I was there a few years ago, in a B van, I would like to make the trip again next year. Being in the van we didn't have a toad, and didn't pay attention to the need for one. This time we will be in our 27' class C....will we need the toad?
What is the ferry travel time? I seem to remember 6-7 hrs ?
TIA
Dave W. AKA "Toyman"
KE5GOH - On 146.52
RV's ? What RV's ???
Apache Pop-up
Classic GMC Motorhome
07 Leisure Travel Sprinter
Do Boats Count ?
I'm from NL (Newfoundland and Labrador) but spend my summers in Quebec and winters in South Texas (RGV). Since you've been there before you already know NL is a lot bigger Canadian Province then most folks think, at first.
First things first, you must allow 2 to 3 weeks to properly visit via road/ferry. Try late summer or early fall as the weather seems best that time of year. Should you go, I suggest the longest ferry from N. Sydney, Nova Scotia to Argentia, which will bring you to within 80 km. of the Prov. Capitol of St. John's.
You can visit as you drive west and then return to N. Sydney via the Port-aux-Basques location which is only 4 to 6 hrs. The longer ferry run is overnight and twice as long. As for a toad, yes if you can afford it - as the raising costs of travel by ferry in NL prevents many from going there by road/ferry. Have a safe trip and breath some clear, salt ocean air for me. BB
We are in Newfoundland now, starting our second week. I would say yes to your question on a toad. With a B, as you know, you can easily drive wherever all the roads take you into very small and scenic fishing villages with dead ends where you must turn around. Not sure it would be as easy in a Class C but you could base yourself in various areas and explore all the surrounding villages by toad for several days.
The Trans Canada Hwy is very good, but many side roads are in need of a bit of repair. Some are gravel.
We're doing the shorter ferry both ways and spending three weeks which is a bare minimum, I'd say. We've had spectacular sunny warm weather in late July now into August.
I can see why you are planning a return. I'd be tempted by early summer to see the icebergs...or autumn for foliage. It's all good.
Thanks for the replies, I'll plan on the toad. It is different without the B, but after ~150k miles in 2 Sprinters we decided to go larger, but certainly miss the van.
Last time up there we did over 10,000 km in Newfoundland, then made the drive up to Cartwright. Loved most all of it, and would also like an early spring, but we're stuck in Texas untill June every year for medical appointments.
Boston, Texas is a GREAT place to visit, in the winter & spring, but we stay out between June and November every year. We're holding up in West Yellowstone right now....no place to go that isn't HOT !!
Coming from Texas, I would suggest that you contact RobandDi. Diann does the posting and has the pics.
I have some links to previous photohosts of hers. She is using SkyDrive right now. You will see her posts in this section on this year's trip to Alaska.
They alternate years between Alaska and Newfoundland.
I should mention that I lived in Newfoundland from 1983 to 2008. You might want to get a map from Corner Brook Pulp and Paper if you're thinking of doing logging roads. And I'll mention circumnavigating Red Indian Lake. Gorgeous it is by times. Plus, eastern side of Great Northern Peninsula, very interesting communities.
& you know that gas is regulated in Newfoundland. Changes on Thursday each week. If you want the link I'll ferret it out for you.
Is it possible/feasible to drive through Quebec and Labrador, then take the relatively short ferry across to Newfoundland? My wife does not do ferries well, even the 6-7 hour leg from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland. I could possible talk her into trying the ferry on return from Port aux Basques to Sydney.
GM
Discovery 39S Tin Teepee
Honda CR-V Toad
Jeep Cherokee Toad
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English Bride
Bichon Frise bear killers:
Lord Shonefeld von Reginald-Friese IV.
Lady Annabelle von Lichenstein-Friese III.
I'm hoping someone more knowledgable will answer your question. From my map of Labrador, it looks like hundreds of Ks of unpaved road through Quebec and Labrador to get to the short ferry to St. Barbe. Might be a great adventure in the right vehicle...if there are gas bars (as they call gas stations here).
Maybe your wife could fly to Deer Lake and you could drive up from the ferry to meet her.
The North Sydney to Port aux Basques via the ship Blue Puttees was an easy transit in July. Maybe we were just lucky but there was minimal sensation of ocean motion. It took five hours and was on time. The staff was extremely well organized throughout. Seats were big and comfortable with TVs tuned to various programs. We had an early dinner of cod that tasted great and was quite reasonably priced, in an attractive dining room with sea views and very prompt service.
The painful part is paying the tab when you reserve the ferry. Ours ran almost $500 roundtrip for two people and a 22' van RV. No reserved seats or cabins included.
But it's a great way to spend $500 and I'd do it again in a blink of an eye.
Grey Mountain wrote: Is it possible/feasible to drive through Quebec and Labrador, then take the relatively short ferry across to Newfoundland? My wife does not do ferries well, even the 6-7 hour leg from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland. I could possible talk her into trying the ferry on return from Port aux Basques to Sydney.
GM
At Baie Comeau go up QC 389 stopping off at some of the hydro generating stations for some tourist time. & keep your eyes peeled for the fun stuff. Tell me if those pics are still there.
I found Labrador City fun too.
Here's the road in 2006 not too far from Happy Valley Goose Bay You see the old tote road and the current road.
Of course, you're going to check out all and sundry around Happy Valley Goose Bay.
After that going east opened at the end of 2009 after I left Newfoundland.
There are lots of interesting places all along the Labrador Coast, very historic and scenic. & locals will help you decide what you want to do.
& have a good look at my Photo Album, as linked in my signature. There are My Labrador trip is divided up into several sections.
The ferry from Blanc Sablon, QC to Newfoundland is rather short, IMHO. There those, including one named Danny, who have proposed a tunnel between the two coasts here.
Re. ferry from Port aux Basques, those ships are all changed from when I did it. 6 hours, rent a cabin.
I always get a meal at the beginning and one to fuel up before starting to drive again.
Stop at Whycocogomagh for gas at the Big Stop. Farmer's Daughter for eats, both to eat right then and to cook later.
BTW did you visit Lousibourg, when you were over this way before.
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