Community Forums

OWV · 01-10-2023, 05:26 PM

We have been trying to get to Newfoundland and Labrador for the last 2 years, and with a little luck the 3rd attempt this summer will be the charm. We have read through a number of threads which contain a wealth of information. Many thanks to all who take the time to post.

We would like to go in May to see the icebergs and spend 6-8 weeks. For a bunch of reasons we will take the short ferry from NS to Port aux Basques. As for the return, we are considering traveling across Labrador and Quebec to Baie Comeau and then continue to Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, etc. We have a 37’ Ventana and tow a RAM 1500. Some planning questions:

1. Does anyone know the status of the road across Labrador through Goose Bay, Churchill Falls, and Labrador City to Baie Comeau? For those who have traveled the Top of the World Highway in Alaska, which is worse, the Labrador Hi-way or the Top of the World Highway?
2. Does anyone know if there are any campgrounds near the ferry terminal in North Sydney that are open before June 1? If not, can anyone suggest where we can park for the day if we take the night ferry or at night if we want to take the day ferry?
3. We have heard to be careful traversing the Wreckhouse, which prompts these questions:
a. How long is the journey through the Wreckhouse?
b. Are warnings posted before we enter the Wreckhouse?
c. Are there places to park and wait until it is safe to travel through the Wreckhouse?
4. How many miles is it from Port aux Basques to L'Anse aux Meadows?
a. What is there to see along the road (we will skip Cros Morne on the way up to L'Anse aux Meadows and stay there later in the trip)?
b. Are there any RV campgrounds along the road or do most people just boondock?
5. Once we leave L'Anse aux Meadows we will make our way back down the peninsula over to Gander, Terra Nova, and St Johns before deciding whether to return by Ferry to North Sydney or drive across Labrador to Baie Comeau, Quebec City and on west through Ontario around the Great Lakes. The previous posts offer some excellent suggestions, but we are open to updates.

If anyone else is making the journey to NL and Labrador this summer we would enjoy sharing notes.

Many thanks, as always, for any comments you might like to make.

Regards,
OWV

kenandterry · 01-10-2023, 05:39 PM

Lots of people stay here for the ferry to NFLD and they open in May.

We’ve stayed here a couple of times, and the layout of sites are built into the side of a big hill, so everyone gets a view overlooking the row in front of them and an uninterrupted view of the bay and the Seal Island bridge.

If you want a quick look at your roof without needing a ladder, just go to the row behind you for an easy inspect.

If you do decide to travel back through Quebec and Ontario…..let me know. We’ve done this route lots of times and I can suggest some beautiful sights along the way IF YOU HAVE THE TIME.

RV_Lee · 01-10-2023, 05:55 PM

I just watched this fantastic video series on a couple that just did a similar trip with their airstream, it may answer some of your questions?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhfYguWQqko

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR2Z_gHWRTk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvG2TyEnvVc

RobertToby · 01-13-2023, 04:17 PM

We like to stay at Arm Of Gold Campground in Little Bras D'or. It is open in May, and is the closest campground to the ferry, only 5 minutes.

Triangle Drifter · 01-25-2023, 03:03 PM

Don't be overly concerned about Wreckhouse. If it is bad signs will be lit. There is a sign shortly after getting off the ferry & others as you approach the area. Been through four times. Once was a little breezy. It only takes 10-15 minutes to pass through the area.

We did NL last year. Five weeks on the island. It is a big place with so much to see by getting away from the TCH. Soo many of the iconic fishing villages tucked away where you least expect to find them. Hope that you have at least three weeks planned for NL. Anything less is just a quick drive without time to stop & experience the place.

Icebergs are hit or miss. Last year there were very very few. Our first trip in 2015 there were loads of icebergs. Best time for seeing them is late May into June.

St Johns is good for at least a few days. Take a random drive around the old section of town. Go up to telegraph hill. Quite the view from up there. Do a night out on George St where almost every pub styled bar has live entertainment. Plenty of Irish based & Scottish music along with 60s & 70s singer songwriters. Stuff with lyrics that are understandable.

Gander has an interesting air museum with a good display of Gander's part in WW2, The Cold War & 9/11. It is also one of the few HHs on the Island.

BC Steve · 03-11-2023, 12:26 PM

We are travelling from BC to Newfoundland this summer from late June through the end of September. I have our time in NL about half figured out.

To answer a couple of your questions:

Distance from Channel-Port aux Basques to L'anse aux Meadows is 434 miles (699km) according to Google maps.

Things to see? I'm not sure if you meant while you're driving or to do while you're not driving. Just going by the map and google there are some nice beaches, golf courses, historic sites, hiking, boat tours. If you have bikes there's the T'railway that stretches pretty much the entire width of the province. The more I research the more I realize that it would be nice to have more time.

I have a copy of the NL Traveller's Map that I picked up when we were in St. John's last fall and it looks like there are a bunch of campgrounds (provincial, national, and private) spread along the west coast. I don't know about boondocking. Our plan is primarily national and provincial park campgrounds.

Let me now what you're thinking, either on the thread or via PM.

BC Steve · 03-11-2023, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenandterry

If you do decide to travel back through Quebec and Ontario…..let me know. We’ve done this route lots of times and I can suggest some beautiful sights along the way IF YOU HAVE THE TIME.

I'd love to hear some suggestions. So far my choice of stops in Ontario has been based roughly on what park is closest to the distance I want to travel each day along with recommendations from friends. I have no clue about Quebec other than visiting Old Montreal and Quebec City.

nnason · 03-11-2023, 04:39 PM

We are also planning a trip from approx. 1 June to 18 July. We are using RV Trip Wizzard to plan the route and stays. There are a number of Harvest Hosts we hope to stay with.

Are you traveling with a dog? Has anybody done the various ferries with a dog?

BC Steve · 03-13-2023, 11:42 PM

The NL tourism site https://itineraryplanner.newfoundlandlabrador.com/ has a lot of information on things to see and do and sample itineraries if you're looking for inspiration.

nnason · 03-24-2023, 03:00 PM

All, Any boondocking sites near Blanc Sabion? Can't get either of the RV parks near there to return my calls and Providence park does not open up for reservations till late April. Want to have a backup plan. The rooms at the Northern Light Inn are $150/night, not the best backup if it can be avoided.

RV_Lee · 04-02-2023, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nnason

We are also planning a trip from approx. 1 June to 18 July. We are using RV Trip Wizzard to plan the route and stays. There are a number of Harvest Hosts we hope to stay with.

Are you traveling with a dog? Has anybody done the various ferries with a dog?

From what I've seen the dog has to stay in the RV while on the ferry so make sure they have a good potty break before boarding.