Ship

Little Bras D'or to St. John's

Updated: 01 Jun 2026

The journey to St. John's from Little Bras d'Or involves a 20 km drive to North Sydney, a ferry to Port aux Basques, and a 900 km drive across the entire island of Newfoundland. This is a major cross-country expedition taking 24-30 hours. St. John's is the capital and oldest city in North America. Plan for at least one overnight stop in central Newfoundland.

Total Distance: 20 km drive + 180 km ferry + 900 km drive; 800 km straight-line air distance.
Fastest Way
The ferry is the only practical way; total travel time is roughly 24 hours.
Cheapest Way
Driving your own vehicle and booking a standard ferry seat is the most economical.
Compare Little Bras D'or to St. John's Routes
Ship
Direct
Duration
24 hours total
Avg Price
300-500 CAD
Operator
Marine Atlantic
Route
North Sydney to Port aux Basques, then TCH East to St. John's.

The drive from Port aux Basques to St. John's is a full day of driving.

Travel Tips
  • Overnight Stop
    Plan to stay in Gander or Clarenville to break up the long drive.
  • Fuel
    Keep your tank full; gas stations are sparse in some sections.
  • Time Zone
    Newfoundland is 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Time.
  • Wildlife
    Moose are everywhere; never drive at night.
  • Connectivity
    Cell service is generally reliable on the TCH.
Safety Tips
  • Moose Safety
    The risk of moose collisions is extremely high; stay off the road after dark.
  • Weather
    Newfoundland weather is very volatile; check forecasts often.
  • Emergency
    Carry a well-stocked emergency kit and extra supplies.
  • Road Safety
    The TCH is a two-lane highway; pass with caution.
People Also Ask
  • Is St. John's far from the ferry?
    Yes, it is about 900 km from Port aux Basques.
  • Can I fly?
    Yes, you can fly from Sydney (YQY) to St. John's (YYT) with connections.
  • Is the ferry reliable?
    Yes, but it can be delayed by high winds.
  • What is St. John's known for?
    It is known for its colorful houses and history.
  • Do I need a hotel?
    Yes, the drive across the island is too long for one day.
Quick Info
  • From Little Bras D'or, Nova Scotia, Canada
  • To St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
  • Modes
Best Time to Travel

July to September for the best weather and whale watching.

Things to Do in St. John's
1
Signal Hill
Iconic site with views of the Atlantic and city.
2
George Street
Famous for its nightlife and live music.
3
The Rooms
A museum and art gallery showcasing Newfoundland culture.
4
Quidi Vidi Village
A charming fishing village within the city limits.
Tags
Little Bras d'Or to St. John's Newfoundland travel Marine Atlantic ferry driving to St. John's Cape Breton to Newfoundland St. John's transport Trans-Canada Highway Newfoundland road trip