Night 1-3
Hotel in St. John’s
Stay in a welcoming 3-star hotel and spend a few days enjoying the culturally vibrant capital of Newfoundland.
Discover whales and icebergs as you explore the landscapes of northern Newfoundland
Discover the incredible natural beauty of the rugged northern coast of Newfoundland during this 14-day self-drive adventure. The Newfoundland’s North Coast Self-Drive Tour explores the picturesque coastal villages, spectacular scenery, and the waters of the Atlantic as you search for its majestic ocean residents.
This tour offers many options for your daily activities and allows plenty of time to hike and explore the beaches and parks. You can choose to spend all day on an epic hike in the Tablelands or relax on the beach, watching the tides come in and ice chunks floating by. You’ll also have a few boat excursions to admire the beautiful icebergs and look for whales. This unforgettable self-guided tour is the perfect way for nature lovers to experience magnificent Newfoundland.
Upon your arrival at St. John’s airport, you’ll collect your rental vehicle and check into your hotel. You’ll have the next three nights to explore the island’s capital, affectionately referred to as “the rock.”
Today, you stroll the town and admire the brightly-coloured homes, and learn about the fascinating history of St. John’s. There is a free walking tour you can take that will uncover more about this lively little city. Another point of interest might be Signal Hill, which played an important role in both communication and military history. You can also pay a visit to Quidi Vidi, a historic fishing village.
Drive to the Avalon Peninsula, where you’ll find the Bay of Bulls. Spend some time looking out over the cliffs to see if you can spot a whale in the distance. You’ll then board a boat to take a wildlife-viewing cruise to look for whales and puffins. Today, you’ll also visit Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, where you can observe the seabird colonies at the sanctuary.
Today, you’ll leave the lively atmosphere of St. John’s and start your drive to the remote north. You’ll follow the rugged coast and pass through many charming fishing villages during the drive. As you near Bonavista, you’ll drive to White Rock for a scenic view over the town. You may see some icebergs floating in the distance as you arrive in Bonavista for the night.
Spend today in glorious Terra Nova Park. Enjoy the lovely forests and lake by taking a quiet hike in the wilderness or renting a canoe and going for a tranquil paddle. There is also a beautiful coastal trail you can take for a short walk feeling the sea breeze on your skin. After spending the day out in nature, you’ll drive to Glovertown for the night.
Drive to the village of Twillingate, where you’ll find an endearing little village and the famous Newfoundland hospitality. The village offers stunning views into the bay, where the icebergs float by in the ocean currents. There is a free walking tour of the village available, showing off the amazing natural beauty of Twillingate.
Today, you’ll take a cruise into the ocean that will bring you up-close to the giant icebergs as you navigate the ice flows. You’ll also be on the lookout for humpback whales and other marine life during this exciting boat tour. End the day with a visit to the picturesque Long Point Lighthouse, one of the most photographed locations on this island’s coast.
This morning, you’ll drive to the UNESCO-designated Gros Morne National Park. You’ll stay in Cow Head for a few nights so that you can spend time exploring this diverse and spectacular park, reminiscent of Lord of the Rings or Narnia.
Gros Morne owes its dramatic landscapes to the collision of the continents and glacial movements over thousands of years. Today, you’ll be spoiled for choice of where to hike. You can explore the cliffs and fjords or stroll along the rugged beaches. No matter which you choose, you will be in awe of the park’s otherworldly beauty.
Today will reveal to you another new environment in Gros Morne. Take scenic hikes through the northern tundra and look for wildlife as you explore the moors between the mountain ridges of the Tablelands. Don’t be surprised if you catch an arctic hare or deer racing across your path!
Begin your day with a trip to the Eskimo Paleo Museum in Port au Choix. Here, you’ll learn about the history and culture of the people indigenous to this sea coast. Then, continue your drive up to the northernmost point of the island at St. Anthony, the self-proclaimed “Iceberg Capital.”
L’Anse aux Meadows is where you’ll find the archeological site that records Norse presence on the island. You can choose to visit the remains of the Viking village to learn more about the pre-Columbus settlers. Then, you’ll take a cruise that offers another chance to see whales and the spectacular icebergs, admiring the coastal landscapes and other wildlife on the ride.
Today, you’ll return to Gros Morne National Park to experience the awe-inspiring cliffs that soar dramatically above the fjords. You’ll take a scenic boat tour of the magnificent Western Brook Pond Fjord. In the evening, you’ll continue driving south and spend the night in Rocky Harbour.
On the final day of your tour, you’ll want to time your drive to Deer Lake to correspond with your flights. Drop your rental vehicle off at the airport and begin your journey home or to your next destination.
This self-guided tour is run as private tour for your group only, and the price per person depends on how many people are in your group.
Prices below are per person:
This tour is based in hotel accommodations. Hotels on this trip are 3-star standard accommodations that offer clean, comfortable rooms and famous east coast hospitality.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. Single rooms, including those for solo travellers, are by request.
Stay in a welcoming 3-star hotel and spend a few days enjoying the culturally vibrant capital of Newfoundland.
Enjoy a stay in Bonavista, a small town on the coast known to be a wonderful jumping point for viewing marine wildlife and icebergs.
Experience the unique lifestyle in this small town. Relax in its peaceful and beautiful location, and enjoy the perceptible kindness of the population.
During summer, this tiny place sees many tourists coming to kayak, take photos, geocache, beachcomb, hike, and pick berries. Also, the town’s name is amusing to say.
This artsy and inviting town of about 500 people doubles as one of the gateways to Gros Morne National Park. See if there’s a theatre show when you’re there.
Experience the unique culture of northern Newfoundland here. Check out the local traditions, music, dialect, and food in this town shrouded in mysticism.
A booming industrial town for fishing and wood, Rocky Harbour is in the heart of Gros Morne National Park. You’ll find scenic strolls and festivals galore!
Meals are not included in this tour.
Accommodations for 13 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in St. John’s and after the tour in Deer Lake are not included but can be added as a supplement.
This is a self-drive tour, and you’ll be provided with a rental vehicle for the duration of the itinerary.
How hard is the Newfoundland’s North Coast Self-Drive Tour?
We rate this tour as a 1/5. This tour has a flexible itinerary that allows you to choose hikes and activities and tailor them to your fitness level.
Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Is my driver’s licence valid in Canada?
Most standard driver’s licences are valid in Canada; however, International Drivers Permit might be required, or some exemptions might apply. Please check this source about driving with foreign license in Canada.
Is the vehicle insurance included?
No, vehicle insurance is not included in the package. We strongly suggest having one for this tour to avoid liability in case there is damage caused to the vehicle. You can either book vehicle insurance during the booking process, or get one by yourself.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Are meals included on the Newfoundland’s North Coast Self-Drive Tour?
Meals are not included in this tour.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to St. John’s to start this tour?
Fly into St. John’s International Airport (YYT). You’ll collect your rental vehicle directly from the airport.
Is the Newfoundland’s North Coast Self-Drive Tour in English?
The route guide, maps, and programs provided will be in English.
Where does the Newfoundland’s North Coast Self-Drive Tour end?
This tour ends in Deer Lake. You can fly from the Deer Lake Regional Airport (YDF).
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Canada?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Canada for this tour?
The best time to travel to Newfoundland for this road trip tour is during summer and early fall. This tour is available from June to September.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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21 total ratings, 0 with reviewsStephen L.
I’ve been using 10A route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10A made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
We rate this tour as a 1/5. This tour has a flexible itinerary that allows you to choose hikes and activities and tailor them to your fitness level.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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