Western 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 Western Newfoundland.

Previous version of the map (2016)

Western Newfoundland Scenic Driving Routes

Overview

Western Newfoundland's scenic driving routes provide access to some of the island's most dramatic landscapes, including fjords, mountains, coastal cliffs, and Gros Morne National Park. The region's routes follow the Trans-Canada Highway and branch highways that extend to the Great Northern Peninsula, the Port au Port Peninsula, and the southern coast.

Viking Trail

Route 430, known as the Viking Trail, extends approximately 444 kilometers from Deer Lake to St. Anthony at the northern tip of the Great Northern Peninsula. This route passes through or provides access to Gros Morne National Park, several historic fishing communities, and L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, the only confirmed Norse settlement in North America outside Greenland.

The southern section from Deer Lake to Rocky Harbour travels through the Long Range Mountains alongside Gros Morne National Park's southern boundary before entering the park proper. The route passes Western Brook Pond and continues north along the coast through communities including Cow Head, Port au Choix, and Plum Point. The northern section traverses more open terrain, with views of the Strait of Belle Isle and the Labrador coast visible on clear days.

Gros Morne National Park Scenic Routes

Within Gros Morne National Park, Route 430 provides the main corridor, but several branch roads access specific features. Route 431 extends from Wiltondale to Trout River, passing through the Tablelands, an exposed section of the Earth's mantle that creates a stark, rust-colored landscape devoid of typical vegetation. This route covers approximately 30 kilometers and provides access to trailheads and viewpoints.

Route 432 branches from Route 430 north of Rocky Harbour and extends to Woody Point, passing through Bonne Bay and offering views across the fjord to the Long Range Mountains. The Bonne Bay coastal drive provides perspectives of the inland fjord system from multiple vantage points. Side roads within the park access additional features including Western Brook Pond and Green Point.

Port au Port Peninsula

Route 460, 461, and 463 traverse the Port au Port Peninsula west of Stephenville. This area is known for its French-speaking communities and Acadian heritage. Route 460 follows the eastern shore of the peninsula through communities including Cape St. George and Lourdes. Route 463 completes a loop along the western shore through Mainland and Port au Port West.

The Port au Port Peninsula offers coastal scenery distinct from other areas of western Newfoundland, with lower elevations and more agricultural landscape in some sections. Red Rocks, located north of Cape St. George, features distinctive red Cambrian rock formations and cliffs.

Bay of Islands Route

Route 440 extends from Corner Brook along the Bay of Islands to Cox's Cove and Lark Harbour. This approximately 50-kilometer route provides views of the bay, its numerous islands, and the surrounding mountains. The Bay of Islands features a drowned river valley system creating a complex coastline with multiple arms and islands.

South Coast Route

Route 470 extends from the Trans-Canada Highway south to Burgeo, a distance of approximately 148 kilometers. This route traverses interior terrain before reaching the south coast. The drive passes through boreal forest and crosses numerous rivers and streams. Burgeo, located on Grandy Island at the route's terminus, provides access to coastal scenery and serves as a departure point for boat excursions to Ramea and other offshore communities.

Corner Brook and Humber Valley

The Trans-Canada Highway through the Humber Valley from Deer Lake to Corner Brook travels through mountainous terrain alongside the Humber River. This section features views of the Long Range Mountains and, in autumn, displays significant foliage color. Corner Brook, located at the head of the Bay of Islands, provides urban amenities and serves as a base for exploring western Newfoundland attractions.

Route Features and Landscape

Western Newfoundland's landscape includes the Long Range Mountains, the northernmost extension of the Appalachian Mountain system. These mountains reach elevations exceeding 800 meters and feature alpine terrain above the treeline. The Viking Trail along Route 430 alternates between coastal driving and inland sections, with frequent elevation changes.

Bonne Bay in Gros Morne National Park represents a classic fjord landscape, with steep mountainous walls descending to sea level. The geological features visible in the region, including the Tablelands and rock formations along the coast, provide examples of plate tectonics and Earth's geological history.

Wildlife and Natural Features

Moose are common throughout western Newfoundland and pose a significant road hazard, particularly during dawn and dusk. Caribou herds exist in the region, though sightings from roads are infrequent. Black bears inhabit forested areas. Marine wildlife including whales can be observed from coastal sections of routes during summer months.

Services and Road Conditions

Deer Lake, Corner Brook, and Stephenville provide major service centers with full facilities. Rocky Harbour and Norris Point serve as service centers within Gros Morne National Park. Communities along the Great Northern Peninsula offer accommodations and services, though options decrease in northern sections. Fuel planning is necessary for routes extending to remote areas, as service stations can be widely spaced.

Route 430 and other primary highways are paved and generally well-maintained. Weather conditions including fog can affect coastal areas. Winter brings snow and ice, with the possibility of temporary road closures during severe weather. The northern sections of Route 430 experience harsher winter conditions than southern areas.

Seasonal Touring

Summer from June through September provides optimal conditions for touring western Newfoundland. Spring and fall offer reduced traffic and can provide excellent visibility, though services may be limited and weather more variable. Winter touring is possible on main routes but requires winter driving experience and preparation for severe weather conditions. Gros Morne National Park remains accessible year-round, though many facilities close outside summer season.

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