Although Newfoundland is a part of Canada, it's a world apart from the mainland. Here are a few tips to make your journey and your visit more enjoyable.
When you’re travelling to a place you’ve never been before, there are always a few little things that it pays to know about before you set out on your journey. If your destination happens to be Newfoundland, the following tips will help to make your trip, and your stay on the island, more pleasurable.
Bring a Sweater or Two
Compared to the rest of the country, it’s much cooler in Newfoundland in the summer months. The location and the geographic makeup of the island can make for some interesting—and chilly—weather here. While a summer day in Ontario may leave you sticky and melting in the sunshine, the same day in Newfoundland might have you reaching for a sweater, so be sure to bring one or two. Don’t leave your shorts behind, though. There are plenty of warm days to enjoy as well.
Don’t Forget the Rain Gear
Comfortable and waterproof footwear is an absolute essential on an island visit, as is a raincoat. Surrounded by water as it is—you’re never more than an hour’s drive from the ocean anywhere you go—there’s no telling what kind of weather you’ll encounter on ‘The Rock’. Fog is a frequent happening, as are the sudden rain clouds that blow in out of nowhere. If you’re going to do any off-the-beaten-track sightseeing in Newfoundland, and especially if you plan on doing some hiking, remember that bogs and wetlands abound. Bring a rain jacket and puddle boots.
Keep the Insect Repellent Handy
Fly dope is an essential. You don’t need to bring it with you, but you should pick some up when you get here if you want to enjoy your time outdoors. Once the warmer weather hits Newfoundland, the black flies and mosquitoes hit as well. Black flies are particularly annoying little beasties that tend to swarm unsuspecting visitors and can ruin any hiking or camping trip if you’re not prepared. So if you don’t want to be lunch and you do want to enjoy those spectacular island sunsets and great outdoor adventures, keep the insect repellent handy.
Blankets and Pillows a Must
If you’re motoring, put blankets and pillows in the car, even if you’re planning to stay in hotels along the way. It’s not uncommon for the ferry to be delayed by bad weather in the Strait, and there’s no telling how long you may have to spend in the terminal parking lot. It may not be possible to get a hotel room if this happens; when the schedule is disrupted, the ferry can leave at odd times, and you’ll want to stay in the queue to ensure you don’t get left behind. While an overnight stay in your vehicle is not ideal, without blankets and pillows it’s definitely an uncomfortable ordeal. If you’re camping, you’ll want to bring plenty of warm blankets anyway. It can get quite chilly at night here even during the summer months.
On Your Way Out
Many people don’t realize it, but when it comes time to leave the island via the ferry, your vehicle will be treated to a washing and vacuuming at the terminal. No, it’s not a quaint custom; it’s to keep the Newfoundland soil in Newfoundland in order to prevent the spread of potato canker, a soil borne disease. To speed the process, wash your tent pegs beforehand, as they’ll be inspected too. Also, don’t attempt to take any vegetable matter out of the province, even if those unique blue potatoes are the best thing you’ve ever tasted.
As with any trip to any place, being prepared is the key to a good experience. Now that you know what to expect, you’re free to enjoy your Newfoundland vacation to the max.
