Eastern Newfoundland Scenic Driving Routes Map - Road Trips Map

Description:
This map shows cities, towns, trails, Trans-Canada highway, secondary roads, national parks, provincial parks, provincial visitor information centres, provincial/national historic sites, ferries, airports, and natural scenic attractions in Eastern Newfoundland.

Previous version of the map (2016)

Eastern Newfoundland Scenic Driving Routes

Overview

Eastern Newfoundland's scenic driving routes encompass the Bonavista Peninsula, portions of the Discovery Trail, and coastal routes extending from the Avalon Peninsula northward. These routes overlap with central Newfoundland touring routes but specifically focus on the eastern coastal regions and historic communities along Trinity Bay and Bonavista Bay.

Discovery Trail

Route 230 forms the backbone of the Discovery Trail, extending approximately 100 kilometers from the Trans-Canada Highway junction near Port Blandford to Bonavista. The route travels along the western shore of Trinity Bay before crossing to the eastern coast of the Bonavista Peninsula. The Discovery Trail connects to the Trans-Canada Highway via Route 233 near Clarenville, providing an alternative access point.

The route passes through numerous communities including Port Rexton, Trinity, and Catalina before reaching Bonavista at the peninsula's tip. Route 235 branches eastward from Route 230, providing access to Port Union and creating opportunities for circular touring. The collective routes along the Bonavista Peninsula offer approximately 160 kilometers of scenic coastal driving when combined as a loop.

Trinity Bay Coastal Route

Route 230 follows the western shore of Trinity Bay through communities with deep maritime heritage. The route provides views across Trinity Bay toward the mainland of the Bonavista Peninsula. Historic communities along this section include English Harbour and Port Rexton. The coastal landscape features numerous coves, headlands, and offshore islands characteristic of Newfoundland's complex coastline.

Bonavista Peninsula Circuit

A circular route around the Bonavista Peninsula combines Routes 230, 235, 238, and connecting roads. Beginning from Trinity on the western side, travelers can proceed to Bonavista via Route 230, then return along Route 235 through Catalina and Port Union. Route 238 on the western side of the peninsula provides additional access to communities including Elliston.

This circuit offers diverse coastal scenery, with Trinity Bay views on the western side and Atlantic Ocean exposure on the eastern shore. The landscape transitions from sheltered bay environments to more exposed coastal headlands as routes extend eastward. The complete circuit covers approximately 120 kilometers, not including detours to specific points of interest.

Routes to Cape Bonavista

Route 230 terminates at Bonavista town, but local roads extend to Cape Bonavista and the lighthouse historic site. The cape represents one of the easternmost points on the island of Newfoundland and offers expansive ocean views. The area around Cape Bonavista includes opportunities for coastal hiking and wildlife observation, particularly during seabird breeding season and whale migration periods.

Connection to Trans-Canada Highway

The eastern Newfoundland scenic routes connect to the Trans-Canada Highway at multiple points, including the Route 230 junction near Port Blandford and the Route 233 junction near Clarenville. These connections allow travelers to incorporate eastern Newfoundland touring into larger itineraries that include the Avalon Peninsula or central Newfoundland destinations.

Route Features and Landscape

The routes traverse coastal terrain with frequent elevation changes as roads climb headlands and descend into coastal communities. Vegetation consists primarily of boreal forest inland, transitioning to coastal barrens and tuckamore (stunted spruce) in exposed locations. Roadside viewpoints provide opportunities to observe coastal scenery, though formal designated viewing areas are limited.

Community landscape along these routes reflects traditional Newfoundland outport settlement patterns, with houses clustered in protected harbors. Many communities maintain fishing stages, wharves, and other traditional maritime infrastructure. The architectural character includes both heritage structures from the 18th and 19th centuries and modern construction.

Wildlife and Natural Features

The coastal waters and bays support marine wildlife including whales during summer months. Humpback whales, minke whales, and occasionally fin whales feed in the productive waters off the peninsula from June through September. Icebergs may be visible from shore during spring, typically from April through June, though frequency and proximity vary annually.

Seabird colonies exist on coastal islands and cliffs, with Atlantic puffins, murres, kittiwakes, and razorbills present during breeding season from May through August. Land-based wildlife includes moose, red foxes, and numerous bird species typical of boreal and coastal habitats.

Services and Facilities

Trinity and Bonavista provide the primary service centers along the eastern Newfoundland routes, with accommodations, restaurants, and fuel available. Smaller communities offer limited services, with some places having no commercial facilities. Travelers should plan fuel stops accordingly, particularly for circular touring that may extend distances between service stations.

Road Conditions

Route 230 and other primary routes are paved two-lane highways in generally good condition. Some secondary and local roads may be narrower with limited shoulders. Coastal fog can reduce visibility, particularly during spring and early summer. Winter conditions bring snow and ice, though routes are maintained and plowed regularly. Moose crossing roadways present a hazard throughout the year, requiring driver vigilance particularly during dawn and dusk.

Seasonal Touring

Summer months from June through September provide optimal conditions for touring eastern Newfoundland, with all facilities operating and the most favorable weather. Spring offers opportunities for iceberg viewing but may include cooler temperatures and more frequent fog. Fall features reduced tourist traffic and changing foliage, though some services may reduce hours after September. Winter touring is possible but requires preparation for snow and cold conditions, with some tourist facilities closed.

Newfoundland and Labrador Highways Maps: | Large detailed map of Newfoundland and Labrador with cities and towns | Newfoundland and Labrador road map | Newfoundland and Labrador Highways Map | Newfoundland and Labrador Airports Map

Maps of Labrador: Map of Labrador | Labrador Scenic Driving Routes Map | Labrador Tourist Map | Map of Labrador with towns

Maps of Newfoundland: Map of Newfoundland | Newfoundland Road Map | Western Newfoundland Tourist Map | Western Newfoundland Scenic Driving Routes Map | Eastern Newfoundland Tourist Map | Central Newfoundland Scenic Driving Routes Map | Central Newfoundland Tourist Map

Maps of Avalon Peninsula: Map of Avalon Peninsula | Avalon Tourist Map | Avalon Scenic Driving Routes Map