This itinerary offers a relaxed exploration of Newfoundland, Canada’s easternmost province. Discover two UNESCO World Heritage sites, uncover fascinating Viking history and learn about the region’s unique geology. Along the way, you’ll also encounter incredible wildlife, stunning national parks, and warm hospitality. All while enjoying the ease of pre-booked accommodation throughout your trip.
Begin your adventure in St John’s, your vibrant gateway to a wild and beautiful region filled with wilderness experiences and diverse culture. Highlights include a boat trip from Bay Bulls to spot whales and Atlantic puffins, visits to remote fishing villages for a glimpse of local life, and an exploration of Viking heritage at L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site.
Wander through the charming white and pastel clapboard houses of Trinity, marvel at ancient icebergs drifting through Iceberg Alley, and hike in the breathtaking trails of Gros Morne National Park. This is a great opportunity to see a different side to Canada!
When to go
The best time to see icebergs drifting along the east coast’s Iceberg Alley is from May to mid-July. Whales can be seen from May to September but the best chance of spotting the iconic humpback is during July and August.
Itinerary
Pick up your rental vehicle upon arrival in St. John’s, then enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace to explore or simply relax.
Spend the day exploring in and around St. John’s. You might like to visit ‘the Rooms’, home an extensive collection of artefacts, art and archives. Take a drive up Signal Hill for spectacular views over the harbour and visit the quaint fishing village of Quidi Vidi, famed for its colourful cottages and local brewery. Don’t miss a trip out to Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site, the most easterly point in North America.
Set off to Bay Bulls for a memorable boat trip to see incredible whales and charming Atlantic Puffins. Visit during May or June, and you might even spot a drifting iceberg. After your time on the water, you may like to visit Cape St. Mary’s Ecological reserve, where thousands of sea birds nest along the rocky shores edge.
Today, begin your journey to the scenic and rugged coastline of the Bonavista Peninsula. Before settling into your accommodation, consider taking a short drive south to New Bonaventure to visit the film set of Random Passage, a mini-series that portrays the hardships faced by early settlers. The site offers a unique chance to step back in time and experience what life may have been like in a remote fishing outpost during the early 1800s.
Step into Newfoundland’s rich history and natural beauty in the charming village of Trinity, nestled along a dramatic coastline. Explore the carefully restored white and pastel coloured clapboard houses or join the Trinity Pageant (Wed & Sat only), a walking theatre that meanders through the village, enticing viewers to live the history of the area. If you’re feeling active, hike the short but steep 20-minute trail up Gun Hill for spectacular 360 degree views of the Trinity and surrounding areas.
Take a trip to Port Rexton to walk the Skerwink Trail. This easy coastal hike offers spectacular views of the ocean and surrounding villages. You might like to visit the Ryan Premises National Historic Site at Bonavista, a 19th century replica fish processing factory. Nearby you will also find the red and white striped Bonavista Lighthouse, and the Matthew Legacy, a replica of John Cabot’s ship which voyaged across the Atlantic to discover land in 1497.
On your way to Twillingate, make time to explore Terra Nova National Park, where you’ll find peaceful walking trails, scenic ponds, and vast coniferous forests. A great stop is Boyd’s Cove to visit the Beothuk Interpretation Centre and an ancient Beothuk village, discovered by archaeologists in the 1980s. On arrival in Twillingate, take your camera and head out on afternoon Iceberg Watch boat tour. You’ll have the chance to spot icebergs, whales and take in the beautiful coastal scenery.
Today travel to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gros Morne National Park. The park is famed for bare-topped mountains and forests populated by moose and caribou. Check into your hotel in Norris Point.
Enjoy a scenic boat tour on Western Brook Pond, a stunning landlocked fjord surrounded by deep rock walls and home to plenty of wildlife and waterfalls. Shaped by glaciers between 25,000 and 10,000 years ago, this dramatic landscape is one of Newfoundland’s natural highlights. The rest of the day is free to explore the sites of the Gros Morne National Park.
Spend a full day exploring the spectacular Gros Morne National Park. Discover glacial valleys, intriguing rock formations, magnificent sea arches and numerous types of wildlife. Witness the internationally known Tablelands, a rare outcrop of the Earth’s mantle pushed skyward half a billion years ago.
Today you’ll follow the Viking Trail route north to St. Anthony. Allow time for a stop in Port Au Choix and Port Au Choix National Historic Site where three ancient cemeteries of the Maritime Archaic People were discovered. The Visitor Centre gives great background to this culture with exhibits and artefacts.
Take a short drive to visit the L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, the remains of the earliest European settlement in the Americas. Many of the artefacts uncovered from the 1960s excavation of the Vinland colony and are on display and supported by a film. Walk to the original village and discover the full scale replicas of Norse buildings. Return to St. Anthony for the night.
Make your way back down the peninsula to Norris Point. Perhaps stop off at Jenniex House, a traditional salt box house that has been restored as a museum, gift shop and cafe, with fantastic views of Bonne Bay and the Tablelands. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Tablelands are famed for their geological diversity and striking barren shapes.
Upon check-out of your hotel drive to Deer Lake Airport where your Newfoundland discovery ends.
Prices & departures
What's Included
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Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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Car hire including unlimited mileage, 2nd driver, loss damage waiver and third-party liability
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Whale Watching cruise
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Iceberg boat cruise
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Western Brook Pond Cruise
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Historic Sites admission to the following: Cape Spear Lighthouse, Castle Hill, Gros Morne National Park, L’Anse aux Meadows, Terra Nova National Park, Port au Choix, Ryan Premises and Signal Hill
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £2233 Excluding Flights
13 Nights
May-Sep
Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.
Our holiday prices exclude flights. Why? Because we want to offer you the best value, tailored to your needs. Flight prices and offers change daily, so when you’re ready to book, we’ll provide a bespoke quote based on the best options from your local airport. This way, you’ll always get the best prices and the flexibility to choose what works best for you.
Make this trip yours
Every destination and itinerary you see here can be adapted to suit you – so reach for that bucket list and start imagining your next adventure here.
Lauren
1
Breaching humpback spotted
1
Polar bear encountered in Spitsbergen
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
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Freya
Travel Specialist
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Kieran
Travel Specialist
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Jo
Travel Specialist
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Rosie
Travel Specialist
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Eric
Travel Specialist
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Lauren
Travel Specialist
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Dawn
Head of Customer Experience
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Samantha
Travel Specialist
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Darren
Travel Specialist
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