13-Day Driving Itinerary in Newfoundland: Channel-Port aux Basques to St. John's and Back

Day 1: Arrival in Channel-Port aux Basques & Local Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Channel-Port aux Basques. Settle into your accommodations and visit the Marine Atlantic Ferry Terminal for scenic photo opportunities.

Afternoon: Explore the Atomic Bell Museum to learn about local history and culture. Take a stroll along the harborfront for beautiful coastal views.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of the local seafood restaurants and relax with a walk along the waterfront boardwalk.

Day 2: Drive to Gros Morne National Park

Morning: Depart Channel-Port aux Basques and drive toward Gros Morne National Park. Stop at Port au Port Peninsula for some quick sightseeing and snacks.

Afternoon: Arrive at Gros Morne and visit the Discovery Centre to get an overview of the park. Explore the nearby Green Gardens Trail for stunning ocean cliffs and wildflower meadows.

Evening: Settle into your accommodations near Gros Morne and enjoy a quiet evening surrounded by nature.

Day 3: Explore Gros Morne National Park

Morning: Hike the famous Gros Morne Mountain Trail for panoramic views of the park's unique geology.

Afternoon: Visit Western Brook Pond and take a boat tour through this spectacular fjord.

Evening: Relax at your lodge or take a sunset walk along the nearby Ocean View Trail.

Day 4: Travel to Deer Lake and Explore

Morning: Drive to Deer Lake. Stop by the Sir Wilfred Grenfell Historical Museum to explore local heritage.

Afternoon: Visit Hodder Bay for some relaxing waterside views or a picnic.

Evening: Dinner in Deer Lake town and prepare for the next day’s journey eastward.

Day 5: Drive to Twillingate - Iceberg Alley

Morning: Depart Deer Lake and head towards Twillingate on the northeastern coast, famous for iceberg sightings.

Afternoon: Explore the Twillingate Museum and take a boat tour to see icebergs and whales (seasonal).

Evening: Stroll through the charming town and enjoy fresh local seafood.

Day 6: Twillingate and Surroundings

Morning: Visit the Long Point Lighthouse and hike some coastal trails.

Afternoon: Relax at local cafés or visit Little Harbour to see traditional fishing stages.

Evening: Sunset watch from Crow Head, a perfect spot to appreciate the rugged coastline.

Day 7: Drive to Gander and Explore

Morning: Head south to Gander. Visit the North Atlantic Aviation Museum to learn about the town’s aviation history.

Afternoon: Explore Alice’s Beach or take a walk through the nearby trails in Gander Heritage Memorial Park.

Evening: Dinner in town and rest for the following drive to the east coast.

Day 8: Drive to Terra Nova National Park

Morning: Drive to Terra Nova National Park. Start your visit with a stop at the Visitor Centre.

Afternoon: Enjoy a hike on the Adventure Trail and visit the scenic Sandbanks Campground area.

Evening: Camp or stay in lodges inside the park and enjoy star gazing in this dark sky preserve.

Day 9: Eastward to St. John's

Morning: Depart Terra Nova and head to St. John's, Newfoundland's capital.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Signal Hill National Historic Site and the Rooms Museum to get an artistic and cultural introduction.

Evening: Explore downtown St. John’s with its colorful row houses and vibrant nightlife, including George Street.

Day 10: St. John's Day of Exploration

Morning: Tour Quidi Vidi Village and visit the Quidi Vidi Brewery for a tasting and tour.

Afternoon: Visit Cape Spear National Historic Site, the easternmost point in North America.

Evening: Enjoy a scenic coastal walk or catch live music back in downtown St. John's.

Day 11: Return Drive to Bonavista Peninsula

Morning: Start the drive outward to the Bonavista Peninsula. Stop at the town of Bonavista and visit the Bonavista Lighthouse.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Dildo Brewing Co. or the museums in town.

Evening: Overnight in the area to appreciate small-town coastal charm.

Day 12: Bonavista to Deer Lake Area

Morning: Begin driving back westward toward Deer Lake, stopping at scenic spots along the way like the Elliston Puffin Site.

Afternoon: Continue leisurely drive and explore small communities.

Evening: Rest in Deer Lake or nearby to break up the drive.

Day 13: Return to Channel-Port aux Basques

Morning: Final leg of the journey back to Channel-Port aux Basques. Enjoy one last coastal drive on Newfoundland’s rugged scenery.

Afternoon: Use remaining time for souvenir shopping or relaxing at the waterfront.

Evening: Prepare for departure or ferry boarding the next day, reflecting on the journey.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Atomic Bell Museum: 1.5 hours, $5 CAD
• Gros Morne National Park Discovery Centre: 1 hour, $10 CAD
• Green Gardens Trail Hike: 3 hours, Free
• Gros Morne Mountain Trail: 5-6 hours, Free (Park entry $20 CAD per vehicle)
• Western Brook Pond Boat Tour: 2 hours, $50 CAD
• Sir Wilfred Grenfell Historical Museum: 1 hour, $8 CAD
• Twillingate Museum: 1 hour, $7 CAD
• Twillingate Iceberg & Whale Watching Boat Tour: 3 hours, $65 CAD
• North Atlantic Aviation Museum: 1.5 hours, $6 CAD
• Terra Nova National Park Adventure Trail: 3 hours, Free (Park entry $15 CAD per vehicle)
• Signal Hill National Historic Site: 2 hours, $12 CAD
• The Rooms Museum: 1.5 hours, $14 CAD
• Quidi Vidi Brewery Tour and Tasting: 1 hour, $15 CAD
• Cape Spear National Historic Site: 1.5 hours, Free
• Bonavista Lighthouse: 1 hour, $8 CAD

Total estimated cost: Approximately $225 CAD (not including food, accommodation, and fuel)

Tips

To extend the trip, consider spending additional days in Gros Morne National Park and the Bonavista Peninsula to explore more remote hiking trails and coastal villages. Alternatively, to shorten the trip, you may skip the eastern detour to the Bonavista Peninsula and spend more time in St. John’s or Gros Morne, allowing for a more relaxed pace and less driving time.