We are looking for a reality check on our upcoming trip to the Canadian Maritimes, which includes a trip to Newfoundland. We travel in a 40 foot diesel motorhome, towing a car on a tow dolly. Our concern lies with the Newfoundland portion of travel.We plan to take the ferry from Sydney NS, to Port aux Basques NL. Our plan is to then take the 430 highway up the western coast some distance and we are wondering just how that road is with regard to our mode of travel? We are not sure how far up the coast we will go, possibly all the way to Saint Anthony, maybe not, but then who knows. Is there another way back down the peninsula that connects to HWY One, so we do not need to back track too much? We want to travel on to Saint Johns.One last question; how feasible is it to leave the car/dolly in Sydney and just wonder about NL in the motorhome?

Made that trip last year. The roads are fair. The scenery is spectacular but I would not leave the toad at home. There are plenty of nice RV parks to stay in. You would be able to travel in many more places with your toad than you would be able to go with your pusher. The RV parks are more that capable of handling your rig. So take your toad relax and have a grand time.

Newfoundland is an amazing place to visit. There is no point in going north part way up the (? sorry name of Penninsula escapes me). You need to go to St. Anthony to see the Viking settlements and watch for icebergs and see the sights. Yes, there is only one road but there are some interesting stops along the way. You might want to consider leaving the MH on the mainland and taking your towed over to Labrador.Lots of tourists do this - stay in a motel for a night and spend time travelling north to Red Bay.Have you checked on ferry rates? ? ? I would suggest you make reservations for a rig of your size.

Did this a few years ago in 2014. The road is fine, OTR trucks use this all the time. You will have to go all the way up the "Great Northern Peninsula" as its called here. Just outside St. Anthony is L'Anse Aux Meadows where the Viking settlement is. Stay at Triple Falls RV park. Lots of room for a rig of your size. Check on separating your toad from the MH on the ferry. They charge by length, by separating just for the ferry, may be cheaper. Another place for icebergs is Twilingate. Check out www.icebergfinder.com. When are you planning on coming? The best time for bergs is usually May-late June possibly into July. What else interests you? I may have some ideas on where to look for your interests.

I lived in NL from 1983 to 2008, 24.5 years. A) The Maritimes is the 3 provinces that joined Canada in the 1800s.B) ATLANTIC Canada is 4 provinces, ie, the above 3 plus Newfoundland and Labrador, which joined Canada in 1949. DO NOT tell any Newfoundlander/Labradorian that you are enjoying The Maritimes when you are in THAT province.You pay a fare to NL and another fare from NL.C) There is a route up from PAB to Corner Brook, then Deer Lake. At Deer Lake you hang a left and cross the Northern Peninsula. You might go to Trout River and Woody Point. Actually, that's essential to see both sides of Bonne Bay. You want to do both "PONDS" aka fjords. & it is essential to see some theatre at Cow Head, especially, Tempting Providence, which covers local events. Do lots of hiking in Gros Morne then head up the coast, wonder around all the way north, spend t......i.....m......e in around St. Anthony. parks, walks, eat and whale watch, head a bit west then south and see a bit of the east coast of the NP, then at Roddickton go west. Consider a couple of days in Labrador or 2 weeks in said "Big Land" wrapping up in QC. SEE my photos from 2006.Ok that's western parts. There is a much and more going east and south. Cape St Mary's Bird Sanctuary. There is a build your own tour option for NL.For ALL CA provinces google up 'name of province' & tourism. Call them and make sure to mention your special interests. Almost all will send you extra booklets.Another essential (besides fortress at Louisbourg) take the ferry to PEI and the Bridge FROM. You only pay one way. Bridge costs lots less than ferry.Can answer more ....:B

Howdy!We spent three month in Newfoundland, all roads are driveable. I use the same driving practices there we used in Alaska when the roads get ruff slow down. You don't want to have a breakdown in Newfoundland. We had a altnator go out on our MDT and it took a couple of weeks to get the part."Happy Trails"Chiefneon

Upcoming Trip to Newfoundland | Good Sam Community

31 Replies

ssthrd
Explorer
May 20, 2017
A word of warning. If you go via Port aux Basques, pay special attention to the weather forecast for Wreckhouse. Google it for more info. I had the pleasure of experiencing a "mild" blow there of only 100 kph. We had a window in the weather to get through before the real wind started, but in hindsight, I should not have gone.
The article attached is interesting, but winds there have been known to exceed 200 kph! Strong enough to tip over trucks. There will be lots of truck drivers on the ferry--just talk to one before you get off, and they will fill you in on current conditions.
Newfoundland was an awesome experience for us. I can't wait to go back.

