Exploring Newfoundland by car offers some of the most incredible sights and unique experiences in Canada. But can you road trip across Newfoundland in an electric vehicle? I set out to answer this question and then some, covering nearly every corner of the island.
Here’s my comprehensive Newfoundland EV road trip report from Port aux Basques to St. John’s. This guide includes charging stops, times, costs, and recommendations for what to see and do along the way. Join me as I navigate the rugged beauty of Newfoundland with the power of electric travel, proving that an EV road trip on this stunning island is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding.
Newfoundland EV charging Infrastructure
Electric vehicles in Newfoundland aren’t uncommon, but they’re not plentiful either. As a result, the island does not have any Tesla Superchargers currently, although there is one slated to be installed in St. John’s by 2026. That said, Newfoundland is well-serviced by ChargePoint chargers operated by Newfoundland Hydro. These chargers are spaced out along the Trans-Canada Highway and can be found in several popular tourist spots off the main road. They offer fast charging with CCS and CHAdeMO connections, as well as level 2 J1772 plugs.
While fast chargers are available, the limited number means you may need to wait during peak travel times. Additionally, for destinations off the beaten path, you can find a few RV and campgrounds with NEMA 14-50 and TT-30 plugs. Make sure you pack the appropriate adapters before you go. For me, this includes 14-50, TT-30, CCS, and CHAdeMO Tesla adapters. With careful planning and the right equipment, exploring Newfoundland in an electric vehicle is entirely feasible.
Newfoundland EV Road Trip: Getting There
For a Newfoundland EV road trip, you must take a ferry from North Sydney, Nova Scotia. Two routes are available: a ~7-hour ferry to Port aux Basques on the west coast of Newfoundland and a ~16-hour ferry to Argentia.
Port aux Basques is conveniently closer to Gros Morne National Park, a must-see destination for many visitors. Conversely, Argentia is nearer to Fortune, where ferries depart for St. Pierre, France, and St. John’s, Newfoundland’s lively capital. Both ferry routes offer sleeper cabins, providing a comfortable way to rest during the crossing. Be sure to book these cabins well in advance since they fill up quickly, as I found.
The ferry schedule is seasonal but typically runs twice a day. Make sure to check the latest routes and fares for your planning purposes.
Newfoundland Ferry Cost
The cost of my one-way ferry trip was $35.65 per person and $101.05 for the car. Cabin rates begin at about $50. These were all sold out for my crossing, so I settled for reserved seats, which I opted for on my overnight journey, at $11.25. All prices are in Canadian dollars.
Newfoundland EV Road Trip Plan
As per my Newfoundland EV road trip plan, I set out on this adventure with a couple of goals in mind:
- Visit Gros Morne National Park
- Drive to France (via ferry to St. Pierre)
- Reach the most eastern point in North America in an EV
Logically, taking the ferry into Port aux Basques and out of Argentia (or vice versa) makes the most sense as it creates a loop and minimizes driving distance. However, due to ferry bookings being full between these two points and to St. Pierre, I had to get creative and go in and out of Port aux Basques. While I didn’t mind the backtracking, booking your ferries early is highly recommended to secure the route you want.
Be sure to check out my full Halifax to Newfoundland EV road trip plan to see how I used Plugshare and ABRP to map it all out.
Day #1 – Halifax to Port Aux Bausque, NFLD
On the day of my ferry departure, scheduled for 11:35 PM, I had ample time to get there from Halifax and explore a bit of Cape Breton on the way. I had driven the Cabot Trail a few years ago, so I knew exactly where I wanted to go. My first stop was Big Spruce Brewery, which conveniently has a free EV charger.
After spending about an hour at the brewery, I headed into Baddeck to visit the Alexander Graham Bell Museum. This fantastic museum also offers a free EV charger. I left the car there and biked to Baddeck Lobster Supper for a great dinner.
For full details on this leg of the journey including what to see and do along the way, check out my Cape Breton EV road trip report post.
From Baddeck, it was a short drive to the North Sydney ferry terminal. I planned to charge up to 80% at the only fast charger in the area, a CCS Flo charger. However, since it was in use, I utilized the Level 1 charger while stocking up on supplies at the nearby grocery store. Fortunately, the fast charger was available when I returned, allowing me to top up to 80% as planned.
Boarding the ferry, I was pleasantly surprised to receive prime parking at the front of the boat, rather than several floors below deck. This was likely due to safety considerations for EV batteries. Whether warranted or not, it was a convenient perk, as it meant I would be among the first to disembark the busy boat.
