Newfoundland & Labrador Explorer
SELF DRIVE TOURING
ST JOHN’S | TRINITY | TWILLINGATE | ROCKY HARBOUR | L’ANSE AU CLAIR | ST ANTHONY | COW HEAD | GANDER
Canada’s most eastern province celebrates European and First Nations histories amidst a diverse landscape of coastlines, mountains and ancient forests. This excellent introduction to Newfoundland and Labrador begins and ends on the island in the modern gateway city of St. John’s – a city in dynamic contrast to the colonial ports and fishing villages along the northern shores. Journeying along the coastlines of Labrador display some of the most rugged and raw meetings of ocean and shore in Canada, perfectly complemented by visits to the immaculate Great Northern Peninsula, Gros Morne National Park and the incredible experience of seeing icebergs and whales up close. This itinerary is ideal to be enjoyed either as a casual, stop-and-visit package or as a base to incorporate signature hikes and other outdoor adventures.
Product Ref: 519332
Click here to check out more holidays in Canada.
Your Itinerary
Day 1-2 : UK - St. John’s
Arrive at St. John’s International Airport and make your way to your centrally located hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy some of the local sights of Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest city. Overnight in St. John’s.
Hotel: AG Boutique Hotel, 2 nights
Day 3 : St. John’s
Collect you car and take the full day is to explore this city that blends a proud Canadian Maritimes heritage with the amenities of a modern city. Perhaps you made choose to visit Signal Hill National Historic Site at the entrance to the city’s deep natural harbour, featuring preserved battlements from the earliest colonial days of Canada. Overnight in St. John’s.
Day 4 : St. John’s – Trinity (184 miles)
Enjoy your Sea of Whales Whale Adventure 2 hour tour. Whale watching is one of the most exciting activities to experience! See fin, humpback, sperm, Minke, and pilot whales and, although rare, orcas too. You may also expect to see various species of dolphins and porpoises, eagles and offshore sea birds including puffins and northern gannets. With a maximum of 12 passengers on board the custom built Zodiac, you will enjoy a personal and awe inspiring experience that will live in your memory forever.
Day 5 : Twillingate
Local towns and villages offer a glimpse of the island’s past, such as the weather-beaten fishing houses of the small town site of New Bonaventure. The echoes of the 19th century still ring in the steeple of St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Trinity, just as the English Arts Harbour Centre celebrates crafts, traditional art and music of the island. Overnight in Trinity.
Hotel:The Hodge Premises, 2 nights
Day 6 : Twillingate
This 2 hour Twillingate Iceberg tour is aboard a custom built 40-foot open top zodiac boat will get you close to icebergs, whales and wildlife! The best time for iceberg watching is late spring/early summer.
This very stable boat has bench seating for comfort and can cover long distances in a short period of time - an experience of it's own. Full protective wet water gear is provided.
Day 7 : Twillingate – Rocky Harbour (265 miles)
Crossing the top of the island, the road travels through small communities that live in close connection with the bountiful natural resources of the province. Perhaps plan to stop in the village of South Brook, its multicoloured houses adorning the steep hillsides. Pass through the gates of Gros Morne National Park to reach the coast and your overnight destination. Overnight in Rocky Harbour.
Hotel:Ocean View Hotel, 1 night
Day 8-9 : St.Barbe - L'Anse Au Clair
Today take a short ferry over to L'Anse Au Clair for a two night stay.
Hotel: Northern Light Inn, 2 nights
Day 10-11 : Blanc Sablon - St Anthony
A short ferry ride across to the island begins the day before crossing the tip of the island en route to St. Anthony. An early arrival gives you a chance to explore the local amenities of this small village at the northern edge of Newfoundland. Overnight in St. Anthony.
Hotel: Grenfell Heritage Hotel & Suites, 2 nights
Day 12 : Cow Head
A return trip along the southern shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence gives you a second chance to visit the small coastal villages that populate the route. In Cow Head, take some time and lounge on Shallow Bay Beach – the white sands and clear waters inviting all visitors to spend some time under the sun. Overnight in Cow Head.
Hotel: Shallow Bay Motel, 1 night
Day 13-14 : Gander
A return trip across the heart of the island to the riverside small city of Gander where you will drop off your car – a community celebrating its rich aviation history and ideal, central location in the province. The airport museum displays the town’s relation both to the earliest days of Canadian aviation, and later its importance as a flight staging area during World War 2. Overnight in Gander.
Hotel: Sinbad's Hotel and Suites, 1 night
Day 15 : St Johns - UK
Today your tour comes to an end as you prepare for your flight home.