Newfoundland & Labrador - Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island - page 343

Getting There & Around
AIR
St John's International Airport (YYT; www.stjohnsairport.com ) is the region's main hub,
though Deer Lake Airport ( Click here ) is an excellent option for visitors focusing on the
Northern Peninsula. Airlines flying in include Air Canada ( www.aircanada.com ) , Provin-
cial ( www.provincialairlines.ca ) , Porter ( www.flyporter.com ) and United ( www.united.com ) .
BOAT
Marine Atlantic ( 800-341-7981; www.marine-atlantic.ca ) runs two car/passenger ferries
between North Sydney, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. There's a daily, six-hour cross-
ing to Port aux Basques (western Newfoundland) year-round, and a thrice-weekly,
14-hour crossing to Argentia (on the Avalon Peninsula) in summer. Reservations are re-
commended, especially to Argentia.
Provincial Ferry Service ( www.gov.nl.ca/ferryservices ) runs the smaller boats that travel
within the province to various islands and coastal towns. Each service has its own phone
number with up-to-the-minute information; it's wise to call before embarking.
BUS
DRL ( 709-263-2171; www.drl-lr.com ) sends one bus daily each way between St John's and
Port aux Basques (13½ hours), making 25 stops en route. Other than DRL, public trans-
portation consists of small, regional shuttle vans that connect with one or more major
towns. Although not extensive, the system works pretty well and will get most people
where they want to go.
CAR
The Trans-Canada Hwy (Hwy 1) is the main cross-island roadway. Driving is often slow-
going on heavily contorted, single-lane roads. Watch out for moose, especially at dusk.
ST JOHN'S
POP 106,200
Encamped on the steep slopes of a harbor, with jelly-bean-colored row houses popping
up from hilly streets, St John's is often described as looking like a mini San Francisco.
And like its American counterpart, it's home to artists, musicians, inflated real estate
prices and young, iPhone-using denizens. Yet the vibe of Newfoundland's largest city
and capital remains refreshingly small-town. At some point, locals will be sure to let you
know St John's is North America's oldest city.