loop at Dungeon Provincial Park, about 10 minutes from the lighthouse. The short stop takes roughly 45 minutes and leads to dramatic sea-carved arches and collapsed coastal caves; stay well back from cliff edges and obey any seasonal closures or warning signs. Then return to the harbour area of Bonavista for dinner at Mifflin’s Tea Room, a friendly local option for seafood and traditional Newfoundland dishes; budget approximately CAD 25–45 per person and check the day’s hours before setting out, as seasonal schedules can be limited. Park once in the harbour area and walk where possible rather than moving the truck between nearby stops.
Leave Bonavista around 7:00 AM for the Farewell ferry terminal, following Routes 230 and 340. Allow 4–4½ hours, including a fuel stop and a short roadside breakfast break; fill the truck before reaching Farewell, where services are limited. Check the current Marine Atlantic sailing schedule before leaving and arrive early for vehicle loading—summer and holiday sailings can fill, and weather may affect departures. The crossing to Stag Harbour takes about an hour, but allow extra time for loading and unloading.
From Stag Harbour, drive toward Joe Batt’s Arm and begin with the public areas around Fogo Island Inn. The building is worth seeing for its striking modern design and exposed-ocean setting, but do not assume you can access guest areas; dining requires an advance reservation. Allow about an hour, then walk the Joe Batt’s Arm Longliner Trail, a shoreline route over rocky ground and headlands. Wear sturdy shoes and keep clear of the edges in wind—this is a beautiful place to slow down rather than rush for photographs.
Stop at Growlers Ice Cream for a casual treat, budgeting roughly CAD 8–15 per person, then continue to Tilting, about a 20-minute drive farther east. Give yourself around 1½ hours to wander its lanes, stages, wharves, and weathered fishing buildings; the Irish-Newfoundland character is best appreciated on foot, and many properties are private, so stay on public roads and paths. Return to Joe Batt’s Arm before dark, especially if you are truck camping. Keep dinner simple unless you have secured an advance reservation at Fogo Island Inn, and check the next day’s ferry schedule before settling in—service is limited and a missed sailing can disrupt the onward plan.
Take an early Fogo Island ferry from Stag Harbour back to Farewell, then continue along Routes 340 and 335 toward Twillingate. Allow about 3½–4 hours door to door, including the sailing and time to queue with the truck; check the current schedule the night before and arrive early, particularly if traveling on a busy summer morning. Top up fuel and carry coffee or breakfast, since services are limited around the ferry terminals. Once on the island, follow signs toward Crow Head and park near Long Point Lighthouse.
Spend about an hour at Long Point Lighthouse, where the exposed headland gives you wide views over the Atlantic, seabirds, and the small islands scattered off the coast. Wind is often much stronger here than it feels in town, so bring a warm layer even on a sunny day. From Crow Head, drive back toward Twillingate for the Rockcut Trails. Allow roughly two hours for the rugged coastal paths; expect uneven rock, roots, and muddy sections after rain, and wear proper footwear rather than casual sneakers.
Continue into town for the Prime Berth Fishing Heritage Centre, allowing about an hour to explore its exhibits on the island’s fishing communities and working waterfront. Because it is a seasonal attraction, check same-day opening hours before building your afternoon around it; a small admission charge may apply. The centre is close enough to the harbour area that you can leave the truck parked and continue on foot.
Have dinner at Sansome’s Seafood, a relaxed local choice near the Twillingate harbour, or another open seafood restaurant in the waterfront area if seasonal hours have changed. Budget approximately CAD 25–45 per person, and expect dinner service to be earlier and more limited outside peak summer. Finish with a 45-minute walk along the Twillingate waterfront, watching the boats and changing light over the harbour. Keep the evening unhurried—this is one of the best places on the route to simply sit by the water, and the roads beyond town are dark with very little roadside lighting.
Leave Twillingate around 8:00 AM and follow Routes 340 and 330 to the Trans-Canada Highway toward Terra Nova National Park. The drive takes roughly 3½–4 hours without long stops, so bring breakfast, coffee, and water; services become more dependable again near Glovertown. Aim to reach the Terra Nova Visitor Centre around noon, where staff can confirm current trail conditions, wildlife sightings, beach access, and the day’s boat-tour departures. Allow about 45 minutes, and ask specifically whether Malady Head Trail is muddy or windy before setting out.
Drive within the park to Murray Beach, a good place for a quiet hour beside the water and a picnic lunch. It is more about fresh air and a wide view than swimming, as Atlantic water temperatures remain cold even in summer. From there, continue to the Malady Head Trail for a roughly two-hour walk through coastal forest and rocky shoreline. Wear sturdy shoes and carry bug repellent; insects can be persistent in sheltered sections, and weather can change quickly on the exposed coast. Check parking signage at each trailhead and keep food secured—small wildlife is common around picnic areas.
Reserve the Newman Sound boat tour in advance, since it is seasonal, weather-dependent, and may have limited departures. Plan on 2–3 hours for the sailing, including check-in; arrive early rather than trying to fit it tightly after the hike. The sheltered sound is especially good for seabirds and occasional marine wildlife, but bring a warm layer even on a sunny day. Afterward, drive into Glovertown for dinner in the town centre, budgeting about CAD 20–35 per person; confirm kitchen hours before committing, as evening choices can be limited outside peak season. Keep the rest of the night easy—after the long drive and park activities, an early campsite setup is more enjoyable than another detour.
