newfoundland atv trip€¦ · web viewonce you’ve offloaded your machines and paid for parking...

Newfoundland ATV Trip Argentia to Port-Aux-Basques Day by Day Guide 2019

Day 1. Argentia to ClarenvilleDay 2. Clarenville to GanderDay 3. Gander to BadgerDay 4. Badger to Deer LakeDay 5. Deer Lake to Robinson’sDay 6. Robinson’s to Port Aux Basques

Arriving at the Ferry Terminal

Updated October 2017 Marine Atlantic has a new policy in place regarding the loading of ATV’s:

1. Follow hwy 105 North Bound directly to the Marine Atlantic Terminal with your truck, trailer and ATV or side by sides. Check-in at the main gate and get your ferry tickets and room passes.

2. You will then be directed to leave the parking lot area through the back gate so you can go across the street to A&L Parking. There you can park your vehicles and offload your machines.

3. Once you’ve offloaded your machines and paid for parking with cash drive back to the rear gate you just left, show the attendant your passes and they’ll let you in.

4. Once you’re back at the Ferry Terminal parking lot you will be told where to park your ATV’s while you wait to board the ferry.

5. See aerial map on page 2.

www.crossingnewfoundlandbyatv.com

Waiting to board Boarding the ferry

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http://www.crossingnewfoundlandbyatv.com/


Day 1 - Argentia to ClarenvilleI recommend staying at St. Jude's HotelApproximate distance this day 143 km.

**Important** GPS LINKS

Here are the links to download them. You can download individually or day by day.Hold down the Ctrl Key and click Entire Map, Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6

If you try to download them and you get a webpage full of text you’re probably using Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer. For some reason it doesn’t work with those browsers. Use Google Chrome and it will work.

A few things to consider before getting on the ferry:Bring a backpack with a change of clothes, toothbrush etc. That way you won’t have to lug a pile of bags around the ferry with you from your ATV or Side by Side. Once you board the ferry you can and go to your room or explore the ship. There is no need to strap your ATV or Side by Side down. There are straps there but they are intended for motorcycles.

NOTE: Reset your trip meter on the ferry so you can track your mileage.

If you took the 5:30 p.m. ferry from North Sydney, NS to Argentia, NL you will arrive about 10:00 a.m. NL time. You can be on the trail by about 10:30 a.m.

The first 30 kms of this trail is the roughest of the entire trip with some large water holes. Don’t worry, it’s still fun. After that it's pretty clear sailing. Those first 30 km will take several hours but you'll pick up the pace after that.

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https://storage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-30359285/documents/5abe36948d0feeTykEbO/ATV%20MAP%20-%20Robinson's%20to%20Port%20Aux%20Basques%2020180330.gpx

https://storage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-30359285/documents/5abe35f1da104p0Gf6w2/ATV%20MAP%20-%20Deer%20Lake%20to%20Robinsons%2020180330.gpx

https://storage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-30359285/documents/5abe35c89e3348H8Wa1z/ATV%20MAP%20-%20Badger%20to%20Deer%20Lake%2020180330.gpx

https://storage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-30359285/documents/5abe359a555bbq9xzzaw/ATV%20MAP%20-%20Gander%20to%20Badger%2020180330.gpx

https://storage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-30359285/documents/5abe35718006ckkyVI51/ATV%20Map%20-%20Clarenville%20to%20Gander%2020180330.gpx

https://storage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-30359285/documents/5abe35309bdf9zLHgByz/ATV%20Map%20-%20Argentia%20to%20Clarenville%2020180330.gpx

https://storage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-30359285/documents/5b81876fdc1d86uny96l/Newfoundland%20ATV%20Trailway%20Map%202018.gpx


Leaving the Ferry:When you drive off the ferry head straight down the main road and about 300 m there will be a road on your left, Charter Road, take it. It parallels the Provincial Highway.

Follow that for 2.7 km (1.7 miles) to the end of Charter Road. The trail is on your left.

We usually stop on the side of the road when we get on Charter Road to organize ourselves or stop at the trail head. In the picture to the right you can see the ferry at the top, the roadway traced in blue and the green motorcycle icon at the bottom right is where the start of the trail is.

VERY IMPORTANT!!At approximately 32 km after you leave the ferry you will come across a trail on your left. TAKE IT! It's a sharp left.

DON'T MISS THIS TURN or you will end up heading East, towards St. John’s. That’s the wrong way! You want to be heading West towards Port Aux Basques.

