Newfoundland’s North Coast Self-Drive Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in St. John’s

Upon your arrival at St. John’s airport, you’ll collect your rental vehicle and check into your hotel. You’ll have the next three nights to explore the island’s capital, affectionately referred to as “the rock.”
Overnight Location: Hotel in St. John’s
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Explore Downtown St. John’s

Today, you stroll the town and admire the brightly-coloured homes, and learn about the fascinating history of St. John’s. There is a free walking tour you can take that will uncover more about this lively little city. Another point of interest might be Signal Hill, which played an important role in both communication and military history. You can also pay a visit to Quidi Vidi, a historic fishing village.
Overnight Location: Hotel in St. John’s
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 3 Whale and Wildlife Watching

Drive to the Avalon Peninsula, where you’ll find the Bay of Bulls. Spend some time looking out over the cliffs to see if you can spot a whale in the distance. You’ll then board a boat to take a wildlife-viewing cruise to look for whales and puffins. Today, you’ll also visit Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, where you can observe the seabird colonies at the sanctuary.
Overnight Location: Hotel in St. John’s
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 4 Scenic Coastal Drive

Today, you’ll leave the lively atmosphere of St. John’s and start your drive to the remote north. You’ll follow the rugged coast and pass through many charming fishing villages during the drive. As you near Bonavista, you’ll drive to White Rock for a scenic view over the town. You may see some icebergs floating in the distance as you arrive in Bonavista for the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bonavista
Distance: 315km
Meals: None

Day 5 Hike or Paddle in Terra Nova Park

Spend today in glorious Terra Nova Park. Enjoy the lovely forests and lake by taking a quiet hike in the wilderness or renting a canoe and going for a tranquil paddle. There is also a beautiful coastal trail you can take for a short walk feeling the sea breeze on your skin. After spending the day out in nature, you’ll drive to Glovertown for the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Glovertown
Distance: 185km
Meals: None

Day 6 Watch the Iceberg Float at Twillingate

Drive to the village of Twillingate, where you’ll find an endearing little village and the famous Newfoundland hospitality. The village offers stunning views into the bay, where the icebergs float by in the ocean currents. There is a free walking tour of the village available, showing off the amazing natural beauty of Twillingate.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Twillingate
Distance: 175km
Meals: None

Day 7 Cruise Iceberg Alley

Today, you’ll take a cruise into the ocean that will bring you up-close to the giant icebergs as you navigate the ice flows. You’ll also be on the lookout for humpback whales and other marine life during this exciting boat tour. End the day with a visit to the picturesque Long Point Lighthouse, one of the most photographed locations on this island’s coast.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Twillingate
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 8 Begin Your Adventure in Gros Morne National Park

This morning, you’ll drive to the UNESCO-designated Gros Morne National Park. You’ll stay in Cow Head for a few nights so that you can spend time exploring this diverse and spectacular park, reminiscent of Lord of the Rings or Narnia.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cow Head
Distance: 475km
Meals: None

Day 9 Hiking in Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne owes its dramatic landscapes to the collision of the continents and glacial movements over thousands of years. Today, you’ll be spoiled for choice of where to hike. You can explore the cliffs and fjords or stroll along the rugged beaches. No matter which you choose, you will be in awe of the park’s otherworldly beauty.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cow Head
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 10 Explore the Tablelands

Today will reveal to you another new environment in Gros Morne. Take scenic hikes through the northern tundra and look for wildlife as you explore the moors between the mountain ridges of the Tablelands. Don’t be surprised if you catch an arctic hare or deer racing across your path!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cow Head
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 11 Reach the Northern Tip of Newfoundland

Begin your day with a trip to the Eskimo Paleo Museum in Port au Choix. Here, you’ll learn about the history and culture of the people indigenous to this sea coast. Then, continue your drive up to the northernmost point of the island at St. Anthony, the self-proclaimed “Iceberg Capital.”
Overnight Location: Hotel in St. Anthony
Distance: 310km
Meals: None

Day 12 Visit L’Anse aux Meadows and Observation Cruise

L’Anse aux Meadows is where you’ll find the archeological site that records Norse presence on the island. You can choose to visit the remains of the Viking village to learn more about the pre-Columbus settlers. Then, you’ll take a cruise that offers another chance to see whales and the spectacular icebergs, admiring the coastal landscapes and other wildlife on the ride.
Overnight Location: Hotel in St. Anthony
Distance: 35km
Meals: None

Day 13 Visit the Western Brook Fjord

Today, you’ll return to Gros Morne National Park to experience the awe-inspiring cliffs that soar dramatically above the fjords. You’ll take a scenic boat tour of the magnificent Western Brook Pond Fjord. In the evening, you’ll continue driving south and spend the night in Rocky Harbour.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Rocky Harbour
Distance: 350km
Meals: None

Day 14 Tour Ends in Deer Lake

On the final day of your tour, you’ll want to time your drive to Deer Lake to correspond with your flights. Drop your rental vehicle off at the airport and begin your journey home or to your next destination.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 75km
Meals: None