Newfoundland Adventure: From Signal Hill to Gros Morne

Arrive at any time. Attend a welcome meeting in the evening. Afterwards, choose to have an optional dinner together as a group out in St. John's, one of the oldest and most easterly cities in North America, plus the capital of the Newfoundland province.

Included Experiences

• Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Begin the day with a visit to the Signal Hill National Historic Site and walk on one of the trails for gorgeous views of the rugged coastline and seascapes. Then travel to Brigus, a picture-postcard town, reminiscent of the quaintness found in European villages. Enjoy a walk along the winding narrow lanes and visit the large tunnel cut through the solid bedrock near the harbour front. You’ll have some free time to explore and grab lunch on your own before continuing on to Trinity. Set off on a CEO-led orientation tour through the small town and get to know the area’s history. Dinner will be on your own here accompanied by a free evening. Choose to join your CEO for a walk on Gun Hill or book a show at the local theatre.

Included Experiences

• Signal Hill Visit & Walk: Enjoy a visit and walk around Signal Hill in St. John's. This national historic site is famous for its role in military history and communication breakthroughs (the first wireless transatlantic signal was received here in 1901). Walk around the area and take in the beautiful views of the city and Atlantic Ocean. Check out the iconic Cabot Tower and savour the rugged coastline. There may be time for a quick stop at the visitor centre.
• Brigus Town Visit & Free Time: Spend a few hours this afternoon exploring the quaint town of Brigus. The well-kept, old-style architecture, stone walls, lush green gardens, and winding narrow lanes are reflective of the English, Irish, and Welsh heritage evident here. The group will walk through the charming town, visit an old tunnel in the rocky cliffs by the harbour, learn about the maritime history here, and enjoy free time for lunch. There will also be time for an optional visit to the Hawthorne Cottage National Historic Site, or to walk part of the Lighthouse trail if you choose. Brigus is famous for its annual blueberry festival and so trying one of the blueberry pastries (like cobbler, crisp, or pie) is a must.
• Trinity CEO-led Orientation Walk & Free Time: Trinity, Newfoundland is known for its well-preserved heritage architecture, vibrant arts scene, and for being one of the province's oldest settlements. It was once a major trading centre for salt fish and boasts a beautiful harbour. Follow your CEO on an orientation walk of the small town and get a sense of the history as you go. Then, spend time on your own. Find your way around town by the old-fashioned street signage in calligraphy, watch a blacksmith at work, or visit the Cooperage to learn about barrel making. Later in the evening, choose to join your CEO for a sunset walk on Gun Hill to see golden hour colours over Fisher Cove. The walk to get to the top takes between 20 and 30 minutes. Or you could choose to book a show at the Rising Tide Theatre. This local establishment located in the heart of Trinity has been producing culturally rich and locally rooted performances for over 40 years.

Optional Experiences

• Hawthorne Cottage National Historic Site Visit: Hawthorne Cottage National Historic Site was the family home of one of Canada's most famed Arctic explorers, Captain Bob Bartlett. The setting offers unique insight into Newfoundland seafaring life and tales of Bartlett's numerous voyages and daring exploits.
• Gun Hill CEO-led Sunset Walk: Choose to join your CEO on a evening walk up Gun Hill. It will take between 20 and 30 minutes to reach the top where you can enjoy the views as the sun lowers over Fisher Cove.

Today, encounter the wildlife of the Bonavista Peninsula with a visit to Elliston and the puffin viewing site there. Begin with a short walk along a narrow path and observe the colourful auks occupying a section of land at the end of this rocky outcrop. Then, spend free time in town for lunch on your own and the chance to book an optional visit to the nearby interpretation centre. In the afternoon, follow your CEO on one of the hiking trails along the peninsula which will be chosen based on weather. Each option will allow you to view and photograph seabirds, sea stacks, icebergs, and whales (in season), as well as the surrounding communities. Dinner will be at your leisure tonight in Trinity.

Included Experiences

• Puffin Viewing Site Visit: Enjoy a walk on a narrow, well worn path for about 5 minutes to reach the local puffin viewing site. This is one of the best accessible locations in North America to view this beautiful bird. Between May and September the colourful auks occupy a section of the land at the end of a rocky outcrop. Observe, take photos, and simply enjoy the wildlife.
• Free Time: There will be an hour of free time in Elliston. Choose a local spot for lunch on your own and opt to visit the John C. Crosbie Sealers Interpretation Centre featuring a captivating experience and opportunity to learn the historic and cultural context of sealing in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• CEO-led Hike Bonavista Peninsula: Spend the afternoon on a hike with your CEO on one of the trails along the Bonavista Peninsula. Your CEO will choose the trail based on weather and overall group ability. Options could be the Cape Shore trail to the lighthouse (3.5km along the coastline), Murphy's Cove Loop (7.7km coastal loop through abandoned community), and Skerwind Trail (5.3km coastal loop with wildlife viewing opportunities).

