The south side — Woody Point, the Tablelands and Trout River — is reached by driving back to the Wiltondale junction and continuing on Route 431, roughly an hour each way from Rocky Harbour. A seasonal passenger water taxi between Norris Point and Woody Point can cut that to 15 minutes if you're not bringing a car across.
Key takeaways
- There is no direct road or car ferry across Bonne Bay — the south side is a genuine driving commitment, not a quick detour.
- A seasonal foot-passenger water taxi (BonTours) runs between Norris Point and Woody Point three times a day and takes about 15 minutes, useful if you're travelling without a vehicle for that leg.
- The Tablelands is the geological centrepiece of the entire park and the main reason to make the trip.
- Treat the south side as its own day rather than an add-on to a north-side itinerary.
What makes it different
The Tablelands' barren, orange-brown landscape is visually and geologically distinct from the greener mountain and fjord scenery north of Bonne Bay — it's exposed mantle rock, not ordinary ground. See our glossary entry for what that actually means, and our research summary for the full geological story.
Build the route
From Rocky Harbour, drive south on Route 430 to the Wiltondale junction, then turn onto Route 431. It's about 32 kilometres from the turnoff to Woody Point, roughly an hour of driving. From there, Route 431 continues past the Tablelands trailhead to Trout River. Choose your primary stop first — usually the Tablelands trail or the Discovery Centre — and add Woody Point and Trout River around it.
The water taxi shortcut
If you're staying in Norris Point or don't want to drive the full loop, a seasonal passenger water taxi run by BonTours connects Norris Point and Woody Point in about 15 minutes, three times a day. It doesn't carry vehicles, so it works best if your south-side plans are walkable from the Woody Point dock. Confirm current schedule and fares directly with the operator before relying on it.
Avoid overpacking the day
Driving, meals and short walks add up quickly on this side of the park. Leave Rocky Harbour early enough to explore without racing back after dark, and don't try to combine the south side with a north-side hike in the same day.
Last updated: August 2, 2026 · Editorial team