St John's, Newfoundland, Canada

Self-Drive Journey in Newfoundland

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

11 Days

Prices Start from

£2,860pp (ex. flights)

Buckle up for a leisurely self-drive journey around Newfoundland, renowned for its collection of diverse landscapes and fascinating Viking history.

Navigate Canada’s sparsely populated region in search of its warm hospitality and incredible wildlife, embarking on whale-watching expeditions, floating Iceberg Alley and discovering artefacts dating to 1000 AD.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Gros Morne National Park 1

Drive Gros Morne

Witness the freshwater fjords, barren lowlands and striking coastline of Gros Morne NP.

Long Point Lighthouse, Twillingate, Newfoundland, Canada 2

Bergs & Whales

See bergs in Iceberg Alley and watch whales from Long Point Lighthouse.

L'Anse aux Meadows 3

L'Anse aux Meadows

See the remains of an 11th century viking settlement and take a pottery class.

Fogo Head Trail boardwalk, Newfoundland, Canada 4

Fogo Head Boardwalk

Perhaps venture to Fogo Island to hike its trail and watch drifting icebergs.

Why we like it

From the live music scene of the colourful harbour city of St. John’s to the boreal forests, bogs and green rolling hills of the inland Terra Nova National Park, this journey combines the infinite freedom that comes with travelling in a hire car with a custom-made itinerary that connects the highlights of Newfoundland. Featuring a sprinkling of whale-watching boat rides, a lot of pastel-coloured clapboard houses, and a careful balance of icebergs with traditional folk music, this road trip traverses the width this seemingly desolate region. Throw in high chances of spotting native wildlife, from dolphins and puffins to whales and seals, and this road trip becomes truly extraordinary. We can tailor-make a bespoke route to suit any activity level and interest and, when it comes to local experiences, we know the best places to view 10,000 year old icebergs, the location of a reconstructed village where you can learn to throw axes, and everything in between.

Explore our suggested itinerary

  • Days 1-3

    St. John's

  • Day 4

    St. John's - Trinity

  • Day 5

    Trinity

  • Day 6

    Trinity - Twillingate

  • Day 7

    Twillingate

  • Day 8

    Lewisporte - Norris Point

  • Days 9-10

    Norris Point

  • Day 11

    Norris Point - Deer Lake - Halifax

Days 1-3

St. John's

St John's, Newfoundland, Canada

Explore St. John’s, immersing yourself in history and culture by visiting museums, local eateries and local galleries.

Day 4

St. John's - Trinity

Day 5

Trinity

Artisan Inn, Trinity, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Move on to the whitewashed and pastel port village of Trinity, one of the oldest European settlements in the Americas.

Day 6

Trinity - Twillingate

Day 7

Twillingate

Long Point Lighthouse, Twillingate, Newfoundland, Canada

Drive to Twillingate, passing through the boreal forests and rolling hills of the Terra Nova National Park.

Day 8

Lewisporte - Norris Point

Days 9-10

Norris Point

Norris Point on Bonne Bay in Gros Morne National Park

Journey to the northern peninsula of Newfoundland and perhaps visit the marine biology centre.

Day 11

Norris Point - Deer Lake - Halifax

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

The battery St Johns Newfoundland, Canada
Atlantic Puffin, Canada, Maritimes
Maritimes, Canada

Local Life & Atlantic Puffins

Explore St. John’s, immersing yourself in the history and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador by visiting museums, local eateries and local galleries. Learn about the Inuit and pre -Inuit cultures associated with the area, view ceramic collections, find fossils, and drive up Signal Hill for spectacular views. Travel to one of the provinces most photographed places, the historic fishing village of Quidi Vidi, to sample award-winning ales in the Quidi Vidi Brewery. Consider making the journey to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, home to over 2.5 million seabirds (including over 500,000 Atlantic puffins), and join a cruise that goes in search of whales and icebergs.

