Circle Explorer of Newfoundland

Included

• Welcome Package includes: Travel Wallet, Full Itinerary, Vouchers, Driving Directions, maps & supporting literature.
• Midsize Car Rental for Duration (unlimited kms, CDW insurance, airport fees, one additional driver & taxes)
• 16 Nights Accommodations
• Marine Atlantic Ferry (Return Trip inc. passengers, Vehicle and Cabin)
• Bay Bulls Whale Watching Tour
• Ferryland Picnic
• St. John’s City Tour
• Trinity Whale Watching Tour
• Western Brook Fjord Boat Tour

Day 1 – Halifax

Arrive Halifax and pick up your car rental. Welcome to Nova Scotia’s provincial capital, this attractive city is a bustling hub of art galleries, shops, museums, restaurants, sidewalk cafes and vibrant nightlife centred around the picturesque waterfront. Officially founded in 1749 the history dates back even further to times of Mi’kmaq Natives, European Fisherman and the early Acadians long before the British arrived. Overnight Halifax.

Day 2 – Halifax/North Sydney

Depart Halifax and drive north via Truro to Pictou – one of the largest communities along the Northumberland shore. This community is rich in Scottish heritage and has a delightful newly developed waterfront area. Depart Pictou and continue on to Cape Breton via the Canso Causeway and continue on to North Sydney where you will take the Marine Atlantic Ferry to Argentia. Overnight Marine Atlantic Ferry.

Day 3 – Avalon Peninsula

Arrive Argentia and take time this morning to explore the scenic Avalon Peninsula. Take time to visit the Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve Seabird Sanctuary – the Interpretive Centre overlooks Bird Rock – one of the largest nesting sites for gannets in North America. Later continue your drive along the Irish Loop -home to over 5500 woodland caribou. Continue on to Bay Bulls where you will take a cruise around the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, a protective sanctuary for kittiwakes, murres, puffins and other seabirds. The waters off Bay Bulls are home to the world’s largest population of humpback whales. Continue to Witless Bay. Overnight Witless Bay.

Day 4 – St. John’s

This morning drive along the south shore via Ferryland – home of the fascinating Colony of Avalon Archeological site. Enjoy a picnic like no other at Ferryland Lighthouse. This unique experience offers exquisite food at one of the most beautiful locations in the world – Ferryland Head. Depart Ferryland and continue north to St. John’s and explore the oldest city in North America. This historical, vibrant city has many attractions with the added bonus of a wide selection of restaurants ranging from fine dining to traditional Newfoundland fayre and it also has the highest concentration of pubs per capita on the continent – a visit to the famous George Street is a must! Overnight St. John’s.

Day 5 – St. John’s

This morning enjoy a city tour of St. John’s – this is a great orientation of St. John’s, as well as the most Easterly point in North America. You will visit the National Historic site of Cape Spear and will enjoy a beautiful view on top of Signal Hill. Other stops include Quidi Vidi Village, Government House, the Roman Catholic Cathedral and an orientation of the shops and restaurants of downtown St. John’s. Other sightseeing suggestions include visiting the Rooms, Johnson’s GEO Centre, the St. John’s Botanical Gardens, the Newman Wine Vaults or maybe taking a gentle stroll along sections of the Grand Concourse, which comprises of 40 km (25 miles) of spectacular trails and walkways within St. John’s, Quidi Vidi Lake and Rennies River. Overnight St. John’s.

Day 6 – Avalon/Trinity

Depart the Avalon Peninsula and drive along the scenic Conception Bay coastal drive north to the charming community of Brigus – once residence of the world famous northern explorer Captain Bob Bartlett. Visit Hawthorne Cottage, Ye Olde Stone Barn Museum and the Tunnel, whilst in Brigus. Continue heading north to Trinity – the cultural capital of Newfoundland and renown for its unique historical architecture including the Ryan Store, Hiscock House and the Blacksmith Museum. Trinity also hosts the New Founde Lande Trinity Pageant – a humorous look at Newfoundland & Labrador history. Overnight Trinity.

Day 7 – Trinity

This morning enjoy a whale-watching cruise of Trinity Bay. Afternoon at leisure to explore the region further. The Bonavista Bay is an area of extreme natural beauty and where the movie “The Shipping News” and the widely acclaimed TV series “Random Passage” were filmed. Visit the nearby Cape Random film set. Constructed in 2000, the site offers visitors the opportunity to step back in time and imagine the life of our forbearers in a typical fishing community in the early 1800’s. If time permits continue on and drive the remainder of the Bonavista Peninsula. Take time to visit Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, historic Ryan Premises, Mockbeggar Plantation and the new Matthew Interpretation Centre to name a few! Overnight Trinity.

