Great Itineraries in Newfoundland and Labrador

If You Have 3 Days

Pick either the west or east coast of Newfoundland. On the west coast, after arriving by overnight ferry at Port aux Basques, detour off the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) through St. Andrews to explore the Codroy Valley and Cape Anguille before continuing north to Gros Morne National Park. Drive over the Tablelands to Trout River, then stay overnight in Woody Point. On Day 2, hike up Gros Morne Mountain or take the shorter, easier walk to Western Brook Pond for the boat trip. Spend the night at Rocky Harbour or Norris Point. On Day 3, drive to Corner Brook and explore the scenic Bay of Islands, then make your way back to Port aux Basques for the overnight ferry.

On the east coast, the ferry docks at Argentia. Explore the Avalon Peninsula, beginning in St. John's, where you should spend your first night. The next day visit Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America, and the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, where you can see whales, seabirds, and icebergs. Drive through Placentia and spend Day 3 at Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve, known for its gannets and dramatic coastal scenery. The drive from St. John’s to Cape St. Mary’s takes about 2½ hours each way. If you don't want to drive back to St. John's the same day, stay overnight at the Bird Island Resort in St. Brides.

If You Have 6 Days

Spend your first day in St. John's and stay overnight there. The next day, visit Cape Spear and the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Spend the night in Placentia, and on Day 3 visit Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve before heading to picturesque Trinity. Explore the town and stay overnight there. On Day 4 take the Rugged Beauty Boat Tour, then drive up to Cape Bonavista. Stay there, and on Day 5 visit Terra Nova National Park. Spend the night at Clarenville, getting up on the sixth day to explore the picturesque villages on Conception Bay's north shore, including Cupids and Harbour Grace, before returning to St. John's.

If You Have 9 Days

After spending your first day and night in St. John's, head for the Bonavista Peninsula and picturesque Trinity on Day 2. Spend the night in Trinity, then continue north to visit Terra Nova National Park and continue to Twillingate, renowned for icebergs and whale-watching. Next, head for Gros Morne National Park for Days 4 and 5, then return east on Day 6 to spend the night in Clarenville. On Day 7 drive down to Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve. Overnight in Placentia, then head for Cape Spear and the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, before spending the final day back in St. John’s.