Day 1 - Arrive Deer Lake / Travel to Corner Brook
Upon arrival at the Deer Lake Airport, you will pick up your rental car and begin your 1 hour drive south to Corner Brook, situated on the west coast of the island portion of the province. The remainder of the day is spent at leisure exploring this picturesque city. Experience one of the many groomed walking trails or visit the Captain James Cook Monument and bask in the glory of the sun setting over the Bay of Islands. Step back in time at the Corner Brook Museum and Archives or the Railway Society of Newfoundland Historic Train Site. Explore the downtown area and discover unique gifts, crafts and dine out in one of the city's many fine restaurants.
Moderate: Overnight Glynmill Inn - Standard room
Superior: Overnight Glynmill Inn - Junior Suite
Deluxe: Overnight Glynmill Inn - Executive Suite
Day 2 - South Shore Scenic Drive
Today you'll be at leisure to explore the area. You may decide to take the south shore scenic drive and discover Captain Cook's Trail. This journey through history offers spectacular views of the Bay of Islands at every turn. It is the landscape that Captain James Cook explored and recorded in 1767. The road follows the South Shore of the Bay of Islands through mountains and fishing communities to the salty waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Some of the communities you will visit include: Mount Moriah, Benoit's Cove, John's Beach, Frenchman's Cove, York Harbour and Bottle Cove, a fantastic place to view the rugged coast along this section of Western Newfoundland. At low tide you can walk to a naturally carved sea cave on the south side of the cove.
Moderate: Overnight Glynmill Inn - Standard room
Superior: Overnight Glynmill Inn - Junior Suite
Deluxe: Overnight Glynmill Inn - Executive Suite
Day 3 - Corner Brook to Plum Point via The Viking Trail
Be captivated by majestic mountains and spectacular fjords today as you travel north on Route 430, The Viking Trail - the largest highway in Newfoundland and Labrador. These northern coastline environments were once home to numerous ancient cultures that now reveal their lives in ongoing archaeological digs and at modern exhibits and interpretation centres operated by Parks Canada and others. Today, scenic fishing communities surround this Northern Peninsula where the Long Range Mountains expose geological wonders. This is a land where some of the planet's rarest plants grow, where wildlife abounds in the forests and mighty salmon dominate the streams. You will be at the foot of creation, where 10,000 year old icebergs shine on the horizons while numerous whales migrate in their wake. The coastal drive north allows for visits in Cow Head, The Arches Provincial Park, Table Point Ecological Reserve and Port au Choix National Historic Site. Your destination for the evening is Plum Point, nestled along the coast of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Moderate: Overnight Plum Point Motel
Superior: Overnight Plum Point Motel
Deluxe: Overnight Plum Point Motel
Day 4 - Plum Point to Main Brook / L'Anse Aux Meadows national Historic Park
Today go far back in history as you travel to L'Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Park, the first authenticated Norse site in North America. Archaeologists have uncovered artefacts that indicate a Norse settlement was in this area about 1000 AD. It is believed that Leif the Lucky settled in this Viking Village in 1000AD. UNESCO has declared the site a World Heritage site. Tour the sod house displays on the Norse way of life. Next visit St. Anthony, home of the Grenfell Mission where you'll see the Grenfell House and browse the unique craft centre. Retrace your steps back down the Viking Trail to Main Brook, your destination for the next two nights.
Moderate: Overnight Tuckamore Lodge - Lodge room (includes full breakfast)
Superior: Overnight Tuckamore Lodge - Lodge room (includes full breakfast)
Deluxe: Overnight Tuckamore Lodge - Suite (includes full breakfast)
Day 5 - Northland Discovery Boat Tour
Join the Alcock family for an invigorating ecological and cultural journey into their heritage. During your thrilling 2 1/2 hour boat tour, you will be captivated by the live interpretive program on the marine wildlife and culture. Numerous species of whales feed in the coastal waters including thousands of Humpbacks. In addition, an annual parade of 10,000 year old icebergs drift down from Greenland on the Labrador Current and linger for the season, and millions of seabirds return annually to breed and raise their young, offering sightings of rare and unusual species.
Note: Northland Discovery Boat Tour operates from Mid May to Early October, weather permitting. If the tour is not operating or you are travelling outside these dates, it will be removed from your package.
Moderate: Overnight Tuckamore Lodge - Lodge room (includes full breakfast)
Superior: Overnight Tuckamore Lodge - Lodge room (includes full breakfast)
Deluxe: Overnight Tuckamore Lodge - Suite (includes full breakfast)
Day 6 - Main Brook to Rocky Harbour
Take a leisurely drive south returning along the Viking Trail taking in the dramatic scenery and surroundings. Follow the rocky coastline of western Newfoundland along the Gulf of St. Lawrence to Rocky Harbour, located within Gros Morne National Park Newfoundland. Along the way, you will see quaint villages, rivers and possibly wildlife.
Moderate: Overnight Mountain Range Cottages - cottage
Superior: Overnight Mountain Range Cottages - cottage
Deluxe: Overnight Mountain Range Cottages - Executive cottage
Day 7 - Gros Morne National Park Exploring
Take the full day to explore Gros Morne National Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site on par with Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Be captivated by majestic mountains and spectacular fjords today as you discover Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel to what will appear to be the centre of the earth, The Tablelands, where an enormous slab of the Earth's mantle has been shoved up on land from deep beneath the ocean floor. You may decide to take a boat tours that takes visitors under the towering cliffs of a freshwater fjord carved out by glaciers. Waterfalls, marine inlets, sea stacks, sandy beaches, and colourful nearby fishing villages complete the phenomenal natural and cultural surroundings of Gros Morne National Park of Canada.
