Plan Your Visit

Discover the best ways to travel to Twillingate and start your adventure. Whether you're arriving by air, by car, or by RV, we have all the information you need. Fly into Gander International Airport and enjoy a scenic drive to our picturesque town, or take a road trip across Newfoundland’s beautiful landscapes. Choose the right vehicle for your journey and get ready to explore Twillingate with ease.

Plan Your Visit2026-04-07T18:13:12-02:30

How to Get Here

Twillingate Islands is on the north east coast of Newfoundland, Canada’s easternmost province.  For visitors who drive from Newfoundland’s west coast and Gros Morne to St. John’s (the capital) on the east coast, Twillingate is a popular half-way destination.

By Air

Fly to St. John’s or Deer Lake or Gander, Twillingate’s closest airport. Gander International Airport is a 1.5 hour drive from Twillingate.  Because of COVID-19 all airlines have made changes to their routes, so check the websites of Air Canada or WestJet for current information.  PALairlines is the provincial and regional smaller airline.

By Vehicle

Twillingate is a 5.5 hour drive from St. John’s, an hour and a half from Gander and 4.5 hours from Deer Lake Airport.  Most of the route is on the Trans Canada Highway (TCH1).

If traveling from the east, follow TCH1 to Gander and turn right onto Route 330 and turn left  onto Route 331 (Road to the Isles) and finally right onto Route 340.

If traveling from the west, turn at Lewisporte onto Route 340 that will take you to Twillingate an hour later.

For travel distances, check this travel distance calculator.

Choice of Vehicle

The easiest way to access Twillingate, is by rental car. If you are planning a summer trip, don’t delay in booking your vehicle. They are scarce in summer.  Motorhome vacations are popular and Twillingate is close to two RV parks.

Fuel Up Before You Explore

Before heading out to explore the coastline or set off on a road trip, you’ll find a few convenient places to fuel up nearby:

  • Ultramar Twillingate – 38 Toulinquet St, Twillingate
  • Esso NWI – Route 340
  • Irving Summerford – 121 NL-340, Summerford

Seasonal Travel

Twillingate offers memorable experiences beyond the summer months. Autumn and winter bring a quieter pace, cozy stays, local dining, and seasonal entertainment. Explore curated guides to amenities, places to stay, things to do, and where to eat during the fall and winter seasons.

Visitor FAQs

Can you see whales in Newfoundland in September?2026-04-15T14:42:32-02:30

Yes, it’s possible to see whales in Newfoundland in September, though sightings are less frequent than during peak season in June and July. Whales gradually move back offshore as the season winds down, so September sightings are never guaranteed.

That said, many visitors are still rewarded with excellent encounters, and the quieter waters and fall colours make September a beautiful time to visit Twillingate regardless. If whale watching is a priority, aim for late June through August for the best odds.

When is whale watching season in Newfoundland?2026-04-15T14:42:38-02:30

Whale watching season in Newfoundland runs from June through September. Whales follow capelin and other food sources inshore during these months, making sightings most frequent and reliable. June and July tend to offer the best combination of active wildlife and calm weather, while August and September bring a quieter but still productive season. Guided boat tours operating out of Twillingate offer some of the best chances for close-up sightings.

What types of whales can you see in Twillingate?2026-04-15T14:42:44-02:30

The most commonly spotted whales are humpback whales, known for their dramatic breaches and acrobatic behaviour. Minke whales are also frequently seen in the area, and on some occasions, visitors have spotted orca (killer whales) off the coast.

How do I get from St. John’s to Twillingate?2026-04-14T17:32:56-02:30

There are three main ways to get from St. John’s to Twillingate:

By car: The drive takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours via the Trans-Canada Highway west to Gander, then north on Route 330 and Route 340 to Twillingate Island.

By flight + car: Fly from St. John’s Airport (YYT) to Gander International Airport (YQX) — the flight takes under an hour — then rent a car and drive approximately 1.5 hours to Twillingate.

By bus + car: DRL Coachlines operates a bus service from St. John’s to Gander and Lewisporte. From either town, you’ll need to arrange onward transportation to Twillingate, as there is no direct public transit to the island.

What is the closest airport to Twillingate?2026-04-14T17:27:37-02:30

The closest airport to Twillingate is Gander International Airport (YQX), located approximately 1.5 hours away by car.

Useful Information

Time Zone: Newfoundland Daylight Saving Time (GMT-3:30)

Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD)

Language: English

Credit Cards and ATMs: Most businesses accept major credit cards, with the exception of AMEX. Independent ATMs are available throughout the community, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash (CAD) for places that are cash-only.

Plugs: The plugs in Canada are type B (the same as the US). The standard voltage is 110-120 V, and the standard frequency is 60Hz.

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