The Ultimate 7-Day Road Trip Itinerary Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada

I am so excited to be heading back to Atlantic Canada, and this time exploring one of Canada’s best-kept secrets; Newfoundland and Labrador. This itinerary is perfect for a 7-day road trip in Newfoundland and Labrador itinerary, but keep in mind you won’t see it all.

We start by flying into Deer Lake, and head up the Northeast coast of Newfoundland before crossing the Belle Isle Strait into Labrador. We spend a couple of days here before heading back to Newfoundland and north to L’Anse aux Meadows.

A lot of visitors come to Canada for popular destinations like Banff or New Brunswick, I am telling you one province you can’t miss is Newfoundland and Labrador.

This is where rugged cliffs meet the wild Atlantic, and every bend in the road reveals a new adventure. Whether you’re into hiking, whale watching, or just soaking up the laid-back vibe, this Newfoundland and Labrador itinerary will definitely not disappoint you.

Let’s get started, we’ll discuss everything you need to know throughout this guide!

7-Day Road Trip Newfoundland & Labrador

I want to discuss the itinerary for Newfoundland and Labrador first so that we don’t waste any minutes on this guide.

A good international airport to arrive in Canada and visit Newfoundland and Labrador is Toronto Pearson International Airport, and then take a domestic flight to Deer Lake Airport. You can also fly direct into St John’s but this is the opposite side of Newfoundland for our itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival in Newfoundland and Gros Morne National Park

The first day in Newfoundland starts with touching down at Deer Lake Airport (YDF) and picking up your rental car. Have a look at car rental options and pick something you’re comfortable with.

I always rent a car when travelling around Canada (such as in my comparison of Banff and Jasper National Parks) and I recommend Discover Cars.

Gros Morne National Park

Head straight to Gros Morne National Park, which is just about an hour’s drive away, and stop at the Parks Canada Discovery Centre to grab your entry tickets, which only cost $11 per person or $22 per family.

While at the centre, catch the 20-minute film “Holding Ground” for an overview of the park’s natural history. I really recommend watching this before visiting to give you a perspective of how amazing Gros Morne is.

Earth’s Mantle at the Tablelands and Hiking Trails

Right at the Discovery Centre is ‘The Lookout‘ the first of many hikes you can do here. It has a stunning loop and incredible views at the top, and is a real ‘welcome to Gros Morne National Park’ moment.

Next, venture to the Tablelands. Walk on the Earth’s mantle and see 400-million-year-old rocks in this unique red landscape. It’s an easy, flat, and fascinating 4 km hike, and that was one of the highlights of my Newfoundland and Labrador itinerary.

Be sure to hike the striking terrain of the Tablelands, where the theory of plate tectonics was confirmed.

If you have time, the Eastern Point Trail provides another scenic hike with its rugged coastline and stunning vistas, and it’s only 2.4 km return.

After hiking, head to Woody Point, a charming village with a picturesque lighthouse. Stroll through the town and check out local shops and cafes. If you’re up for another challenge, the 9-km-return Green Gardens Trail offers a beautiful hike with coastal views.

Rocky Harbour

In the evening, we drove to Rocky Harbour which takes about an hour. End your day at Lobster Cove Head and try to catch the sunset at the century-old lighthouse and walk the trails.

So day one complete the second day promises even more. I recommend you sleep in Rocky Harbour ready for the ATV tour tomorrow.

Where to Stay in Rocky Harbour

There are plenty of accommodation options in and around Rocky Harbour, but the ones below are the best pick.

We stayed at Gros Morne Cabins and really enjoyed our stay. However, if you’re not into cabins, then the options below are good alternatives.

Luxury Option: The Tides Inn

Mid-range Option: Stay in Gros Morne

Budget Option: Wildflowers Country Inn

Where to Eat in Rocky Harbour

There are a few delicious options for dinner in Rocky Harbour. Please make sure you check which are open on the days you’re visiting.

• Fisherman’s Landing Restaurant
• Buoy & Arrow Restaurant
• Java Jack’s Restaurant & Gallery
• The Old Store Cafe, Norris Point
• Chanterelles Restaurant, Sugar Hill Inn, Norris Point
• The Black Spruce Restaurant

Day 2: ATV, Photography and a Boat Tour at Gros Morne

ATV and Lunch on the Barrens

Kick off your second day in Newfoundland with a bang! At 9:00 am, gear up for an ATV adventure with Trina from Under the Stump through Gros Morne’s rugged terrain.

This 3-hour ride will have you zipping through incredible landscapes, where you’ll stop for lunch and learn about the elders, the land and culture. Trina taught us all kinds of wilderness survival tips, and the views over the landscape and fjords were stunning.

Trina is a brilliant host, and I was impressed at how accessible she makes her tours. It’s an exciting and educational morning that lets you discover the secrets of Gros Morne’s wild beauty and indigenous culture.

