July 1–10, 2027 • Charlottetown, PEI → North Sydney → Newfoundland → Charlottetown. Scenic drives, wildlife cruises, historic villages and short-walk sightseeing, including mobility alternatives where needed.
New edition: real Newfoundland photographs linked to original full-resolution files. Internet required for images; itinerary and budget remain readable offline.
10Travel days
7Hotel nights
2Overnight ferry cabins
2Marine Atlantic crossings
Updated trip infographic
Quick visual overview. The full day-by-day tables below take precedence for driving estimates and optional stops; the infographic route map is schematic.
Newfoundland in photographs
A preview of the places on your route. Photos load from Wikimedia Commons; select any image to open its original, full-resolution version.
Time zones: Newfoundland is 30 minutes ahead of Nova Scotia and PEI. Ferry times are listed in local port time. Ferry check-in: Marine Atlantic requires check-in at least two hours before departure; bookings and actual vessel availability must be confirmed. Walking: plans favor short walks under about 1 km per outing for hiking-concerned travellers; other group members may walk farther where noted.
New overnight sailing: Depart North Sydney Thursday July 1 at 11:15 PM Atlantic; arrive Port aux Basques around 6:45 AM Newfoundland on July 2. Book a private two-bed cabin. The July 9 return from Argentia at 5:30 PM also has a private cabin.
Booking status: These are planned activities, not reservations. The Western Brook Pond 11:00 AM sailing and the private three-hour Quidi Vidi fishing charter are provisional. The 2027 ferry departure times and Gatherall’s summer tour times are published but subject to availability and changes.
No flightsNo Gander stopNo Clarenville stopNo Fogo Island detourFerryland Lighthouse omitted
Your 10-day route — Google My Maps
Explore your custom Newfoundland road-trip map directly below. Zoom in, select stops and open the map full-screen as needed.
Bonavista → Elliston → Colony of Avalon → Bay Bulls → St. John’s
St. John’s (first night)
8 · Thursday
Quidi Vidi fishing charter → The Rooms → Signal Hill → the Battery
St. John’s (second night)
9 · Friday
St. John’s → Cape Spear → Castle Hill → Argentia ferry
Private cabin aboard Marine Atlantic ferry
10 · Saturday
North Sydney → Charlottetown
Home
Estimated trip budget — two adults (CAD)
Budget assumes two adults, a vehicle up to 21 ft, seven hotel nights in one room with two beds, two overnight two-bed ferry cabins, ten days of meals, planned cruises and a 10% contingency. All accommodation, fuel and tour figures are estimates, not confirmed 2027 bookings.
Category
Two-adult estimate (CAD)
7 hotel nights
$2,160
Meals and drinks (10 days)
$1,600
Marine Atlantic ferries + vehicle + 2 cabins
$691
Fuel (road trip)
$600
Confederation Bridge toll
$20
Tours and museum admissions
$1,650
Miscellaneous and parking
$200
Subtotal
$6,921
Contingency (about 10%)
$692
Recommended total
$7,613
Ferries: outbound July 1 ~$245 (2 adults, vehicle, cabin, including 14% HST on cabin); inbound July 9 ~$446 (2 adults, vehicle, cabin, including 15% HST on cabin); combined ~$691. These reflect currently posted Marine Atlantic rates and may change before booking.
Hotel allowance: Rocky Harbour 2 nights ~$600; Grand Falls-Windsor ~$240; Twillingate ~$300; Bonavista ~$280; St. John’s 2 nights ~$740. The removed North Sydney ferry cabin night saves ~$240; the additional outbound cabin adds ~$144 compared with the former budget. Fishing charter allowance is provisional.
Get an early but not rushed start for Canada Day. Cross the Confederation Bridge and follow the Trans-Canada Highway through New Brunswick.
~12:30 PM
Roadside lunch and fuel break
Choose a convenient stop en route, allowing extra time for holiday traffic.
Afternoon
Continue toward Cape Breton
Drive through Nova Scotia, across the Canso Causeway and along Route 105 to North Sydney.
~5:30–6:30 PM
Arrive in North Sydney
Allow roughly 6–7 hours of driving plus meal and rest stops. Dinner near the ferry terminal.