I know people that have done this. You’ll waste hours of your time if you miss it.

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Getting Gas in Goobies Irving

By the time you get to Goobies you may need gas. There is a Big Stop Irving there on the Provincial Highway. It’s about 112 km from the boat. If your ATV can't make it that far you'll need extra gas so bring a jerry can with about 5-10 litres.

Just before Goobies you'll drive over a bridge with a river and rocks on your right hand side. Not long after the bridge you need to cut up to a residential road on your left hand side. See the image to the right.

It's about 3 km of riding on the shoulder of the paved road including the provincial hwy to get to the gas station. See the Gold line in the image. It’ easy if you follow my GPS tracks. Follow the yellow track to get back to the railbed to reduce backtracking.

If you get to the tunnel that goes under the hwy you went too far.

NORTH

SOUTH

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Tunnel



St. Jude’s HOTEL

St. Jude’s Hotel is about another 29 km from the Irving Gas Station. You'll see a sign for the Hotel on the trail. It’s about 1.5 km pm a trail to get to the motel.

At the end of the trail you will come out to a parking lot alongside the hwy. Just drive through the lot to the Hotel. If you are handy with Google Maps just type in St. Jude's and look at it with satellite view, you can see the motel and the trail.

See image to the right. The blue trail is the rail bed and the yellowish trail takes you to the hotel.

Important to know - before you go: When booking your hotel room for St. Jude's mention you are riding the rail bed by ATV. Tell them you want their ATV package - $10 off a meal at their restaurant, supper or breakfast. The food is very good. Ground floor rooms have outside doors which are very convenient for unloading your gear.

You'll probably end up in Clarenville about 6 or 7 p.m. if you average about 30-40 km/h with photo stops and snack breaks.

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Day 2 - Clarenville to GanderI recommend staying at The Comfort Inn in GanderApproximate distance traveled this day 142 km.

This will take about 9 hours or so of travelling with time for stops for pictures, fuel, food etc.This is a good section of the trail with lots of nice scenery.

Rest Stop

There is a nice water fall on the right hand side of the trail about 32 km from St. Jude's. If it's a hot day you may want to wear a swim suit under your gear and jump in for a dip, the water is usually very nice.

If you're a bit adventurous you can climb the rocks and see another two waterfalls above.

The Provincial Highway will be visible on your left in an opening through the trees. There are large culverts under the trail that divert water from the waterfall. This is a great rest spot and a good opportunity to take pictures.

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Day 2 - Clarenville to Gander Continued

Approx. 5 km after the waterfall is a gas station in Port Blandford. (39-40 km from St. Jude’s)

The trail is about 550 m long. Sometimes it can be a bit rough but it's easily passable. If you want to avoid it take a left at the paved road about 1 km before the trail. It will take you to the gas station as well. See the picture. Ctrl+Click on the picture to see larger version.

About 9.5 km after the gas station there is a REALLY nice spot to stop for lunch or a snack. It's just after a bridge over a water fall. It's about 50 km distance from the day's starting point, St. Jude's. It's part of Terra Nova National Park.

The bridge over the waterfall

View from the bridge

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Day 2 - Clarenville to Gander Continued

There is a pub in Gambo it will be on the right hand side close to the water. You can stop and get recharged before heading out to the trail for the last leg of the trip.

Gander is about 51 km from the pub in Gambo. When you first get to Gander you will cross Baird Avenue and about 150 m after that is Rosie's Restaurant. It's right on the trail and they have GREAT food & service if you're hungry. There is a sign for it. See the picture below.

Directions to Comfort Inn from Rosie's. -When you leave Rosie's get back on the trail and follow it until you get to a wide paved road called Cooper Blvd. (you will have passed Wal Mart to get here)

-Cross Cooper BLVD and turn left. -Drive for about 200 m and take a right on a paved trail - that's the T'Railway. (Yes, it's paved for a bit.)

-Go straight for about 2.3 km until you reach Magee Road. Take a left. (the orange trail in the picture)-Drive for about 800 m until you get to the highway.

-Turn left on a trail on the side of the highway. Follow it until you get to the Comfort Inn - about 1.3 km.

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Day 3 - Gander to BadgerI recommend staying at Trail Blazer's Efficiency Units in BadgerApproximate distance traveled this day 142 km.

It will take about 9 hours travel time including stops.

