Includes a fjord cruise in Gros Morne National Park and whale watching in St. John's
Moderate pace with leisurely intermittent walks up to 2 hours on a variety of terrain, including cobblestones and moderate hills. Must be able to climb at least two flights of stairs, negotiate steps without railings and tolerate periods of standing during guided tours. Some days may include 3–5 km of walking over the course of the day.
We fly to Deer Lake, Newfoundland. Upon arrival we transfer to our hotel in Corner Brook.
Our city tour includes Captain Cook's Lookout for a spectacular view over the city and the Bay of Islands. We then enjoy the scenic drive along the Captain Cook Trail to the charming fishing village of Lark Harbour. This afternoon we visit the Corner Brook Museum with its outstanding display of old maps and memorabilia from this area’s logging and fishing heritage.
Today we tour Gros Morne National Park with its dramatically beautiful scenery. We will enjoy an entertaining boat crossing on lovely Bonne Bay, stop for the spectacular view at Lobster Cove lighthouse, and see the famous Arches carved by the pounding ocean. We then proceed to our hotel on the Northern Peninsula.
We first visit L'Anse aux Meadows, the fascinating historic site of North America’s first Viking Settlement. Next is the Grenfell Centre, commemorating the life of medical missionary Sir Wilfred Grenfell. We proceed to our hotel in St. Anthony.
This morning we take the ferry from St. Barbe across to Labrador (one and a half hours). Our sightseeing in Labrador includes Point Amour Lighthouse - the tallest in Atlantic Canada, and Red Bay Whaling Station - a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was a major site of Basque whaling in the 16th and 17th centuries.
We ferry back to Newfoundland and return to beautiful Gros Morne National Park, this time for a two-night stay.
We spend the day in the park and see some of the world's most unique geological features (the park is also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Included is a cruise inside an ancient fjord on Western Brook Pond (weather permitting). Tonight we attend the Gros Morne Theatre Festival for some fine local entertainment.
We begin with a visit of King's Point Whale Pavilion to see the impressive 52-foot humpback whale skeleton on display. We will have time at the popular Pottery Museum and Shop, and then enjoy a delicious “Lunch By the Sea” overlooking Green Bay. We continue to Grand Falls for a visit of the Salmonid Interpretation Centre - one of North America’s largest fishing projects. This evening we will enjoy a visit and talk by the former mayor of Gander who will describe the experience of how the townspeople opened their homes to thousands of stranded travellers on 9/11/2001, as depicted in the popular play “Come From Away”.
Our first stop is the Beothuk Interpretation Centre to learn of the indigenous people of the island. We then travel along the Road to the Isles to the rugged north coast and the fishing villages on Notre Dame Bay. We continue to Twillingate - one of the oldest seaports in Newfoundland and still a fishing and sealing town. Here we visit the Twillingate Museum with its fine collection of antiques, and St. Peter's - the oldest wooden church in Newfoundland. This evening we enjoy a “Jiggs” dinner at a local restaurant.
We travel through Terra Nova Provincial Park and on to the picturesque historical fishing port of Trinity - first used by fishing ships around the 16th century and recognized for its beautiful heritage buildings. Our overnight is in nearby Clarenville.
We travel along the rugged coastline past scenic Conception Bay. We stop in Heart's Content to visit the Cable Station, then continue on to St. John's.
St. John's is one of North America's oldest settlements. Our city tour will trace this history and will include a visit to Signal Hill with its striking view of the city and historic port. Afternoon at leisure to explore this friendly, charming city. You may want to stroll in Old St. John's to shop for local handicrafts.
We embark on an exhilarating marine wildlife adventure to Witless Bay Reserve - home to thousands of puffins and the best whale watching in North America. On the way back to St. John's, we stop at Cape Spear - the most easterly point of land in North America. This historic sight was, in WWII, used as a strategic defense position against Nazi submarines. The rugged scenery here is spectacular. Tonight is our Farewell Dinner featuring a traditional “Screech-In”.
We fly home from St. John’s.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
