SUV Hire
Gander

For the most convenient access, consider staying near Gander International Airport (YQX) or along Elizabeth Drive. This area puts you moments from the airport for easy collection and return of your rental SUV. It also offers direct access onto the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1), allowing you to begin your Newfoundland road trip east or west without delay. Staying in this part of town minimises local traffic and simplifies your travel logistics from the moment you arrive.

Having an SUV rental ready for a late arrival provides complete independence when other transport options are scarce. The process is designed to be straightforward, allowing you to collect your vehicle and head straight to your accommodation. Gander’s roads are typically quiet late at night, making for a calm and easy drive. This freedom means you can settle in on your own schedule without worrying about coordinating shuttles or taxis after a long flight.

While the direct drive from Gander to Twillingate is about 1.5 to 2 hours, you should budget a full day for the trip. To truly enjoy the scenery, plan for at least three to four additional hours of stopping time. This allows for unhurried visits to scenic lookouts, small communities, and prime iceberg-viewing spots along the way. Leaving Gander early in the morning ensures you have maximum daylight to explore the stunning coastline without feeling rushed.

The most direct and easiest route for a first-time visitor is to take the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) eastbound from Gander. The drive is well signed and takes approximately one hour to reach the park’s main entrance area. Along the highway you will find several designated scenic pull-offs, especially as you approach the park’s boundaries near Alexander Bay. These lookouts offer beautiful views of the landscape and are a perfect introduction to the region’s natural beauty.

The drive to the Bonavista Peninsula is beautiful, but the sections on Route 230 and the smaller coastal loops like Route 235 can feel quite remote. Services such as petrol stations and restaurants become less frequent between the larger towns. It’s wise to start with a full tank in Gander and pack your own snacks and water. Plan your main breaks in established towns like Trinity or Bonavista, where you can find amenities and stretch your legs comfortably.

A popular and convenient stop is Terra Nova National Park, located about an hour east of Gander directly off the highway. You can visit the Visitor Centre or take a short walk on a trail to break up the journey. Another common stopping point is the town of Clarenville, which offers a wide range of services like restaurants and shops. These locations are situated right along the main route, making them efficient places to rest without adding significant time to your drive.

An SUV is an excellent choice for managing group transport for an event. To handle pickups efficiently, map out all your locations in advance and plan a logical, circular route to minimise backtracking. The spacious interior of an SUV makes it comfortable for passengers, even those in formal attire. Furthermore, the generous cargo space is perfect for transporting gifts, decorations, or luggage without crowding the cabin.

For a weeklong trip, soft-sided duffel bags are often more practical than rigid suitcases as they can be packed more flexibly into the SUV’s load area. It’s a good idea to pack a cooler for picnics and drinks, which fits easily in the back. Keep a small daypack with essentials like rain gear, water, and a camera readily accessible in the back seat rather than buried under other luggage. This setup keeps you prepared for spontaneous walks and photo opportunities.

Your choice should depend primarily on passenger numbers and luggage needs. A compact SUV is often perfectly adequate and offers the advantage of being easier to manoeuvre and park on the narrow streets of historic outport towns. However, if you are travelling with a larger group or have bulky gear like camping equipment or multiple large suitcases, the extra space in a mid-size or full-size SUV will be well worth it for a more comfortable journey.

First-time visitors are often surprised by how quickly the weather can change, with fog or rain appearing suddenly even on a clear day. The most significant surprise, however, is the very real possibility of encountering moose on or near the highway, especially at dawn and dusk. It is crucial to remain alert, scan the sides of the road continuously, and be prepared to slow down unexpectedly for wildlife.

When leaving Gander, your most reliable options for services are in the first major town you encounter. Heading west on the Trans-Canada Highway, Grand Falls-Windsor has numerous petrol stations and fast-food restaurants. If you are travelling east, the town of Gambo provides similar amenities. These towns are your best bet for a convenient stop before the landscape becomes more rural.

Driving in low light on rural Newfoundland roads requires heightened awareness, primarily due to wildlife. Moose are most active at dawn and dusk and are notoriously difficult to see. Always drive below the speed limit to increase your reaction time and use your main beams whenever possible, being courteous to other drivers. An SUV’s higher driving position can offer a better vantage point for spotting animals near the roadside.

To comfortably visit both, dedicate at least two full days and one overnight stay to this part of your trip. A good plan is to drive from Gander to the Twillingate area and spend the day exploring before staying there overnight. The next morning, you can make the relatively short drive from Twillingate to the Farewell ferry terminal to catch a boat to Fogo Island. This approach breaks up the driving and allows you to fully appreciate each destination.

