Day 1: Fly to Deer Lake, Gros Morne National Park: Tablelands Hike
Fly to Deer Lake on the west side of the province and travel to Gros Morne National Park for a guided tour of the Tablelands. Walk upon the Earth’s mantle, discovering this bizarre and beautiful landscape involving glacially carved valleys and unique vegetation. After your exciting day, enjoy an included dinner and a fun kitchen party.
Stay: Oceanview Motel, Rocky Harbour
Nights:
1
Meals: L, D
Day 2: Gros Morne National Park – Full or ½ Day Hike
This is a big hiking day, and a highlight for serious hikers. Guests will have two options. For those who are really serious, one of Canada’s most famous challenges awaits: a full-day climb to the top of Gros Morne Mountain! For those who enjoy hiking, but also want to see a few other things, there’s a half-day Gros Morne Mountain option, followed by an afternoon tour of the Rocky Harbour area. Reconvene as a group for an included dinner and local entertainment, if available.
Stay:
Shallow Bay Motel, Cow Head
Nights:
1
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 3: Western Brook Pond Cruise, Cowhead Lighthouse
The day begins with a visit to Newfoundland’s most famous fjord, Western Brook Pond. Walk an easy 3km and get ready for a two-hour boat cruise featuring truly breathtaking scenery in a completely undeveloped setting. In the afternoon, we will hike to the Cow Head Lighthouse. Dinner is included tonight followed by a free evening.
Stay:
Plum Point Motel, Plum Point
Nights:
2
Meals:
B, D
Day 4: L’anse aux Meadows, Birchy Nuddick Trail, Norstead Viking Village
Begin the day with a visit to the world-famous L’Anse aux Meadows Historic Site to learn about a Viking community unearthed in the 1960s. After a short hike along the coast and picnic lunch, the next stop is the Norstead Viking Living History Attraction where guests can imagine what life was like for those first European visitors. We will end our visit at the Dark Tickle Company store and café where guests can pick up local jams & jellies, and many other tasteful gifts and souvenirs. Those interested can take a bog walk on site.
Meals:
B, L
Day 5: Port au Choix Historic Site, Point Richie Lighthouse
On the way to Gander, we will stop at Port au Choix Historic Site Interpretive Centre to learn about multiple chapters in pre-European contact history. Afterwards, hike the beautiful Dorset Trail to the Port Richie Lighthouse with a local guide. Once you arrive in Gander, enjoy an included group dinner and fun entertainment.
Stay:
Sinbad’s Hotel & Suites, Gander
Nights:
1
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 6: Prime Berth, Shed Party, Long Point Lighthouse Hike
This is the part of the island that most people picture when they hear the word Newfoundland. We begin our day with a guided tour of Prime Berth, a private interpretative fishing centre. After, we will experience an authentic ‘shed party’. Next up is the historic Long Point Lighthouse in Twillingate. Depart for a hike along the rugged coastline where whales and icebergs may be seen. After you arrive in Clarenville, enjoy a free evening.
Stay:
Clarenville Inn, Clarenville
Nights:
2
Meals:
B, L
Day 7: Skerwink Trail
Start your day with a visit to 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, you’ll learn all about the important history of the cod fisheries in Newfoundland. After lunch, we will head to the Skerwink Trailhead. This award-winning trail offers more spectacular coastal scenery per linear foot than any other trail in Newfoundland.
Meals:
B
Day 8: East Coast Trail, St. John’s Walking Tour
Today we start with a short stop in Petty Harbour, an active fishing village before proceeding to Cape Spear National Historic Site, the most easterly point in North America. We will hike the coastline to Cape Spear and have time to visit this historic and windy site. Then it’s on to St. John’s where lunch and free time await. After getting your bearings, rejoin the group for a guided walking tour of Newfoundland’s capital city. The rest of the evening is free time.
Stay: Delta St. John’s, St. John’s
Nights:
2
Meals:
B
Day 9: Whale Watching, East Coast Trail Hike
This is a big day, beginning with a Gatherall’s whale watching tour in nearby Bay Bulls. After lunch, hike the East Coast Trail with several optional pathways. In the evening, come together for a farewell dinner.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 10: Home
Our hiking tour, exploring magnificent Newfoundland, has come to an end. After breakfast and checkout, arrive at the airport at about noon, in time for the return flight home.
Meals:
B