Trinity village in Newfoundland Canada
Artisan Inn, Trinity, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Artisan Inn, Trinity, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Clapboard Houses & Hiking

Move on to the whitewashed and pastel port village of Trinity, one of the oldest European settlements in the Americas, which is known for its picturesque clapboard houses and dramatic coastlines. Perhaps visit the museum, go hiking, take a boat tour to see the rugged beauty of Newfoundland in all its glory.

Terra Nova National Park Newfoundland, Canada
Long Point Lighthouse, Twillingate, Newfoundland, Canada
Canada

Terra Nova & Iceberg Alley

Drive to Twillingate, passing through the boreal forests and rolling hills of the Terra Nova National Park and detour to Long Point Lighthouse. Perhaps stop to photograph rugged cliffs, sheltered inlets and scenic Iceberg Alley. It is possible to embark on a sunset boat trip to Iceberg Alley to see humpback whales, minke whales and bergs up close.

Coastline Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland, Canada
Lanse aux Meadows Newfound Canada

Coastlines & Vikings

Explore Gros Morne National Park and discover its 485-million-year-old geology,forests, freshwater fjords, bogs, barren lowlands and a striking coastlines. Visit some of the tiny seaside communities that have made this area their home, perhaps taking a boat trip of walking on one of its sandy beaches. Also travel to L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage site at the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland, to see the reconstructed remains of an 11th century Viking settlement. When not perusing the exhibitions of 1000 AD artefacts, walk a trail to a nearby lake for a picnic lunch, learn to throw an axe or spin yarn, have your fortune told or attend a Viking-style pottery lesson.

A note on price

This Itinerary
Price
From £2,860 Per person

When to travel

Canada in January

January is an undoubtedly cold time of year in Canada, with temperatures reaching negative daily. However, visiting during this time can be a good chance to avoid the overwhelming busy times of the festive season and school holidays.

Canada in February

Winter in Canada offers an array of sporting and cultural events both indoors and out. Banff, Whistler and Jasper offer phenomenal ski resorts or perhaps be a spectator of an ice hockey match, arguably the country’s favourite sport.

Canada in March

While March can be a good off-peak time to visit, it is worth being prepared for drastic weather changes. However, this also means lower costs and fewer crowds. The mountains are still open for the ski season and cities are ideal as they are fewer tourists.

Canada in April

April marks the start of spring across Canada, a time to avoid crowds and discover all that the country has to offer with comfortable temperatures on average.

Canada in May

May is a favourable time to visit Canada, with temperatures rising, avoiding school holidays and off-peak rates.

Canada in June

For many travellers, June is the ideal time to visit Canada. Just before peak season, the weather is favourable and most of the trails and seasonal activities will have opened.

Canada in July

Summer in Canada calls for longer days to explore the natural beauty that awaits outdoors whether it’s hiking, fishing or camping. Temperatures average around 25, making cities quite warm but head into the wilderness or by the coast and enjoy the open air.

Canada in August

Summer is considered the peak season with warm temperatures and all attractions open. It is worth noting this time of year can be quite busy as it is school holidays.

Canada in September

As autumn rolls in and temperatures lower, September is a great time to avoid massive crowds and experience all that the country has to offer in comfortable weather. September is also the beginning of the salmon run, a peak time to see the bears fishing.

Canada in October

Temperatures continue to drop in October, also bringing cloudy days and rain. The autumn foliage is in full bloom across the countryside. This can also be a good time to take advantage of off-peak rates, however, it is worth bearing in mind that the weather can vary and some coastal towns will have started to close for the season.

Canada in November

November is a good time of year to visit the cities of Canada. It is too late to view the foliage and a bit too early to skiing yet, but a good time to explore cities across the country, in temperatures averaging 5 degrees.

Canada in December

The build-up to the festive season is in full swing across the country. Snow may have already started, making the perfect scene for ice skating and markets.

Holiday Inspiration

Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.

Why Choose Steppes?

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