Moderate: Overnight Mountain Range Cottages - cottage
Superior: Overnight Mountain Range Cottages - cottage
Deluxe: Overnight Mountain Range Cottages - Executive cottage
Day 8 - Rocky Harbour to Gander
Today you will enjoy a leisurely scenic drive to Gander, located in the central region of Newfoundland. The Beothuk Indians inhabited much of the area you are travelling through today. There are several sites of interest along route including the Mary March Museum, Loggers Life Museum, the Beothuk Village in Grand Falls, and the Salmonid Interpretation Centre, a salmon enhancient project. Continue to Gander where you can visit the Silent Witness Miorial and the Aviation Display at the airport. During World War II, Gander became an important refuelling stop for military aircraft crossing the Atlantic as well as a base for the coastal patrol.
Moderate: Overnight Sinbad's Hotel & Suites
Superior: Overnight Sinbad's Hotel & Suites
Deluxe: Overnight Sinbad's Hotel & Suites
Day 9 - Gander to Bonavista
Travel through Terra Nova National Park, the most easterly of Canada's national parks. Enjoy the beauty of the Discovery Trail to Bonavista, the site of John Cabot's historic landing in 1497. Visit the Ryan Priises and view the exhibits that commemorate the North Atlantic fishery and depict the history, landscape and culture of this restored 19th century town. Delight in the countless scenic coves and seascapes.
Moderate: Overnight Elizabeth J Cottages (includes Welcome Basket)
Superior: Overnight Elizabeth J Cottages (includes Welcome Basket)
Deluxe: Overnight Elizabeth J Cottages (includes Welcome Basket)
Day 10 - Bonavista Exploring
On the rugged coastline of scenic Newfoundland lies Bonavista, a quiet little community rich in heritage and steeped in culture. You will be captivated by the variety of activities and sights that await, such as whale watching, lighthouses, Mockbegger Plantation Provincial Park or the Skerwink Trail walk. You may decided to relax and enjoy the jaw dropping views from the porch of your replica cottage, just a few feet from the ocean, ice bergs, puffins and whales!
Moderate: Overnight Elizabeth J Cottages (includes Welcome Basket)
Superior: Overnight Elizabeth J Cottages (includes Welcome Basket)
Deluxe: Overnight Elizabeth J Cottages (includes Welcome Basket)
Day 11 - Bonavista to St. John's
Today you will travel along the scenic Trans-Canada Highway to St. John's, located on the eastern shores of the Island. Travel along Conception Bay where the air of piracy and tall ships still lingers. The frequent mist lends a mystical aura to these parks and villages. Continue to St. John's, the provincial capital of Newfoundland, where colourful streets compete with the natural beauty of the surrounding hills.
Moderate: Overnight Delta St. John's Hotel
Superior: Overnight The Fairmont Newfoundland - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight The Fairmont Newfoundland - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 12 - St. John's Exploring
Take today to explore the Cape Spear Drive - a must see for any visitor to Newfoundland. Cape Spear National Historic Site is the most easterly point in North America and home to the oldest existing lighthouse in Newfoundland. Watch for whales and icebergs from this beautiful point! Visit picturesque Petty Harbour before returning to St. John's. Spend the afternoon exploring this beautiful city.
Moderate: Overnight Delta St. John's Hotel
Superior: Overnight The Fairmont Newfoundland - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight The Fairmont Newfoundland - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 13 - Irish Loop Scenic Drive / Puffin & Whale Watching Tour
Today you will travel south on the scenic Irish Loop to the whale and seabird tours that operate in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Several thousand humpbacks and minke whales tarry here to feed, and the plentiful food has attracted millions of seabirds to the reserve's four islands. Most years, 10,000 year old icebergs drift past, making for an incredible triple natural treat found nowhere else. Hop on a high speed catamaran for a 2.5 hour Puffin and Whale Watching tour, meander through the small communities and enjoy the Newfoundland hospitality. After your tour, make your way back to St. John's for your last night in Newfoundland.
Note: Puffin & Whale Watching Tour operates from Early May to Early October, weather permitting. If the tour is not operating or you are travelling outside these dates, it will be removed from your package.
Moderate: Overnight Delta St. John's Hotel
Superior: Overnight The Fairmont Newfoundland - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight The Fairmont Newfoundland - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 14 - Depart St. John's
Today your Newfoundland experience comes to an end. Drop your rental car off at the St. John's Airport in time to board your return flight home.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 13 nights accommodation, room tax & mandatory service charges
- 14 day full size rental car including 100 Free KMS per day
- 2.5 hour Northland Discovery Boat Tour, St. Anthony, NF (SUBSTITUTION: Tour operates from Mid May to Early October, if not operating, it will be removed from your package)
- 2.5 hour Puffin & Whale Watching Tour, Bay Bulls, NF (SUBSTITUTION: Tour operates from May 1 to October 8, if not operating, it will be removed from your package)
- Full breakfast daily at Tuckamore Lodge
- Welcome Basket upon arrival at Elizabeth J. Cottages
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Car Rental: additional KMS, drop charges, optional insurance coverage, Location Recovery Fee (LRF), VLF/ACF, refuelling, additional drivers and other incidental charges (if applicable), refuelling, service charge, parking, gas, ferry & highway tolls, baby seats, additional driver taxes and credit card security deposit
- Meals not listed as included
- Activities not listed as included
- Gratuities not listed as included
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)