Approx 66 km from the Comfort Inn you will come across a bridge. Stop just before the bridge and to the left of it, and you can walk down under it to have a break. We usually BBQ hot dogs and hamburgers for lunch.

There is a brook that runs under the bridge. It’s part of a power plant.

Gas

About 30 km after the bridge (100 km from Comfort Inn) there is a path to a gas station on your left, it’s an Irving. At this point you will be in Grand Falls-Windsor.

There will be a wooden post that looks like an old fashioned road sign with arrows pointing in both directions. Turn left, the gas station is 220 m up that road. It's a large Irving Gas Station with convenience store attached.

They have pretty decent coffee here if you are a java fan.

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Day 3 - Gander to Badger ContinuedBadger is about 28km from the Irving.

Trailblazers is on the right side of the trail.

Just before Trailblazer's is an old train bridge that has a beautiful view of the local river. By the time you get there the sun will be low in the sky and you can get some fantastic pictures of the sunset. You’ll be riding right into the sunset so bring sunglasses, or hopefully your helmet has a tinted visor.

Town of Badger500 metres from Trailblazer's is an Irving gas station. A bit further from the Irving is Badger Diner, Great Fish & Chips. They also have a pub attached.

If you want to cook for yourself Trailblazers has a fully stocked kitchen with BBQ and there is a grocery store next to it.

Trailblazer's has a VERY HANDY washer and dryer. They usually have laundry soap. Pack enough clothes to get to Badger, wash them then start over.

If Trailblazer's is already booked when you call you can try Helen's Motel and Diner just up the road from the Irving.

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Day 4 - Badger to Deer LakeI recommend staying at The Driftwood InnApproximate distance traveled this day 135 km.

It will take about 7.5 hours travel time including rest stops. There is a lot of FANTASTIC scenery this day.

About 55 km or so from Badger there is a cool granite quarry on your left. Great for pics!

5 km or so after the quarry is the Gaff TopSail, also on your left. You’ll see an opening from the alder brush on your left, take that trail and it will take you almost to the top of the mountain.

The trail is about 1km and it is a bit rough with loose rock but nothing drastic. There is a large concrete pad where you can park your ATV's near the top. Fantastic 360 scenery. You can climb the rest of the way to the top of the mountain if you dare. Don't miss it!

The Gaff Topsail You will drive to top of that mountain!

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Day 4 - Badger to Deer Lake Continued

HOWLEY

About another 40 km from the Gaff (100 km from Badger) is the town of Howley. You can stop for gas there . It's on your right side up a hill.

The gas station has everything you can imagine in there. It's a mini Wal-Mart!

A few km after that you will pass a bridge and on your left side is a beautiful beach you can ride your ATV on.

DEER LAKEAt about 115-118 km is Main Dam in Deer Lake. You can't cross the dam but there is a trail that goes around it on your right. You’ll see the trail.

See Picture.

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Day 4 - Badger to Deer Lake ContinuedAfter you leave the Dam the trail splits in two – see image below. You can take the more northern trail to ride through town, which is kind of cool, or take the more southern trail and go by Deer Lake (even cooler). If you follow the trail along the water it pretty much comes out across the street from the Driftwood Inn. It’s the orange trail in the picture ( I recommend that route)

Driftwood Inn is right off the trail but it's easy to miss because it's down a hill a bit.

Take a look at the above image and the image to the right. The Motel has the yellow house icon.

When you take the trail behind the motel you can park your ATV’s or Side by Sides out back. There is an entrance at the rear of the motel. Just go upstairs one level to the main desk to check in. The restaurant is next to the check-in counter.

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Day 4 - Badger to Deer Lake Continued

There is an Esso Gas Station not far from the Motel. The trail to the Motel will take you to the gas station which has a Burger King attached . There is a grocery store across the street from the Esso and a Tim Horton's past the grocery store. There is a nice restaurant and pub in the Motel too.

Call Cecil Anderson 709-686-5534 and let him know that you will need him to transport you past the 30 km gap in the trail the next day. I talk about that more under day 5.

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Day 5 - Deer Lake to Robinson's

Approximate distance traveled this day 115 km - direct to Pirate’s Haven 160 km - with a side trip to Serpentine Lake. With the side trip it will take about 8-9 hrs. See GPS Track on blog.

IMPORTANT!! TRAIL GAP

30 km of the trail between Pasadena and Corner Brook was removed to put in a new provincial highway. There is no legal way to cross the gap in the trail so you need to be trucked. Cecil Anderson can take four ATV's or three ATV's and a side by side. Call him at 709-686-5534.

