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27ftToaster · 04-18-2022, 01:19 PM

I am planning a trip this summer from Maine up into Nova Scotia, then ferry across to Newfoundland, then ferry over to the Canada mainland at Blanc-Sablon. From there, take Canada Hwy 510 and 500, also known as the Trans-Labrador highway, back towards Quebec. I read online that the last 26km section of gravel was to be paved by early 2022. This is very remote country where even the Canadian government provides satellite phones for travelers. Yes, there is a 200+ mile stretch without any services, yes there are moose on the road, yes, the black flies there could pick you up and carry you away! I am not afraid of adventure. We towed our Toaster 35,000 miles in 18 months.

But I would love to hear anybody else's experiences or advice for the trip. We travel well prepared, but will probably add an extra tire or two for the trip.

Any thoughts, suggestions, or just want to tell me I'm crazy?

Doc Foster · 08-27-2022, 06:41 PM

I to am interested in that stretch of road.

Waterbeach · 08-28-2022, 09:19 AM

On a trip to Newfoundland last year we came across a camper van in the site next door - they had been there a week and were waiting for a new axle which, after punishment on the Labrador road, had finally given up. Their comment was that the road was seemingly endless, and the most terrifying thing was not the road itself or the blackflies, but log trucks which travel at high speeds and occupy the middle of the narrow, twisting road with many blind bends. That and the punishment of their vehicle indicated that this was maybe a trip too far for a motorhome, let alone a trailer.

27ftToaster · 08-30-2022, 06:52 AM

I will update about our adventure soon. We are planning to start that portion of our adventure Friday. Currently in Newfoundland and will let you know how it goes!

Gene · 08-30-2022, 12:03 PM

I'd like to know how it goes too. Not likely that we'll make that trip since age is catching up with me, but I have wanted to for many years. I am am surprised if any of it is paved except the most southerly portions. For years the Labrador coast has been connected by ferries and I hope they are still operating since the road may not be too good, especially in winter.

We get logging trucks and oil and gas trucks in the US west and they mostly seem to be driven by crazy people—perhaps the driver is fueled by meth because of the pressures of quickly doing the job. Never been hit, but they can be scary.

27ftToaster · 08-31-2022, 03:58 AM

The latest news I've gotten from multiple reliable sources is that the Labrador section is completely paved as of this year. There are two 50km sections in Quebec that are still gravel, but reported as in excellent shape. There are some frost heaves to watch for on the highway, so be alert. Also moose and caribou. I've been able to talk to folks who live there, recently drove it, as well as the Provincial Information centers. Fuel can be as sparse as 200 miles so fill up at every chance!

It will be remote, but not too bad

GOUSC · 08-31-2022, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 27ftToaster

I will update about our adventure soon. We are planning to start that portion of our adventure Friday. Currently in Newfoundland and will let you know how it goes!

Fellow North Carolinian here who just got back from 10 weeks trip to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. We did not go to Labrador but the Newfoundland roads were bad enough. I will suggest to not tow your airstream on the west detour road for the Cabot trail in NS. Take the longer route. By car it’s OK but not for towing.

Also, in Bonavista NL there is free boondocking for 3 nights in the Cape Bonavista park on the left (under the arch) shortly before the lighthouse. Great whale views for us everyday when we were there. If you get there before noon it’s easier to find a place to park. Iffy if after 4:00.

Gene · 09-01-2022, 11:04 AM

When we were in Newfoundland about 20 years ago, many roads were bad—lots of heaves and little hills. Same was true of Nova Scotia. The TransCanada was fine though.

27ftToaster · 09-12-2022, 03:41 PM

Made it home safe and sound from our trip to the Maine International Rally, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Labrador, Quebec, Adirondacks, and back home to Raleigh.

54 Nights
28 Different Locations
29 Nights Boondocking
9700 Miles (roughly 7700 towing)
$3700 Diesel (Highest price paid was about $8/gal USD or $2.615/liter CAN$)
6 jugs Blue DEF (brought with)
0 Tire issues (though I carried 2 spares each for truck and trailer)
7 Ferry Trips (One 7 hour ferry)
3 Moose, 15 Caribou, 4 Foxes, 1 Coyote, Whales, Mola Mola, 1000s of Puffins and other sea birds
1 Severe US Freeway Crash

Labrador Roads were some of the best of the whole trip, as they are newer and well maintained. Labrador is correct in that they have completed paving the whole of the Trans Lab highway, except for some current road construction, sometimes 8k long. Quebec province has 2 gravel sections, one is 100k, and the other is 67k long, or about 100 miles altogether. That is excellent and smooth gravel roads. Better than the Quebec paved roads

They seem to invest a lot of money in signs communicating rough road ahead, pot holes ahead, or in many cases, no signs at all! This goes for Newfoundland as well. All of the time you need to be alert for Frost Heaves and small bridges with big bumps. We definitely hit some big unexpected dips and humps that created a big porpoising affect.

There were no moose to be found on the Trans Lab for us, minimal issues with other trucks approaching, as even the gravel sections are 3 to 4 lanes wide, so everyone stays to the outside while approaching each other. No broken axels or people stranded on the roadside. Black flies were definitely present, but not unruly. We were able to kill them easily inside the trailer and didn't sit around outside or open the door much.

It is a great adventure and with proper preparedness, anyone can enjoy. Be flexible, don't push it, and always check your cupboards, subwoofers, and every screw you can find for tightness. Don't forget the rivet gun! We made only a few minor repairs on the road to the toaster. The most damage was to our rock guards, as they did their job well, but they will forever show their valor, as they are knurled with dings from the gravel that flew up. My WeatherTech mud flaps didn't perform well enough. I think it would be good to invest in something better to keep the gravel from pinging the trailer.

Somehow, I smell Alaska in my near future...