6 Night Self Drive Itinerary – Whales, Birds and Bergs

The only accessible place in North America to view Whales and Icebergs together – A truly magical once in a lifetime experience not to be missed!

Included

• Document Pack Includes: Travel Wallet, Full Itinerary, Vouchers, Driving Directions, Maps & Supporting Literature
• 6 Nights Accommodation
• Midsize Car Rental for Duration (Unlimited kms, CDW Insurance, Airport Fees, One Additional Driver & taxes)
• St. John’s City Tour
• Bay Bulls Nature cruise
• Ferryland Lighthouse Picnic
• Trinity Bay Nature Cruise

Day 1 – St. John’s

Arrive St. John’s and 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 cuisine. 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.  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.  Maybe take one of the Harbour tours available at the St. John’s Waterfront. Overnight St. John’s.

Day 3 – St. John’s/Witless Bay

Depart St. John’s along the Irish Loop to the scenic Avalon Peninsula, home to over 5500 woodland caribou. Continue on to Bay Bulls and 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. Continue along the south shore to Ferryland where you will enjoy a gourmet picnic overlooking Ferryland Head Lighthouse. If time permits visit the fascinating Colony of Avalon Archeological site before driving on to Witless Bay. Overnight Witless Bay. .

Day 4 – Witless Bay/Dildo

Depart Witless Bay and drive to the western shore of the Avalon Peninsula to visit 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. Depart the Avalon Peninsula and head north to Conception Bay on the Baccalieu Trail to the community of Dildo. Dildo is renown for it’s hilarious name and many tourists stop by the community sign for a photo opportunity! Overnight Dildo.

Day 5 – Dildo/Trinity

This morning some further exploring of Dildo. Suggestions include visiting the interpretation centre, aquarium touch tank and 1933 replica of a giant squid as well as site of the 1800′s cod fish hatchery. In the afternoon continue north through the Bonavista Peninsula on to the cultural capital of Newfoundland, Trinity. Trinity is renown for its unique historical architecture including the Ryan Store, Hiscock House and the Blacksmith Museum. Overnight Trinity.

Day 6 – Trinity

This morning enjoy a nature cruise of Trinity Bay. The Bonavista Bay is an area of extreme natural beauty and is also 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, which 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 Matthew Interpretation Centre to name a few! Overnight Trinity.

Day 7 – Trinity/Brigus/St. John’s

Depart Trinity and head to the charming village of Brigus – once the residence of the world famous northern explorer Captain Bob Bartlett. While in Brigus visit Hawthorne Cottage, Ye Olde Stone Barn Museum and the Tunnel. Other scenic fishing communities dotted along this route include: Cupids, Harbour Grace, Heart’s Content, Heart’s Delight and Dildo! Follow the Marine Coastal Drive back to St. John’s, where you will drop off your rental car on arrival at the airport.
 

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

Please note the optimum time for viewing Icebergs is mid May to mid July.

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

Quotation subject to availability of accommodations at time of reservation

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