Ferry routes and airports provide visitors with easy access to the island of Newfoundland and its many natural, historical, cultural, and scenic attractions. But for travel in peak summer months, both modes of transportation require advanced planning and booking.
This overview only introduces travel options for the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador – a single province. Further ferry, flight, and highway options are available for transportation to the larger and more remote Labrador section of the province.
Newfoundland Ferries
Ferries to Newfoundland provide an essential link to the rest of Canada. Marine Atlantic operates two ferry routes that cross the Cabot Strait between North Sydney, Nova Scotia and two Newfoundland ports. Visitors to Newfoundland can take a circle route through the island by arriving on one ferry route and departing from the other side of the island. In summer, ferries do fill to capacity so it is best to make reservations a month or two in advance.
The Channel-Port aux Basques ferry runs year-round and is the shorter route, covering about 180 kilometers (112 miles) in 5-6 hours. Channel-Port aux Basques is on the western side of Newfoundland and is a good option for those visiting Gros Morne National Park, L’Anse aux Meadows, and Labrador. Via the Trans Canada Highway, the Channel-Port aux Basques ferry terminal is about 3.5 hours from Deer Lake.
The Argentia ferry is the longer route, stretching about 520 kilometers (323 miles) for a 14-hour crossing. This ferry port is on the eastern side of Newfoundland just outside Placentia. The eastern ferry terminal is a preferred destination for those visiting St. John’s, Conception Bay, and the Irish Loop. Driving to St. John's takes about 90 minutes. A most-important consideration for travel planning: the Argentia route runs only in summer.
Both ferry routes carry passengers and vehicles. On-board amenities include washrooms, restaurants, bars, bunks, cabins, and occasionally live entertainment.
Newfoundland Flights
Flying to a Newfoundland airport and then renting a car is a quicker option than arriving by ferry. Although there is bus service in Newfoundland, a vehicle is recommended to cover travel distances more quickly and to visit the diverse attractions. The downside to flying into Newfoundland is that completing a circle route through the island portion of the province requires some back-tracking.
St. John’s International Airport (YYT) offers the best options for flights and car rentals. The airport is located close to downtown St. John's.
Flying into Stephenville International Airport (YJT) or Deer Lake Regional Airport (YDF) can provide central access to Gros Morne National Park and the western side of Newfoundland.
Chloë Ernst - Chloë Ernst is a travel guidebook author who writes for Frommer's and Globe Pequot Press.
