Newfoundland completely exceeded my expectations on a trip in September 2026! If you’re planning to road trip between St. John’s and Gander, there are plenty of highlights along the way to break up the drive. Without stops, it’s about a 3.5-hour drive, but making a day out of it and having a “it’s about the journey, not the destination” mindset will open your eyes to so much beauty Newfoundland has to offer! Here is an ultimate guide to doing a road trip between St. John’s & Gander, Newfoundland!
Tips for a Successful Road Trip
For your road trip between St. John’s & Gander, Newfoundland, there are a few special considerations to help make it successful! If you’re visiting Newfoundland during peak season (late spring through early fall), be sure to book your rental car far in advance! Cars on the island are limited and may sell out during busy times. Also keep in mind that the island is massive, and drives are long. Try to fill up on gas in St. John’s before you start your road trip. The more remote you get, the higher the gas prices will be!
Moose safety is also imperative on the drive. They are most active at dawn and dusk, so try to avoid driving at those times if possible. You’ll see warning signs all over the highway, and it’s important to stay very alert. Closer to St. John’s there will be a stretch where there is a moose fence surrounding the highway, but that is the only area on the road trip between St. John’s and Gander. The moose population in Newfoundland is dense, so stay alert and safe!
Town of Brigus
Just about an hour’s drive from St. John’s is the charming fishing village of Brigus. This is a perfect first place to stop on your road trip between St. John’s & Gander. This small town on Conception Bay had a population of just under 700 people during the 2021 census. But it packs a big punch! Park your car down by the harbor and stroll along the cove. Admire the beautiful homes, active working fishing boats, and the waves crashing against the rocky coast. Just a short walk down the road is the Brigus Tunnel, which was built by fisherman as a way to easily offload their catches. Spend a little more time strolling the charming small town streets, admiring the picturesque walled river that flows through town, and stopping for a coffee and slice of cheesecake at Vindicator Press.
Town of Dildo
Yes, you’re reading that right. The town of Dildo, NL is just a short drive from Brigus and is another one worthy of a stop on your road trip between St. John’s & Gander! It is located on Trinity Bay and is another small fishing town and a great place to stretch your legs.
Most famously in town is the Dildo Brewing Company. Stop for a pint and some fresh seafood. Their shop sells tons of merch with the Dildo Brewing Company logo on it, guaranteed to get a second look or laugh when you wear the shirt back home. Outside the brewing company is a small dock and boardwalk to stroll on which overlooks the famous DILDO sign in the hills across the bay. Snagging a photo here is a must! Erin’s lighthouse is a short walk away and is another picture-perfect spot. After a stroll, back to the car to knock out a good stretch of driving.
Ochre Hill Viewpoint
It’s now time to knock out a good chunk of driving. Settle in on the TCH (Trans Canadian Highway) for about two hours before entering Terra Nova National Park. This park will have plenty of opportunities to stop, stretch your legs, and take in the vast beauty of Newfoundland! An easy place to stop is Ochre Hill Viewpoint. You can drive right up to the top of the hill and take a short walk to the point.
At the top, you’ll have 360 degree views of the Newfoundland. There is nothing but wilderness for as far as the eye can see. It’s truly surreal! At the top, there is also a lookout tower that you can climb for even better views. The tower is the former Ochre Hill Fire Tower, and is sturdy and open to climb (almost) to the top. Not for those afraid of heights, but it is a bit of a thrill! Be warned, it gets really windy up there!
Blue Hill Viewpoint
A short drive from Ochre Hill, you’ll find another wonderful and easy stop. Blue Hill Viewpoint is also located in Terra Nova National Park. It’s an easy turn off the TCH and you can drive your car straight up to the viewpoint. A very short trail will lead you from the parking area to a platform where you can get views of nearby Bluehill Pond (and of course, so much more untouched Newfoundland wilderness!). At the viewpoint, you’ll also find a pair of Parks Canada’s iconic red Adirondack chairs. A perfect place to do nothing but relax, breathe the fresh air, and enjoy the views on your road trip between St. John’s & Gander.
Joey’s Lookout
Another quick stop on your road trip between St. John’s & Gander is Joey’s Lookout. This viewpoint is located directly off the TCH and the photos of Joey (seen above) are almost impossible to miss. It’s not as impressive as Ochre Hill or Blue Hill, but still worth a quick stop. There is usually a small food stand set up where you can grab a hot dog or another bite to eat. A few picnic tables are also available. It’ll be a quick stop, but one still worthy of your time!
Arriving in Gander!
After a long drive, your road trip between St. John’s & Gander comes to an end! Ever since I saw the musical Come From Away, I became fascinated with this small town and their role in transatlantic aviation history. Even if you’re not familiar with the show, Gander is a town bursting with history. Anyone with an interest in aviation or 9/11 history will enjoy a visit.
The North Atlantic Aviation Museum is absolutely not to be missed. The museum outlines the fascinating history of the Gander airport, transforming it from a remote, isolated town to one of the busiest airports in the world. It also highlights the first transatlantic flights and how the airline industry has rapidly grown since. Also located outside Gander Town Hall is the Compassion Monument. This monumnet is a piece of steel from the World Trade Center atop a 9,000 pound slab of granite. The steel was gifted to the town of Gander by the Bethpage Fire Department on Long Island, NY.
Read More: A Come From Away Fan’s Guide to Gander, Newfoundland
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