12-Day Newfoundland Itinerary: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Planning a Newfoundland itinerary? In 12 days, you can drive across the entire island, from the fairy-tale villages of the Bonavista Peninsula to the UNESCO-listed fjords of Gros Morne National Park, without ever setting up a tent.

This guide covers exactly how we did it, including where to stay, what to hike, and more, all planned to the smallest detail. Newfoundland remains one of our all-time favorite trips. We’re going back, and that should tell you everything.

Use this 12-day Newfoundland itinerary to help plan your visit to the most friendly and picturesque province of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. You will travel across “The Rock” in search of beautiful landscapes, friendly residents, unique foods, and amazing hikes.

This guide focuses on travel throughout the island of Newfoundland for 12 epic days full of fun adventures and stunning scenery. Get all the deals below and start planning your trip now!

When To Go

Honestly, there is no bad time to visit Newfoundland. Winters bring snow and harsh conditions, but spring, summer, and fall are all very doable. Traveling in the spring to early summer will give you the best chance of seeing icebergs!

We traveled here during the first half of July, and we think that is the perfect time to go. 12 days is plenty of time, but we are planning our return trip to visit the spots we missed. It is an amazing place.

Be sure to check out our packing list for some essentials you can’t live without when traveling to Newfoundland & Labrador. We highly recommend bug spray and a head net. You’ll find both on our packing list.

The Itinerary At A Glance

The map above shows a numbered itinerary outlining the order of stops, along with our recommended hikes and activities for each location. Each destination is color-coded by national park or region, providing a helpful visual overview of your route!

How Much Does A Trip To Newfoundland Cost?

This is one of the most important questions, right? You bet! This cost breakdown is based on our trip here in 2023, so costs have likely increased a bit. This section includes most of the major costs except for food.

The single most variable cost is flights, but if you can find a deal from a hub city, this trip becomes extremely affordable! You can also make your trip more affordable by only eating out for dinner.

All prices are estimates and may vary by season and availability. CAD/USD exchange rates fluctuate, so be sure to check current rates before booking.

Where to Stay in Newfoundland

Accommodations book up fast in summer, especially in Norris Point and Port Rexton. Book as early as possible.

Night 1 — Clarenville, NL (travel/arrival night) – Central location on the Trans-Canada Highway, great for stocking up. Budget-friendly hotels available. Search hotels in Clarenville, NL.

Nights 2–3 — Twillingate, NL. VRBO cabins with ocean views are the move here — waking up to icebergs is an experience you won’t forget. Search VRBOs in Twillingate.

Nights 4–7 — Norris Point or Rocky Harbor, NL (Gros Morne base camp). This is your most important booking. Norris Point puts you right inside Gros Morne National Park. Options are limited and sell out months in advance in July. Search hotels in this area.

Nights 8–9 — Trinity or Port Rexton, NL. Port Rexton Brewing is steps away. Boutique inns and VRBOs are the best options here. Search accommodations in Trinity & Port Rexton.

Nights 10–11 — St. John’s, NL. The most hotel options of the entire trip. Stay near downtown for walkability to Quidi Vidi, restaurants, and the screech-in. Search hotels in St. John’s

Day 1 – Travel Day, Brigus & Chance Cove Trail

📖 Browse all our Newfoundland travel guides right here.

First off, Day 1 on your Newfoundland itinerary is a travel day to get you to “The Rock”. Start off by booking your flight to St. John’s International Airport in St. John’s, NL. Make sure to pick the correct St. John’s!

Plan on getting into St. John’s early to make the most of your trip. First, drive 1 hour northwest to Brigus. Brigus is a charming fishing village that will make you feel as though you have traveled back in time.

Next, head another hour northwest to the Chance Cove Coastal Hiking Trail. After you’re finished exploring the breathtaking coast, drive 50 minutes north to Clarenville, NL. This is a great place to stock up on goods for your trip. Do not, and I repeat, DO NOT forget ketchup chips and Coffee Crisp! 😋

➡️ Check out our full post on what to expect when visiting Brigus and Chance Cove here.

Day 2 – Terra Nova National Park

Day 2 is full of hiking in the boreal forest and coastal areas of Terra Nova National Park.

• Note that you will need to purchase a park pass. You can do so by purchasing a Parks Canada Discovery Pass, or just head to the Terra Nova National Park Visitor Centre to obtain a permit for the day.

If there is one thing you do at Terra Nova National Park, make sure it’s the Ochre Hill Trail. See our complete guide on the 4 Stunning Hikes to Complete at Terra Nova National Park. End your day by driving 2 hours north to Twillingate. As we entered Twillingate, we were greeted by an iceberg floating out at sea directly across from our Airbnb cabin. What a view!

