Major city · Canada
PlacentiaPlaisance
Go for one full day as a base: Castle Hill fort, the O'Reilly House museum and a Cape St. Mary's run 60 km (37 mi) south. Skip as a first stop if you have no car.Go for one full day as a base: Castle Hill fort, the O'Reilly House museum and a Cape St. Mary's run 37 mi (60 km) south. Skip as a first stop if you have no car.
Placentia (Plaisance) was the French capital of Newfoundland in the early 1600s, and the hilltop ruins of Castle Hill National Historic Site are the reason to come. The town is small, the sights are spread along Route 100, and the seabird cliffs at Cape St. Mary's are 60 km south. One night covers it; two nights if you want the ferry to Nova Scotia or a slow Cape Shore drive.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- avoid Outside Jun–Sep, winter access and seasonal openings need checking
- Airports
- YYT · YYR
- Nights
- 1–2
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 Placentia911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- RCMP Placentia (non-emergency)+1 709 227-2000
- HealthLine NL (24 h nurse line)811
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 Placentia, 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
- SafetyQuiet and safe for a small Newfoundland town; the real risks are fog on Route 100, cliff edges at Cape St.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · +1 709 227-2000 RCMP Placentia (non-emergency) · 811 HealthLine NL (24 h nurse line)
- 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.
- AirportYYT St.
- Getting aroundA car is the practical answer: Route 100 links Placentia, Jerseyside, Freshwater and Dunville, and Cape St.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and a pastryC$4–8 (≈ US$3–6)
- Street or quick mealDeli sandwich or soup lunchC$10–18 (≈ US$8–14)
- BeerDraught beer in a pubC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Local taxi, short hop in townC$10–20 (≈ US$8–15)
- Museum or sight ticketCastle Hill entry, adultJune–September only; youth freeC$3.90 (≈ US$3)
- Budget bedWhole cottage (up to 4), a night, per roomC$200 (≈ US$150)
- Mid-range bedGuest-house room, a night, per roomC$150 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedGuest-house room, a night, per roomC$220 (≈ US$160)
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
- YYT St. John's International (About 1 h 45 min by car via Route 1 and Route 100.) · YYR Gander International (Distant alternative only; farther from Placentia than St. John's, useful only if you are already crossing the island.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Feb
not flagged
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Mar
not flagged
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Apr
not flagged
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
May
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Jun
Care
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jul
Care
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Aug
Care
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Sep
Care
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Oct
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Nov
not flagged
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Dec
not flagged
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Mixed: Jun–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)), coolest Feb (−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C) low), wettest Dec (15 rain days), driest Jul (11). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Placentia: 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
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
14 rd
Feb
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
12 rd
Mar
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
13 rd
Apr
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
13 rd
May
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
13 rd
Jun
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Jul
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
11 rd
Aug
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
11 rd
Sep
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Oct
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
14 rd
Nov
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
14 rd
Dec
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
15 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
A car is the practical answer: Route 100 links Placentia, Jerseyside, Freshwater and Dunville, and Cape St. Mary's is 60 km south on the same road. Local taxis (Busy Bee, +1 709 227-1600) cover short hops in town. Walking works only inside one village.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Drive Route 100 south about 60 km (37 mi), then the access road to the interpretive centreDrive Route 100 south about 37 mi (60 km), then the access road to the interpretive centre
Northern gannet colony on the cliffs; open May–Sep/Oct with a free guided tour.
Gooseberry Cove Provincial Park
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Route 100 south about 27 km (17 mi)Route 100 south about 17 mi (27 km)
Sandy beach and picnic tables; a short stop on the way to or from Cape St. Mary's.
Argentia
cautionDoor to door: About 20 min
Drive Route 100 west about 15 km (9.3 mi)Drive Route 100 west about 9.3 mi (15 km)
Ferry terminal and the site of the 1941 Churchill–Roosevelt meeting; the former US base is fenced and derelict.
St. John's
skipDoor to door: About 1 h 45 min
Route 100 north to Route 1, then east
131 km (81 mi) each way: too far for a comfortable return day, better as your arrival or departure leg.81 mi (131 km) each way: too far for a comfortable return day, better as your arrival or departure leg.
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.
Placentia town centre (Orcan Drive and Prince William Drive)
Walk to the museum, pub and waterfront.
Jerseyside
Across the bridge, 5 min by car; closest to Castle Hill and the café.
Freshwater and Dunville
Route 100 strip, 5–10 min by car; guest houses with parking, nothing on foot.
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
| Guest-house room1 × 1 night × C$150 | C$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$160 | C$320 |
| Car hire, one day, compact1 × C$70 | C$70 |
| Fuel, Placentia–Cape St. Mary's return1 × C$20 | C$20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$15 | C$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$59 |
| Trip total≈ C$325 per person per day, bed included | C$649≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; car hire and ferry fares excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and a pastry | C$4–8 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Deli sandwich or soup lunch | C$10–18 (≈ US$8–14) |
| Pub main (fish and chips, burger) | C$18–30 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Draught beer in a pub | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) |
| Castle Hill entry, adultJune–September only; youth free | C$3.90 (≈ US$3) |
| O'Reilly House Museum entry, adultSeasonal; youth C$2 | C$5 (≈ US$4) |
| Local taxi, short hop in town | C$10–20 (≈ US$8–15) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Bus service from St. John's or the airport is check: without a car you may be dependent on taxis or a tour.
- Castle Hill and the O'Reilly House museum run June–September only; outside that window the gates are shut.
- Cape St. Mary's is a cliff-edge seabird colony: stay behind the rope, and the road south is fog-prone.
- Cell coverage is patchy on the Cape Shore; download an offline map before you leave town.
- The Argentia ferry runs only several days a week, June–September: book a crossing before you plan the rest of the trip.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- RCMP Placentia (non-emergency)
- +1 709 227-2000
- HealthLine NL (24 h nurse line)
- 811
Pocket card
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PlacentiaPlaisance
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- RCMP Placentia (non-emergency)+1 709 227-2000
- HealthLine NL (24 h nurse line)811
Embassy
No embassies in Placentia; the US consulate general is in Halifax and most embassies are in Ottawa.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi, Placentia town centre → Jerseyside: about C$10–15 (≈ US$8–11) (check)
- Marine Atlantic, Argentia → North Sydney: about 16 h, several days a week, June–September; book ahead (check)
- Fuel, Placentia → Cape St. Mary's return: about C$20 (≈ US$15)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the ferry terminal? — Where is the ferry terminal?
- Is the site open today? — Is the site open today?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- How far is Cape St. Mary's? — How far is Cape St. Mary's?
English-speaking town; no phrasebook needed.
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 Placentia. 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 · avoid Outside Jun–Sep, winter access and seasonal openings need checking · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YYT: last rental-car desk hours, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Orcan Drive, Jerseyside and Castle Hill, Freshwater and Dunville.
- Place pages with verified seasonal cutoffs (Castle Hill, O'Reilly House, Cape St. Mary's) and eat pages with last orders.
- Ferry-day fixtures for Argentia so Marine Atlantic arrivals and departures can go green.