Day 1: Arrive in Deer Lake, Gros Morne National Park: Tablelands
Fly to Deer Lake on the west side of the province to meet your tour director. Enjoy an included boxed lunch upon arrival as we cross into Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the unique geology of the Tablelands during a guided tour. Afterward, arrive at your hotel and settle in for your first night in Newfoundland. While here, enjoy dinner followed by local musical entertainment.
Stay: Shallow Bay, Cow Head (June departure, 2 nights)
Oceanview Motel, Rocky Harbour (July, Aug, Sept. departures, 1 night)
Meals: L, D
Day 2: Gros Morne National Park: Western Brook Pond Cruise or Bonne Bay Cruise
After breakfast, choose one of two spectacular Gros Morne Park adventures. Enjoy a lively, narrated boat cruise of Bonne Bay* OR stroll 45 minutes over the coastal plain and down to the dock for a cruise of the landlocked fjord, Western Brook Pond. Once back onshore, enjoy an included dinner followed by local entertainment.
Stay: Shallow Bay Motel, Cow Head (July, Aug, Sept. departure) (1 night)
Meals: B, L*, D (provided on the Bonne Bay cruise option only)
Day 3: The Great Northern Peninsula, Port au Choix National Historic Site
Enjoy a leisurely start to your day as you travel the Great Northern Peninsula, the longest peninsula in Newfoundland. Your journey takes you along the coast with the opportunity to stop and capture some photos of the dramatic rock formations known as “The Arches”. In the afternoon, stop at the octagonal-shaped Point Riche Lighthouse, before visiting Port au Choix National Historic Site. This archaeological site tells the stories of various Indigenous groups and features original artifacts including a life-size Dorset dwelling. Learn about the importance of seals with a hands-on seal skin demonstration.
Stay: Plum Point Motel, Plum Point, NL (2 nights)
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 4: Grenfell House, L’Anse aux Meadows
Travel to St. Anthony, home to Sir Wilfred Grenfell’s Medical Interpretation Centre.
Discover the legacy of this local doctor and how he advocated for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador by establishing hospitals, schools, and orphanages. A highlight of this day is a visit to the only authenticated Viking site in North America, L’Anse aux Meadows. It was here that Leif Eriksson led his explorers. Three reconstructed Norse buildings are the focal point of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy exploring the museum where you’ll learn about the life and contributions made to the North Shores of Newfoundland.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Gander, Come from Away
Hero Meet & Greet
Enjoy a relaxing travel day as we travel through the heart of this breathtaking province. After stopping for lunch, continue to Gander, a city famous for its warm hospitality during the tragic 9/11 crisis. Did you know this town of less than 12,000 people took in almost 6,000 guests while all the planes were grounded? Get a first-hand account of the event from one of the local heroes and character inspiration for the play Come from Away!
Stay: Sinbad’s Hotel & Suites, Gander (1 night)
Meals: B, D
Day 6: Prime Berth Fishery & Shed Party
Today’s travels take you to Twillingate to visit Prime Berth Twillingate Fishery & Heritage Centre, a private interpretative fishing centre and craft studio created by David Boyd as a tribute to his family’s generations of fishermen. Tour through seven different buildings including a 100+ year old fish store and net loft, touch two different Sei whale skeletons, learn how to split cod, and more! Grab your ugly stick and master this iconic Newfoundland instrument during a shed party. This long-standing tradition will have you dancing, singing, and laughing. On your way to Clarenville, stop at the Gander Airport, then travel through picturesque villages to arrive in Clarenville.
Stay: Clarenville Inn or Quality Inn, Clarenville, NL (2 nights)
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 7: Bonavista, Ryan Premises, Trinity
Enjoy a day trip to colourful Bonavista to visit the iconic Cape Bonavista Lighthouse
or stroll along the coastal pathways. Visit Dungeon Provincial Park, where you’ll find spectacular examples of the North Atlantic Ocean’s wave action and erosive power due to the ancient sedimentary rocks’ composition and thousands of years of continuous coastal erosion leaving the incredible feature you will see today. At Ryan Premises National Historic Site,
you’ll learn all about the important history of the cod fisheries in Newfoundland. Before returning to the hotel, there will be time to explore Trinity, a beautiful, quintessential Newfoundland town, with historic sites, colourful buildings with white picket fences, artisan shops, and stunning coastal views.
Meals:
B, L
Day 8: Cape Spear, St. John's City Tour
After breakfast, stand at the most easterly point in North America, Cape Spear! While here, discover the Cape Spear Lighthouse, the oldest in the province. Continue along the Avalon Peninsula to Newfoundland’s capital city, St. John’s. After lunch, enjoy a guided tour of St. John’s. Learn about one of the oldest cities in North America, be greeted by colourful jellybean row houses, and visit the harbour. After checking in to your downtown hotel, enjoy an evening of independent exploring. Check out George Street, St. John’s entertainment district featuring pubs, restaurants, and bars filled with unforgettable memories ready to be made.
Stay:
Delta Hotel, St. John’s, NL (2 nights)
Meals:
B
Day 9 - Whale-Watching Tour, Choice of Museum: The Rooms or Geo Centre
Today, take a memorable cruise out of Bay Bulls en route to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. This protected area is home to over 500,000 Atlantic Puffins and North America's largest humpback whale population. Keep your eyes open for a friendly whale wave! In the afternoon, choose between The Rooms, a museum devoted to the colourful history and creative spirit of the Indigenous people of Newfoundland or Johnson Geo Centre,
a museum dedicated to the Earth’s story. Afterwards, meet back up with the group and enjoy a farewell dinner.
Meals:
B, D
Day 10: Return Flight Home
After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to your new favourite destination. Arrive at the airport for an afternoon flight and enjoy the journey home.
Meals:
B
