Can we drive the Targa road race route in Nfld and get accommodation as we go without making reservations?

Question

We are mesmerized by the Targa Newfoundland road race and want to be as close to it as possible, without actually being competitors. We'd like to drive the route, more or less, behind the actual competitors. Can we do this? And, would we be able to find accommodation along the way, without making reservations in advance?

Answer 1

Newfoundland is busy during the Targa race, and you will probably want to stay in the same area each night as the drivers and other people involved in the race.  This means that most of the accommodations in the area will have been booked by the racers and associated personnel.   You will be ok in the St. John's area where there are lots of options - the Targa passes through a very scenic area there along the coast, winding little roads, steep hills - it is a beautiful route.  I was fortunate enough to watch it there last summer.  Outside St.John's you should definitely book in advance.  It can be difficult to find accommodations in many parts of Newfoundland in tourist season, which is usually when the Targa road race takes place.  So plan your trip to be sure you will have places to stay.  Best of luck and enjoy your trip.  I think you will love Newfoundland.

Answer 2

I'm sure you can drive most of the route after the competition is over. There are lots of B&Bs hotels, and motels around Newfoundland but depending on what time of year you may need to book well in advance. In the summer months there are more tourists so you may need to call places ahead of time. June to September there are still lots of people visiting the province. Places may not be booked solid so you may have luck, but advanced booking will help make sure you have a place.

There are also many campsites not all of which require advance bookings. But it does help insure you have a place.