In honour of CANADA DAY I plan to post a daily image of Canada and a link to a random Canadian location we have visited.
Taking the ferry to Newfoundland and Labrador - random post.
Taking a ferry to Newfoundland is a legendary voyage, crossing the Cabot Strait from North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to the island of Newfoundland. Operated by Marine Atlantic, it connects the mainland to the province's two main ports: Port aux Basques (a 7-hour crossing) and Argentia (a 16-hour crossing).
Travel to a Unique Time Zone: Newfoundland has its own distinct time zone, which is 30 minutes ahead of Atlantic Standard Time. When you sail from Nova Scotia, you technically "lose" half an hour of your day before even stepping foot on the island.Spot the Whales: The waters of the Cabot Strait are teeming with marine life, making the outer decks a prime spot for whale watching. You might even catch glimpses of minke, fin, or humpback whales alongside dolphins and sea birds.
Choose Your Route Wisely: The most popular year-round route is to Port aux Basques (96 nautical miles), which drops you directly on the southwestern tip. However, during the summer months, you can opt for the 280-nautical-mile "cruise" to Argentia, located just a 90-minute drive from the capital city of St. John's.
Sleep Onboard or Camp in Your Car: For the overnight sailings, passengers can book comfortable private cabins. Interestingly, for those traveling with RVs, campervans, or pets, there are specific guidelines that allow some travelers to sleep in their vehicles or reserve specific kennel spots depending on the vessel's policies.
The "Scoop" on Sleeping: If all the cabins are sold out, don't worry—the public seating lounges feature incredibly large, comfortable reclining chairs. Many seasoned travelers bring heavy blankets and sleeping masks to make the trip even cozier.
A fellow traveller in our South Africa tour group was in charge of everything related to passengers on the ferries. Ray used to keep in touch with her, and I let her know when he died. She was nice but browbeaten by her loud female travelling companion. It was interesting to learn Canadians can be loud, and a person who delays a tour group by being late back to the coach.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving your (random) posts on Canada. Very educational for those across the pond (like me). I love ferries and have been on many, long (Spain-UK 33 hours), Rome- Barcelona (also 33 hrs) to shorter ones Hook of Holland- Harwich 9:30 hrs or Naples-Capri around one hour. But in Europe passengers are not allowed on the vehicle deck once the ship has started the engines, so sleeping in your vehicle is a big nono. As you say, communal sleeping areas are OK with ear plugs and eye masks and certainly are the cheapest e¡specially when traveling alone. I would have to share a cabin with other women or pay for one alone (expensive). I never minded sharing until I had to share with someone who was seasick....
ReplyDeleteI have never been to Newfoundland, but I have a friend who lives locally who is from Newd¡foundland and she is always talking about it. She goes back whenever she can.
Happy Friday!,
Lisca
Thanks, I love hearing that someone enjoys my posts. I remember doing the ferries from Ireland to England with my parents.
DeleteI've actually learned a lot about Canada from you. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad!
Delete