Don’t miss this one.

Western Brook Pond

Next stop Western Brook Pond for a boat tour through the fjords! This is something long on my Canada bucket list (Yes, I did visit Alberta and the Bay of Fundy, but this was just a different environment!) and you genuinely can’t come to Gros Morne National Park without doing it.

It starts with a leisurely 3-km stroll through marshland, teeming with unique plants like butterworts, sundews, and orchids. The walk is stunning enough, and they do have buggy transport available should you not wish to walk.

Once you reach the end of the trail, you hop on a boat and cruise through the glacier-carved fjord. Feel the spray from some of the highest waterfalls in eastern North America as you sail through a landscape like no other.

Feel the spray of some of the highest waterfalls in North America as you sail through the glacier-carved fjords!

It’s a must-do experience that blends natural beauty with a touch of adventure. The guides tell you all about the fjords history and size, and even play a spot of guitar on the way back!

It’s worth noting that the departure dock is about 3 kilometres away from the parking lot, so make sure to calculate that when going and not miss the boat!

Hawke’s Bay

After an amazing boat trip through the fjord, it’s time to drive to Hawke’s Bay. The drive is about 116 km and takes roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes. None of these drives feel like a chore as the landscapes were incredible.

On your way, make a pit stop at Arches Provincial Park. A short path leads to the beach, where you’ll find a massive rock formation with three natural arches carved by millennia of waves.

It’s a great spot for taking some photos and a little exploration. It’s also another amazing sunset spot, but we wanted to see that at the next spot.

Port au Choix National Historic Site

Wrap up your day with a visit to Port au Choix National Historic Site. This fascinating spot, accessible after hours, offers a glimpse into 6,000 years of human history.

The unique limestone barrens, forests, and bays make this an intriguing and scenic end to your day. After dinner we headed to the Point Riche Lighthouse for sunset, where if you’re lucky you will spot the caribou. We didn’t see any sadly, but the foxes came to say hello.

We spent the night at Torrent River Inn, and I’ll cover more accommodation options here below.

Where to Stay in Port au Choix

Luxury Option: A Wave From it All

Mid-range Option: Torrent River Inn

Budget Option: Riverside Chalets

Where to Eat in Port au Choix

Of course, we have to list some great places to eat, and these below are good options for a meal or a snack that you can pack for day 3.

• The Bakery
• Point Riche Restaurant, Sea Echo Motel (my pick)

Day 3: Ferry to Blanc Sablon and Red Bay

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, head to St. Barbe, which is about a 1-hour drive (86 km) away. Today we’ll be crossing over to Labrador on the iconic ferry to Blanc Sablon.

St. Barbe to Blanc Sablon Ferry

We took a morning ferry from St. Barbe to Blanc Sablon. The ferry ride takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Make sure you arrive at the terminal an hour early to check in and get your ticket.

You arrive in Quebec, and whilst this is a Newfoundland and Labrador itinerary, it would be rude not to stop at a couple of places.

• Brador Falls. These stunning falls are a must visit,
• Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. For a beautiful town view
• Sentier Wanda Beaudoin. A picturesque 2 km coastal trail in Brador Bay
• Welcome Newfoundland Labrador sign

Next stop Red Bay, about 75 km away and takes roughly an hour.

Blanc Sablon to Red Bay

We stayed at Whaler’s Restaurant & Cabins. You can often spot whales right out the window of the cabins.

This cosy spot offers great hospitality and a perfect end to your travel-filled day. It’s worth noting that Whaler’s Restaurant & Cabins is one of the only places to stay around, so make sure to book ahead of time.

Where to Eat in Red Bay

As above, there are not many accommodation options around, and the same goes for restaurants. However, Whaler’s Restaurant & Cabins is a good place to eat with a hearty and fresh menu.

Day 4: Whale Watching in Red Bay and Tracy Hill Walking Trails

Whale Watching in Red Bay

Start your day in Red Bay by checking the weather and choosing the best whale watching boat tour option, usually, the options are at 10am or 2pm.

Our tour with Whaler’s Quest connects you with the ocean and cultural history of Southern Labrador. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage and Parks Canada National Historic Site, these tours explore the Strait of Belle Isle, a passageway for icebergs, migrating whales, and seabirds.

We enjoyed live commentary, traditional music, and stunning ocean and coastal sights. Plus, there’s a licensed bar and snacks!

The tour lasts around 2.5-hour, but sadly on our trip we didn’t see any whales. We did however spot eagles and seals! The whale photo below is from the Newfoundland and Labrador tourism board.

Red Bay National Historic Site

Depending on the time of the boat trip, spend the morning or afternoon exploring more of the Red Bay National Historic Site. Learn about the history of the area at the museum and take the boat across to Saddle Island.

