WestJet launches new direct London Gatwick to Newfoundland and Labrador flight route

Tuesday, Nov 21, 2023 0

The thrice weekly flights will depart London Gatwick and arrive into St. John’s with a flight time of just 5 hours and 45 minutes

The province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the most easterly point of Canada will soon be served by direct flights from London Gatwick, as announced on 15^th November by transatlantic carrier, WestJet.

The Canadian airline with routes across Canada, the US and Europe will fly from the London hub into St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador seasonally, from 1^st May to 25^th October 2024. With flights running three times a week (Sunday, Wednesday and Fridays) and taking just 5 hours and 45 minutes, one-way fares start from $393 (approx. £232) and are available to book online.

Further opening up the province’s accessibility, the new direct flight route will allow UK holidaymakers to discover the area with greater ease and provide a boost to the tourism sector. From the gateway of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador visitors can explore the following highlights on an Atlantic Canadian adventure:

On the hunt for icebergs

One of the very best spots on earth to hunt for icebergs, each year the coast off of Newfoundland and Labrador welcomes hundreds of these magnificent ice structures and during peak iceberg season (from spring to early summer), visitors must take to the ocean to catch a glimpse.

Whether it’s by boat trip, paddling on a kayak or viewing from land, Iceberg Alley provides the best vantage point and chance of hunting icebergs during the season. Explore the famous Alley aboard the award-winning Iceberg Quest Ocean Tour for a two-hours boat ride, setting sail from Twillingate.

From $95 (approx. £56) per adult, $85 (approx. £50.10) per student (18-25), $70 (approx. £41.30) per child (9-17) and $60 (approx. £35.40) per child (2-8). https://icebergquest.com/experience-the-wonder/

Walk the Atlantic coast

Newfoundland and Labrador boasts 29,000km of stunning coastline, dotted with beaches, sea stacks and 300 hiking and walking trails with fabulous opportunities to observe seabirds, whales, icebergs and more. Reach some of the best views in the province by climbing the second highest peak on Newfoundland, Gros Morne. The 806-metre-high mountain can be reached via a difficult trail named after the former British Prime Minister, James Callaghan, but the views at the top of the glacial carved landscape are worth it.

For an easier walk, there’s the Skerwink Trail at Port Rexton where historical heritage and natural beauty collide. The 5.3km coastal hike along cliff tops and beaches begins by tracing the old railroad and then heading up the ancient sedimentary rock to Skerwink Head where walkers will be met with impressive views of Trinity Harbour.

Explore Cape Bonavista Lighthouse

Constructed in 1843, the Cape Bonavista is in a great spot for watching whales and puffins and holds Bonavista’s generations-long maritime heritage. One of the few lighthouses still like it globally, visitors can venture up the stone tower to view the old-fashioned seal oil-powered catoptric light system, from the 1800s. Surrounding the lighthouse is stunning sights, soothing ocean waves and the refreshing sea air.

From $6 (approx. £3.50) per adult, $4 (approx. £2.40) per student/senior, children aged 16 & under are free. https://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/plan-and-book/attractions/210574

Savour sea to plate dining in Twillingate

Join local guide and culinary specialist Crystal Anstey for a memorable meal on the beach in Twillingate, Newfoundland and Labrador. After foraging for wild ingredients, visitors are taken to the coast to enjoy the centuries old province tradition of a ‘boil up’ – cooking up a delicious picnic of mussels, lobsters and scallops over an open flame. The sound of gentle waves and the chance to see whales from the shore only add to the magic of what will be an unforgettable day.