13 Night Self Drive Itinerary – Romance on the “Rock”

A unique self drive tour that allows you to explore the highlights of Newfoundland while staying in a selection of boutique type accommodations that are both charming and intimate. Newfoundland is one of the world’s most romantic destinations away from the crowds boasting spectacular scenery, culture and wildlife. An ideal choice for that ‘special’ trip, whether it is a honeymoon, wedding anniversary, birthday or other special occasion.

Included

• Document Pack Includes: Travel Wallet, Full Itinerary, Vouchers, Driving Directions, Maps & Supporting Literature
• 13 Nights Accommodation
• Midsize Car Rental for Duration (Unlimited kms, CDW Insurance, Airport Fees, One Additional Driver & taxes)
• $50 value per guest – Elements Spa Voucher
• St. John’s City Tour
• Bay Bulls Nature Cruise
• Ferryland Lighthouse Picnic
• Western Brook Pond Boat Cruise

Day 1 – St. John’s

Upon arrival in St. John’s pick up your rental car 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 from fine dining to traditional Newfoundland fayre. St. John’s has the highest concentration of pubs per capital on the continent and a visit to the infamous George Street is a must! Overnight St. John’s.

Day 2 – 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.   In the afternoon depart St. John’s along the Irish Loop to the scenic Avalon Peninsula, home to over 5500 woodland caribou. Continue on to Ferryland Head Lighthouse where you will enjoy a gourmet picnic. Continue on to Bay Bulls where you will enjoy 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. Return back to St. John’s. Overnight St. John’s.

Day 3 – St. John’s/Trinity

Depart St. John’s along the scenic Conception Bay coastal drive – on a clear day you will be able to see the still active Bell Island Lighthouse. Continue on to the charming town of Brigus – once the 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 north and then east to the Bonavista Peninsula and onto the cultural capital of Newfoundland – Trinity. Trinity is 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 4 – Trinity

Today 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. In the afternoon take time to visit Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, The Mattthew Interpretation Centre and the historic Ryan Premises before returning back to Trinity. Overnight Trinity.

Day 5 – Trinity/Notre Dame Bay

Depart Trinity and head west continuing on through Terra Nova National Park, a beautiful example of typical Newfoundland landscape, sheltered bays, rugged ocean coastline and rolling forested hills. Keep an eye out for ospreys, eagles, lynx and moose. Continue on to Notre Dame Bay. Take time this afternoon to visit the quaint fishing village of Twillingate and the 1876 still active Long Point Lighthouse. Overnight Notre Dame Bay.

Day 6 – Notre Dame Bay/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 as well as the community of Trout River, while here why not 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.  (Hikers trail guide available at Discovery & Visitor Centre’s).  Overnight Gros Morne National Park.

Day 7 – 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. Overnight Gros Morne National Park.

Day 8 – Gros Morne National Park/Quirpon Island

Depart Gros Morne National Park and drive north continuing along the Viking trail up to Quirpon Island dock are (pronounced Carpoon). You will be met on arrival and transferred by small power boat over to Quirpon Island. A unique remote island experience awaits you! You will stay in a recently refurbished original light-keeper’s residence which is located on Quirpon Island in Cape Bauld on the northernmost tip of the Great Northern Peninsula. This is a truly unique once in a lifetime experience not to be missed! Overnight Quirpon Island. * (All meals included).

Day 9 – Quirpon Island

Relax and enjoy your Quirpon Island experience – whale watch from the helipad, or the enclosed glass observation house or roam the rugged landscape. In season Quirpon Island is one of Newfoundland’s best locations for iceberg viewing as they drift the Labrador Current on their journey south. The northern tip of the island is strategically located at the mouth of the Strait of Belle Isle – a conveyor belt of food source – the island offers excellent whale viewing. Expect to see Minke and Humpback whales in season and also other species including the Orca and Right whale. Overnight Quirpon Island *.  (All meals included).

Day 10 – Quirpon Island/Main Brook

Depart Quirpon Island mid morning for your boat transfer over to Quirpon dock. Depart Quirpon and 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 Main Brook.

Day 11 – Main Brook

Use Main Brook as your base for exploring the region. Take time 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. Or perhaps enjoy a nature cruise from St. Anthony exploring the waters that Vikings sailed over 1000 years ago. Also in the area 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. Return back to Main Brook. Overnight Main Brook.

Day 12 – Main Brook/Humber Valley

Today take a leisurely drive back down the Viking Trail and visit Port au Choix National Histotic Site and view artifacts of the Maritime Archaic people who occupied the area over 3700 years ago. Continue on to the scenic Humber Valley Resort – a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.  A whole host of activities are available 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.

Day 13 – 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 14 – Humber Valley/Deer Lake

Depart Humber Valley and drive the short distance to Deer Lake airport where you will drop off your rental car ready for your onward journey.

Not included:

• Flights (Price available on request)
• Travel Insurance (Price available on request)
• Meals (unless stated)
• National Park Entrance Fees
• Car Rental Extras (Gas, PAC Top up Insurance, GPS, One Way Drop Fee – if applicable and taxes on extras)
• Car parking fees
• Gratuities
• Harmonized Sales Tax at 13%
• Any additional items not stated

Note: Quirpon Island Lighthouse Inn – A hike from Quirpon Island dock to the inn may be required, dependent on weather conditions. All meals & boat transfer included at Quirpon Island.

Single, Triple, Quad & Child rates available on request.

Quotation subject to availability of accommodations at time of reservation

Packages

Tools