Burgeo Highway

Route 480 or the Burgeo Highway runs from the Trans Canada near Stephenville south to Burgeo. It’s the only way to get to Burgeo by road. It’s the road you use to take a ferry to Ramea, Grey River and Francois.

The road is 150 km and it runs through one of the most remote parts of the island. There are no gas stations along the way.

Approximately 50 km along the way the highway takes a 90 degree turn to the right. You’ll see a gravel road that goes straight through. This back country road will take you to Buchans. You can actually join up with the Trans Canada again and cut 200 km off the cross island drive. The road is not maintained in the winter.

About half way to Burgeo, you’ll come to Peter Stride’s Pond. You’ll think you are driving through a town. There’s a large collection of RV’s and summer cottages. It’s used by hunters in the Fall.

The highway is also referred to as The Caribou Trail. There is no guarantee you’ll see Caribou, but your odds are pretty good. Driving south we saw a caribou swimming across a small pond and a couple more near a pond in the distance.

On the drive north, we first noticed a car parked at the side of the road. A couple of guys were watching caribou and taking photos. We were pulling our trailer and there is no place to pull off. The road isn’t very busy, so we just turned on the four way flashers.

You need to allow about two hours for the drive to Burgeo from the Trans Canada. Parts of the road are not in great condition, Large sections have been newly repaved (2019). Don’t let reports of road conditions detour you from visiting Burgeo. Just take your time and enjoy this incredibly beautiful drive.