How to Travel to Newfoundland and Labrador
A Summary of Options for Getting to and Around this Province
Feb 7, 2009
Newfoundland is the island part of the province, with a large rugged coastline. Labrador is the mainland part, larger than the island portion, but more remote and less populated. It also has a large and rugged coastline.
Traveling To and Around Newfoundland
Airports
- There are two international airports. One is located at St. John’s and the other at Gander.
- There are three domestic airports, located at Stephenville, Deer Lake and St. Anthony.
Highways and Byways
- The Trans Canada Highway runs across the island from Port aux Basques to the capital city, St. John’s. Other areas of the province are mainly accessible by paved byways and some unpaved roads.
- The DRL Group of Companies provides a bus service that runs across the province on a daily schedule.
- There are rental cars available. These may need to be booked in advance.
Ferries
- Marine Atlantic runs a year-round ferry service between North Sydney, Nova Scotia and Port aux Basques, Newfoundland. It also runs a ferry service between North Sydney, Nova Scotia and Argentia, Newfoundland, but only from June to September. Argentia is a 90 minute drive from St. John’s.
- There is also a passenger ferry that runs during the summer between Fortune, on the Burin Peninsula and St. Pierre et Miquelon, a group of French islands just off the coast of Newfoundland.
Traveling To and Around Labrador
Airports
- There are three domestic airports, located at Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Churchill Falls and Wabush.
Highways and Byways
- Labrador can be entered by highway from Quebec on route 389. However, it should be noted that only some parts of Labrador are accessible by road, and driving on these roads can be rough and isolated in places.
Railway
- There is rail service between Sept-Isles, Quebec and Wabush, Labrador.
Ferries and Coastal Boats
- From early June to early September, there is a ferry that runs between Lewisporte, Newfoundland and Cartwright and Happy Valley-Goose Bay in Labrador.
- There is daily ferry service in summer between St. Barbe, Newfoundland and Blanc Sablon on the Quebec-Labrador border. It connects with route 510 in Labrador.
- There are also coastal boats that travel to the remote communities along the coast.
Other Methods of Travel
- Both Newfoundland and Labrador have airstrips in more remote areas that are serviced by small aircraft.
- There are hunting and fishing lodges accessible by seaplanes, owned by local operators.
- In recent years, more and more cruise ships are coming to Newfoundland and Labrador ports.
- Some adventurous people explore the coasts by sea kayak.
- There are many parks and campgrounds that offer service to RV travelers.
A visitor to Newfoundland and Labrador has many options for traveling to and exploring the province. Many parts of the province are off the beaten track, requiring careful planning to be reached. This, however, is what allows them to remain unspoiled and exciting to visit.
NOTE: It is advisable for visitors to check ahead for schedules, fares and necessary reservations for all of these travel options.
Sources:
Website - Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, 2008, visited February 6, 2009.
Website - Explore Newfoundland and Labrador, 2009, visited February 6, 2009.
For other articles about Newfoundland and Labrador see Traditional Newfoundland Jiggs Dinner,
The Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest, and Moor-Crafts and Gifts Offers Homemade Fudge.
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