Call a day or two in advance to let him know you’re coming. I think he charges $35-40 per person. That’s a good deal. If you have a larger group he can take two trips or you can call Conway's Towing to take everyone. They have large flatbed tow trucks.

You can have Cecil pick you up at either the Driftwood Inn or in Pasadena, which is about 20 km from Driftwood Inn. It will save time to get picked up at the Hotel.

The Pasadena pick-up point is at a hwy offramp – shown in the picture to the right.

He'll pick you up and take you to either Corner Brook or Logger School Road. I prefer to go to Logger School Road to save time.

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Day 5 - Deer Lake to Robinson's Continued

Serpentine Lake is beautiful and surrounded by mountains. If you have time, I highly recommend taking a side trip to go see it.

If you get dropped off at Logger School Road (orange line) ride it for approx. 13.6 km to an intersection. The T’Railway is shown in blue. To skip the lake turn left on the T’Railway to go to Stephenville Crossing. If you want to go to the lake go straight through the intersection and take your first left which is only about 75 m. Follow that trail for approx 22 km. The end of the trail is the lake. At one point along the trail there will be a Y in the road at about 5.5 km down this trail. Stay right!

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Some years we do a mixture of camping and motels/cabins. We camped at the lake in the picture to the left in 2015.

I’ve never met a person that wasn’t impressed with the scenery there.

Day 5 - Deer Lake to Robinson's Continued

GASYou won't be able to get gas until Stephenville Crossing so make sure you fill up before Deer Lake. If you skip going to Serpentine Lake it’s only about 75 km to Stephenville Crossing. But, if you go to the lake you’ll drive about 115 km before you end up getting to Stephenville Crossing. You may or may not need gas depending on what type of machine you drive. An older machine with a small tank probably will need gas.

Stephenville CrossingWhen you get to Stephenville Crossing the Irving Gas Station is on the right just across the street from the trail. It's also a corner store.

NOTE: Shortly after you leave the gas station you will come across a bridge that is out. It is a short by-pass around it. Just ride the main road and you will cross a new bridge. Almost right after you cross the bridge you'll see the trail.

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ROBINSON’S.You’ll know when you get to Robinson's because there is a large sign on the side of the trail for Pirate's Haven Chalets.

Follow the trail. There is a gas station about 1 km past the chalets at Salt Water Joyz.

The people at Pirate's Haven can direct you or you can look at my GPS track.

Day 6 - Robinson's to Port Aux BasquesApproximate distance driven this day 105 km (without any side trips).

This is a short day so you don’t have to hit the trail too early. I usually don’t start until after 10 or more this day.

At approximately 27 km from Robinson’s there is a little trail on the left hand side that will take you to Codroy Pond. It’s a beautiful spot for a break and to take some photos. See photos below.

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Day 6 - Robinson's to Port Aux Basques Continued

Around 35-40 km after you leave Robinson's you will come across a split in the trail where you can go straight or turn right. The trail is well worn to the right, take it. Then, you’ll come to a Y - take the left trail that goes through a tunnel under the highway. If you come to the highway you missed the turn. It’s very difficult to get down to the highway safely as there are large embankments on either side of the road. See picture.

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GAS

About 65 km from Robinson's there is a gas station located in the town/village of Doyle's. The station is about 140 m from from the T'Railway - it's an Esso and a large store as well.

Ctrl+Click on the image to see a larger version in your web browser.

Sugarloaf Mountain

About 20 km after the gas station (about 85 km from Robinson's ) you will see an old run down concrete looking house. There is a path up the hill just next to it that will take you to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. There are some incredible views up there if the mountain is not fogged in. It's a MUST see. See the image at the bottom to see what the view is like.

Ctrl+Click on the image to see a larger version in your web browser.

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There is a beautiful beach on your left not far from Port Aux Basques. You can’t ride your ATV on that beach because it’s a Provincial Park. But you can park on the side of the trail and take some pictures. It’s beautiful!

When you get to an old train on the left of the track you are at the end of the trail. There is a gas station across the street and a few restaurants like Subway, Tim Horton's etc.

When heading to the ferry you can either take the highway directly behind the Irving (shown in Green) or follow a dirt trail along the side of the highway. Legally you should take the trail but it’s your decision.

HAVE FUN!!

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