Before leaving the car, I made sure to turn off sentry mode to prevent significant battery loss during the 7-hour crossing. I then made my way to my recliner seat, which was quite comfortable. However, the loud snoring around me made it difficult to sleep, even with earplugs. If you are a light sleeper like me, I would recommend booking a cabin for a more restful night.
Day #2 – Port Aux Basque to Gander
After a somewhat restless sleep, we arrived early in the morning at the shores of Newfoundland. Being among the first off the boat was advantageous, allowing me to promptly secure the CCS charger in town. Arriving with a charge of 77%, I topped up to 85% while grabbing a quick coffee at the Tim Hortons next door.
Since I was on a time crunch to catch my ferry to Saint Pierre, I drove as far as possible on the first day. I stopped to charge in Corner Brook and made a quick detour into town for a bike shop repair and coffee. Continuing, I topped up in Deer Lake and again at Eddy’s Restaurant in South Brook.
In Grand Falls, I left the car charging at the Riverside convenience store’s L2 charger while I explored the Salmonid Interpretation Centre, watching salmon navigate the fish ladders.
From there, I headed to Gander for the night. Although no hotels offered EV charging, the Comfort Inn Gander allowed trickle charging and was conveniently located near a Newfoundland Hydro charger with L2 and L3 options. I opted to slow charge while exploring the fascinating North Atlantic Aviation Museum before plugging in at the hotel for the night.
Gander’s rich aviation history includes serving as a major refuelling base during WWII and hosting early commercial flights between North America and Europe. More recently, Gander’s hospitality during 9/11 was memorialized in the Broadway musical “Come from Away,” a touching testament to its legacy.
Day #3 – Gander to Clarenville
After a restful night in Gander, I was eager to hit the road and explore. My Newfoundland EV road trip continued with a stop at Terra Nova National Park where I plugged into the free chargers at the visitor center while I ventured on a short hike.
Continuing along the Bonavista Peninsula, a cherished spot from previous visits, I paid a visit to a former teacher who treated me to a delicious cod lunch.
From there, I made my way into Bonavista, where I had planned to use an L2 charger while I biked around town, checking out the sights. This plan shifted as I used a lot more energy than expected due to some strong winds. I also arrived later than planned, so I used the CCS charger instead. This meant I had to rush my tour of the town.
Side note: I always find these scenarios funny as a common complaint with EV road trips is the time it takes to charge, and I am here thinking it’s too fast 😂
On my expedited bike tour of the town, I visited the waterfront and the Ryan Premises National Historic Site, which shares the fascinating history of Newfoundland’s fishing industry.
I made my way back to the car just in time for it to be up to 90%. From there I drove to the peninsula’s tip to greet the puffin colony near the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, another past favorite.
Along The Dungeon Provincial Park road, I captured stunning shots of the rugged coastline and the impressive Dungeon sea cavern.
Further down the road, I encountered another puffin colony where you can get much closer and I explored the fascinating root cellars used for winter vegetable storage.
I was enjoying my time around the peninsula a little too much and needed to catch up on time. As such, I skipped a planned hike in Trinty. I had hiked the Skerwink Trail before, a highlight of my past trip to the region, so I would recommend that you allow more time than I did to check it out.
My plan was to drive to Marystown, as it has the closest fast charger to Fortune, where I was catching the ferry to Saint Pierre the next day. However, I was beat. The universe was clearly listening as I passed a billboard for the Clarenville Inn advertising free EV charging. I was able to click on them in the Tesla nav to pull up their phone number, and within minutes, I booked one of the last available rooms.
It was a perfect rest stop with free overnight charging and a restaurant serving local crab and beer—a fitting end to a memorable day of exploring the rugged coast.
READ MORE: My Comical Charging Fail in France
Day #4 – Sunnyside to St.John’s
From Clarenville, I made my way south to catch my ferry to Saint Pierre. You can read up on my full Saint Pierre EV road trip report here, including a mixup with my ferry reservation. 🤦♂️ This Newfoundland EV road trip report will pick up on the backend of that trip after I spent the night at the Sunnyside of Life RV park.
My day started with a hike along the rugged coastal trail in Chance Cove, as suggested by my Sunnyside BnB host. It did not disappoint.
I then made a memorable stop in Dildo to sample flights at the local brewery and to take in/chuckle at the Hollywood-style Dildo sign made famous by honorary mayor, Jimmy Kimmel.
Next was driving to Cape Spear, which was particularly rewarding. It symbolized my journey from Clayoquot Sound on the west coast to the easternmost point of North America. It was both the turning-around point of my coast-to-coast and Newfoundland EV road trip.
