How long is the ferry?

The crossing takes between 7 and 16 hours depending on the route.

Direct flights are rare from Ottawa; most connect through Toronto or Halifax.

Travel to Newfoundland is generally higher due to ferry and flight costs.

A car is highly recommended to explore the island outside of St. John's.

What is the currency?

Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD) throughout the country.

Addison

St. John's

Flight Ship

Addison to St. John's

Updated: 28 May 2026

Reaching St. John's from Addison requires a combination of driving and a ferry crossing, or a flight. The drive involves traveling to North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to catch the Marine Atlantic ferry to Argentia or Port aux Basques. Flying is significantly faster, with connections from Ottawa or Toronto to St. John's International Airport (YYT). Newfoundland is an island, making the ferry or flight mandatory for the final leg. This journey takes you to the easternmost point of North America.

Total Distance: 2,400 km driving plus ferry, 2,000 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying is the fastest method, taking roughly 6 hours total.

Cheapest Way

Driving and taking the ferry is cost-effective for those moving goods.

Compare Addison to St. John's Routes

	Flight Connecting	Ship Direct
Duration	6 hours	7-16 hours
Avg Price	$400-$800	$200-$500
Operator	WestJet	Marine Atlantic
Route	Ottawa (YOW) to St. John's (YYT).	North Sydney, NS to Argentia or Port aux Basques, NL.
Tip	Flights often connect through Toronto or Halifax.	Book your ferry reservation months in advance during summer.

Travel Tips

Ferry Booking
Marine Atlantic ferries sell out quickly; book as soon as your dates are set.
Time Zone
Newfoundland is in its own time zone, 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Time.
Driving
The Trans-Canada Highway in Newfoundland is mostly two lanes; drive cautiously.
Weather
Expect fog and wind regardless of the season; pack waterproof gear.
Connectivity
Cell service can be spotty in remote parts of the island; download offline maps.

Safety Tips

Moose
Moose are extremely common on Newfoundland roads; avoid driving at night.
Ferry Safety
Follow all crew instructions during the ferry crossing, especially in rough seas.
Emergency
Carry a satellite messenger if traveling to remote coastal areas.
Road Conditions
Check the NL 511 website for real-time updates on highway closures.