Newfoundland Adventure: Westbound

Welcome to St John’s! Meet your leader at the hotel for a group welcome meeting at 10am before heading off on a leader-led tour of the city. Take a drive up Signal Hill to enjoy sweeping views of St. John’s Harbour and brighten your day with a stop at St John’s famous colourful houses on ‘Jellybean Row’ and the charming harbourfront neighborhood of Quidi Vidi. This afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore St John’s before joining your group for a welcome dinner at Celtic Hearth. Sample Jigg’s dinner pie, a classic Newfoundland dish, then head to a local pub for a traditional “screech-in” ceremony that involves a shot of screech (rum) and kissing a cod. It’s more fun than you might think! (D)

After breakfast, drive to the start of the Skerwink Trail for a delicious picnic lunch and a walk along the coast. Named as one of the top trails in North America and Europe by Travel and Leisure Magazine, this easy hike offers superb photography and wildlife spotting opportunities. After the hike, head to Trinity and check into your accommodation then explore this charming historical town at your leisure or perhaps join your group for an informal dinner at a local restaurant. (B/L)

Today it’s time to spot puffins at Elliston’s renowned viewing site which offers one of the closest land views of puffins in North America. See if you can also spot the Puffin King, a rock formation which looks like a puffin sitting on a throne. After you’ve seen the puffins, drive 20 minutes north to visit the historic Cape Bonavista Lighthouse which is one of the most photographed places in Newfoundland. Climb the stairs to the top of the tower and see the seal oil-fuelled light that was used in the 1800s. (B/L)

This morning, sit back and relax on the drive from Trinity to Twillingate where we’ll check into our hotel before a late afternoon boat tour where we will spot whales and seabirds. In the spring, you might get to see icebergs floating down the stretch of water known as Iceberg Alley. After the cruise, head back to your hotel and take it easy or explore Twillingate which is known as “The Iceberg Capital of the World". (B)

Enjoy the scenic drive from Twillingate to Gros Morne National Park with a stop at along the way for a picnic lunch. After lunch, talk a walk around the historic Lobster Cove Lighthouse and enjoy the view of the rolling waves and rocky beaches far below. This evening you’ll have time to settle into your hotel and perhaps take a walk around town or head out for dinner. (B/L)

Start the day with a stroll along the Western Brook Pond Trail and take in the view before boarding the Western Brook Pond Boat Tour. Don’t forget your camera as you’ll want to capture the dramatic waterfalls, towering cliffs and abundant wildlife that can be found in this glacier-carved land-locked fjord. This afternoon there is time to freshen up before the group comes together again for an optional dinner where you can celebrate your adventures! (B)

After breakfast, your Newfoundland adventure comes to an end. You can choose to stay in Rocky Harbour or take the complimentary group transfer to Deer Lake Regional Airport. (B)