I had planned to stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in St.John’s as it is one of the only hotels with EV charging; however, I opted for the Alt Hotel as it is much nicer. The Alt Hotel’s central location proved ideal for exploring St. John’s attractions, though it didn’t offer EV chargers. Luckily, their parkade allowed me to trickle charge, ensuring my vehicle was ready to go after my two-night stay.
BOOK HERE: Find the lowest rates at the Alt Hotel St John’s
Day #5 and 6 – St.John’s
Evenings on George Street buzzed with live music, offering a deep dive into Newfoundland’s vibrant musical heritage. By day, I enjoyed my comfy Alt Hotel room, a photo shoot at Jelly Bean Row, and a meander through the colorful Quidi Vidi neighborhood.
A standout experience was exploring the trails around Signal Hill, starting with a drive to its base, where free Parks Canada L2 chargers awaited. From there, a sweaty bike ride to the summit led to hiking around Cabot Tower, treating me to sweeping views of the rugged coastline.
A side trip to Petty Harbour provided a peaceful escape. Its charming harbour and quaint fishing village atmosphere offered a delightful contrast to the bustling energy of downtown St. John’s.
Each day in Newfoundland’s capital offered new experiences, from enjoying local cuisine to uncovering unique spots within this vibrant city. I always enjoy visiting St. John’s; it never fails to impress, even on foggy days. With free chargers at Signal Hill, downtown street-side Flo chargers, and trickle charging at my hotel, I was able to leave town refreshed and with a fully charged vehicle.
Distance – 35 km
Charge Time – 3 hr 7 min.
Charge Cost – Free
Day #7 – St.John’s to Gros Morne
After reluctantly saying my goodbyes to St. John’s I was on my way to Gros Morne National Park.
This leg was (supposed to be) the longest trip, covering the entire island in one day and requiring several fast charges. I estimated an 8-10 hour journey end-to-end. To optimize charging efficiency, I programmed one of my S3XY Buttons for battery pre-conditioning. This heated the battery before each charging stop, something done automatically when you navigate to a Tesla Supercharger.
I’m happy to report the day was a breeze. I did encounter some charging delays at Goobies and in Deer Lake, but this only added an extra hour overall.
The wait times were fun, as I chatted with those using the fast chargers. In Goobies, this was with someone on a Volvo XC-40 test drive. I was able to help him get his charging account sorted and answer some of his questions. I also ran into someone who recognized my car and asked if I was the one driving to France!
In Deer Lake, I chatted with another Model Y owner. He lived in St.John’s and traveled across the island several times a year as he owned a cabin there. He shared his frustrations with the lack of fast chargers, as he often waits because he tows a trailer and has to charge to 100%, which ties up the charger for others. Still, he loved the ride and the affordability.
I arrived at Gros Morne at dusk but had plenty of time to set up my campsite. My car camping setup is minimal, so getting that together only takes minutes. The longest part is setting up my Tesmat and bedding. I plugged in using a TT-30 Tesla adapter, which allowed me to top up overnight.
Day #8 – Gros Morne to L’Anse aux Meadows
The following day, I planned to pack up camp and head to the Western Brook Pond trailhead, famous for its iconic freshwater fjords, however heavy winds and rain had other plans.
With the weather not cooperating for the boat ride or hiking around Gros Morne, I started thinking about alternative activities. That’s when I realized that the Newfoundland Hydro EV network stretches all the way to L’Anse aux Meadows at the northern tip of the island. This historic site is where Vikings set foot over 1,000 years ago, making it the earliest known European settlement in North America. The National Park also has free Tesla chargers…
Despite having a nonrefundable hotel booked for that night in Woody Point, I decided to drive north to L’Anse aux Meadows. This side trip highlights the reliability of the Newfoundland Hydro EV charging network, as I didn’t give it a second thought.
My first charge was in Port aux Choix, where I biked to a nearby lighthouse in the Parks Canada Port au Choix National Historic Site while my car was charging. This side trip was fantastic, as I encountered a caribou herd along the way.
I charged at Flowers Cover before arriving at the national park in L’Anse aux Meadows. The scenery alone was worth the trip, super rugged, barren, and vast. While my car charged at the park, I explored the interpretive centre and walked around the Viking village remains. It was incredible to think that Vikings sailed here over a thousand years ago, and I had just driven there in an electric vehicle.
My impromptu trip didn’t account for the center’s closing time so I only added about 15% while rushing around the park. As such, I had to dip out of my a bit to St.Anthony, the nearest town to the park with a fast charger.
