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13-Day Scenic Driving Adventure Across Newfoundland: From Channel-Port aux Basques to St. John's and Back

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Day 1: Arrival in Channel-Port aux Basques

Morning: Arrive at Channel-Port aux Basques and get settled into your accommodation. Explore the quaint harbor area and visit the Marine Atlantic Terminal.

Afternoon: Take a scenic drive along the Cabot Highway, stopping at Margaree Harbour Trail for coastal views and photo opportunities.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner in town featuring local seafood and stroll along the waterfront to catch the sunset.

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Day 2: Explore Gros Morne National Park

Morning: Drive to Gros Morne National Park and hike the popular Green Gardens Trail, famed for its dramatic cliffs and ocean views.

Afternoon: Visit the Discovery Centre to learn about the park’s geology and natural history, then continue driving to nearby Western Brook Pond.

Evening: Take a boat tour of the fjord at Western Brook Pond as the sun sets, offering spectacular scenery and wildlife spotting.

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Day 3: Scenic Drive to Deer Lake

Morning: Depart Gros Morne and stop at the quaint town of Woody Point for breakfast and a walk along the shoreline.

Afternoon: Continue toward Deer Lake, with a detour to the Tablelands, an unusual and rugged landscape unique to Newfoundland.

Evening: Relax at your accommodation in Deer Lake, enjoy local pub fare and prepare for the next day’s drive.

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Day 4: Bay of Exploits and Twillingate

Morning: Drive through the scenic Bay of Exploits, stopping in the town of Lewisporte for a quick visit.

Afternoon: Arrive in Twillingate, known as the “Iceberg Capital,” and explore the Twillingate Island Lighthouse and local museums.

Evening: Walk along the waterfront and enjoy fresh seafood dinner while watching for icebergs or whales in the bay.

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Day 5: Twillingate to Gander

Morning: Visit the Durrell Museum and take a short hike to a nearby iceberg lookout point.

Afternoon: Drive to Gander, stopping briefly at scenic overlooks along the route.

Evening: Discover Gander’s aviation history at the North Atlantic Aviation Museum, followed by a casual dinner in town.

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Day 6: Gander to Terra Nova National Park

Morning: Depart Gander and head east towards Terra Nova National Park. Stop at small communities along the way for coffee and sightseeing.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon hiking the Otter Line Trail or canoeing in the park’s pristine waters.

Evening: Camp or stay at a lodge within the park and enjoy star gazing in the clear night skies.

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Day 7: Terra Nova to Bonavista Peninsula

Morning: Drive to the Bonavista Peninsula, stopping to explore the historic Heart’s Content Cable Station.

Afternoon: Visit the Bonavista Lighthouse and nearby Dell’s Cove for spectacular coastal views and photo ops.

Evening: Dine at a local seafood restaurant and enjoy an evening walk along the rugged coastline.

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Day 8: Bonavista to Trinity

Morning: Explore historic Bonavista Town with its charming shops, museums, and heritage buildings.

Afternoon: Drive to Trinity, a picturesque town with preserved 18th-century architecture. Tour the Trinity Historical Society Museum.

Evening: Attend a live performance or traditional music night if available, then relax by the harbor.

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Day 9: Trinity to St. John's

Morning: Depart Trinity and stop at Heart’s Content for a picnic and brief exploration.

Afternoon: Continue your scenic drive to St. John’s, the capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Evening: Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner at a lively downtown restaurant in the George Street entertainment district.

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Day 10: Discover St. John’s

Morning: Visit Signal Hill National Historic Site for panoramic views of the city and harbor.

Afternoon: Explore the charming Jellybean Row Houses and tour the Rooms Museum and Art Gallery.

Evening: Experience St. John’s vibrant nightlife or enjoy a quiet walk along Bannerman Park.

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Day 11: Cape Spear and East Coast Drive

Morning: Drive out to Cape Spear Lighthouse, the easternmost point of North America.

Afternoon: Take the scenic East Coast Trail drive, stopping for hikes at Pouch Cove and La Manche Provincial Park.

Evening: Return to St. John’s for a cozy dinner featuring local flavors.

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Day 12: Return Journey Begins - St. John’s to Gander

Morning: Depart St. John’s and revisit any favorite spots along the way to Gander.

Afternoon: Stop in towns such as Clarenville and enjoy local cafes and shops.

Evening: Check in at your accommodation in Gander and relax after a day of driving.

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Day 13: Gander to Channel-Port aux Basques & Departure

Morning: Begin the drive back to Channel-Port aux Basques, with photo stops at scenic overlooks.

Afternoon: Arrive in Channel-Port aux Basques, return rental vehicle if applicable, and prepare for departure.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner by the waterfront before catching your ferry or flight home.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Marine Atlantic Terminal: 1 hour, Free
  • Green Gardens Trail (Gros Morne National Park): 4 hours, Park entry $9 CAD
  • Western Brook Pond Boat Tour: 2.5 hours, $45 CAD
  • Tablelands: 1.5 hours, Park entry included with Gros Morne
  • Twillingate Island Lighthouse: 1 hour, $5 CAD
  • Durrell Museum: 1 hour, $7 CAD
  • North Atlantic Aviation Museum: 1.5 hours, $8 CAD
  • Terra Nova Otter Line Trail: 3 hours, Park entry $7 CAD
  • Bonavista Lighthouse: 1.5 hours, $6 CAD
  • Trinity Historical Society Museum: 1 hour, $6 CAD
  • Signal Hill National Historic Site: 2 hours, $12 CAD
  • The Rooms Museum and Art Gallery: 2 hours, $10 CAD
  • Cape Spear Lighthouse: 1.5 hours, $9 CAD
  • La Manche Provincial Park: 2 hours, Park entry Free
  • Miscellaneous dining and local experiences: Variable, approx. $350 CAD total

Total Estimated Cost: $480 CAD (excluding accommodation and fuel)

Tips

For travelers looking to extend the trip, consider adding extra days to explore more remote communities on the East Coast Trail or spend additional time hiking within Gros Morne National Park. Birdwatching tours and iceberg viewing excursions in Twillingate can also enrich the experience.

If you prefer to reduce the duration, focus on key highlights by cutting out some inland stops (e.g., skip Terra Nova National Park) and spending more nights in major towns like St. John’s and Gros Morne for deeper local exploration without extensive driving.

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