St. John's · Trinity & Bonavista · Gros Morne
Newfoundland:
Across the Rock
Icebergs and whales off the most easterly point in North America, a coastline that stops you mid-sentence, a UNESCO-listed national park, and the warmest people on the continent.
11 Days · 10 Nights
June – August
Mid-Range
Rental Car
3 Regions
Duration
11 Days · 10 Nights
Best Season
June – August
Budget
Mid-Range
Stays
3 Bases
Getting Around
Rental Car
About This Trip
Newfoundland at Your Own Pace
The first North American land discovered by Viking Leif Eriksson in 1000 AD, Newfoundland was the last province to join Canadian Confederation in 1949. It moves at its own pace, on its own timezone (GMT-3:30 — yes, offset by a half hour), and plays by its own rules. Icebergs drift past in June. Humpback whales breach offshore in July. The national park to the west is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where visitors can walk on the Earth's mantle.
Newfoundlanders are known for their distinctive accent and extraordinary generosity — stories of spontaneous kindness here are not unusual, they are expected. Come with layers, rain gear and no fixed agenda. The best moments on this island arrive when you stop looking for them.
The Route
One City at a Time
Days 1–3
St. John's
The most easterly city in North America — colourful Jellybean Row houses, Signal Hill, an iceberg and whale boat tour, and more pubs per capita than anywhere else in Canada. A lively, welcoming city with great food.
Days 4–6
Trinity & Bonavista
A postcard come to life. The Skerwink Trail is one of the finest coastal hikes on the continent. Trinity village is perfectly preserved and utterly charming. Puffins at Elliston, a lighthouse at Bonavista, and lupins everywhere.
Days 7–11
Gros Morne National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary beauty — walk on the Earth's mantle at the Tablelands, cruise a landlocked fjord at Western Brook Pond, watch sunsets over Bonne Bay and catch the Anchors Aweigh dinner show.
The Route, Day by Day
Your Itinerary
A suggested flow through each city — built around wine, culture and the places worth lingering in.
Days 1–3 · St. John's
Icebergs, Signal Hill & George Street
The most easterly city in North America delivers a full-on welcome — colourful row houses, dramatic headlands, whale and iceberg boat tours, and a pub culture that needs to be experienced to be believed.
Day 1
Arrival
Arrive & Explore Downtown
Fly into St. John's (YYT). Check in and start exploring. Walk the famous Jellybean Row — the streets of brightly painted Victorian houses in the downtown core. There are many independent shops and galleries to wander through. When a break is needed, just step into one of the many pubs.
Jellybean RowGeorge StreetCourtyard MarriottInn at Mallard Cottage
George Street has more bars per capita than anywhere else in Canada. Most are pedestrian-only in the evenings — a great spot to hear a live "Kitchen Party" with traditional Newfoundland folk music.
Day 2
Morning
Iceberg Quest Whale & Iceberg Boat Tour
Walk to the pier and board an Iceberg Quest Tour. Even in July, icebergs drift past in extraordinary numbers. Whale watching is best between July and September. The views from the open deck are spectacular — bring warm layers regardless of the season.
★ Iceberg Quest ToursWhale watchingIcebergs
Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Wear pants and a jacket — even in July, it can be very cold and windy on the water.
Day 3
Full Day
Signal Hill + Quidi Vidi Brewery
Walk the North Head Trail to Signal Hill — the views over the city, the Narrows and the open Atlantic are extraordinary. From Signal Hill it is a pleasant 30-minute walk down to Quidi Vidi Brewery for a tour and a tasting. Note the Signal Hill National Historic Site gift shop is a great stop for local gifts. Dinner at Mallard Cottage — consistently ranked among the top restaurants in Canada.
★ Signal HillNorth Head Trail★ Quidi Vidi Brewery★ Mallard Cottage
The Iceberg Beer at Quidi Vidi is brewed with iceberg water — surprisingly light and approachable even for non-beer drinkers. The hike back to the hotel after two trails and a brewery tour is ambitious — consider an Uber.
Days 4–6 · Trinity & Bonavista
The Finest Coastal Hike, Puffins & a Postcard Town
Turning the corner on the hill that leads down to Trinity is one of those travel moments that stays with you. The town, the surrounding coastline and the Skerwink Trail make this one of the most beautiful areas in the country.
Before visiting Trinity, consider watching The Grand Seduction — a charming Canadian comedy filmed right in the town. It follows a small community's attempt to lure a doctor to stay. Many of the filming locations are recognizable on a short drive around the area. Genuinely funny and a perfect introduction to Newfoundland spirit.