The drive from Gander to the ferry terminal in Farewell typically takes about 1.5 hours. To ensure a stress-free experience, plan to arrive at the terminal at least 60 minutes before your intended ferry departure. This buffer accounts for any potential traffic or road delays and gives you plenty of time to get in the vehicle queue. Arriving early is always a better strategy than risking a last-minute rush for the ferry.

If coastal fog or rain ruins your plans, an SUV is perfect for exploring inland attractions. You could visit the North Atlantic Aviation Museum in Gander or take a drive to the nearby town of Grand Falls-Windsor to see the Salmonid Interpretation Centre. The comfort and capability of an SUV make it easy to pivot to a new plan, ensuring that even a rainy day can be filled with interesting sights and comfortable travel.

During the spring and autumn shoulder seasons, road conditions can be highly unpredictable. You might leave Gander on dry tarmac but encounter wet, slushy, or even icy patches in higher elevations or shaded areas. While an SUV provides enhanced stability and a better view of the road, it's essential to drive with caution. Avoid sudden acceleration or braking, reduce your speed, and leave extra space between you and the vehicle ahead.

Yes, cell service can be spotty or non-existent once you venture onto the more remote peninsulas or into large parks like Terra Nova. The most effective way to handle this is to download maps of the region to your phone for offline use before you leave Gander. This ensures you have reliable turn-by-turn navigation at all times, regardless of your connection. A paper map is also a great traditional backup to keep in your vehicle.

To make a Gros Morne loop manageable, plan for it to be a multi-day excursion. Drive west from Gander to the Deer Lake or Rocky Harbour area, which takes about four to five hours, and establish that as your base for at least two or three nights to explore the park. On your return journey to Gander, consider an overnight stop in a central town like Grand Falls-Windsor to break up the long drive and make the trip more relaxing.

There are several child-friendly places to stop on the way to Terra Nova. The town of Glovertown, located just before the park, has public spaces and services for a quick break. Once you are closer to the park, the main Visitor Centre is an excellent stop with restrooms and open areas. For a nature-focused break, the short, accessible boardwalk trail at Saltons Brook is perfect for letting children safely stretch their legs and look for salmon.

Gander serves as an excellent supply hub for any Newfoundland road trip. The town has several large, modern grocery stores with a wide selection of goods. It's highly recommended to do your primary shopping here before heading to more remote areas where stores are smaller and choices may be limited. An SUV offers plenty of cargo space, making it easy to stock up on groceries, drinks, and other essentials for your entire journey.

Driving in Gander is generally more laid-back and courteous than in larger urban centres. You'll find the pace is slower, and other drivers are often patient. On the Trans-Canada Highway, however, traffic moves efficiently, and it's customary to stay in the right lane unless you are passing. A friendly wave is a common gesture of thanks if someone lets you into traffic, reflecting the welcoming local culture.

The most significant wildlife concern for drivers in Newfoundland is moose. They can be present on any road, including the Trans-Canada Highway, at any time of day. However, they are most active and hardest to see during the low-light hours of dawn and dusk. Always be vigilant by scanning the sides of the road and be prepared for an animal to step out from the tree line unexpectedly.

When travelling with long items like skis, an SUV with a flexible seating arrangement is ideal. Look for models that feature a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat, which allows you to pass the gear through the centre while still seating two passengers comfortably in the back. If that's not an option, a standard 60/40 split will also work well. This versatility prevents the cabin from feeling cramped on drives to and from your winter adventures.

The most practical strategy is to always start your day with a full tank of fuel. Fill up in Gander before you depart, and then make it a habit to refuel in larger towns like Clarenville or Bonavista. On the peninsula itself, petrol stations can be sparse, so a good rule of thumb is to top up your tank whenever you see a station and are below the halfway mark. This approach prevents any worries about running out of fuel in a remote area.

Before finalising your rental, it's wise to ask the cabin owner about the access road's condition. Key questions include whether the road is paved, gravel or dirt, and if it is particularly steep or uneven. Inquiring about how well it's maintained, especially after heavy rain, is also important. This information will help you determine if a standard SUV is sufficient or if one with higher ground clearance or all-wheel drive would be a better choice.

To ensure a full and relaxed day, plan to leave Gander no later than 09:00. The drive to most trailheads in Terra Nova National Park is about an hour, so this departure time gives you a solid block of five to six hours for hiking and sightseeing. This schedule allows you to enjoy the park at a leisurely pace and provides a comfortable buffer for the drive back to Gander in the late afternoon.

Parking an SUV in Gander is generally very straightforward. The Gander Mall and other large shopping plazas along Roe Avenue offer spacious car parks with plenty of room to manoeuvre. These are the easiest places for running errands. While the older downtown streets can feel a bit tighter, finding a suitable parking spot is rarely a significant challenge, even with a larger vehicle.

