How to get here

From the Island of Newfoundland, take the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) which spans the island of Newfoundland from Port aux Basques to St. John's — 905 kilometres. All highways off Route 1 are paved. Most coastal roads are paved with posted speed limits of 60—100 kilometres per hour. From Deer Lake, NL travel north via route 430 the Viking Trail, to the ferry service at St. Barbe, NL to Labrador via Blanc Sablon, QC. During peak season, the ferry runs several times daily, and the crossing takes less than two hours. The trip is a great opportunity to spot icebergs, whales and birds, so keep a lookout while you're on board. There's a switch in time zones as you cross between the provinces, be sure to double-check crossing times (the schedule on the website uses Newfoundland Time for all departures).

When travelling by Labrador Marine ferry it's important to plan in advance. Schedules can vary and there are time zone changes. When you cross the border into Québec you enter the Eastern time zone. However, the ferry from Blanc Sablon to St. Barbe operates on Newfoundland time. If flying from Québec the Blanc Sablon airport scheduled operates on Eastern time.

1-866-535-2567 (within Newfoundland and Labrador)
1-709-535-0811 (outside the province)
More information and ferry schedules: www.labradormarine.com

Travelling here by plane is a popular option, and airlines fly into St. John's, Gander, Deer Lake, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and Wabush. Flying times for direct flights to St. John's are about 3.5 hours from Toronto, 6 hours from Edmonton / Calgary, and 5 hours from London. Other international routes into the region are available via Halifax. Regional airlines service smaller destinations and operate flights within the province. Labrador is serviced by airports in Happy Valley-Goose Bay (YYR) and Wabush (YWK). Access to southern Labrador can be arranged through Blanc Sablon (YBX), just across the Québec Border.

Travellers are encouraged to check with individual airlines and ferry services for the most up-to-date information prior to and during travel.

From anywhere in North America, arrive in Labrador via Québec highway routes QC 138 and QC 389 that connect with the Québec-Labrador border at Labrador City, NL. Follow Expedition 51° from Labrador City and Wabush on the Québec border to L'Anse-au-Clair, the Québec-Labrador Highway (Route 500/510) crosses The Big Land connecting the west to the coast.

The travel time is about eight hours from Baie Comeau, QC to Labrador City. Services along the route are very limited, but the terrain is marvellous, rising from the lower reaches of the Québec Lower North Shore to the escarpment that is the Canadian Shield. Crossing from Québec to Labrador moves you from Eastern Time to Atlantic Time (1 hour ahead).

This new loop through Eastern Canada via Québec and Nova Scotia is possible with the completion of the Labrador section of Expedition 51° the Québec-Labrador Highway, an 1135-kilometre thoroughfare for the adventurer. And the truly adventurous will want to drive every kilometre, right through the heart of the Big Land.

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 dialling 5-1-1 to hear key information over the phone.

Drinking & Driving: It is a criminal offense to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of more than 0.08 percent within the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Seatbelts: It is compulsory to wear seat belts in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Small children and babies must be restrained in an approved safety seat or carrier.

Cell phones: Cell phone usage is not permitted while driving a vehicle.

Be prepared for slightly higher gasoline prices in northern and remote communities.

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