8:45–9:00 PM ADT
Ferry terminal check-in
Arrive before the latest 9:15 PM check-in deadline (at least 2 hours before departure). Keep overnight bags, medications and cabin supplies accessible.
Before departure
Board and settle into your cabin
Vehicle deck access is normally restricted once sailing; take everything needed for the night before leaving the car.
11:15 PM ADT
Marine Atlantic departs
About seven hours at sea; sleep in your private two-bed cabin. Newfoundland is 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic time.
Planning note: The North Sydney hotel night has been removed. The outbound private cabin is an assumed booking, not yet reserved. Confirm the 11:15 PM sailing, availability and Canada Day traffic arrangements directly with Marine Atlantic.
Day 2 · Friday, July 2, 2027
Port aux Basques → Barachois Pond → Corner Brook → Deer Lake → Rocky Harbour
Breakfast + west-coast scenic drive
Driving~4–4½ hours • 335 km plus optional short detours
Boat / ferryArrive around 6:45 AM NDT, following overnight ferry from Day 1
Walking~30–60 minutes total, all short optional stops
OvernightRocky Harbour (first of two hotel nights)
Arrival is in Newfoundland time, 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic time. Allow for the ship to dock and vehicles to unload.
~7:15–7:45 AM
Disembark and drive into town
Collect the vehicle and head to breakfast.
7:45–8:45 AM
Breakfast in Port aux Basques
Proposed Alma’s Family Restaurant; verify 2027 Friday opening hours, particularly after an overnight sailing.
8:45–10:15 AM
Scenic drive north
Follow the Trans-Canada Highway toward Barachois Pond; allow room for photo stops.
10:15–10:40 AM
Barachois Pond Provincial Park
Enjoy a brief lake-and-mountain scenic stop; no hike required. Park access and facilities are seasonal.
10:40–11:35 AM
Drive to Corner Brook
Continue north/east and take the short detour into the city.
11:35 AM–12:00 PM
Captain James Cook historic lookout
Short panoramic viewpoint visit over the city and Bay of Islands. Some surfaces may be uneven.
12:00–12:50 PM
Lunch in Corner Brook
Relaxed meal; a useful refuel and shopping opportunity.
12:50–1:40 PM
Drive toward Deer Lake
Continue toward Gros Morne National Park.
1:40–2:40 PM
Optional Newfoundland Insectarium
Butterfly greenhouse and exhibits near Deer Lake. Skip if tired or running late.
2:40–3:50 PM
Drive to Rocky Harbour
Route 430 toward Gros Morne, with impressive scenery.
~3:50–4:30 PM
Hotel check-in in Rocky Harbour
Rest, dinner and an optional short waterfront stroll.
Planning note: This replaces the long Day 2 ferry crossing and late-night arrival. The scenic stops are flexible; skip the Insectarium if the ferry runs late or anyone is tired. The first confirmed Rocky Harbour overnight is July 2.
Day 3 · Saturday, July 3, 2027
Western Brook Pond → Green Point → Lobster Cove Head
Gros Morne north coast
Driving~1–1½ hours of local driving
Boat / ferryWestern Brook Pond boat cruise ~2 hours; 11:00 AM is provisional
WalkingShuttle users: short transfers; other travellers: ~6 km total trail walk (90–120 min)
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and pack layers and water.
8:45–9:20 AM
Drive to Western Brook Pond trail parking
Allow approximately 30–35 minutes.
9:20–10:45 AM
Reach the boat dock
Hiking-concerned travellers use BonTours’ mobility golf-cart shuttle; others walk the ~3 km gravel path. Shuttle users should be at the parking area at least 90 minutes before sailing.
11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Western Brook Pond boat tour
Two-hour narrated excursion through a glacier-carved freshwater fjord, subject to securing this departure.
1:00–2:00 PM
Return to vehicles
Return shuttle for eligible users; others walk back ~3 km. Dockside snack/canteen can help with lunch.
~2:00–2:40 PM
Green Point coastal geology
Short viewpoint stop; avoid descending over slippery rocks.
~3:00–3:50 PM
Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse
Explore short paths and lighthouse heritage exhibits, subject to operating hours.
~4:00 PM onward
Return to Rocky Harbour
Late lunch or early dinner; second overnight in Rocky Harbour.
