12 Days Natural Newfoundland and Legendary Labrador Tour Package
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Priced From: $2,499 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: Jun - Aug, Jun - Sep
The pristine region of Newfoundland and Labrador is rich with native wildlife, significant history and distinct culture. Discover this eastern coast of Canada, with its dramatic shoreline abundant with puffins and whales and its fascinating stories of early explorers. A unique blend of nature, history and old-world charm combine to create an amazing learning experience. Humpback whales, a Viking village and warm-hearted people are all part of this coastal delight.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
The pristine region of Newfoundland and Labrador is a region rich with native wildlife, significant history and distinct culture. Discover this eastern coast of Canada, with its dramatic shoreline abundant with puffins and whales and its fascinating stories of early explorers. A unique blend of nature, history and old-world charm combine to create an amazing learning experience. Humpback whales, a Viking village and warm-hearted people are all part of this coastal delight. Your tour begins in St. John’s, the capital city for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and one of the oldest port communities in North America.
Day 2: St. John’s
A morning sightseeing tour of St. John's offers views of the city and its harbor from Signal Hill, and takes you by sites that illustrate its historic settlement, including a visit to “The Rooms,” a unique heritage museum. Travel to Cape Spear, home to a lighthouse on “the most easterly point in North America.” Later, enjoy a nature cruise to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Millions of Atlantic Puffins gather here, making it the largest Atlantic Puffin sanctuary in North America. Thousands of humpback and minke whales also make this their home. Tonight, savor your first Newfoundland dinner.
Day 3: St. John’s - Terra Nova National Park - Grand Falls - Windsor
Today travel to Terra Nova National Park, a National Historic site, created to protect 250 square miles of boreal forest, coastline and Newfoundland’s natural habitat. While in the park, visit the Marine Atlantic Centre where you can view the park’s marine life. Continue your journey along the Trans–Canada Highway to Grand Falls – Windsor. This afternoon visit the Salmonid Interpretive Centre and follow the life cycle of the Atlantic Salmon. Later, make your way to the Mary March Provincial Museum and explore the Boethuck heritage and that of other early settlers. Learn firsthand about Newfoundland’s rich logging tradition as you stroll through various log homes at a local loggers camp. This evening you are welcome to participate in a traditional Newfoundland “Mug Up,” where you join local students to share their culture while listening to folklore stories of Newfoundland.
Day 4: Grand Falls - Gros Morne
Continue your western travel on the Trans–Canada Highway to Shallow Bay, set in the heart of Gros Morne National Park, where many natural wonders await you.
Day 5: Gros Morne National Park
Meet a Park Ranger at Gros Morne National Park and learn about its inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage site. See the results of natural forces on glaciers and shifting continental plates and how they have shaped these landscapes as you visit the Tablelands’ mountains, ten times older than the Canadian Rockies. Travel deep into the park and explore hidden fjords, stark mountains and dense forest of Atlantic Canada’s largest park. Later, on a short cruise, experience the fjords from a new perspective and watch for whales and eagles while listening to traditional Newfoundland music. Continue your drive through Gros Morne National Park to visit Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse.
Day 6: Gros Morne - Plum Point
Journey along the Viking Trail to visit the point where Leif Erickson landed in AD 1000 at L’Anse aux Meadows. See how Newfoundlanders have tamed this stark, forbidding landscape. Experience firsthand their unique solutions to living under extreme weather conditions. Also learn about the historic and lengthy search for this site and how researchers followed Icelandic sagas to the northern coast of Newfoundland to finally find a Viking settlement. Later, enjoy a visit to a local Eco–museum. Learn about the famous local berries and the traditional methods of making them into jams, sauces and vinegars.
Day 7: Plum Point - L’anse-au-Clair, Labrador
A morning ferry ride across the Straits of Belle Isle takes you to the mainland of southern Labrador. Enjoy a picturesque ride past colorful fishing villages while learning the history and importance of whaling to this region. The Vikings were the first Europeans to land in North America, but a few centuries later the Basques arrived here for the whaling opportunities. Their Labrador port, now the community of Red Bay, is home to an interpretation center where you can explore this corner of the 16th-century Basques world. With a population of just under 300, Red Bay offers visitors a unique glimpse into a bygone era. Tonight, take pleasure in a dinner of local cuisine where you have the opportunity to sample a local delicacy — caribou.
Day 8: L’anse-au-Clair - Corner Brook, Newfoundland
Take the ferry back to Newfoundland this morning and embark on a drive along the scenic Viking Trail. Later you’ll follow the route that James Cook took in 1770 when he created the “General Chart of the Island.” Visit a local mineral and stone specialist, who discusses Labradorite and the mining, cutting and other steps which produce this impressive stone. This evening, the “Sharecroppers,” a well-known trio from the Corner Brook area, will delight you with traditional songs.
Day 9: Corner Brook - Gander
Travel to beautiful Lark Harbor to take in the beauty of Bottle Cove and visit the bustling fishing station at Little Port. From there, pass through central Newfoundland to the Exploits Valley. This evening, enjoy a traditional Newfoundland meal – a Jigg's dinner – and another Newfoundland tradition – a Screech In!
Day 10: Gander - Twillingate - Gander
This morning stroll through the North Atlantic Aviation Museum of Gander where you learn about Gander's unique location and the role it plays in the history of world aviation. Later, travel to nearby Twillingate, a quaint town with a famous lighthouse that overlooks picturesque Notre Dame Bay. Here you may spot icebergs and whales as they move down Iceberg Alley. Enjoy a visit to a local winery to learn about making wines out of local fruits and berries.
Day 11: Gander - St. John’s
Local citizens of Gander join you at breakfast so you can learn first-hand about living on "The Rock." Returning to St. John’s, visit Johnson Geo Centre where a museum staff member guides you through this unique museum. You will also delight in a special lecture of how Newfoundland became "The Rock." Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner.
Day 12: St. John's - Tour Concludes
Tour Highlights
St. John’s, Cape Spear, Nature Cruise with Whale Watching, Terra Nova National Park, Gros Morne National Park, L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, Labrador, Corner Brook, Twillingate
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