Newfoundland Adventure: Eastbound

Welcome to Newfoundland! Today is free for you to get settled into your surroundings before your adventure gets underway tomorrow. Depending on the weather you might like to go for a canoe or kayak on Deer Lake itself, fans of the creepy crawlies might like to visit the Newfoundland Insectarium or there are plenty of hiking trails around the town if you’d like to stretch your legs. For dinner, why not check out one of the town’s craft breweries?

Officially kick off your adventure in Deer Lake with a welcome meeting at 8 am where you'll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After the meeting, you’ll take a scenic drive to Gros Morne National Park to walk around the historic Lobster Cove Lighthouse and enjoy the view of the rolling waves and rocky beaches far below. While at the national park you’ll also get to do something pretty extraordinary – walk on the Earth’s mantle at the Tablelands. The orange landscape sits in stark contrast to the surrounding greens and blues, and there are plenty of unique plants in the area to make note of too. Arrive in Rocky Harbour in the afternoon, and then you might like to join your group for dinner. (B)

After breakfast, start the day with stops at Norris Point and Green Point, then stroll along the Western Brook Pond Trail and take in the view as you enjoy a picnic lunch 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. (B)

An early start today will see you enjoying the scenic drive from Rocky Harbour to Twillingate, with a stop at Deer Lake along the way for those who want to buy lunch. After lunch, we’ll arrive and 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. Afterward, head back to your hotel and take it easy or explore Twillingate which is known as “The Iceberg Capital of the World". (B)

Start the day with a visit to the Beothuk Interpretation Centre, which tells the history of the Beothuk people who used to live on Newfoundland. Then, head to the town of Gander. Here, you’ll meet with a local to learn about the role the unassuming town played in one of North America’s most significant events. Due to the closure of North American airspace on 9/11, around 6600 people were diverted to Gander – increasing the town’s population by 70% in a matter of hours. You’ll hear about what went into hosting those numbers, as well as the lasting impact it's had on the town. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Trinity where you’ll join a local guide for a walking tour. You then might like to hike up Gun Hill for a bird’s eye view of the town, or perhaps join your travel buddies for a dinner at a local restaurant. (B/L)

This morning 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. Savor a picnic lunch before driving 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)

This morning, enjoy the scenic drive from Trinity to St John’s. Stop to take in the views at Cape Spear Lighthouse and perhaps make it to Canada's easternmost point, then swing by the colourful houses on ‘Jellybean Row’ before checking in to your hotel. There'll be time for lunch before you join back up with your group for a leader-led walking tour of the town. After a free afternoon, there’ll be a farewell dinner to mark the end of your adventure. 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! (B/D)

After breakfast, your Newfoundland adventure comes to an end. You might choose to do a little more exploring around St John’s before making your way to the airport. (B)