Is St. John's worth visiting?

Yes, it is a beautiful city with rich history and culture.

How long is the flight?

The flight from Vancouver to St. John's is about 7 hours.

Yes, but it is a very long journey; flying or ship is recommended.

Is the ferry expensive?

Costs vary based on vehicle size and passenger count.

What is the best route?

Flying is the most practical route for most travelers.

Pender Island

St. John's

Flight Ship

Pender Island to St. John's

Updated: 28 May 2026

To reach St. John's from Pender Island, you will take a ferry to the mainland, then fly from Vancouver to St. John's International Airport. Alternatively, you can take a ship from the mainland, which is a scenic multi-day journey. The total distance is over 6,500 km. This route takes you from the Pacific coast across the entire country to the historic, coastal city of St. John's.

Total Distance: 6,500 km driving; 5,200 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from Vancouver (YVR) to St. John's (YYT) is the fastest method, taking approximately 18 hours including ferry time.

Cheapest Way

Flying is generally more cost-effective than the multi-day ship journey.

Compare Pender Island to St. John's Routes

	Flight Connecting	Ship Direct
Duration	18 hours	140 hours
Avg Price	$850 - $1,700	$1,500 - $3,500
Operator	Air Canada	Marine Atlantic
Route	Ferry to Swartz Bay, drive to YVR, fly to St. John's (YYT).	Ferry to Tsawwassen, transit to North Sydney, ship to Argentia/Port aux Basques.
Tip	Direct flights from Vancouver to St. John's are available.	The ship journey is a luxury experience; book well in advance.

Travel Tips

Ferry Reservations
Book your Pender Island ferry in advance to ensure you make your flight or ship connection.
Airport Transport
Use the shuttle service from St. John's Airport to downtown St. John's for a quick commute.
St. John's Traffic
Avoid driving in downtown St. John's during rush hour; use public transit (Metrobus).
Ship Booking
If taking the ship, book your cabin months in advance.
Packing
Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city's diverse neighborhoods.

Safety Tips

Urban Safety
Practice standard urban safety precautions in downtown areas.
Public Transit
Be aware of your surroundings when using public transit at night.
Emergency Kit
Keep a basic emergency kit if traveling by car.
Weather
Be prepared for humid summers and cold winters in St. John's.