How long is the ferry?

The crossing to Port aux Basques is 7 hours; to Argentia it is 16 hours.

Do I need a passport?

No, Newfoundland is part of Canada, so no passport is required for domestic travel.

No, the Newfoundland Railway was closed in the late 1980s.

What is the best time to visit?

Summer is best for weather, while spring is best for iceberg viewing.

Direct flights are rare from Montreal; most require a connection in Halifax.

Salaberry-de-Valleyfield

St. John's

Flight Ship

Salaberry-de-Valleyfield to St. John's

Updated: 30 May 2026

Traveling from Salaberry-de-Valleyfield to St. John's involves crossing the Gulf of St. Lawrence. You can drive to North Sydney, Nova Scotia, and board the Marine Atlantic ferry to Argentia or Port aux Basques. Alternatively, flying from Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) to St. John's International (YYT) is the most efficient method. The journey covers over 2000 kilometers by land and sea. Newfoundland is in the Newfoundland Time Zone, which is 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Time.

Total Distance: 2200 km driving distance including ferry; 1800 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from Montreal (YUL) to St. John's (YYT) is the fastest, taking roughly 5 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving to the ferry and sharing costs with passengers is the most economical for groups.

Compare Salaberry-de-Valleyfield to St. John's Routes

	Flight Connecting	Ship Direct
Duration	5 hours	7-16 hours
Avg Price	$500-$900	$300-$600 (vehicle + passenger)
Operator	Air Canada	Marine Atlantic
Route	YUL to YYT via Halifax or Toronto	North Sydney, NS to Port aux Basques or Argentia, NL
Tip	Flights are the only practical way to reach the island in under 24 hours.	Reservations are mandatory for vehicles during the summer season.

Travel Tips

Ferry Booking
Book your Marine Atlantic ferry crossing months in advance for summer travel.
Time Zone
Newfoundland is 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Time and 1.5 hours ahead of Quebec.
Packing
Bring layers, as the weather in St. John's can change rapidly from sun to fog.
Vehicle Check
Ensure your vehicle is in top condition before the long drive across the island.
Local Cuisine
Try the local cod dishes and screech at a traditional Newfoundland pub.

Safety Tips

Ferry Safety
Follow all crew instructions during the ferry crossing, especially in rough seas.
Road Conditions
The Trans-Canada Highway in Newfoundland has many winding sections; drive with caution.
Wildlife
Moose are extremely common on Newfoundland roads; avoid driving at night.
Emergency Services
Keep a satellite phone or emergency beacon if traveling to very remote coastal areas.