Day 4
Drive + Hike
Drive to Trinity — Skerwink Trail
The drive from St. John's to Trinity takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutes. Check in to the Artisan Inn then head straight for the Skerwink Trail — a 5 km loop that follows the cliffs above the ocean with stunning coastal views, interesting geological features and frequent whale sightings. The trail has some stairs and takes 2.5 to 3 hours. A must.
★ Skerwink TrailArtisan Inn
Start early to have the trail to yourself. In fog, the experience becomes surreal — whale blowholes can be heard but not seen below the clifftop. Many visitors return to hike it again.
Day 5
Full Day
Trinity Walking Tour + Fort Point + Rising Tide Theatre
Take the Trinity Historical Walking Tour — 2.5 hours of exceptional history in a town walkable in 25 minutes. The guides are outstanding. Afterwards, drive to Fort Point for views of the bay and Trinity from the lighthouse. In the evening, check the schedule for Rising Tide Theatre — a well-regarded local repertory company.
★ Trinity Walking TourFort Point LighthouseRising Tide Theatre
Dinner at the Twine Loft at Artisan Inn — the food and service are excellent. On a special occasion, mention it ahead of time.
Day 6
Full Day
Cape Bonavista Lighthouse + Puffins at Elliston
Drive to Cape Bonavista for dramatic coastal views and the historic Cape Bonavista Lighthouse. Continue to Elliston for the puffin colony — Atlantic Puffins nest in burrows on the cliffside and can be seen at remarkably close range. No birding expertise required to be utterly charmed. Lunch at the Bonavista Social Club.
Cape Bonavista Lighthouse★ Puffins at Elliston★ Bonavista Social Club
The pizza at Bonavista Social Club lives up to its reputation. The puffin site at Elliston is free to visit and entirely worth the short detour.
Days 7–11 · Gros Morne National Park
Walk on the Earth's Mantle, Cruise a Fjord, Watch the Sunset
A UNESCO World Heritage Site of jaw-dropping variety — ancient geology exposed at the Tablelands, a landlocked fjord at Western Brook Pond, wild coastline, incredible boat tours and a dinner show that turns out to be unmissable.
Day 7
Drive Day
Drive to Gros Morne — Optional Stop at Happy Adventure
The drive from Trinity to Gros Morne is 4 to 6 hours depending on starting point. Consider breaking the journey with an overnight stay at the Inn at Happy Adventure — a charming spot on the edge of Terra Nova Park with excellent seafood at Chucky's Restaurant on site. If pushing straight through, stop in Gander for supplies and to visit the 9/11 Compassion Monument. Watch for moose on the road.
Inn at Happy AdventureChucky's RestaurantGander9/11 Compassion MonumentVictorian Manor (Anne's Place)
Watch for moose — there are many signs and they are serious. Arrive in time to visit the Discovery Centre (Woody Point) or Visitor Centre (Rocky Harbour) to plan your days in the park.
Day 8
Full Day
Tablelands Guided Walk + Trout River
The Tablelands Trail guided tour (10am, 2 hours) covers one of the most remarkable geological sites on Earth — exposed peridotite from the Earth's mantle. The rust-coloured landscape is unlike anything else in Canada. Afterwards, drive to Trout River for lunch at the Seaside Restaurant — the seafood chowder is a highlight. On the return, stop at the Discovery Centre.
★ Tablelands Guided Walk★ Seaside Restaurant, Trout RiverDiscovery Centre
The guided tour adds significant value — the geology is fascinating once explained. The Eastern Point Trail near Trout River is also recommended for an easy additional walk with excellent views.
Day 9
Full Day
Western Brook Pond Boat Tour + Coastal Trail
Allow a full 4 hours for the Western Brook Pond Boat Tour — 45 minutes each way on a beautiful flat walk to the boat launch, then a 2-hour cruise through soaring fjord walls. Even on a full boat, the fresh air and extraordinary scenery are deeply peaceful. After the tour, walk the Coastal Trail for ocean views. Evening: Anchors Aweigh dinner show in Rocky Harbour.
★ Western Brook Pond Boat TourCoastal Trail★ Anchors Aweigh
Anchors Aweigh comes highly recommended and consistently delivers. It is cheesy in the best possible way — funny, local and surprisingly moving. Bonus: the Rocky Harbour sunset is extraordinary. Note the drive back to Woody Point in the dark is long and moose-vigilant.
Day 10
Full Day
Bonne Bay Boat Tour + Black Spruce Dinner
Take the Bonne Bay Water Shuttle from Woody Point to Norris Point, where the Bonne Bay Boat Tour departs from the Cat Stop. The tour is entertaining, musical and the opportunity to be "Screeched In" as an honorary Newfoundlander is genuinely fun. Dinner at Black Spruce at Neddies Harbour Inn — exceptional food, extraordinary views. One of the trip highlights.
