Major city · Canada
Deer Lake, Newfoundland and LabradorDeer Lake
Treat Deer Lake as a one-night airport and highway base, not a destination: 1 night, then drive 30 min to Gros Morne or push north on Highway 430.
Deer Lake is a town of about 5,200 people on the Trans-Canada Highway, 50 km north of Corner Brook, and the closest town of any size to Gros Morne National Park. Its airport (YDF) is the main gateway for western Newfoundland and the Great Northern Peninsula. Almost nobody comes for the town itself: you land, sleep, pick up a car and leave. Give it one night on arrival or departure, or use it as a fuel and grocery stop between Corner Brook and the northern peninsula.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for the park and the coast; Feb–Mar if you are here for snowmobiling
- avoid Nov–Apr for sightseeing (short days, ice, many seasonal businesses shut)
- Airport
- YDF
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyA small, quiet town and one of the safer stops in the province.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYDF Deer Lake Regional Airport (About 5 km (3.1 mi) from town; year-round flights to Halifax and Toronto, Montreal in summer…YDF Deer Lake Regional Airport (About 3.1 mi (5 km) from town; year-round flights to Halifax and Toronto, Montreal in summer…
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$2.50–5 (≈ US$2–4)
- Street or quick mealBreakfast or diner plateC$12–22 (≈ US$9–16)
- Beerdraught in a pub / can at the liquor storeC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)C$3–4 (≈ US$3)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxicheckC$15–22 (≈ US$11–16)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)
- Museum or sight ticketGros Morne National Park day entry, per adultcheck the Parks Canada site
- Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per roomC$180 (≈ US$140)
- Mid-range bedMotel or inn double room, a night, per roomC$170 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedMotel or inn double room, a night, per roomC$240 (≈ US$180)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$160 (≈ US$120) · High C$280 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YDF Deer Lake Regional Airport (About 5 km (3.1 mi) from town; year-round flights to Halifax and Toronto, Montreal in summer, plus local flights within Newfoundland and Labrador. Confirm your own schedule and last connection of the day.)YDF Deer Lake Regional Airport (About 3.1 mi (5 km) from town; year-round flights to Halifax and Toronto, Montreal in summer, plus local flights within Newfoundland and Labrador. Confirm your own schedule and last connection of the day.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Feb
Care
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Mar
Care
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Apr
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
May
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Jun
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Aug
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Nov
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Dec
Avoid
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Mixed: Feb–Mar. Avoid: Apr, Nov–Jan. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)), coolest Feb (−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C) low), wettest Dec (17 rain days), driest Apr (12). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
16 rd
Feb
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
13 rd
Mar
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
13 rd
Apr
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
12 rd
May
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
13 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Jul
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Aug
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
13 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
14 rd
Oct
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
16 rd
Nov
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
16 rd
Dec
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
17 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. The town is spread along the highway and the airport is outside the centre; there is no useful local transit. Rental cars should be booked ahead in summer, and one-way drop fees apply if you leave the island by ferry. Taxis and airport shuttles cover the short hop into town and to Corner Brook.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Gros Morne National Park
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min to the gate
Drive Highway 1 north, then Highway 430 to the park entrance
The reason most people fly into YDF. Tablelands, Western Brook Pond and the coastal trail need at least a full day; two is better.
Door to door: About 50 min by car; about 1 h 15 min by bus
Drive Highway 1 south, or take the DRL-LR intercity bus
The regional city: bigger grocery and restaurant choice, museum and arts centre.
Stephenville
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Drive Highway 1 south then Highway 460 west
A half-day at most unless you have a reason; the airfield and beach are the draw.
Port aux Basques
overnightDoor to door: About 3 h by car; about 4 h 30 min by bus
Drive Highway 1 west, or the DRL-LR bus
The Marine Atlantic ferry terminal for Nova Scotia; too far for a return day, so sleep there if you have an early sailing.
L'Anse aux Meadows
overnightDoor to door: About 5–6 h
Drive Highway 430 north past St. Anthony
A multi-day run up the northern peninsula, not a day trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Airport and highway strip (Bennett's Ave / Upper Nicholsville Rd)
Chain hotel, motel and inns within a few minutes of the terminal and the Trans-Canada; best for a late arrival or an early flight.
Town centre and Main Street
Walkable to the lakefront, pub and restaurants; a few minutes' drive from the airport.
Reidville and Nicholsville Road
Bed-and-breakfast and beach-side stays a short drive out; quieter, needs a car.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–230 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- C$250 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or inn double room1 × 1 night × C$170 | C$170 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$160 | C$320 |
| Compact rental car, one day1 × C$95 · check; book ahead in summer | C$95 |
| Fuel, 200 km of driving1 × C$30 · check | C$30 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$67 |
| Trip total≈ C$366 per person per day, bed included | C$732≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; flights and car rental excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$2.50–5 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Breakfast or diner plate | C$12–22 (≈ US$9–16) |
| Burger and fries | C$16–26 (≈ US$12–19) |
| Beer: draught in a pub / can at the liquor store | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) / C$3–4 (≈ US$3) |
| 5 km taxicheck | C$15–22 (≈ US$11–16) |
| Gros Morne National Park day entry, per adult | check the Parks Canada site |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$20–40 (≈ US$15–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Book the rental car before the flight: summer availability at YDF is thin and walk-up rates are high.
- Fuel and groceries here are cheaper and easier than on the northern peninsula: fill up before Highway 430.
- Moose on the Trans-Canada and Highway 430 at dawn, dusk and night: drive slower than you think you need to.
- Winter storms close the highway and delay flights; keep a buffer day if you are catching a ferry or a connection.
- Many restaurants and attractions run shorter hours outside summer: check before you rely on them.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Deer Lake, Newfoundland and LabradorDeer Lake
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Road conditions, NL 511511
Embassy
No embassies in Deer Lake. The US has a consulate general in Halifax and an embassy in Ottawa; other countries: embassies in Ottawa, consulates in Halifax or Montréal.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → town centre, taxi: about C$15–25 (≈ US$11–19), 5–10 min (check)
- Deer Lake → Corner Brook, shuttle: about C$22 (≈ US$16) per person (check)
- Deer Lake → Port aux Basques, intercity bus: about 4 h 30 min; fare on the operator's site (check)
Say or show
- Thank you / Thanks — Thank you
- Where is the airport shuttle? — Where is the airport shuttle?
- Is the highway open? — Is the highway open?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the nearest gas station? — Where is the nearest gas station?
- I have a ferry booking — I have a ferry booking
English-speaking town; Newfoundland English has a strong local accent and fast speech, so ask again if you miss something.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep for the park and the coast; Feb–Mar if you are here for snowmobiling · avoid Nov–Apr for sightseeing (short days, ice, many seasonal businesses shut) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YDF: last flight of the day, taxi and shuttle fallback, one-night rung.
- Two walking clusters with anchors: airport and highway strip, town centre and lakefront.
- Place pages with verified hours for the Roy Whalen Museum, Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park and the beach.
- Storm and ferry-delay fixtures so gates A–D can go green.