Newfoundland Discovery

Today we explore the incredible Gros Morne National Park, with its towering inland fjords and walking trails. We will learn about the geology of the area at the Gros Morne Visitor Centre and experience it first hand with a scenic walk through the Tablelands area discovering the unique flora and fauna native to the region. Moose, caribou, waterfalls and dozens of unforgettable photographic scenes add to this UNESCO World Heritage Destination. Next, we visit Lobster Cove Lighthouse in Rocky Harbour and enjoy a boat cruise of Bonne Bay and participate in an age-old tradition - the "Screech In" ceremony, featuring live traditional music, kissing a cod fish, and a taste of the famous Newfoundland Screech. Following the boat cruise, we continue up the Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland to the town of Cow Head.

This morning we travel the well-known Viking Trail Route to the most northerly tip of Newfoundland, to the L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site. We will see where the Vikings, the first Europeans to reach the New World, landed and established a settlement. We visit the interpretive centre, tour the Viking ruins, and have an interactive experience at the longhouse to discover what life was like for the Viking encampment in 1,000 AD. As we make our way onwards to St. Anthony, at the centre of the Northern Peninsula, we tour the town and make our way up to the St. Anthony Lighthouse. Look down at the crashing waves below the shoreline and take in the view of the town. The evening is at leisure.

Making our way along the Viking Trail Route to Deer Lake, we have plenty of scenic stops along the way, with informative talks from our Tour Leader throughout our journey. We visit The Arches Provincial Park along the western coast of Newfoundland and take some time to explore the natural rock formations that the power of ocean tides has shaped.

Today, we visit the Iceberg Alley and the historic town of Twillingate. At the Prime Berth Fishery and Heritage Centre, an interpretive fishing centre, we learn about the history of the all-important fishing industry in Newfoundland, and how the industry has changed over the years. This afternoon is spent exploring the area with a tour taking in the history of Twillingate and the surrounding areas. We stop and visit Long Point Lighthouse, which sits more than 300 feet above the sea and is still operated by one lighthouse keeper year-round guiding ships through the fog and the stormy nights. Tonight, we will enjoy a group dinner after check-in.

Gander is a town full of history and plays a vital role in the international aviation industry. Gander is also the setting for the now famous musical ‘Come from Away’ showcasing the story of how the friendly town handled the sudden arrival of 38 plane loads totaling 7000 passengers who landed here following the September 11th terrorist attacks in the US. We visit the North Atlantic Aviation Museum this morning and learn about the important historical events that have made this town an inspiration to all Canadians. Next, a scenic drive through Terra Nova National Park, Canada's most easterly national park, where the boreal forest meets the rugged Atlantic coastline. A visit to the Terra Nova Marine Interpretation Centre will inform us about North Atlantic marine creatures and the importance of local conservation efforts. Onwards to travel to Bonavista, Upon arrival, we will experience the famous Bonavista Lighthouse and the Matthew. The Matthew expedition teaches through text and exhibits the boat’s epic journey from England to Canada in 1497.

Today we take a scenic drive through Terra Nova National Park, Canada's most easterly national park, where the boreal forest meets the rugged Atlantic coastline. A visit to the Terra Nova Marine Interpretation Centre will inform us about North Atlantic marine creatures and the importance of local conservation efforts. This afternoon we arrive in Newfoundland's capital city of St. John's, an eccentric, colourful city which dates back to 1519, and is one of the oldest European settlements in North America. The remainder of our evening is at leisure, with time to explore, shop, or enjoy the local cuisine.

Today is a full day of local touring as we explore North America's oldest city. We visit Canada's second largest National Historic Park as well as Signal Hill and Cape Spear, home to the oldest lighthouse and the most easterly point in North America. This afternoon, we enjoy a coastal cruise with opportunities to see whales and puffins at the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Following that, we will immerse ourselves in the traditions of Newfoundland and Labrador's largest public cultural space, The Rooms, showcasing history, heritage and artistic expression of this unique province. This evening’s farewell dinner will celebrate the amazing time we have spent together. This is the time to exchange stories, memories and the highlights of our time spent along the East Coast of Canada.

Our Newfoundland adventure comes to an end.