This comprehensive tour features the best
of “the Far East of the Western World.” Travel from the northernmost tip of the
island of Newfoundland to the most easterly point in North America through
national parks – including Gros Morne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn of
ancient peoples – the Maritime Archaic, Vikings, and Basques – as you travel to
coastal fishing communities to meet the friendly and hospitable people of today.
Boat tours provide the opportunity to see whales, thousands of seabirds, and,
depending on the time of the year, icebergs! Sample local food and drink to
become an honorary “Newfoundlander”!
Day 1: Arrive Halifax, NS
Arrive in Halifax and check in at a lovely downtown Halifax Hotel for
the night. This evening meet your fellow travelers and Tour Director at a
welcome reception.
Day 2: Halifax, NS – Port-aux-Basques, NL
Travel via Truro and Antigonish to cross over the Canso Causeway to
Cape Breton Island. At North Sydney, board a Marine Atlantic ferry for a
relaxing crossing to Port aux Basques, your port of entry on the island of
Newfoundland. (B,L)
Day 3: Port-aux-Basques, NL – Port au Choix, LB
Drive through the Codroy Valley and on to Corner Brook, the largest
city on the west coast, for a brief tour. Your journey continues through Gros
Morne National Park – to be enjoyed later on during your tour – to the fishing
community of Port au Choix. While there, visit Port au Choix National Historic
Site, before checking in to your accommodations for the night. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Port au Choix, LB – L’Anse au Clair, NL
Board the ferry from St. Barbe to cross the Strait of Belle Isle to
Labrador. Continue to Red Bay National Historic Site where the Basques had a
whaling station in the 16th century. Spend the night in Labrador. (B,D)
Day 5: L’Anse au Clair – St. Anthony, NL
Return to Newfoundland and travel to L’Anse aux Meadows National
Historic Site, the first cultural discovery in the world to receive recognition
as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hear of the Vikings who walked here over a
thousand years ago. This evening attend The Great Viking Feast at Leifsburdir. (B,D)
Day 6: St. Anthony – Cow Head, NL
Enjoy a morning whale watching boat tour in St. Anthony (weather
permitting)* before traveling to Cow Head for a two night stay. (B,D)
(*June and early July are the best time to see Titanic-size icebergs!)
Day 7: Gros Morne Local Touring
Discover why Gros Morne National Park is truly one of the highlights
of your tour. Visit the Broom Point fishing exhibit and the Lobster Cove
Lighthouse. Enjoy a scenic boat tour (weather permitting) as you learn the
geology of the Tablelands. See the whales and bald eagles that frequent the deep
waters of the fjord, and hear the history of the small villages nestled on the
shores. It is an unforgettable experience; some say the scenery is unequal in
eastern Canada. (B,D)
Day 8: Cow Head - Gander, NL
Have your camera ready as your time in Gros Morne National Park draws
to a close. Later travel through central Newfoundland and visit the Mary March
Regional Museum in Grand Falls–Windsor before arriving
in Gander where you spend two nights. (B,D)
Day 9: Twillingate Touring, NL
A scenic drive along the rocky coast of Notre Dame Bay leads to the
beautiful outport of Twillingate. At the tip of the island, visit Long Point
Lighthouse and the local co-op. Return to Gander to visit the North Atlantic
Aviation Museum and stop at the Silent Witness Memorial. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Gander – St. John’s, NL
Head out on the Trans-Canada Highway to visit Terra Nova National
Park, the most easterly of Canada’s beautiful national parks. Keep your camera
close at hand for wildlife along the way. Arrive in the capital city of St.
John’s and enjoy an intriguing tour of this old seaport.
See the Victorian architecture of the downtown area, the busy modern waterfront,
the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Confederation Building, and the panoramic
view from Signal Hill. Arrive at your St. John’s hotel for the evening. (B)
Day 11: St. John’s Touring – Marine Atlantic Ferry,
NL
This morning enjoy some free time to explore on your own. This
afternoon drive to Bay Bulls for one of the highlights of your trip; a boat tour
to the Witless Bay bird sanctuary (weather permitting). Later visit the most
easterly point in North America, Cape Spear National Historic Site before
returning to St. John’s for a farewell dinner. After dinner travel to Argentia
for an overnight ferry crossing to North Sydney, Nova Scotia. Cabins are
included. (B,D)
Day 12: North Sydney – Halifax, NS
Your ferry arrives in Nova Scotia in the early afternoon. Your tour
continues along the shores of Bras d’Or to the mainland. The last night is at a
downtown Halifax Hotel. (B,D)
Day 13: Depart Halifax, NS
Transfer to the Airport for your return flight to Ottawa.
This tour is operated in partnership with Ambassatours.
Not Included:
• Transportation to/from Ottawa/Halifax - Best available airfares or
rail fares can be arranged at time of booking.