Need Help: Ferry From Newfoundland to Quebec

[X1Glider]

I'm looking for a little help from anyone who has done the ferry rides before.  Normally, I don't like to make plans, just go, but this time I feel like I should.

My goal this summer is to ride from Houston up the east coast (for cheesesteaks, lots of lobster and crab) to Newfoundland via Nova Scotia then to Quebec, Labrador and then take the Trans-Labrador Highway all the way to Sault Ste Marie before dropping back into the USA.

I've only ever made it as far as Sydney, NS (twice) before having to turn around, understanding that I did not have the available vacation time to hit the island.  Now, I have an extra week and want to do this.  Especially since all phases of the Trans-Lab Hwy are complete.  Why?  Just to color in two more provinces on the map.  Plus it is likely so secluded, the peace and fresh air should be incredible.

I get differering opinions on needing reservations for the ferry rides...especially north Newfoundland as the schedule may be very limited because of the remoteness.  Getting from Sydney to Port aux Basques should be easy or even Argentia if I don't feel like backtracking 350 miles of the Trans-Can to go back to the northern port.  But I'm still unclear on the reservations being necessary.

Anyone with experience or ideas and anything I need to consider, chime in please.  I'm planning to start this trip at the end of June.

[Scratch33]

You might be able to squeeze a motorcycle onto the ferries without a reservation, OTOH if you're taking the longer ferry between Sydney & Argentia I'd strongly recommend reserving a cabin.  "Sleeping" on those reclining chairs is the suck.

[Hardware]

Post your question here...many folks have done the ferries recently and will have current info/intel.

You won't have time IMO to do the island properly and still cover that ground on the Big Land (Labrador).

...Getting from Sydney to Port aux Basques should be easy or even Argentia if I don't feel like backtracking 350 miles of the Trans-Can to go back to the northern port...

You mean if you do feel like backtracking?

[sleazy rider]

   Might be doing most of this myself in June.  Everything but the Trans-Lab highway, that is.  Sport tourers don't do loose dirt well for more than a mile or so.  I *will* be backtracking to Maine or taking the ferry from Blanc Sablon to Natashquan or Rimouski(?).  I have an email in to the ferry company for schedule and rates.

[X1Glider]

Post your question here...many folks have done the ferries recently and will have current info/intel.

You won't have time IMO to do the island properly and still cover that ground on the Big Land (Labrador).



You mean if you do feel like backtracking?

I guess i was unclear.  From Port aux Basques, I would then ride to St. John.  Then I would have to backtrack 350 miles on Hwy 1 before turning north again.  Hence, possibly just ferrying to Argentia to eliminate the redundant 350 miles.

I'll take off 3 weeks for this trip, so I should have time for a proper tour.  But I admit to not knowing what there is to do on NF and LB.  I'm no stranger to long, long days in the saddle for all the stretches of road I've done before.  No need to savor the same routes a 2nd time.  So that leaves me good time for experiencing these "new to me" provinces.

[Scratch33]

 Hence, possibly just ferrying to Argentia to eliminate the redundant 350 miles.

Yes.  When my friend and I visited Newfoundland last September we took the longer ferry to Argentia, then rode west to Port aux Basques.

[Hardware]

I guess i was unclear.  From Port aux Basques, I would then ride to St. John.  Then I would have to backtrack 350 miles on Hwy 1 before turning north again.  Hence, possibly just ferrying to Argentia to eliminate the redundant 350 miles.

I'll take off 3 weeks for this trip, so I should have time for a proper tour.  But I admit to not knowing what there is to do on NF and LB.  I'm no stranger to long, long days in the saddle for all the stretches of road I've done before.  No need to savor the same routes a 2nd time.  So that leaves me good time for experiencing these "new to me" provinces.

Aw...it make sense now.  Actually, Scratch's suggestion is what I'd go with.  Take the longer ferry to Argentia.  You're on the Avalon Peninsula then and there's minimal backtracking.  I recommend the Irish Loop along the southern shore as a meandering route to St. John's.

[X1Glider]

Thanks guys.  I'll check out the other site when I get home.  Filtered out at work.

[Scratch33]

If you get to Corner Brook, stay at the Glynmill Inn.  Great place.

[ncarver]

Don't know whether you'll have the time but I did NF back in 2007, landing and departing from Port aux Basques. I rode w/one other rider w/our target as L'Anse aux Meadows---almost furthest northern point on western side. L'Anse aux Meadows was settled by Leif Ericson & the Vikings around 1000 AD. Can't get European history in NA any earlier than that. Interesting site. I'd like to ride to NF again but land at Argentina & depart Port aux Basques---just as you're contemplating. I really enjoyed NF & found the terrain & people much different that NS and the remainder of the mainland. Since this isn't your first trip (at least to NS), I assume you've done the Cabot Trail on NS. Regardless, have a great trip.

[Reddog*]

Huge amount of planning info here: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=14426828#post14426828

[X1Glider]

Don't know whether you'll have the time but I did NF back in 2007, landing and departing from Port aux Basques. I rode w/one other rider w/our target as L'Anse aux Meadows---almost furthest northern point on western side. L'Anse aux Meadows was settled by Leif Ericson & the Vikings around 1000 AD. Can't get European history in NA any earlier than that. Interesting site.

I like all kinds of history but haven't had too much exposure to Norse history beyond Leif and Erik the Red from back in elementary school.  Thanks for the reminder about it.  This will give me a theme to research.

[Hardware]

Yup.  L'anse aux Meadows is a National Historic Site and definitely worth spending at least a 1/2 day exploring.

[Kootenanny]

Then I would have to backtrack 350 miles on Hwy 1 before turning north again. 

What are "miles?"