Day 3 – Twillingate – Icebergs & Hiking on Your Newfoundland Itinerary

Next up on your Newfoundland itinerary is a day exploring the quaint town of Twillingate, the iceberg capital of the world! Spend the day here hiking the Nanny Hole and Long Point Lighthouse Loop. This is one of our favorite hikes of the trip.

The hike starts at Long Point Lighthouse, heads down along the coast, through a boreal forest, past Crow Head, and up and around the green cliffs overlooking massive icebergs. It is absolutely breathtaking! We also recommend hiking the Lower Little Harbor Loop for more scenic views of the area.

🧊 Click here to find all the information you need about hiking in Twillingate!

Finish up your exploration with a delicious bite at the local brewery. Stock up on groceries and gas because tomorrow includes some hiking and a long, scenic drive.

Day 4 – Driving & Alexander Murray Hiking Trail

First, get ready for a nice and easy 5-hour drive. Yep, you read that right! Trust us, it will be worth it. First up, head west about 2 hours to Grand Falls-Windsor. There are larger grocery stores and gas stations here. Stock up on those ketchup chips and gas up for the 1-hour drive to the Alexander Murray Hiking Trail.

This is a great in-between destination to take a hike and stretch your legs. This hike has 2,200 stairs, waterfalls, and amazing views. It’s 100% worth it!

🥾Visit our post on the Alexander Murray Hiking Trail for more details.

Lastly, head west another 2 hours to Norris Point, NL. This is your home base for the next 4 nights. This means much less driving!

Days 5, 6, & 7 – Gros Morne National Park

Get ready for it! The crown jewel of “The Rock” in our opinion. This was our favorite national park of the trip, Gros Morne National Park. Are you ready to spend the next 3 days hiking and exploring?

Picture it now: lush green coastal cliff meadows, towering mountains, the Earth’s mantle, and freshwater fjords. First, pick up your park pass at the Discovery Centre and get ready for some fun. Check out our posts with details on hiking 3 days at Gros Morne National Park:

• Day 5: How to Explore Green Gardens & the Earth’s Mantle at Gros Morne National Park
• Day 6: How to Hike Gros Morne National Park: Western Brook Pond
• Day 7: How to Summit Gros Morne Mountain at Gros Morne National Park

Don’t forget to stop and visit the quaint towns of Woody Point and Norris Point!

Day 8 – Driving Day & Trinity

After the last 3 days of hiking in beautiful Gros Morne National Park, it’s time to head back to the east side of Newfoundland and Labrador, which includes another long driving day.

Drive 6 hours east to the town of Port Rexton, NL. Service stops along this drive include Deer Lake, Grand Falls-Windsor, and Gander.

Once you reach Port Rexton, settle into your accommodations and head out for a bite to eat. We love the Port Rexton Brewery. Finally, reward yourself at sunset with an absolute must-see location and experience the fairytale-like town of Trinity, Newfoundland.

🧚🏽‍♀️Oh yeah, you read that right. Check it out – Trinity looks like a fairytale!

Take a walk down the quiet streets, learn about the history of the village, and stop for ice cream for a day’s end treat.

Day 9 – Bonavista & Elliston

Traveling to Newfoundland and Labrador wouldn’t be complete without seeing Puffins! This location is one of the most accessible areas to view Puffins in North America. It is free to view the Puffins, but please make a donation to this excellent attraction.

If there is one thing NOT to miss on your Newfoundland itinerary, this is it!

In addition, drive toward the Dungeon Provincial Park, through the community pastures filled with friendly horses roaming free. After your visit here, head to the Cape Shore Trail. This trail travels along the coast all the way up to the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse.

If you are lucky, you will spot whales along this trail. Be sure to stop by the Little Dairy King for a refreshing Coffee Crisp milkshake! Gosh, I could sure go for one of those right now.

Now that you have completed your first hikes, the Fox Island Trail awaits you. Honestly, do not miss this one either! Back near your home base of Port Rexton, you will find this amazing trail that hikes along coastal areas with views that will take your breath away.

You’ll have the option to hike through Champney’s West to visit the Champney’s West Aquarium.

🐳 Get all the details you need here on an epic day visiting puffins and hiking near Bonavista.

Day 10 – Skerwink Trail & St. John’s

First up is the famous Skerwink Trail. Selected by Travel and Leisure Magazine as one of the top 35 hikes in North America and Europe, this is a must-do when visiting Newfoundland and Labrador.

This magnificent trail explores boreal forests, coastal cliffs, open cliffside meadows, and magnificent lookout points.

It’s even possible to catch a glimpse of whales, icebergs, eagles, and more. Here is how to hike the world-famous Skerwink Trail in Newfoundland. Hike in the morning and head back to St. John’s, a 3-hour drive.