Enjoy.

http://www.trucknews.com/features/beware-the-wreckhouse-winds/
http://www.roads.gov.nl.ca/cameras/wreckhouse_wind.stm
skyking897
Explorer
May 18, 2017
We went last week of June and first 2 weeks of July along the same route to St. Anthony's. Roads are decent but some of those hills are STEEP and long. You won't be driving fast because there is so much to see along the way. As mentioned earlier, watch out for moose, they are everywhere along the roads. I quit counting at 25 sightings. Might have been the time of year but we only saw a single moose once, the rest were always in groups of 2 or more. Gros Morne park is outstanding. If you like lobster, find a church social having a lobster fest. Lobster fresh off the boat, cooked while you wait. We were there 3 weeks and really only saw the northern peninsula. Currently making plans to go back for a month and explore the rest of the province.
Veebyes
Explorer II
May 10, 2017
No complaints worth mentioning with any of these.

St Andrews NB: Kiwanis oceanfront camping.

Alma, Fundy NP, Hopewell Rocks: Ponderosa Pines CG (a former provincial park)

Shediac: Parasol Camping (nothing special. There visiting a friend)

Five Islands, NS: Five Islands Ocean Resort. (new owners last year. We were their very first customers)

Bridgetown: Annapolis River CG. (Pretty CG next to river on edge of a pretty town. Easy walk into town & decent restaurant with live entertainment in old train station a couple minutes walk away.

Lunenburg: Municipal CG at top of hill. Walk to waterfront. Drive out to Blue Rock. Stop often for pics.

Halifax: Municipal CG, Shubie Park, Dartmouth. Surprisingly nice CG for being so near town.

North Sydney KOA: It is KOA, no more to be said.

North Sydney/Bras D'Or: Arm of Gold. Wide open CG, carpark style. Live entertainment in restored barn onsite.
Little_Kopit
Explorer
May 10, 2017
notlost wrote:
does anyone have campground recommendations for New Brunswick (and NS?)...i'm researching now but any first hand experience is appreciated!

Once upon a time (Oct 20+ 2004) I stopped in SW NB for a purchase. I asked the staff at said place for suggestions and they called around. What came to light was that 20 - 30 people were working Fredericton during the week and living in their rvs. They went 'home' for the weekend, but the campground was still open.

So, find yourself a business, (mine was Briggs Wool factory) and ask. Or you check municipal offices in larger centers, St. Stephen, Fredericton, Moncton, Saint John..... All based on your going before Victoria Day weekend or after Canadian Thanksgiving, when many cgs aren't open.

:C
notlost
Explorer
May 10, 2017
does anyone have campground recommendations for New Brunswick (and NS?)...i'm researching now but any first hand experience is appreciated!
Veebyes
Explorer II
May 07, 2017
We crossed into NB about this time last year & literally were first customers for the season at a couple CGs. The May 24th holiday we were at the Lunenburg town CG & were about the only people there. The town was only barely opening up for the season.
trailerbikecamp
Explorer
May 07, 2017
Take your time in NOva Scotia and New Brunswick. This upcoming week is supposed to be wet and cool. CG's don't usually open till May long weekend, this year is the weekend of the 18th.
Veebyes
Explorer II
May 07, 2017
WOW, you are early! We arrived NL at the very end of May last year & we were in the early arrivals. Iceberg tours were only just starting their season of operations. It was not until mid June that CGs we stopped in were starting to get busy.

We made ferry reservations. Totally not needed both ways.
notlost
Explorer
May 07, 2017
we're currently in maine, braving the cold and rain! getting so excited to cross into new brunswick in a week or so....thanks everyone for all your posts. they are so helpful...
does anyone have a suggestion for how long to spend in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia? we are debating whether to explore them (along with PEI) after we leave NFL or before.
we don't have any schedule and will let the weather dictate when we have to leave NFL...we're hoping it's later in the fall!!!!
trailerbikecamp
Explorer
Apr 24, 2017
notlost wrote:
we left phoenix in march and are currently in massachusetts and heading to newfoundland also. we have very similar questions, so i am piggy backing on this post! thanks to everyone for all your incredibly informative information.
we wanted to head up early to see the icebergs, but i think we can slow down a bit now. we'll probably spend a few weeks in down east maine before exploringin New Brunswick and then Nova Scotia. i'm wondering how late i can book the short ferry for a 42' motor home and toad?
can't wait to visit your beautiful province!

Take your time. Most campgrounds aren't open till May long weekend. Here on the east side of the island, we are still getting snow. Had about 2-3" again last night.

As for icebergs there are 5 growlers in the bay where I am, about a 5min walk from my place.

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Upcoming Trip to Newfoundland

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