In the 1500s, Basque whalers from Spain and France established a major whale port here.

Finally we found some time for hiking. There are two short hikes I recommend; the Boney Shore and Tracy Hill.

Tracy Hill is approximately a 1.5-hour trail that features a well-maintained boardwalk with 689 steps. Learn about local history through the signage and enjoy the views of the town and Iceberg Alley from the top. The trail is quite steep, but the views are rewarding.

Boney Shore offers a closer view of the Red Bay coastline. Walk through a larch forest and reach a beach full of whale bones from the historic fishery. It’s a flat, gravel trail, about 1 km long, suitable for all ages and skill levels.

Of course, if you like the challenge, you can consider doing both! And after that, we depart for Forteau, a 64-km drive that takes around 50 minutes to 1 hour.

Where to Stay in Forteau

There are very few accommodation options around, and the most convenient and best one is Auberge Motel 4 Saisons which you can find here below. It’s a very popular property and rooms are limited, so make sure to book ahead of time.

Auberge Motel 4 Saisons

Day 5: Point Amour to Raleigh

Start your day at the iconic Point Amour Lighthouse. After that, we’ll take the ferry from Blanc-Sablon to St. Barbe and eventually sleep in Raleigh.

Point Amour Lighthouse and HMS Raleigh Shipwreck Site

The Point Amour Lighthouse, the tallest in Atlantic Canada, stands proudly on the limestone cliffs of Labrador’s south coast. Climb the 132 steps to the top for a breath-taking panoramic view of the Strait of Belle Isle.

The lighthouse has been a guiding light for nearly 150 years, playing a significant role in the lives of the local people. You can often spot whales and icebergs from the top.

After taking in the views, I recommend taking a coastal hike to the HMS Raleigh shipwreck site. As you walk along the shore, keep an eye out for whales, icebergs, and ancient fossils.

The artefacts discovered here, including a walrus tusk and a bone whistle, provide some information about the lives of the ancient peoples who once lived in this region.

Blanc-Sablon to St. Barbe Ferry

It’s time to depart for Blanc-Sablon, a short drive that takes about 30 minutes. From here, catch the ferry back to St. Barbe, which takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Please note, ferry times are always displayed in Newfoundland and Labrador local time, not the Quebec time.

Make sure to arrive at the terminal an hour before departure to check in. The price for the ferry is $35.25, and that is for a vehicle and a driver. On the other hand, it only costs $11.75 per passenger one way.

Once you’re back in Newfoundland, set off for Raleigh, a 129km drive that will take about 1.5 hours.

Exploring Raleigh

Once you reach Raleigh, drive straight to the Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve, known for its unique plant species and dramatic limestone landscapes.

This reserve is a botanist’s paradise, with some of the rarest plants in Newfoundland. There are thought to be over 300 plant species, and 10 of them are rare.

Apart from that, don’t forget to visit the Raleigh Traditional Fishing Village to get a taste of the region’s fishing heritage.

Where to Stay in Raleigh

Just like other spots we visited on this Newfoundland and Labrador itinerary, Raleigh has only a few accommodations, but the best ones you can stay at are listed below.

Luxury Option: Burnt Cape Cabins

Mid-range Option: Raleigh Rooms & Taylor’s Crafts

Budget Option: Wildberry Country Lodge B&B

Where to Eat in Raleigh

I recommend stopping by St. Anthony or the east side of the peninsula before heading to your hotel for the night. I had a fantastic meal at Cafe Nymphe, part of the Dark Tickle company (the world famous jam), so well worth a stop if you’re eating or now.

• Café Nymphe (Dark Tickle company)
• Lightkeepers Cafe
• Haven Inn Restaurant
• Daily Catch Restaurant
• The Norseman Restaurant

Day 6: L’Anse aux Meadows and Benoit’s Cove

A lot of this trip has followed the Viking trail. On day 6 we head to L’Anse aux Meadows one of the most important Viking sites in history.

After visiting, we venture back down south for a long drive to Corner Brook, and have a very special dinner and ceremony, which I’ll tell you later about.

L’Anse aux Meadows

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the only authenticated Norse settlement in North America, making it a must-visit, no matter if you’re into history or just want to have great fun.

L’Anse aux Meadows opens at 9.00am. Start at the Visitor Centre, and you’ll find exhibits about the Norse discovery of North America around 1,000 AD. There is a short video which explains the history and how they discovered the evidence of the camp.

Then, walk to the Viking Encampment, where costumed interpreters demonstrate blacksmithing, weaving, and other Norse skills.

The reconstructed sod huts give you a glimpse into Viking life. Note that they are replicas, the original huts were destroyed.

