Port Saunders, Newfoundland and Labrador: History, Things to Do and Travel Guide
Port Saunders is a Northern Peninsula town on Ingornachoix Bay in Newfoundland and Labrador’s Western region. It is a small harbour and service community on Route 430, useful for travellers moving along the Viking Trail between Gros Morne, Port au Choix, St. Barbe and the northern tip of the island.
The town’s strongest travel role is practical. It gives visitors access to harbour scenery, local services, nearby coastal roads and a pause on a long Northern Peninsula drive.
How Port Saunders Started
Port Saunders developed around fishing, harbour access and coastal travel. Ingornachoix Bay provided a workable setting for boats, settlement and local movement. Families built homes near the water and used the surrounding coast for fishing, transportation and supplies.
Road access later tied Port Saunders more directly to the Viking Trail. Its location made it useful as a service point on the western side of the Northern Peninsula, especially for travellers and residents moving between smaller coastal communities.
The town’s history is therefore tied to both water and road. The harbour explains why people settled here, while Route 430 explains why travellers continue to pass through.
What Port Saunders Is Like Today
Port Saunders had 678 residents in the 2021 census. It remains a small town with homes, harbour areas, local businesses, health and community services, and access to surrounding coastal scenery. It is more functional than decorative, which is part of its value on a long route.
Travellers use Port Saunders for fuel, food, accommodations, supplies or a break from driving. It also gives a quieter view of Northern Peninsula life than the best-known park and historic-site stops.
The town is close to Port au Choix, Hawke’s Bay and other west-coast communities, so it works well as a practical base when schedules or weather make a slower route useful.
Things to Do and Places Nearby
Start with the harbour and Ingornachoix Bay views. The water, boats and surrounding hills give Port Saunders its sense of place. A short drive through town can help visitors understand the relationship between the harbour, services and road corridor.
Use Port Saunders as a base for nearby Northern Peninsula stops. Port au Choix National Historic Site, Point Riche Lighthouse, coastal viewpoints and Viking Trail drives are all within practical reach. Keep local services in mind before driving farther north.
If weather is poor, Port Saunders can still be useful as a planning stop. Confirm road conditions, ferry details, accommodation and fuel before continuing toward St. Barbe or L’Anse aux Meadows.
Quick Facts
- Province: Newfoundland and Labrador
- Region: Western region
- Municipality type: Town
- 2021 census population: 678
- Official website: https://www.portsaunders.ca/
- Main travel areas: Port Saunders harbour, Ingornachoix Bay, Viking Trail services, nearby Port au Choix routes
- Key routes: Route 430, Viking Trail, Northern Peninsula roads
Travel Notes
Port Saunders is easiest by car. It is useful for fuel, food, lodging and route planning on the Northern Peninsula. Summer is best for coastal travel, but wind and fog can still affect visibility. Check ferry and road conditions before continuing north or south, and do not assume services will be frequent between communities.