Having immersed ourselves in the wonders of Newfoundland, the time had come for the next chapter in our journey – a thrilling drive through the Trans-Labrador Highway’s remote terrains. This leg, with distances up to 250 miles between towns or gas stations, promised breathtaking landscapes. In a previous video/blog, we guided fellow travelers on the essential ferry connections from the mainland, focusing on the journey from North Sydney to Port Aux Basques. Now, our compass points to the shorter yet captivating ferry passage from St. Barbe to Blanc Sablon.
St. Barbe to Blanc Sablon Ferry Journey
As we emphasized earlier, reaching Newfoundland by car involves a ferry journey. Options include crossings from Nova Scotia to Port Aux Basques, a seasonal ferry to Argentia, or the route we’ll cover in this blog – St. Barbe to Blanc Sablon.
The St. Barbe to Blanc Sablon ferry operates year-round, completing the crossing in under two hours. Our recommendation: secure your reservation at least a month before your intended travel date. Reservations can be made on their website after signing up for an account.
Ferry Information is here. Reservation website is here.
Navigating the Reservation Process
Securing Your Spot: Step-by-Step Reservation Guide
Upon logging in, input your details, select the ferry option, and make a $10 payment to reserve your spot. It’s crucial to understand that this reservation secures your place on the ferry, but you’ll need to check in at their office to obtain your tickets before boarding.
Arrival Strategies – Ensuring a Smooth Start
Arriving at least an hour before the scheduled departure is advised, but we arrived even earlier. This not only ensured a relaxed start but also allowed us time to check in at the ferry terminal before proceeding to the parking lot for boarding.
Awaiting Boarding – Unexpected Iceberg Delights
While waiting at the parking lot, a saw few icebergs gently drifting in the water.It was a little far but still we were delighted to see it. Little did we know, this was just the prelude to the breathtaking spectacle that awaited us during the journey.
Onboard the St. Barbe to Blanc Sablon Ferry
Boarding Process – Priorities, Procedures, Ferry’s Amenities
While the ferry experienced a slight delay, once the unloading process finished, passengers were promptly invited to board. Priority is given to reserved passengers, but securing your boarding order at the parking lot is crucial.
Unlike our previous experience, this ferry was simple, lacking elaborate amenities, offering only a snack bar instead of restaurants. The seating arrangement, however, catered well to passengers’ needs.
A Visual Spectacle – Icebergs and Coast Guard Escort
Despite its simplicity, the journey unfolded into a visual spectacle. On a chilly, cloudy day, massive icebergs floated towards us, a sight originating from the glaciers of Western Greenland, traveling hundreds of miles.
Witnessing a coast guard ferry breaking apart the ice closer to the shore added a touch of excitement to the entire experience.
Arrival at Blanc Sablon and Farewell
Unloading at Blanc Sablon was seamless, and our early boarding ensured we were among the first to disembark. The entire ferry trip came at a modest fare of $47 CAD, making it an incredible and worthwhile experience.
Farewell and Subsequent Tales
As we bid farewell to the ferry, we carried away unforgettable memories of spectacular icebergs and the journey to Blanc Sablon. May this glimpse inspire your adventures. If you found these details beneficial, join our journey by subscribing to our channel. Feel free to share your thoughts or any inquiries in the comments below.
