Canada’s most eastern province celebrates European and First Nations histories amidst a diverse landscape of coastlines, mountains and ancient forests. This excellent introduction to Newfoundland and Labrador begins and ends on the island in the modern gateway city of St. John’s – a city in dynamic contrast to the colonial ports and fishing villages along the northern shores. Journeying along the coastlines of Labrador displays some of the most rugged and raw meetings of ocean and shore in Canada, perfectly complemented by visits to the immaculate North Shore, Gros Morne National Park and the incredible experience of seeing icebergs and whales up close. This itinerary is ideal to be enjoyed either as a casual, stop-and-visit package, or as a base to incorporate signature hikes and other outdoor adventures.
Day 1 - Arrive in St. John's
Arrive at St. John’s International Airport, transfer independently to your centrally located hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy some of the local sights of Newfoundland and Labrador's largest city. Overnight in St. John’s.
Day 2 - St. John's
A full day is yours to explore Canada’s most easterly city and capital of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. From iconic Signal Hill and the Narrows to beautiful parks and the historic downtown, St. John’s offers visitors a one-of-a kind experience. The city is known for its friendly people and the thriving arts and music scene. Overnight in St. John’s.
Day 3 - St. John's to Trinity (approx. 162 miles)
Today your trip brings you to Bonavista Island. Follow the Trans Canada Highway through small villages and communities such as Come by Chance and Clarenville, enroute along Highway #230. Take some time to stop and visit some of these communities for a quick break enroute to Trinity. Overnight in Trinity.
Day 4 - Trinity
Trinity is ideally situated for exploring surrounding communities including Port Rexton, Port Union, Elliston, Bonavista, New Bonaventure and more. From historic sites such as the St. Paul’s Anglican Church to the Trinity Museum, the many hiking and walking trails, whale watching and boat tours to Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, there is so much to see and to explore in this captivating region. Overnight in Trinity.
Day 5 - Trinity to Twillingate (approx. 193 miles)
Today’s journey travels through Terra Nova National Park on the way to the northern shore of the island. Photo opportunities abound at this small, but spectacular park. Continue to Gambo’s Point and take the scenic coastal route which brings you to Twillingate. Overnight in Twillingate.
Day 6 - Twillingate
Embark on a two-hour narrated tour in search of icebergs and whales on a true Newfoundland cultural adventure. Explore Iceberg Alley and marvel at 12,000 year old Greenland icebergs on their epic journey from the Arctic Circle to Newfoundland and beyond. Hear the ice crack under the Newfoundland sun, or perhaps observe majestic humpback whales as they feed in Twillingate’s coastal water as elegant seabirds frolic along the coastlines. Overnight in Twillingate.
Day 7 - Twillingate to Rocky Harbour (approx. 265 miles)
Crossing the top of the island, the road travels through small communities that live in close connection with the bountiful natural resources of the province. Perhaps plan to stop in the village of South Brook, its multi-coloured houses adorning the steep hillsides. Pass through the gates of Grose Morne National Park to reach the coast and your overnight destination. Overnight in Rocky Harbour.
Day 8 - Rocky Harbour to L'Anse au Claire (approx. 170 miles)
Today travel north along the coast of the island’s finger peninsula where it narrows against the Labrador coast, creating the Gulf of St. Lawrence. A short ferry ride across the mouth of the bay reveals the untamed beauty of the eastward Atlantic Ocean as it continuously carves the shoreline. Overnight in L’Anse au Claire.
Day 9 - L'Anse au Claire
The shores of Labrador are some of the most untamed, open-water shorelines in North America and was once a centre for whaling in the 19th century. You may enjoy a trip to Red Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site that preserves some of the buildings and equipment essential to the European whaling industry at its height. Overnight in L’Anse au Claire.
Day 10 - L'Anse au Claire to St.Anthony (approx. 104 miles)
A short ferry ride brings you back to the island of Newfoundland, where you then continue on to St. Anthony. An early arrival gives you a chance to explore the local sites of this small village such as the Grenfell Historic Buildings. Overnight in St. Anthony.
Day 11 - St. Anthony
Visit L’Anse aux Meadows today – the first and only known site established by Vikings in North America. On your way back to St. Anthony, consider a stop at one of the small galleries or cafes such as the Black Tickle company. Enjoy the vistas from Fishing Point Municipal Park in the afternoon - a coastline park is famous for iceberg watching into the early summer and its conic square lighthouse overlooking the waters. Overnight in St. Anthony.
Day 12 - St. Anthony to Cow Head (approx. 190 miles)
A return trip along the southern shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence gives you a second chance to visit the small coastal villages that populate the route, including another Parks Canada Site - Port aux Choix. Discover one of North America’s most fascinating archaeological finds amid a rugged coastline of unique limestone barrens, forests and bays. Visit ancient burial sites, settlements and view original artifacts, from slate spears to harpoons, Overnight in Cow Head.
Day 13 - Cow Head to Gander (approx. 265 miles)
Today you head east and cross the heart of the island, its towering forests and rocky outcroppings transporting you to a primeval landscape. Stop in Grand-Falls Windsor, one of the major towns in Central Newfoundland where you may visit the Salmonid Interpretation Centre. Arrive in Gander, which was very important during the Second World War. Overnight in Gander.
Day 14 - Gander to St. John's (approx, 210 miles)
Today your Newfoundland and Labrador experience comes to an end as you drive back to St. John’s International Airport for your flight home.