★ Bonne Bay Boat TourBonne Bay Water Shuttle★ Black Spruce RestaurantCat Stop
The Bonne Bay Water Shuttle is a great option on a rainy day. The same crew that runs the boat tour also performs Anchors Aweigh — they are excellent entertainers. Book Black Spruce well in advance — it is a small, popular restaurant.
Day 11
Departure
Drive to Deer Lake Airport
A short drive from Gros Morne to Deer Lake Regional Airport (YDF). If time allows, a final walk in Woody Point or a last coffee by the bay before the flight home.
Deer Lake Airport (YDF)
Book a National Park day pass in advance — Gros Morne requires a pass for all visitors. Available online at Parks Canada or at the park gates.
There is really nothing like the kindness of a Newfoundlander. Everywhere on this island, something will take your breath away.
Where to Eat & Drink
Eat, Drink & Be Merry
From a top-ranked Canadian restaurant in St. John's to a seafood chowder after a morning on the Earth's mantle — the food and drink in Newfoundland is better than most visitors expect. Fresh seafood is everywhere, and Newfoundland hospitality means the service almost always matches the quality.
Mallard Cottage
$$$
Consistently ranked among the top 10 restaurants in Canada. Located in the quaint Quidi Vidi neighbourhood, about 30 minutes' walk or 5 minutes by cab from downtown. The cooking is exceptional, the setting is beautiful.
A worthy splurge. Book well in advance.
George Street Pubs
$$
Two pedestrian-only blocks in downtown St. John's with more bars per capita than anywhere else in Canada. Traditional "Kitchen Parties" with folk music and singing happen most evenings. Ask about being "Screeched In" as an honorary Newfoundlander.
Quidi Vidi Brewery
$
A fun, relaxed brewery tour in a converted fishing premises. The Iceberg Beer — brewed with actual iceberg water — is the standout. Even non-beer drinkers tend to find something to enjoy here.
Walk here from Signal Hill — about 30 minutes downhill. A natural end to the hike.
Twine Loft at Artisan Inn
$$
The restaurant at the Artisan Inn in Trinity. The food and service are consistently excellent, and the patio view over the harbour is beautiful. A great base for exploring the Trinity and Bonavista area.
Bonavista Social Club
$$
Excellent pizza and a lively, welcoming atmosphere in Bonavista. It lives up to its strong reputation — a great lunch stop on the Cape Bonavista day.
Seaside Restaurant
$$
The perfect lunch stop after the Tablelands walk. The seafood chowder is exceptional — hearty, fresh and exactly what is needed after a morning of geology. The views of Trout River are a bonus.
Black Spruce
$$$
The restaurant at Neddies Harbour Inn in Norris Point. Extraordinary food, extraordinary views over Bonne Bay. One of the top dining experiences of the entire trip. Book well in advance — it fills fast.
Accessible via the Bonne Bay Water Shuttle from Woody Point — no need to drive the long route around the bay.
Anchors Aweigh
$$
A dinner and music show in Rocky Harbour that comes highly recommended and consistently delivers. Cheesy in the best possible way — funny, local entertainers who clearly love what they do. A highlight of the Gros Morne stay. Book early.
Newfoundland · Road Trip Notes
Driving Across the Rock
A rental car is non-negotiable for this trip — it's the only practical way to get between St. John's, Trinity and Gros Morne. Here are the key legs of the journey and what to know before you drive.
| Stop | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| St. John's → Trinity | ~2h 45min | Straightforward highway drive. Arrive via the hill above Trinity for the iconic first view of the town from above. |
| Trinity → Bonavista area | ~45 min | Easy drive along the coast. Cape Bonavista Lighthouse and Elliston puffin colony are both on the same loop. |
| Trinity → Happy Adventure (overnight option) | ~1.5 hrs | A charming overnight stop on the edge of Terra Nova Park. The Inn at Happy Adventure has excellent seafood. Cuts about an hour off the next day's drive to Gros Morne. If skipping, stop in Gander for the 9/11 Compassion Monument and supplies. |
| Happy Adventure → Woody Point, Gros Morne | ~5 hrs | A long drive through central Newfoundland. Stop in Gander for the 9/11 Compassion Monument and supplies. Take the Trans-Canada then Route 430 into the park. Watch for moose. |
| Woody Point → Rocky Harbour | ~45 min (each way) | The long drive around Bonne Bay. Consider the Bonne Bay Water Shuttle (ferry) as an alternative. Dark at night — moose vigilance essential. |
| Gros Morne → Deer Lake Airport | ~30 min | A short, easy drive to Deer Lake Regional Airport (YDF) for the return flight. |
Where to Stay
Accommodations
$ Under $100 · $$ $100–200 · $$$ Over $200. All stays are mid-range and well-located.
