Got questions? The Welcome Desk can help.
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There’s no question too big, or too strange, when planning a trip here.
- Know Before You Go
- Getting Here & Around
- Things to Do & Places to Go
- Meet the Locals
- What Else?
- Ready to Book?
Operators are Standing By
In a place unlike any other it's only natural to have a few questions, so we put a ton of answers to common questions here on one page. Take a look around and if you'd like to chat, give us a call at 1 800 563 6353.
Know Before You Go
As the saying goes, the best place to start is at the beginning.
First, book your accommodations and car rental early. Remember, the sooner you book the sooner you can slow down.
Trip Planning 101 What to Pack for your Newfoundland and Labrador ExperienceWhat should I know about driving in Newfoundland and Labrador?
We have the same driving system as Canada and the United States. Vehicles keep to the right side of roadways and highways. Drivers must abide by road rules and regulations. On highways where a passing lane ends, the driver in the centre lane must yield to the right-hand lane.
NL 511
Be sure to use the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s 511 Traveller Information System. NL 511 is your source of up-to-date information on winter driving conditions, construction and major incidents, highway cameras, ferry status, and more. Travellers can access 511 by using the free smartphone app (Apple, Google Play), visiting the website NL511.ca, or dialing 5-1-1 to hear key information over the phone.
Driving Regulations
Drivers must carry a valid driver's licence, Vehicle Registration Certificate, and Proof of Liability Insurance Coverage in order to drive in Newfoundland and Labrador. Legislation requires that motorists carry lump-sum public liability and property damage insurance of $200,000. Seatbelts are mandatory and cellphone and mobile one use is prohibited unless a hands-free device is used. A child weighing less than nine kilograms (20 pounds) must be secured in either an infant carrier or a convertible car seat adjusted to the rear-facing position. Radar detectors are illegal in our province. It is also illegal to drive while impaired by alcohol or cannabis.
Watch out for Moose
There are about 120,000 moose on the island of Newfoundland. Most highways go through moose habitat. If you see one of these large, brown, hoofed animals on or near a roadway, use extreme caution. You should slow down and prepare to stop. Like all wild animals, moose are unpredictable. Avoid driving at night if possible, as most moose/vehicle accidents occur between dusk and dawn. If you must drive at night, slow down. Scan both sides of the highway with your lights set to high beam unless you are overtaking traffic. Pay attention to highway signs. A road sign with a picture of a moose or a warning that says "Caution, moose next 'X' kilometres" means moose cross there.
Winter Driving
Caution is also required when driving in winter. Slippery road conditions, drifting, and blowing snow can sometimes make driving treacherous. When road conditions are not optimal, it is imperative that you slow down and use caution while driving. For information on road conditions, use the Highway Cameras from the Department of Transportation and Works and Weather Forecasts.
Expedition 51°: Travelling the Québec-Labrador HighwayDo I need to book my rental car in advance?
Yes. While this place is off the beaten path, lots of people want to visit Newfoundland and Labrador at the same time as you. The summer season is particularly busy. You should make car rental reservations before you travel, because they can book up fast. Pre-booking your accommodations, airline, and ferry crossings is also recommended. For more information visit the Getting Here & Around section of our website.
Getting Here & Around
Sure we're off the beaten path. All the best places are.
Whether you fly, drive, or catch a ferry, there's a way to get all sorts of places in this beautiful province.
Things to Do & Places to Go
Hiking? Whale watching? Icebergs?
Or historical sites, camping, and kayaking? There’s so much to see and do, you may have trouble narrowing down your must-see list.
Things To Do
There’s enough coastline wrapped around this place to stretch across Canada four times over. So whether you take a hike along ancient footpaths, pack a picnic and watch for whales, or head out to sea to hunt for icebergs, you’ll find it all comes standard with a great ocean view.
When is the best time to see seabirds?
Summer and early September are the traditional times for seabirds. You can find more information and a map here.
A Closer Look: Seabirds
Nestle in as Joan takes your knowledge of our seabirds to new heights.
Watch
When is the best time to see Icebergs?
Spring and early summer. As you move north, the season stretches a bit longer. April and May are the months when icebergs are most plentiful, but they may be locked up in sea ice, so it's recommended that late May and early June is best for viewing. For more, look here.
A Closer Look: Icebergs
Come along with Maggie as she gets up close (but not too close) with icebergs.
Watch
When is the best time to see whales?
Anywhere between May and September, whales can be seen breaching the surface of the water and playing along our shores. For more, look here.
A Closer Look: Whales
Join Seamus on a deep dive into the wonderful world of whale watching.
Watch
Our Destinations
There are places on this earth that continue to live inside of you long after you’ve travelled on. Places where you’ll find yourself among the friendliest of unfamiliar faces, some of whom may become lifelong friends. Why not start your visit in one of our most popular places?
Customizable Itineraries
Meet the Locals
Everything you've heard is true.
You won’t find a friendlier bunch this side of the Atlantic. Pull up a chair and we’ll talk your ear off about this place. It won’t take long till you feel like a local.
What Else?
A place like this will have you questioning everything.
Luckily, you can find answers to some pretty common questions here.
Fun Facts
Here’s where you can find answers to questions you didn’t even know you had. Yes, the Newfoundland and Labrador dog breeds both come from here. And did you know we have 29,000 km of coastline? There’s so much to know about this place and you’ll have some fun finding out all of the facts.
Ready to book?
You gotta book it to see it.
From whales to puffins to icebergs, your itinerary is going to fill up fast. Take a look at the many travel packages and offers available before you start booking.
Wi-Fi and Cell Coverage
While travelling, keep an eye out for public wi-fi stickers – these indicate locations where free wireless internet access is available. Access is also offered at many accommodations throughout the province, at all provincial Visitor Information Centres, and at all Marine Atlantic terminals, including on board the three ferries. Internet access can also be found at all provincial libraries (nlpl.ca) and at the airport terminals in Gander, St. John’s, and Deer Lake. Be sure to check with your mobile service providers, and review the following coverage maps:
Rogers Bell TelusGet in Touch:
Wanna chat? You can contact us any way you like, but we can’t promise we won’t talk your ear off.