The entrance fee is only $13.25 per person and we chose to take a guided tour. Plan to spend 2-3 hours exploring around, and trust me when I say that you’ll love every minute of it.

Become an honorary Newfoundlander!

What can I tell you about a Screech In? Well the best way to experience it, is to just do it yourself!

We had a great dinner at Saltbox overlooking the Bay of Islands, where we met Rob and Glen who would perform our ceremony to become a honorary Newfoundlander! The short version is it involves learning some of the local lingo, and kissing a fish!

So you better just do it for yourself. For those who are more intrigued, you can see the full ceremony in my YouTube video above.

Where to Stay in Corner Brook

Corner Brook has a few more options in terms of accommodation and restaurants. Let’s talk about accommodation first. We stayed at the Appalachian Chalets which was perfect.

Appalachian Chalets & RV

Comfort Inn

Historic Hotel Corner Brook

Where to Eat in Corner Brook

Having had such an amazing dinner and Screech In with Rob at Saltbox, I can’t recommend it enough. Great food and a beautiful spot. However here are a few other options for Corner Brook.

• Jennifer’s
• Park West Inc.
• Crown & Moose
• Rinda’s Kitchen

Day 7: Last Hike and boat trip

Unfortunately, this last day had to come. If you have the whole day you can go hiking and take a boat trip with Ever Outdoor.

Hiking at Blow Me Down Provincial Park

Start your final day in Newfoundland with a hike along the scenic Bottle Cove Trail or the Cedar Cove Trail, both offering stunning views of the Bay of Islands.

The two trails I above are about 2 kilometres long, but if you’re up for a challenge, the Copper Mine Trail, which is a 6.9-km long path, is another great option to stretch your legs and soak up the views of the Bay of Islands.

Expect to complete it in about 3 hours, including a few photo stops.

Bay of Islands Zodiac boat tour

To truly see the Bay of Islands I recommend getting out on the water. Ever Outdoor offer fishing tours, sea kayaking trips and a Zodiac boat tour.

We chose the latter to really get the most out of our last few hours here. On our tour Glen taught us about the history of Corner Brook, the ecology of the area and he knew loads about the local birdlife.

The highlight was spotting two eagles!

Last Stop in Corner Brook

After this if you have time you can head back to Corner Brook to check out the town’s highlights. From the Corner Brook Sign and to the Captain James Cook National Historic Site, history with a view.

If you’ve got time, take a stroll along the Glynmill Inn Pond Trail or tackle the Three Bear Mountain Trail for one last hike.

My flight was back out of Deer Lake Regional Airport, about 45 minutes away. The next stop is Prince Edward Island, to see more of Atlantic Canada.

Newfoundland and Labrador Road Trip – FAQ

It wouldn’t be a comprehensive itinerary for Newfoundland and Labrador without an FAQ section for new-comers to the province.

How to Get Around Newfoundland and Labrador?

The best way to get around Newfoundland and Labrador is by car. The province has major roads that connects the major cities and towns, making road trips ideal for exploring remote areas.

Renting a car gives you the freedom to visit small fishing villages, national parks, and hidden gems at your own pace. As I mentioned previously, I recommend renting a car at Deer Lake Airport.

For those without a car, there are buses between larger towns, but schedules are limited, so you’ll want to plan carefully and ahead of time.

What are the Best Parts of Newfoundland?

Newfoundland is packed with must-see spots. Gros Morne National Park offers jaw-dropping landscapes, from fjords to cliffs. St. John’s, the colourful capital, mixes history with great places to eat.

Other than that, the iconic L’Anse aux Meadows lets you step back in time to the Viking era, and that was one of my personal favourites.

What is the Best Time to Visit Newfoundland and Labrador?

The best time to visit Newfoundland and Labrador is from late June to early September. This is when the weather is mild, and most attractions are open.

You’ll also have the best chance to see icebergs drifting by the coast, especially in June. And you can’t miss a whale watching trip, which is at its peak in July and August.

If you’re into hiking or exploring the outdoors, these months offer the most favourable weather conditions with long daylight hours and less rain.

Is Newfoundland Expensive?

Newfoundland isn’t the cheapest destination, but it’s 100% worth visiting. Accommodations range from budget motels to pricier hotels, so there’s something for every wallet.

Dining out, especially in remote areas, can add up, but local seafood is a must-try. Car rentals on the other hand, which are essential for this road trip in Newfoundland and Labrado, can be quite expensive since driving is the best way to get around.

Conclusion

Seven days, countless memories in this part of Atlantic Canada. That’s what a Newfoundland and Labrador road trip is all about!

From jaw-dropping coastal views to unforgettable local flavours, I’m confident you’ll have an incredible road trip here.

You’ve just scratched the surface of what Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer, and I will be back to explore the other sides to this province.

Thank you for reading until the end, and as always, if you have any questions, feel free to comment.