Planning note: BonTours currently lists a $10 CAD return golf-cart shuttle (cash only), first-come, first-served; it cannot be prebooked. Confirm July 2027 cruise departure and the shuttle arrangements.
Day 4 · Sunday, July 4, 2027
Rocky Harbour → Woody Point → Tablelands → Trout River → Grand Falls-Windsor
Easy-access Gros Morne geology
Driving~5–5½ hours total, including the Trout River detour
Boat / ferryNone
Walking~30–60 minutes, split into easy optional segments under ~1 km each
Indoor exhibits on geology, Mi’kmaw stories and Gros Morne’s UNESCO designation; accessible amenities.
10:05–10:40 AM
Woody Point waterfront
Enjoy Bonne Bay views and a short optional 200–400 m waterfront stroll.
10:55–11:30 AM
The Tablelands viewpoint
See the orange mantle rock landscape from the parking area; optional short out-and-back gravel walk, ideally well under 1 km total.
11:30–11:50 AM
Drive to Trout River
Scenic Route 431.
~12:00–12:55 PM
Lunch at Seaside Restaurant, Trout River
Oceanfront seafood; optional short harbour/boardwalk stroll. Restaurant normally opens at noon during summer.
~1:00–5:00/5:45 PM
Drive to Grand Falls-Windsor
Allow a rest stop; check in and have dinner near the hotel.
Planning note: Skip the full 4 km Tablelands trail, Lookout Trail and Green Gardens. All stops can be appreciated from viewpoints or short walks. Reconfirm the 2027 Discovery Centre opening time.
Day 5 · Monday, July 5, 2027
Grand Falls-Windsor → Twillingate
Iceberg Alley
Driving~2 hours • approximately 149 km, plus local exploration
Early departure preserves a proper visit to Trinity.
~11:30 AM
Arrive in Trinity
Drive ~4 hours 10 minutes, allowing a brief break.
11:30 AM–2:15 PM
Historic Trinity and lunch
Visit harbour heritage streets, Lester–Garland House or Green Family Forge, and have lunch or coffee at Vintage Grind Café. Many sights can be seen in short walks.
2:15–3:00 PM
Drive to Cape Bonavista
Continue east along the Bonavista Peninsula.
3:00–4:15 PM
Cape Bonavista Lighthouse
Explore coastal viewpoints and the lighthouse area; avoid uneven cliff-edge paths.
4:30 PM onward
Bonavista harbour and dinner
Enjoy historic waterfront sights and check into your Bonavista hotel.
Planning note: Elliston puffin viewing is deliberately moved to early morning on Day 7. Day 6 is for Trinity and Cape Bonavista, not Fogo Island or Gander.
Day 7 · Wednesday, July 7, 2027
Bonavista → Elliston → Colony of Avalon → Bay Bulls → St. John’s
Puffins + wildlife cruise
Driving~5–6 hours total, including breaks and southern Avalon detour
Boat / ferryGatherall’s wildlife cruise ~90–110 minutes at 4:30 PM
Walking~45–90 minutes total; Elliston path is short but can be uneven
Bring layers, water and good footwear for Elliston.
~6:50–7:50 AM
Elliston puffin viewing
Aim to view puffins before 9 AM. Short ~5–10-minute walk each way, but mud, grass and uneven rock may challenge hiking-concerned travellers.
8:00 AM–12:30 PM
Drive to Ferryland
Allow roughly 4¼–4¾ hours with a brief road stop.
12:30–2:00 PM
Colony of Avalon
Allow ~90 minutes for exhibits and selected archaeology areas. Choose accessible indoor sections if outdoor ground is uneven.
2:00–2:40 PM
Drive to Bay Bulls
Follow Route 10 north.
2:40–3:35 PM
Late lunch at Stone Ducky
Prebook a table or order ahead to finish comfortably before boat check-in.
By 4:00 PM
Check in at Gatherall’s
90 Northside Road, Bay Bulls. The operator requests arrival 30 minutes before departure.
4:30–~6:15 PM
Gatherall’s Witless Bay wildlife cruise
Puffins, seabirds and possible humpback whales; wildlife sightings depend on nature and sea conditions.
~6:30–7:15 PM
Drive to St. John’s
Hotel check-in and evening meal. First of two nights in St. John’s.
