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Port Aux Basques

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Port Aux Basques

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

Ferry traffic strongly dictates the town's pace; roads and restaurants are busiest right after a ferry arrival.
Coastal fog is very frequent; drive with extra caution on the highway heading out of town.
The coastal winds can be intense, so always carry a warm windproof jacket.
Take time to walk the boardwalk at Scott's Cove Park to see the colorful local kiosks and ships.

🍽 Food

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Newfoundland fish and chips

Enjoy fresh Atlantic cod with crispy fries at pubs near the ferry terminal.

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Toutons

Fried bread dough served with molasses, typically found in local diners for breakfast.

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Jigg's Dinner

A traditional boiled meat and root vegetable meal, often served as a Sunday special in town.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Newfoundland tartans and woolens

Browse locally made knitted items in gift shops near the harbor.

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Partridgeberry jam

A tart, local specialty available in grocery stores or souvenir shops.

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Grand Bay West Beach

A beautiful sandy beach just outside the center, excellent for beachcombing and spotting seabirds.

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Lighthouse Trail

Take a quiet, scenic walk out to the Channel Head Lighthouse for sweeping ocean views.

Port Aux Basques is the primary landing point for travelers arriving on the island of Newfoundland. Serving as the terminal for the ferry from Nova Scotia, the town greets visitors with a dramatic landscape of granite cliffs and the North Atlantic. A nearby natural highlight is Hells Beach, which, despite its daunting name, captivates visitors with its wild beauty and crashing surf. The town’s history is inextricably linked to the sea and the railway, stories of which are preserved at the Railway Heritage Centre. Outdoor enthusiasts can trek along the T'Railway Provincial Park, a cross-island trail following the old rail bed that has spectacular views of the southwestern coastline and its rugged inlets. Culinary offerings focus on the daily catch, with fresh cod being a local favorite. The residents are known for their exceptional friendliness and resilient spirit, typical of Newfoundland’s coastal communities. Whether you're watching the ferries come in or exploring the coastal trails, the town provides a powerful first impression of the province's natural and cultural wealth.