An SUV is perfect for a self-guided tour of sites related to "Come From Away." Start at the Gander North Atlantic Aviation Museum and then drive to Gander International Airport to see the historic terminal. From there, it's a short and scenic drive to nearby towns like Appleton and Lewisporte, which also played important roles. The Silent Witness Memorial, just outside of town, is another essential stop that is easily accessible by car.

During heavy rain, the main concern on paved roads like the Trans-Canada Highway is water pooling, which can create aquaplaning risks. It's important to reduce your speed and increase your following distance. The shoulders of rural and gravel roads can become soft and muddy very quickly, so be cautious if you need to pull over. The higher vantage point and stability of an SUV can provide an added sense of security in these conditions.

A good rule for planning is to take the estimated drive time from a mapping service and add at least 25–30% to it. This extra time accounts for the slower speeds on winding coastal roads and allows for spontaneous stops at scenic viewpoints. Focus on exploring one specific region per day, such as the Kittiwake Coast or the area around Twillingate, rather than trying to cover vast distances. This approach leads to a more enjoyable and less rushed experience.

The arrivals hall at Gander International Airport (YQX) is small and easy to navigate, making it a simple meeting point. For a more comfortable option where you can sit and organise your plans, choose a coffee shop or restaurant on Elizabeth Drive. This main road is just a minute from the airport, offering a convenient and relaxed place for everyone to gather before starting your road trip together.

For a driver who prefers a more straightforward experience, the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) is an excellent choice. Heading east from Gander towards Terra Nova National Park and Clarenville offers a drive on a well-maintained, multi-lane highway with gentle curves and good visibility. This route provides access to beautiful scenery and key destinations without the narrow, winding roads found on some of the more remote coastal loops.

To comfortably avoid driving after dark, especially considering the risk of moose encounters, aim to keep your daily driving distance to between 250 and 300 kilometres (about 155–185 miles). This mileage allows for a relaxed pace with plenty of time for sightseeing, meals, and breaks. Planning to arrive at your overnight destination by late afternoon ensures you are settled in well before dusk, making for a safer and more enjoyable trip.

When navigating from Gander, remember that highway signs typically indicate the next major town or the final destination of that route, not every small community along the way. It's helpful to know the route number you need to follow, such as Route 340 for Twillingate. All distances on signs are posted in kilometres, so be sure to set your GPS or mental calculations accordingly to accurately gauge your travel time.

To make frequent stops efficient, it's best to have a system. Keep day bags and personal items at your feet or in the seatback pocket in front of you, leaving the middle seat or floor clear for easy entry and exit. Designate a specific area in the boot for shared items like a cooler or snack bag. This organisation minimises clutter and ensures everyone can get in and out of the SUV quickly to capture that perfect photo.

Ferry schedules are a critical part of your planning. If you have an early morning ferry departure from Farewell to Fogo Island, it is much more convenient to stay overnight in a closer community like Twillingate or Boyd's Cove. This avoids a very early and potentially rushed drive from Gander on the morning of your crossing. Always check the ferry timetable in advance and book your accommodation accordingly to create a smooth travel day.

On your final day, plan your activities in a location that is relatively close to Gander, such as exploring the Kittiwake Coast or the area around Gambo. This ensures your final drive to the airport is short, typically under an hour. By staying nearby, you build a natural buffer into your schedule, which reduces stress if you encounter unexpected weather or traffic delays on your way to catch your flight.

Accessing beaches and trails in and around Terra Nova National Park is generally very easy with an SUV. Popular destinations like Sandy Pond and Eastport's beaches have large, well-maintained car parks that can accommodate vehicles of all sizes. For trailheads located off the main roads, you might find smaller gravel lots, but they are typically accessible for any standard SUV. The vehicle's versatility is perfect for exploring the park's diverse attractions.

For a mixed-terrain trip, an SUV with all-wheel drive (AWD) is an excellent choice. AWD provides enhanced stability and traction, which is beneficial on both wet highways and the gravel or unpaved roads that often lead to the best coastal viewpoints. While not always necessary, the added capability provides peace of mind and allows you to explore more confidently, knowing your vehicle is well-suited for a variety of Newfoundland's road conditions.

When planning this drive, first confirm the opening hours for any attractions you plan to visit, as they can be seasonal. Secondly, check the weather forecast for the entire route, as conditions on the Avalon Peninsula can differ from those in Gander. Finally, ensure your planned arrival time in St. John's aligns with the check-in process for your accommodation, especially if you need to pick up keys by a certain time.