Planning note: Ferryland Lighthouse and the picnic lunch are removed. If you fall behind schedule, prioritize the 4:00 PM Gatherall’s check-in; shorten Colony of Avalon rather than rush the road.
Day 8 · Thursday, July 8, 2027
Quidi Vidi fishing charter → The Rooms → Signal Hill → the Battery
Harbour photographs and a brief look around the village.
9:15–9:30 AM
Charter boarding and safety briefing
Arrive at the operator’s location with enough time to board.
9:30 AM–12:30 PM
NL Boat Tours fishing charter — everyone
A requested private three-hour excursion out of Quidi Vidi. Operator currently advertises a two-hour trip, so duration, group capacity, price and start time are all to be negotiated.
12:30–1:30 PM
Lunch
In Quidi Vidi or central St. John’s.
2:00–3:30 PM
The Rooms
Museum and art galleries; use accessible indoor exhibits and harbour viewpoints.
3:45–5:15 PM
Signal Hill and Cabot Tower
Drive to the summit/viewpoints, visit Cabot Tower before the published summer access cut-off (5:30 PM in 2026).
5:15–6:00 PM
The Battery
Short scenic drive and brief harbour neighbourhood viewpoints; do not attempt steep stairways.
Evening
Dinner in St. John’s
Second night in the city.
Planning note: 2027 fishing-season rules, 3-hour charter terms and boat capacity must be confirmed directly. The published standard trip is 2 hours. “Day 8 Split” remains a separate saved alternate, not the current plan.
Day 9 · Friday, July 9, 2027
St. John’s → Cape Spear → Castle Hill → Argentia ferry
Cape Spear + overnight crossing
Driving~2½–3 hours total
Boat / ferry~16-hour overnight Argentia → North Sydney sailing at 5:30 PM
Walking~45–75 minutes; viewpoints and heritage exhibits, flexible distances
Planning note: One overnight ferry cabin night only. The published 2027 timetable lists a 5:30 PM Friday Argentia departure, subject to future changes and booking availability.
Day 10 · Saturday, July 10, 2027
North Sydney → Charlottetown
Return home
Driving~6–7 hours • approximately 500 km
Boat / ferryDisembark the overnight ferry; expected arrival ~9:00 AM ADT
Arrival is an estimate for a 16-hour sailing, accounting for the 30-minute time-zone change.
~9:30–10:00 AM
Disembark and start drive
Allow time for vehicle unloading.
Midday
Comfort and lunch stop near Truro
Break up the drive and refuel as needed.
Afternoon
Cross Confederation Bridge into PEI
Continue to Charlottetown.
~4:00–5:30 PM
Arrive home
Arrival depends on disembarkation, traffic and stops.
Planning note: No flight is part of this trip. The final leg is entirely by road after disembarking at North Sydney.
Bookings to prioritize
Marine Atlantic ferries: confirm both overnight sailings, two adult tickets and a vehicle; reserve a private two-bed cabin on BOTH July 1 and July 9. Arrive for check-in at least two hours before sailing.
Western Brook Pond / BonTours: confirm July 3 departure; golf-cart shuttle is currently first-come, cash only, and requires arriving at least 90 minutes before sailing.
Twillingate Iceberg Quest: plan the July 5 4:00 PM cruise; book ahead.
Gatherall’s Bay Bulls: plan the July 7 4:30 PM cruise; arrive by 4:00 PM.
NL Boat Tours: negotiate a private July 8 9:30 AM–12:30 PM three-hour charter for the whole party; confirm boat capacity, fishing regulations and cost. The normal listed offering is two hours.
Hotels and meals: inform Rocky Harbour hotel of Day 2 late arrival; reserve Stone Ducky on Day 7 to keep the cruise connection comfortable.
Official links and references
These websites are useful for reconfirming hours, sailing schedules, prices and accessibility before the trip. Website access requires an internet connection.
The photographs are original images hosted by Wikimedia Commons, not embedded copies. The page loads smaller previews from the internet to stay compact; selecting a photo opens its full-size image. The adjacent “Photographer and licence” links lead to the individual file pages for credit and reuse conditions. You will need an internet connection to view the photographs and map. The schedule, budget, and booking notes remain available offline.
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