Newfoundland Adventure: Eastbound - 8 Days

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 if you’d like to stretch your legs, there are plenty of hiking trails around the town. 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, head to Gros Morne National Park where you'll 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, too, like carnivorous sundews and the purple pitcher plant. Then drive to the historic Lobster Cove Lighthouse and enjoy the view of the rolling waves and rocky beaches far below. Arrive in Rocky Harbour in the afternoon, where you might like to join your group for dinner.

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. This glacier-carved, landlocked fjord is home to dramatic waterfalls that cascade from ponds atop the plateau, towering billion-year-old cliffs and abundant wildlife. This afternoon there is time to freshen up before the group comes together again for an optional dinner.

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, arrive and check into your hotel before a late-afternoon boat tour where you may 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 – known as ‘The Iceberg Capital of the World’.

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 of this postcard-perfect coastal village. Later, you might like to join your travel buddies for a dinner at a local restaurant.

This morning, it’s time to spot puffins at Elliston’s renowned viewing site – this is one of the closest land views of puffins in North America! See if you can also spot the Puffin King, a rock formation that looks like a puffin sitting on a throne. Have a picnic lunch before driving north to visit the historic Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, a particularly photogenic Newfoundland landmark. Climb the stairs to the top of the tower and see the seal oil-fuelled light that was used in the 1800s. Back in Trinity this afternoon, you might like to hike up Gun Hill for a bird’s-eye view of the town.

Enjoy the scenic drive today 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, tuck into 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!

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.