St. John's · Downtown · Walk to George Street and harbour
$$
Trinity · Historic houses and cottages · Excellent restaurant · Beautiful views
💡 Using Trinity as a base for both the Skerwink hike and Bonavista day is ideal. The rooms are great and the setting is extraordinary.
$$
Woody Point · Gros Morne · Modern suites with beautiful bay views · Walk to restaurants and shops
💡 A well-reviewed option in Woody Point with comfortable modern rooms and easy access to everything the village offers.
$$$
Woody Point · Gros Morne · Quiet, charming · Minke whales visible from the window
💡 Woody Point is the quietest of the three bases. Great for those who want a calm evening after a full day in the park.
$$
Norris Point · Gros Morne · Beautiful views · Extraordinary Black Spruce restaurant
💡 The first choice for many — book early. No walking-distance shops or cafés but the setting and food are outstanding.
$$$
Rocky Harbour · Gros Morne · Modern cosy cabins · Great reviews · Closest to Western Brook Pond
💡 Rocky Harbour has the most accommodation options and is closest to Western Brook Pond. Also closest to Anchors Aweigh — no dark moose drive home.
$$
All Recommendations, Mapped
Explore the Spots
Filter by city and category · ⭐ = in the itinerary · Click any card to find it on the map
Sights
Eat & Drink
Wineries
Where to Stay
In the itinerary
Must-Do
Top Picks
The moments worth planning your trip around. Don't leave without them.
1
Skerwink Trail
A 5 km coastal cliff hike near Trinity that takes 2.5–3 hours. One of the finest hikes in Eastern Canada. Do it first thing in the morning. In fog it becomes surreal.
2
Iceberg & Whale Boat Tour
Iceberg Quest Tours out of St. John's. Dress warmly. Even in July, icebergs are common and whales breach offshore. Breathtaking.
3
Western Brook Pond Boat Tour
A 45-minute walk leads to a 2-hour cruise through soaring fjord walls. Allow a full 4 hours. One of the most peaceful experiences on the island.
4
Tablelands Guided Walk
Walk on the Earth's mantle at one of the most remarkable geological sites in the world. The guided tour (10am, 2 hours) is essential.
5
Puffins at Elliston
Atlantic Puffins nest in burrows at the cliffside near Elliston and can be seen at close range. No binoculars needed. No birding experience required.
6
Anchors Aweigh Dinner Show
A dinner and music show in Rocky Harbour that consistently delights. Cheesy in the best possible way. The Rocky Harbour sunset is a bonus.
Nature & Wildlife
- Icebergs off St. John's
- Whale watching (Jul–Sep)
- Puffins at Elliston
- Minke whales, Woody Point bay
- Moose along the highway
Must-See
- Signal Hill & North Head Trail
- Cape Bonavista Lighthouse
- Tablelands, Gros Morne
- 9/11 Compassion Monument, Gander
- Trinity village
- Jellybean Row, St. John's
Hikes
- ★ Skerwink Trail (5km, 3hr)
- Western Brook Pond walk (3.5km)
- Coastal Trail, Gros Morne
- Eastern Point Trail (3.5km)
- Tablelands Trail (guided)
- Signal Hill North Head Trail
Tours & Experiences
- ★ Iceberg Quest Tours
- ★ Western Brook Pond Boat Tour
- ★ Bonne Bay Boat Tour
- ★ Anchors Aweigh show
- Quidi Vidi Brewery Tour
- Trinity Historical Walking Tour
Getting Around
How to Move Through the Route
A rental car is not optional — it is the only practical way to see Newfoundland. Book it immediately after booking your flights. Supply is genuinely limited and walk-up rentals at the airport are not reliable. Fly into St. John's (YYT) and out of Deer Lake (YDF) to avoid the long drive back across the island.
Planning Tips
🚗 Book Your Rental Car
Do This First — Seriously
Supply is very limited. Book immediately after flights. Walking up to the airport counter without a reservation is a real risk. There is no alternative to driving this island.
📅 Best Timing
July 1 for Icebergs & Whales
Arriving on or around July 1 gives the best chance of seeing both icebergs and humpback whales. May–June is peak iceberg season. July–September is best for whales.
🏡 Book Accommodation Early
6 Months Out for Gros Morne
Options in Gros Morne are limited and fill fast. Start looking 6 months in advance. Rocky Harbour has the most options. Woody Point is quieter. Norris Point is the most scenic.
🦌 Watch for Moose
Especially at Night
Moose are a serious road hazard — the highway signs are not decorative. Drive carefully after dark, especially on rural roads. This is particularly important around Gros Morne.
