Travel to Newfoundland and Labrador – Episode 893

Hear about travel to Newfoundland and Labrador as the Amateur Traveler talks to Bri Mitchell from travelingmitch.com based on the summer they spent in this less visited Canadian province.

Why should you go to Newfoundland and Labrador?

Bri says, “It is a very vast, wide, and open province. It has extremely warm people very enticing outdoor adventures really incredible opportunities to get out onto the water and explore different parts of the Atlantic Ocean. And specifically today, I want to talk a little bit about Western Newfoundland and Labrador, so starting in the western coast and making your way up towards Labrador.”

“It’s larger than many countries. I think I was looking up It’s a square kilometer area, and it’s larger than Japan, Germany, and Finland. A lot of people think of Eastern Canada as being small and little towns and not a lot to explore. But when you think about its size, Newfoundland and Labrador as a province is very expansive. So it’s a great place to go if you enjoy a road trip if you enjoy taking in nature. Many kilometers in a day, which this trip will entail and it’s just a really wonderful place to get outside and really embrace nature.”

Bri recommends a comprehensive seven-day itinerary for exploring Newfoundland and Labrador, focusing primarily on Western Newfoundland and briefly touching upon Labrador. Here’s the itinerary she suggests:

Day 1: Arrival at Deer Lake

• Fly into Deer Lake Regional Airport, rent a car, and drive to Gros Morne National Park.
  
• Stay in Woody Point, a small town in Gros Morne, and dine at local restaurants like the Backroom Cafe or Merchant Warehouse.
  

Day 2: Exploring Gros Morne National Park

• Visit the Gros Morne Discovery Centre to learn about the park’s geology and obtain permits.
  
• Depending on your interest, hike the Tablelands or explore easier trails.
  

Day 3: Travel to Western Brook Pond

• Drive to Western Brook Pond and take a boat tour of this former fjord, now a freshwater lake, renowned for its dramatic landscape.
  
• Continue to the northern tip of Newfoundland and prepare for a ferry crossing to Labrador.
  

Day 4: Ferry to Labrador and Drive to Red Bay

• Take the ferry from St. Barb to Blanc-Sablon, Quebec, then drive to Red Bay in Labrador.
  
• Overnight in Red Bay, dine at the local Whalers restaurant.
  

Day 5: Battle Harbor

• Drive from Red Bay to Mary’s Harbor to catch a ferry to Battle Harbor, a historic fishing village and a significant cultural site.
  
• Overnight in Battle Harbor, engaging in community meals and local tours.
  

Day 6: Return to Newfoundland

• Ferry back to Mary’s Harbor, then explore more of Labrador’s coast or return directly to Newfoundland.
  
• Possible stops include the Red Bay Basque Whaling Station and other scenic points along the coast.
  

Day 7: Return to Deer Lake

• Drive back through Gros Morne National Park, potentially stopping at other attractions missed earlier.
  
• Return to Deer Lake to conclude the trip.
  

This itinerary is filled with scenic drives, historical insights, and opportunities for deep engagement with the local culture and natural beauty of the region. Bri emphasizes the importance of planning, especially for accommodations and car rentals, to enjoy this expansive and somewhat remote area fully.

subscribe: rss feed | Apple podcasts

right click here to download (mp3)

Show Notes

Traveling Mitch
Newfoundland and Labrador
Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador
Gros Morne National Park
Woody Point, Newfoundland and Labrador
Bonne Bay Inn
The Rooms at Woodypoint
Places to Eat Woodypoint
Discovery Centre Gros Morne National Park
Gros Morne Adventures
Bonne Bay Tour
Galliott Studios
Writers at Woody Point
Western Brook Pond
Arches Provincial Park
St. Barbe, Newfoundland and Labrador
Labrador Marine (Ferry)
Blanc-Sablon
Red Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador
Whalers Restaurant, Red Bay
Whaler’s Station Cabins – Red Bay
Mary’s Harbour
Battle Harbour, Labrador
Economic Impacts of the Cod Moratorium
Red Bay Basque Whaling Station – UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Point Amour Lighthouse
L’Anse-au-Loup
The Florian Hotel, Forteau
Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse
Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador
Norris Point
Neddies Harbour Inn
The Tides Inn
The Old Store Cafe – Norris Point
L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site – UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Corner Brook
What I Learned Spending One Memorable Month in Newfoundland and Labrador
Visiting Battle Harbour: Step Back in Time for Perspective on the Present in Historic Labrador

Community

Please take our listener survey

Amateur Traveler Trips