Frequently Asked
Newfoundland T’Railway
Is it possible to travel across the entire island by ATV?
Not quite.The T’Railway section between Pasadena and Mount Moriah, just west of Corner Brook, has been repurposed for highway expansion. As a result, ATV users will need to find alternative routes to bypass this area. You may contact a tow company a well. However, the city of Corner Brook has opened certain city roads to ATVs, providing several routes to navigate around the gap. Please note that this section is not part of the Newfoundland T’Railway, and the council does not maintain or oversee it.
The Gut Bridge at Stephenville Crossing is permanently closed and has been removed due to structural deterioration.
Access to the St. John’s and Mount Pearl sections and most of Conception Bay South (CBS) is restricted to non-motorized use only. This includes motorcycles, ATVs, and snowmobiles.
For route planning, several mapping sites are available. Additionally, the Council’s new map app for 2024, powered by Map Gears, provides up-to-date maps, conditions, closures, and safety information. For more details or to download the app, please call our office at (709) 700-0218.
Where can I find detailed information on the T'Railway, such as maps, points of interest, accommodations, etc..
For route planning, several mapping sites are available. Additionally, the Council’s new map app for 2024, powered by Map Gears, provides up-to-date maps, conditions, closures, and safety information. For more details or to download the app, please call our office at (709) 700-0218.
Is it possible to sponsor a section of the T'Railway in Newfoundland?
If you’re interested in sponsoring a section of the T’Railway, we’d be delighted to assist you. Sponsoring a section of the T’Railway is a meaningful way to support local infrastructure and recreational activities. Our registered charity can issue a tax receipt for any donations.
For more information or to get involved, please reach out to our office at 709-700-0218.
Can I carry a gun with me on the T'Railway?
In general, individuals who are not residents of the area are not allowed to carry firearms within T’Railway boundaries. However, if a non-resident possesses a valid big game hunting license and is accompanied by a licensed guide, they are permitted to carry firearms during open hunting seasons. It is important to note that the use of firearms is strictly prohibited within the provincial park.
Who is responsible for maintaining the T'Railway?
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador owns the T’Railway and comes under Parks NL under the Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation jurisdiction. Consequently, they are ultimately responsible for maintaining the T’Railway, either directly themselves or through the appointed agencies such as the Newfoundland T’Railway Council (that’s us).
Since the mid-90s, the T’Railway Council has upgraded hundreds of kilometres of rail beds and refurbished virtually all of the 133 trestles and bridges along the trail. However, our work depends on the availability of funding from the Federal and Provincial governments, the private sector and other sources.
Can I use my cell phone anywhere along the T'Railway?
It is not advisable to rely solely on a cell phone for emergencies as the coverage may vary significantly between areas.
Does your province have long sections of trail that horses can ride without interruption of paved trails/roads?
Some sections of the T’Railway would probably be more or less suitable for horseback riding, particularly in the central and southwest portions of the island. However, you will encounter some significant problems in areas that have not been upgraded. Certain trestles may tend to spook the animals, while the original gravel or heavy ballast used to stabilize the track would make for very loose footing.
I'm considering a cross-island ATV trek from the ferry at Port aux Basques through to Argentia this fall. Are there any legal restrictions or requirements that I should be aware of?
Helmets and insurance are required for machines crossing any road or highway. There are also restrictions as to the type of terrain over which ATVs are permitted to travel. For detailed information on ATVs and snowmobiles, visit the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador website here.
How is the weather in Newfoundland in the summer? Is there a dominant direction where the wind usually comes from?
The weather can be quite unpredictable on the island of Newfoundland, with sudden changes occurring in a matter of minutes. While the summers are generally pleasant, frost and even snowstorms can still happen during June and early September. During summer, the prevailing winds in the area come from the west, so it may be slightly easier to travel from west to east. If you are planning to go cycling, please refer to our Bicycling section for more information here.
I was wondering about campfires on the trail while camping. Is there a number we could contact for conditions at the time?
Open fires are generally not allowed during the months of May to September, depending on the prevailing weather conditions.
The number to call for the forest fire index is 1-866-709-3473 or by visiting the Government of Newfoundland’s Fire Hazard Map here.