When you reach St. John’s, here are 6 unique destinations to visit. Quidi Vidi village is a great first stop upon your arrival. Stretch your legs with a walk around this quaint fishing village, and be sure to stop at the Quidi Vidi Brewery for an Iceberg Lager. Really, beer made with water from 10,000-year-old icebergs!

With the nearby East Coast Trail, Signal Mountain, and stunning views along the North Head Trail near The Battery, there is no shortage of attractions. Don’t forget to partake in a screech-in to become an Honorary Newfoundlander.

Day 11 – Ferryland & Avalon Peninsula

Finally, all good vacations must come to an end. On the last part of your Newfoundland itinerary, spend the day driving down through a portion of the Irish Loop to explore the Avalon Peninsula.

About 1.5 hours south, you’ll reach the Ferryland Lighthouse, and you just might think you’re in a real-life fairytale. Have a picnic at the lighthouse and be on the lookout for whales as you explore the beautiful bluffs.

Head back north 40 minutes and stop at Tors Cove to hike on Tinker’s Path, part of the East Coast Trail. The trail has breathtaking views of Fox Island and the Witless Bay Islands Park Reserve. Along the trail, you’ll encounter The Cribbies.

☀️ Learn more about Ferryland and Tors Cove right here!

This area is the site of a former 17th-century settlement, and the Cribbies houses are postcard-worthy. If you’re lucky like us, you might even stumble onto a live production set! What a great way to end your vacation in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Essential Tips for Your Newfoundland Trip

Know before you go. Check out some of our best tips on getting there, weather, what to pack, and some other extra insider information.

Getting There

You’ll most likely fly into St. John’s. Additionally, you can fly into Gander, but this may add more connecting flights and time.

If you are coming from Nova Scotia, you can take the ferry. There is a ferry service between North Sydney, Nova Scotia, and Port aux Basques, in southwestern Newfoundland. Most days have two sailings, and the crossing takes six to eight hours, depending on the weather.

Currency & Practical Info

The Canadian dollar is the currency of Canada. Pick up some bills before you arrive. Most banks in the U.S. can order you currency if you have an active account.

A valid Passport is required for entry. Check the entry and visa requirements for your home country.

Watch out for potholes! You’ll likely be just fine on the Trans-Canada Highway, but once you hit those back roads, watch out. Just be on the lookout for the signs along the road.

Weather

Be prepared for the weather. It might be sunny, hot, windy, cool, rainy, or foggy. Sometimes all conditions in one day. For more information on the best time to visit, check out our post here.

Book Everything Early

Book everything early! Rental car, accommodations, tours, trips. These things do sell out fast in the high season.

What to Pack

Newfoundland’s weather is famously unpredictable. You can experience sunshine, fog, wind, and rain all in the same afternoon. Pack accordingly.

The non-negotiables:

• A waterproof rain jacket — not optional. Bring it every single day.
• Waterproof hiking boots — trails can be muddy and wet even on sunny days.
• Layers — even in July, evenings get cold fast, especially near the coast.
• Bug spray and a head net — Newfoundland bugs are no joke, particularly inland. This is the one thing most visitors don’t pack and regret immediately.
• A backpack — you’ll be hiking most days, so a comfortable daypack is essential.
• A refillable water bottle or water bladder — most trailheads don’t have water stations.

Nice to have:

• Trekking poles (especially for Gros Morne Mountain on Day 7)
• Binoculars for whale and iceberg spotting.

👉 Check out our full packing list for all our favorite gear picks with links.

Local Tips

Keep it chill. Locals in Newfoundland are very easygoing and friendly, and will help you in any situation. Oh, and don’t forget the ketchup chips, coffee crisp, and other snacks!

🏞️ If you are looking for more fun itineraries to other destinations, check them out here.

Rental Car

• We always book our rental car super early as a pay later option. If you do this, you can continuously check the prices before your trip. If the price is lower than when you booked, cancel for free and rebook for the lower price! Most major rental car companies have free cancellation on pay later bookings, but always check the fine print.
• Make sure to take a video of the outside AND inside of the car before you leave the rental car lot. This will save you from any damage claims made by the rental car company after your return. We know from a very bad experience on this! Check out our post on what happens if you damage a rental car for more information.

🚗Visit Expedia and book your car now before they run out! 🚙 No, really, they do run out during peak season!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 12-Day Newfoundland Itinerary Worth It?

In short, absolutely! Hopefully, you find our Newfoundland itinerary helpful as you plan your trip. We can’t get over the amazing scenery, colorful towns, and the most friendly local residents we have ever met.

Our trip to Newfoundland was such an amazing time that we plan to return someday. Newfoundland and Labrador should be at the top of your bucket list!

This trip will look different for everyone, but using our Newfoundland itinerary will give you a solid foundation to plan your own trip and explore even further.