Following breakfast the group will travel to Twillingate breaking up the drive with a stop in Gander along the way. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy free time to explore. Choose to join your CEO on one of the area’s hiking trails, visit museums and different art workshops in town, or book a whale and wildlife watching tour ahead of time. Take in the stunning rugged coastline, lush country roads, and picturesque streets as you prepare for a relaxing evening.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Take advantage of a free afternoon to explore Twillingate on your own. Optional activities you can choose from are hiking, a whale watching cruise, or visiting shops, museums, and galleries downtown. Twillingate is known for its icebergs. Nestled on the rugged coast of Notre Dame Bay, Twillingate offers incredible views of these ancient ice giants as they journey south through Iceberg Alley. Whether you're interested in dramatic scenery, exciting wildlife, or local culture, Twillingate promises to be a noteworthy destination.

Optional Experiences

• Whale & Wildlife Watching Boat Tour: Get out on the water and explore Iceberg Alley. Sail from Twillingate and stare in wonder at 12,000-year-old icebergs and try to spot humpback whales along the coastline. (98-115 CAD per person)

Travel from Twillingate to King’s Point. Here, enjoy the choice to accompany your CEO for a hike amid the natural beauty along the Alexander Murray trail, or to stay in town and explore the sites on your own. Later, continue to Rocky Harbour outside of Gros Morne National Park. Dinner in town will be at your leisure tonight.

Included Experiences

• King’s Point Visit & Free Time: King's Point is special for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Known for the Alexander Murray Hiking Trail with 2,200 stairs and unforgettable views and the local art scene. During free time here choose to hike along the trail with your CEO and enjoy a packed lunch along the way. This will be 8km and 350m in elevation gain. Or choose to stay in town and visit a local restaurant for lunch. Then walk on your own to places like the King's Point Pottery Gallery or Heritage House.

Optional Experiences

• CEO-led Hike on the Alexander Murray Hiking Trail: Challenge yourself with a CEO-led hike along the popular Alexander Murray Trail. Located in picturesque King's Point in the Green Bay area the route is a mix of a natural walking trail, wooden stairs and amazing views from the 1100 ft. summit of the mountain ridge. Distance: 8km Duration: 3hrs Elevation Gain: 350m

Visit Gros Morne National Park today. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated on the western coast of the island of Newfoundland. Located in the park is the landlocked fjord of Western Brook Pond. Start with the Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse this morning for a walk on the trail and stop at the exhibit. Then, walk along a 3km trail to the dock for a boat tour on Western Brook Pond. A packed lunch will be had on board as you enjoy the pristine lake waters and the incredible scenery surrounding the boat. Return to Rocky Harbour in the late afternoon and spend time on your own in this quaint Canadian town.

Included Experiences

• Gros Morne National Park Visit: Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts diverse landscapes from fjords and mountains to forests and coastlines. The area also offers a unique and visible example of continental drift and plate tectonics. Begin the visit today with the Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse. Walk along the trail with views of the water and visit the exhibit.
• Western Brook Pond Boat Tour: Set off on a boat tour on Western Brook Pond, a landlocked fjord with waterfalls, billion year old cliffs, and plenty of chances to see wildlife. Throughout the two hour boat tour, the group will learn more about the geological and historical features of this gorgeous place. You will walk from the parking lot to the dock which is about 3km and takes 45 minutes along a gravel and fairly flat trail.
• Free Time: Spend free time strolling along the sidewalks of the Rocky Harbour waterfront. Opt to check out the Town Square, artisans' shops, restaurants, and cafes. Listen to the sounds of the ocean and take in a fiery summer sunset (weather permitting). Choose to find a cute local spot for dinner and simply enjoy being outside. Rocky Harbour is a charming fishing village and a gateway to the stunning Gros Morne National Park and is a great place for experiencing traditional Newfoundland culture.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before driving to Norris Point. Board a boat shuttle here to travel to the historical Woody Point. You’ll cruise fifteen minutes across the beautiful Bonne Bay offering magnificent photo opportunities of the Tablelands, Gros Morne mountains, and unique communities nestled along the shores of the bay. Upon arrival, you will have free time to explore before your CEO arrives from the drive and gathers everyone for the Tableland Trail hike. The trail ends in the glacially carved Winter House Brook Canyon. From here, transfer to Deer Lake where you will have free time.

Included Experiences

• Boat Ride to Woody Point & Free Time: Travel to Norris Point and board the boat shuttle to Woody Point. This 15-minute ride across the beautiful Bonne Bay saves an hour drive and offers stunning views to those on the boat. Take in the views of the Tablelands, Gros Morne Mountains, and small communities dotting the shoreline. Disembark in the quaint fishing village of Woody Point. Upon arrival there will be about 45 minutes of free time to explore the town on foot.
• Tableland Trail Hike: Start the CEO-led hike from the trailhead near Woody Point. Follow an old roadbed as it weaves along the base of the mountain. Search for plants, unusual rocks, and panoramic views. Finish the trail in the glacially carved Winter House Brook Canyon. The total distance is about 4km roundtrip, there will be about 88m of elevation gain and it will take 1-2 hours.
• Free Time: Enjoy time on your own in Deer Lake. The town is easily walkable on foot. Maybe choose to visit the local brewery or Newfoundland Insectarium.

Depart at any time.