On the positive, the charger is next to a Tim Hortons so I was able to eat and grab a coffee for the road before retracing my route, stopping at the same charging locations, and finally arriving at my hotel at 1:30 in the morning. I had specifically booked The Rooms at Woody Point because they offered free EV charging with the stay.
Day #9 – Gros Morne to Corner Brook
Despite the restful sleep, I awoke to find that my car had stopped charging in the middle of the night. The owner tried to resolve the issue but was pretty clueless. They said that a friend gave them the charger and wasn’t sure if it worked. I informed them that people would depend on this service, and they were unimpressed with their attitude towards the problem. I wouldn’t recommend staying there until they address their issues.
Thankfully, I wasn’t far from the Gros Morn Interpretive Center, so I was able to charge there while touring it. I then topped up at a fast charger just down the road before returning to Westbrook Pond for attempt #2 at seeing the fjords. Although still grey and windy, the boats were running, and I can confirm it was well worth the wait.
Visiting the Western Brook Pond fjords was an unforgettable experience. The boat tour through the stunning fjords offered breathtaking views of the towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. As we glided across the pristine waters, the sheer scale and beauty of the landscape left me in awe. The knowledgeable guides provided fascinating insights into the geological history and unique ecosystem of the area, making the tour both educational and awe-inspiring. Despite the challenging weather, this adventure through Gros Morne National Park was a highlight of my Newfoundland trip.
Not wanting to leave Gros Morne just yet, I squeezed in a few more stops before departing. First, I visited the historic lighthouse at Lobster Cove, then headed to the charger in Rocky Harbour. With the fast charger occupied, I used the L2 charger and biked over to the Buoy & Arrow Restaurant to grab a lobster roll to go.
I backtracked to the fast charger in Bonne Bay, enjoyed my lunch, and took a wet hike along the Tablelands Trail. Despite the weather, the barren landscape starkly contrasted with the lush surroundings of the rest of the park. After my hike was cut short, I made a quick tour of Trout River before saying goodbye to Gros Morne and heading for the Deer Lake charger.
Due to the lack of available cabins, I chose to take the daytime return ferry, which led me to spend a night in Corner Brook. I opted to stay at the Hew and Draw Hotel, which offers free L2 charging for its guests.
After several exhausting days, the Hew and Draw Hotel was the perfect place to stay. I desperately needed a great night’s sleep, and this hotel delivered on that and more. Conveniently located next to a car wash, it also features a bike wash station, free laundry facilities, a hot tub, and a fire pit—all above a fantastic microbrewery.
READ MORE: The Hew and Draw Hotel Review
Day #10 – Corner Brook to Port Aux Basque
The final day of my Newfoundland EV road trip involved a 2-hour drive to catch the 11:45 AM ferry back to the mainland. Running a bit behind schedule, I was grateful for the hotel’s thoughtfulness in providing a to-go breakfast. Additionally, the hotel’s EV charging station saved me time, as I didn’t have to stop and top up along the way. I did manage a brief charge at the L2 station at the ferry terminal, but it was only for a couple of minutes.
Total Charging Cost & Time
The total charging cost for my Newfoundland EV road trip was only $132.39, which is quite impressive given that I covered nearly 4,000 kilometers! Although the total charging time was 20 hours and 11 minutes, this included several free L2 charging stops while I explored local attractions. As usual, charging costs and times at hotels are not included in these figures.
Wrapping Up This EV Road Trip Around Newfoundland
I can confidently say that this journey has been an incredible adventure, filled with breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences. Highlights include the awe-inspiring Western Brook Pond fjords, the rich historical site of L’Anse aux Meadows, the Bonavista Peninsula, and the vibrant city life in St. John’s. Exploring the rugged coastlines, picturesque towns like Petty Harbour, and the fascinating geological formations at Gros Morne National Park made every kilometer worth it. The opportunity to visit iconic spots like Cape Spear and enjoy the local culture in places like George Street and Quidi Vidi made the long journey well worth it.
While Newfoundland’s EV charging infrastructure is improving, it could still benefit from more fast chargers to reduce wait times and enhance convenience. However, with a bit of planning and flexibility, an EV road trip across the island is entirely feasible. I found the Newfoundland Hydro network reliable, with strategically placed chargers even in remote areas.
This Newfoundland EV road trip has proven that driving an electric vehicle on the island is not just possible but a thoroughly enjoyable and sustainable way to explore this beautiful part of Canada. For those considering a similar adventure, I’d recommend planning your charging stops ahead of time and being prepared for the occasional detour, but rest assured, the journey is well worth the effort.
Stay tuned for EV road trip reports from my time in Saint Pierre and driving through New Brunswick and Northern New England EV Road Trip Report
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