Your tailor-made holiday will be as unique as you are. These itineraries are just a starting point, a bit of inspiration to show what’s possible. Your own trip all starts with a conversation with one of our Canada experts, who’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and design the perfect holiday to match.
Newfoundland and Labrador is all about big Atlantic scenery and the joy of the road. Over 20 days you’ll trace the coastline from St. John’s and the Avalon Peninsula through historic outports and quiet bays, then on to the walking trails and fjords of Gros Morne. Along the way you’ll have chances to spot whales and seabirds, and if you’re travelling in the right season you may also see icebergs drifting past Twillingate and the far north. It’s a brilliantly varied self-drive, mixing lively little towns with wild, empty stretches of coast, plus a couple of standout detours to Fogo Island and Quirpon Island for that proper edge-of-the-world feel.
Here's a summary of what you might get up to day-to-day on this Canada holiday. As always, this is just an idea. Every single day of your trip will be tailored to suit you.
Arrive in Newfoundland and pick up your hire car. Depending on your flight time, you might have a little time to wander the colourful streets around downtown, grab a bite on Water Street, or head up to Signal Hill for your first big Atlantic views.
Today is yours to explore. You could pair Signal Hill with Cape Spear (the most easterly point in North America), then take your time around The Rooms or the little shops, cafés and bars dotted around the centre.
Drive south out of the city and along the coast to Witless Bay. This is prime territory for boat trips to spot whales and seabirds, and in the right season you can often see icebergs drifting past too. Leave a bit of time for a coastal walk if the weather’s on your side.
Carry on around Trinity Bay, taking the slower coastal roads if you fancy extra viewpoints and little fishing communities. Dildo makes a fun base for the night, and it’s a great area for an easygoing afternoon, good local food, and sunsets over the bay.
A short hop brings you to Trinity, one of Newfoundland’s most atmospheric historic outports. Expect pretty clapboard houses, coastal paths, and a relaxed pace. If you want an activity, this is a great spot for a local tour or a boat trip out on the bay.
Head northeast towards Terra Nova, where forest, coastline and sheltered inlets come together. Once you arrive, you could ease into the park with a short trail, a paddle on calm water, or a scenic drive to a few viewpoints.
A full day to get properly outdoors. Choose from a mix of coastal hikes and woodland trails, or take it slower with a picnic, a swim on a warm day, or a kayaking excursion. It’s a lovely change of scenery after the outport hopping.
Travel on towards the ferry for Fogo Island, then settle in and explore a little once you arrive. Fogo has a wonderfully remote feel, with big seascapes, creative little communities and some brilliant walking.
A full day to enjoy the island. Spend it driving the loop road, stopping for viewpoints, short coastal walks, and chats with locals. If the conditions are right, keep your eyes peeled for whales and icebergs out on the horizon.
Return to the mainland and head to Twillingate, often called the iceberg capital of Newfoundland. Depending on timing, you might squeeze in a lighthouse visit or a sunset stroll along the rugged coastline.
A flexible day for boat trips, coastal walks and viewpoints. This is a great place to get out on the water if you want wildlife, icebergs (in season), and that classic North Atlantic coastline.
Today you head west to Gros Morne, one of the big highlights of the trip. The scenery ramps up quickly, with fjords, cliffs, beaches and wide open spaces. If you arrive with time, an easy trail or a scenic drive is a great introduction.
A full day to explore. You could take a boat trip through Western Brook Pond (a dramatic landlocked fjord), tackle a bigger hike if you’re keen, or keep it relaxed with shorter trails and lookout points. There’s plenty of variety here.
Travel north along the Viking Trail, with lots of coastal scenery and small communities along the way. St. Anthony is your gateway to the far north, and in the right season the waters here can be busy with wildlife.
Use today to explore the area around St. Anthony. A standout option is L’Anse aux Meadows (the UNESCO-listed Viking site), plus there are usually a few excellent viewpoints and easy coastal walks nearby.
Make your way to the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula and take the short boat transfer across to Quirpon Island. This is a proper off-grid style stop, all sea air, wide horizons and the chance of spotting whales and icebergs in season.
Return to the mainland and head back south to Port Saunders. This is a good breather day after Quirpon, with time for a relaxed drive, a few photo stops, and a quieter evening on the coast.
Re-enter the Gros Morne area for a final dose of the landscapes you’ll probably end up talking about most when you get home. It’s a great chance to mop up anything you missed earlier, whether that’s a trail, a viewpoint, or just a slow scenic drive.
A short drive to Deer Lake, which works well for your final night. If you’ve got time, you could fit in a last walk, a lakeside view, or a relaxed meal to round things off.
Drive to the airport in good time, drop the car, and fly home.
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our expert Paul is dedicated to all things Canada and is here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Paul’s love for Canada began on a snowboard in Whistler and hasn’t stopped since. From scenic rail journeys to Rocky Mountain adventures, he’s full of ideas for seeing both the wild and city sides of Canada.
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