Newfoundland Road Map

Description:
This map shows cities, towns, rivers, lakes, Trans-Canada highway, major highways, secondary highways, ferries, and parks in Newfoundland.

Roads of Newfoundland

The island of Newfoundland's road network encompasses approximately 8,900 kilometers, forming the majority of the province's highway system. Road development on the island began in the early 20th century, with significant expansion occurring after Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949.

Primary Routes

The Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) crosses the island from Labrador City on the Avalon Peninsula to Channel-Port aux Basques, where ferry service connects to Nova Scotia. The highway passes through major centers including Clarenville, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, and Corner Brook. The route was completed in 1965, significantly improving transportation across the island.

Route 430, known as the Viking Trail, extends from Deer Lake northward along the Northern Peninsula to St. Anthony, a distance of approximately 480 kilometers. This route provides access to Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and terminates near L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site.

Regional Highways

The Burin Peninsula is served by Route 210, connecting the Trans-Canada Highway to communities along the peninsula's south coast. Route 230 and Route 330 form a loop around Bonavista Bay, providing access to the Bonavista Peninsula. The Avalon Peninsula features multiple routes radiating from St. John's, including Route 10 (Southern Shore Highway) and Route 90 (Cape Shore Road).

Infrastructure Challenges

Newfoundland's roads face significant maintenance challenges due to freeze-thaw cycles, coastal exposure to salt, and heavy precipitation. The island receives substantial snowfall, particularly along the west coast where the Long Range Mountains create orographic effects. Many secondary roads serve sparsely populated areas, making comprehensive paving programs economically challenging. Several coastal communities remain accessible only by ferry or local boat service, as road construction would be prohibitively expensive.