On the edge of North America, Newfoundland & Labrador is one of the best places to appreciate nature in all its glory. Never-ending coastlines, thick boreal forests, and ancient rock formations – the natural, wild beauty of this place surrounds you at every turn. Touring the living landscape is its own wonder – teeming with seabirds, moose, caribou, and rich marine life. Plus, let’s not forget incredible “Newfie” hospitality.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Halifax, Canada
Arrive in Halifax and check in to your accommodations which are ideally located in the downtown core of this vibrant and cosmopolitan urban centre on the Atlantic Ocean. Meet our Tour Director or Driver/Guide and fellow travelers this evening at a Meet & Greet.
Day 2 - Halifax - Port aux Basques
Travel via Truro and Antigonish to cross over the Canso Causeway to Cape Breton Island. At North Sydney, board the Marine Atlantic ferry for a relaxing overnight* crossing to Port aux Basques, your port of entry on the island of Newfoundland. (B,D)
*The Marine Atlantic ferry schedule changes from year to year. As such, a day crossing may be necessary and in that case you would overnight in Port aux Basques.
Day 3 - Port aux Basques - Port au Choix
Drive through the Codroy Valley and through Gros Morne National Park - to be enjoyed later on during your tour - to the fishing community of Port au Choix to learn of ancient cultures. The Port au Choix Peninsula juts slightly out into the Gulf of St. Lawrence on Newfoundland’s northwest coast and people have lived here for 5,500 years. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Port au Choix - L'Anse au Clair
Board the ferry from St. Barbe to cross the Strait of Belle Isle to Labrador. Continue to Red Bay National Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Basques had a whaling station in the 16th century. This mystical place takes the essence of Labrador coastal living and transposes it onto a tapestry of rich culture and history. Spend the night in Labrador. (B,D)
Day 5 - L'Anse au Clair - St. Anthony
Return to Newfoundland and travel to L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, the first cultural discovery in the world to receive recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hear of the Vikings who walked here over a thousand years ago before continuing on to your St. Anthony accommodations for the night.
Day 6 - St. Anthony - Cow Head
Enjoy a morning whale watching boat tour (weather permitting) in St. Anthony before traveling to Cow Head in Gros Morne National Park for a two-night stay. (B,D)
*June and early July are the best time to see Titanic-size icebergs!
Day 7 - Gros Morne National Park
Discover why Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is truly one of the highlights of your trip with a scenic boat tour on Bonne Bay; be on the look-out for the bald eagles that frequent the deep waters of the fjord. Also, visit the Tablelands; this mountain of flat-topped rock of a kind usually found only deep in the earth’s mantle is an awe-inspiring sight. Today will be an unforgettable experience; some say the scenery that Gros Morne offers is unequaled in Eastern Canada. (B,L,D)
Option: Passengers may request on booking to take a scenic boat tour on Western Brook Pond and visit the Broom Point Fishing Premises in lieu of the scenic boat tour on Bonne Bay and visit the Tablelands. While some may consider the boat tour on Western Brook Pond to be a superior outing, please note that there is a 45-minute walk (3 km/2 miles) from the parking lot to the dock and a 45-minute walk back. This option must be requested on booking.
Day 8 - Depart Deer Lake
Have your camera at the ready as your time in Gros Morne National Park draws to a close. Continue to Deer Lake to catch your flight. Atlantic Tours arrangements end on arrival at the Deer Lake Airport. (Breakfast)
Please note: Our tour arrives back in Deer Lake at approximately 12:30 pm and you should not book your flight out of Deer Lake any earlier than 1:30 PM.
