Newfoundland Explorer

Welcome to Newfoundland! Today is yours to settle in and get a feel for your surroundings before the adventure begins tomorrow. If the weather’s good, you could take a canoe or kayak out on Deer Lake. Fans of the creepy crawlies might like to visit the Newfoundland Insectarium or there are plenty of hiking trails around the town if you’d like to stretch your legs. For dinner, why not check out one of the town’s craft breweries?

Officially kick off your adventure in Deer Lake with a welcome meeting at 8 am, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. From there, enjoy a scenic drive to Gros Morne National Park to walk around the historic Lobster Cove Lighthouse, taking in sweeping views of the rolling waves and rocky beaches. You’ll also get to do something pretty extraordinary – walk on the Earth’s mantle at the Tablelands. The striking orange landscape stands in sharp contrast to the surrounding greens and blues, and the area is home to some unique plant life worth spotting. Arrive in Rocky Harbour in the afternoon.

After breakfast, head out for stops at Norris Point and Green Point, then take a leisurely walk along the Western Brook Pond Trail. Enjoy a picnic lunch while soaking in the stunning views before boarding the Western Brook Pond Boat Tour. Glide past dramatic waterfalls, towering cliffs and look out for wildlife in this glacier-carved land-locked fjord.

Start the day early with a scenic drive from Rocky Harbour to Twillingate, stopping at Deer Lake along the way for anyone who wants to grab lunch. After checking into the hotel, head out on a late-afternoon boat tour to spot whales and seabirds. In spring, you may even see icebergs drifting along the stretch of water known as Iceberg Alley. Afterwards, return to your hotel to relax, or explore Twillingate, famously known as “The Iceberg Capital of the World.”

Start the day at the Beothuk Interpretation Centre, where you’ll learn about the history of the Beothuk people, the original inhabitants of Newfoundland. Then, head to the town of Gander. Here, you’ll meet a local to learn about the role this unassuming town played in one of North America’s most significant events. On 9/11, the closure of North American airspace brought around 6,600 people to Gander – temporarily increasing the town’s population by 70%. You’ll hear how the community coped, as well as the lasting impact it’s had on the town. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Trinity for a walking tour. Later, you might like to hike up Gun Hill for a bird’s eye view of the town.

This morning it’s time to spot puffins at Elliston’s famous viewing site, offering one of the closest land views of puffins in North America. Keep an eye out for the Puffin King, a rock formation that looks like a puffin perched on a throne. Take a short drive north to visit the historic Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, Newfoundland’s most photographed landmarks. Climb to the top of the tower to see the original seal oil–fuelled light that guided sailors in the 1800s.

This morning, enjoy the scenic drive from Trinity to St John’s. Stop to take in the views at Cape Spear Lighthouse and perhaps make it to Canada’s easternmost point. Swing by the colourful houses on ‘Jellybean Row’ before checking in to your hotel. After some time for lunch, join your group for a leader-led walking tour of the town. Spend a free afternoon exploring at your own pace, then gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the end of your adventure. Try a classic Newfoundland Jigg’s dinner pie, then head to a local pub for a traditional “screech-in” ceremony, which involves a shot of screech (rum) and a kiss of a cod.

After breakfast, your Newfoundland adventure comes to an end. You might choose to do a little more exploring around St John’s before making your way to the airport.