NATURAL NEWFOUNDLAND AND LEGENDARY
LABRADOR ITINERARY:
Day 1 — Depart for St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
Your tour begins in St. John's, one of the oldest port
communities in North America.
Day 2 — St. John's
A morning sightseeing tour of St. John's offers views of the
city and its harbor from Signal Hill, and takes you by sites
that illustrate its historic settlement. Travel to Cape Spear,
home to a lighthouse on "the most easterly point in North
America." Later, enjoy a nature cruise to Witless Bay
Ecological Reserve, the largest Atlantic Puffin sanctuary in
North America. Thousands of humpback and minke whales also make
this their home. Tonight, savor your first Newfoundland dinner
complete with local music. (B,D)
Day 3 — Terra Nova National Park, Grand Falls, and Windsor
Today travel to Terra Nova National Park, a National
Historic site, created to protect 250 square miles of boreal
forest, coastline, and Newfoundland's natural habitat. While in
the park, enjoy a visit to the Marine Atlantic Centre where you
can view the park's marine life. Continue your journey along the
Trans-Canada Highway to Grand Falls and Windsor. This afternoon
visit the Salmonid Interpretive Center and learn about the life
cycle of the Atlantic salmon. Later, make your way to the Mary
March Provincial Museum and learn about the Boethuck heritage
and that of other early settlers. Learn firsthand about
Newfoundland's rich logging tradition as you stroll through
various log homes at a local loggers camp. (B,D)
Day 4 — Grand Falls and Gros Morne
Travel west on the Trans Canada Highway to Shallow Bay, set
in the heart of Gros Morne National Park, where many natural
wonders await you. (B,D)
Day 5 — Gros Morne National Park
Meet a Park Ranger at Gros Morne National Park and learn
about the park's inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Travel deep into the park and explore hidden fjords, stark
mountains, and dense forests of Atlantic Canada's largest park.
Later, enjoy a short cruise to see the fjords from a new
perspective and watch for whales and eagles while listening to
traditional Newfoundland music. Continue your drive through Gros
Morne National Park to visit Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse. (B)
Day 6 — Gros Morne and Plum Point
Travel along the Viking Trail to visit the point where Leif
Erickson landed in 1000 AD at L'Anse aux Meadows. Experience
firsthand their unique solutions to living under extreme weather
conditions. Also learn about the historic and lengthy search for
this site and how researchers followed Icelandic sagas to the
northern coast of Newfoundland to finally find a Viking
settlement. Later, enjoy a visit to a local Eco-museum. Learn
about the famous local berries and the traditional methods of
making them into jams, sauces, and vinegars. (B,D)
Day 7 — L'anse-au-Clair and Labrador
A morning ferry ride across the Straits of Belle Isle takes
you to the mainland of southern Labrador. Enjoy a picturesque
ride past colorful fishing villages while learning the history
and importance of whaling to this region. The Vikings were the
first Europeans to land in North America, but a few centuries
later the Basques arrived here for the whaling opportunities.
Their Labrador port, now the community of Red Bay, is home to an
interpretation center where you can explore this corner of the
16th century Basques world. With a population of just under 300,
Red Bay offers visitors a unique glimpse into a bygone era.
Tonight, enjoy a dinner of local cuisine where you have the
opportunity to sample a local delicacy—caribou. (B,D)
Day 8 — Corner Brook, Newfoundland
Take the ferry back to Newfoundland this morning and embark
on a drive along the scenic Viking Trail. Later you'll follow
the route that James Cook took in 1770 when he created the
"General Chart of the Island." Visit a local mineral and stone
specialist, who discusses Labradorite and the mining, cutting,
and other steps which produce this impressive stone. This
evening, the "Sharecroppers," a well-known trio from the Corner
Brook area, will delight you with traditional songs. (B,D)
Day 9 — Corner Brook and Gander
Travel to beautiful Lark Harbor to take in the beauty of
Bottle Cove and visit the bustling fishing station at Little
Port. From there travel through central Newfoundland to the
Exploits Valley. This evening, enjoy a traditional Newfoundland
meal—a Jigg's dinner and another Newfoundland tradition, a
Screech In! (B,D)
Day 10 — Gander and Twillingate
This morning visit the North Atlantic Aviation Museum of
Gander where you learn about Gander's unique location and the
role it plays in the history of world aviation. Later, visit
nearby Twillingate, a quaint town with a famous lighthouse that
overlooks picturesque Notre Dame Bay. Enjoy a visit to a local
winery to learn about making wines out of local fruits and
berries. (B)
Day 11 — Gander and St. John's
Local citizens of Gander join you at breakfast so you can
learn firsthand about living on "The Rock." Returning to St.
John's, enjoy a visit to the Johnson Geo Centre where a museum
staff member guides you through this unique museum. You will
also enjoy a special lecture of how Newfoundland became "The
Rock." Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner. (B,D)
Day 12 — St. John's and Tour Concludes
Depart St. John's for the U.S.
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