Leave Glovertown around 7:30 AM for Bonavista, allowing 3½–4 hours via the Trans-Canada Highway and Route 230, plus a fuel or coffee stop. The road is straightforward, but services become less frequent once you turn toward the peninsula, so top up before leaving and keep lunch supplies in the truck. After arriving, continue to Cape Bonavista Lighthouse; parking is close to the site, though the final coastal roads can be narrow and windy. Allow about an hour for the light station and cliff views. The lighthouse tour is seasonal, so check current opening hours before setting out; even when the interior is closed, the headland is worthwhile for its exposed ocean scenery.
Drive back into town for the Bonavista Museum, where an hour gives you a useful introduction to the area’s settlement, fishing, and maritime history. From there, allow roughly 10 minutes to reach Mockbeggar Plantation Provincial Historic Site. Set aside about 1½ hours to explore the restored merchant premises and fishing settlement, and take your time around the waterfront buildings rather than rushing straight through. Both sites are seasonal, with hours and admission—typically modest, often around CAD 5–10 per adult—subject to change, so confirm locally or online; if one is closed, the surrounding harbour streets still make for an easy, atmospheric walk.
Have dinner along the Bonavista harbour, budgeting about CAD 25–45 per person. Arrive a little early in peak season, since waterfront dining options are limited and tables can fill quickly. Afterward, walk to Matthew Legacy for about 45 minutes to see the replica vessel associated with John Cabot’s voyage. Access is seasonal and may be limited outside the main operating period, so treat the visit as a bonus rather than a guaranteed evening admission. The harbour is particularly pleasant near sunset, and you can finish the day with a short stroll along the waterfront before returning to camp.
Leave Bonavista around 7:30 AM for Ferryland, allowing 3½–4 hours via Routes 230, 1, and 10, plus a fuel or coffee stop. Fill up before leaving the Bonavista Peninsula; once you are on the southern Avalon, services are more spread out. Your first stop is the Irish Loop Coffee House in Ferryland, a good place for breakfast and a hot drink after the drive. Budget about CAD 10–25 per person and allow roughly 45 minutes, but confirm seasonal hours before setting out, as cafés along the Irish Loop often operate reduced schedules outside summer.
From there, continue to Ferryland Lighthouse, where a short walk across the headland opens onto wide Atlantic views and one of the coast’s best whale- and seabird-watching outlooks. Give yourself about 1½ hours, adding time if the wind is calm and visibility is good. Parking is generally straightforward near the site, though the exposed path can be muddy or slippery; sturdy footwear and an extra layer are worthwhile even on a mild day.
Head back into Ferryland for the Colony of Avalon, the archaeological site of the early seventeenth-century settlement. Plan on about 1½ hours for the interpretation centre, excavated remains, and historic waterfront context. This is a seasonal attraction, so check the current opening calendar before relying on entry; if it is closed, you can still spend a little time walking through the village and along the harbour rather than rushing onward.
Next, drive roughly 20 minutes south toward La Manche Provincial Park. Allow about two hours for the suspension bridge and nearby coastal trails, but check trail and bridge conditions locally before committing, particularly after heavy rain or strong winds. The terrain is damp and uneven in places, and daylight disappears quickly along the coast in the shoulder season. Keep the Cape Race Lighthouse detour flexible: if weather and daylight remain favourable, allow about two hours including the drive for the dramatic final stretch to the lighthouse; otherwise, skip it rather than making the remote road after dark. Keep fuel, water, and offline directions in the truck, since mobile coverage can be intermittent.
Drive from Ferryland to St. John’s via Route 10 and Route 2, allowing about an hour, plus time for fuel and your final campsite or accommodation check-in. For the smoothest day, head directly to Signal Hill National Historic Site first and aim to arrive around 9:00 AM. Park near the North Head Trail entrance and allow roughly two hours for the trail and Cabot Tower; expect exposed wind, uneven footing, and excellent harbour views, so bring a layer even if it feels mild in town. Parking is generally free, but check Parks Canada’s current seasonal hours and any site notices before setting out.
From Signal Hill, it is a short drive down into Quidi Vidi Village, where an hour is enough to wander around the harbour, admire the tightly packed fishing-community buildings, and take photographs along the waterfront. Continue to Quidi Vidi Brewing Company for lunch and a local beer. Budget about CAD 20–35 per person, and check current kitchen and taproom hours before going—hours can change seasonally. If you have the truck, avoid blocking the narrow village streets; use marked parking and walk the final few minutes.
After lunch, drive back toward downtown and spend about two hours at The Rooms, Newfoundland and Labrador’s principal museum, art gallery, and archival centre. It is an easy place to slow down after the morning’s walking, with exhibits covering the province’s natural history, Indigenous and settler heritage, and visual arts. Allow a little extra time for parking downtown and confirm the current admission price and opening hours, particularly outside the summer season.
Finish with an hour on George Street, where the compact restaurant-and-pub district is best enjoyed as a relaxed walk rather than a fixed bar crawl. Pick a spot for dinner or an early drink, but keep the timing flexible: many venues become livelier later in the evening, while some restaurants may require a reservation. When you are ready to finish, drive from downtown to your St. John’s campsite or accommodation, allowing approximately 30–60 minutes for traffic, parking, check-in, and setting up the truck.
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