Day 8 – Trinity/Notre Dame Bay

Depart Trinity and take a leisurely drive west visiting the spectacular ‘Road to the Beaches’ area. Places to visit include Salvage – voted one of Canada’s top ten prettiest towns, Eastport or perhaps one of the many superb beaches in the area. Continue west and enjoy a full day of exploring – suggestions include driving the “Road to the Isles” or “Road to the Shore” route to explore the many coves, inlets and fishing villages dotted along the coastline. Be sure to visit the fishing community of Twillingate and the 1876 still active Long Point Lighthouse if time permits. Continue on to the picturesque region of Notre Dame Bay. On arrival, take time to relax and enjoy your tranquil surroundings. Overnight BlueWater Lodge & Retreat.

Day 9 – Gros Morne National Park

Today leave behind the Central Region of Newfoundland and head west through a vast expanse of lush forest and contrasting scenery towards Deer Lake, drive north along the Viking Trail (Route 430) to Gros Morne National Park – designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 for it’s impressive geological features, the 1805 sq kilometre park offers beauty and adventure that are unsurpassed by any in the world. Take time to fully explore this outstanding area of Newfoundland. Visit the impressive Discovery Centre in Woody Point and visit the community of Trout River where you can take a Zodiac Cruise to get a magnificent view of the Tablelands. Gros Morne is a hiker’s paradise catering to all abilities, with over 19 hiking trails to choose from covering over 100 kms throughout the park. Overnight Gros Morne National Park.

Day 10 – Gros Morne National Park

Today explore the north side of the park. Highlights include the scenic community of Norris Point and Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse in Rocky Harbour. In the afternoon enjoy the spectacular Western Brook Pond Fjord Boat Tour – the only way, other than by helicopter to see the spectacular Western Brook Gorge. Enjoy a 45 minute boardwalk stroll to the dock before enjoying a leisurely cruise into the gorge – be at one with nature as you see the dramatic ravine-like sides of this inland fjord tower over 600 metres above you. Other suggestions in the area include visiting the shipwreck remains of the “SS Ethie”, Shallow Bay Beach, and “the Arches”. Overnight Gros Morne National Park.

Day 11 – Main Brook

Depart Gros Morne National Park and drive north continuing along the Viking trail – you will notice the landscape changing as you pass through the communities of Daniels Harbour and Hawkes Bay. Be sure to visit Port au Choix – the National Historic Site and view artifacts of the maritime archaic people who occupied the area over 3700 years ago. Continue your drive to Main Brook. On arrival relax and capture the extreme beauty and tranquility of your natural surroundings. Enjoy spectacular views from the Lodge which overlooks South West Pond. Activities available for the more adventurous include hiking, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Overnight Tuckamore Country Inn.

Day 12 – Main Brook

This morning depart Main Brook and drive to St. Anthony. Visit the Grenfell Historic Properties and learn of the impact that Sir Wilfred Grenfell had on the social, medical and economic climate of the early 1900s during his worldwide mission. The historic properties tell the story of the evolution of Northern Newfoundland and Labrador and the people of the region over the last 100 years. Continue on to visit both L’Anse aux Meadows – the only authenticated Viking settlement site in North America and Norstead Viking Village – a fascinating re-enactment of how Vikings lived over 1000 years ago. If time permits, visit Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve or Pistolet Bay Provincial Park. Continue to Main Brook. Overnight Main Brook.

Day 13 – Humber Valley

Today take a leisurely drive back down the Viking Trail and on to the scenic Humber Valley – a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. A whole host of activities nearby, ranging from hiking, kayaking, zip-lining, caving and cycling. This evening why not enjoy a round of golf or two at the award winning 18 hole championship River Course or perhaps some pampering at the onsite Pevonia Spa. Overnight Humber Valley Resort.

Day 14 – Humber Valley

This morning why not explore the area further. Spend the day in Newfoundland’s second city located on the south shore of the Humber Arm. Places to visit within Corner Brook are the City Museum, the Newfie Bullet Historic Train and the Captain James Cook Monument. Further afield visit the spectacular Bay of Islands, sit of the former Frenchman’s Head Lighthouse and the picturesque communities of Bottle Cove and Lark Harbour. Overnight Humber Valley.

Day 15 – Corner Brook/Cape Anguille

Depart Corner Brook along the Three Rivers Scenic Drive southwest towards and on to the French Ancestor’s loop – the Port au Port Peninsula is a Mecca for nature lovers, photographers, artists and geologists. The Peninsula is the central focus of the French Community in Newfoundland and has been for over 200 years. Continue on through the stunning Codroy Valley to Cape Anguille. Overnight Cape Anguille.

Day 16 – Cape Anguille

Spend the day exploring. Visit the community of Rose Blanche, which has a rich Basque whaling history and later became inhabited by French fishermen. Explore some of the fascinating Lighthouses nearby including the recently restored Rose Blanche Point Lighthouse, unique because of its architecture – a granite stone dwelling with a slate roof. Other lighthouses nearby include the Colombier Island Lighthouse, the Channel Head Lighthouse and Cape Ray Lighthouse – which played an important role in the history of Marconi and communications in Newfoundland. Overnight Cape Anguille.

Day 17 – Halifax

Depart Cape Anguille and drive to Port Aux Basques where you will take the morning ferry to North Sydney. Arrive North Sydney and drive to Halifax where you will drop off your rental car and get ready for your onward journey.

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