Lodges & Escapes of Newfoundland – 14 DAYS/ 13 NIGHTS SELF DRIVE DISCOVERY
Day 1 – St. John’s
Collect your rental car at St John’s Airport. Time to explore the oldest city in North America. This historical vibrant city has many attractions. St. John’s has the highest concentration of pubs per capital on the continent and a visit to the infamous George Street is a must! Overnight St. John’s.
Day 2 – St. John’s
This morning, enjoy a city tour of St. John’s – 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.
Later self drive 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. Return back to St. John’s. Overnight St. John’s.
Day 3 – St. John’s/Trinity
Depart St. John’s along the scenic Conception Bay coastal drive – on a clear day you will be able to see the still active Bell Island Lighthouse. Continue on to the charming town of Brigus – once the residence of the world famous northern explorer Captain Bob Bartlett. Visit Hawthorne Cottage, Ye Olde Stone Barn Museum and the Tunnel, whilst in Brigus. Continue north and then east to the Bonavista Peninsula and onto the cultural capital of Newfoundland – Trinity. Trinity is renowned for its unique historical architecture including the Ryan Store, Hiscock House and the Blacksmith Museum. Overnight Trinity.
Day 4 – Trinity
Today explore the region further. The Bonavista Bay is an area of extreme natural beauty and 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 – the site 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. In the afternoon take time to visit Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, The Interpretation Centre and the historic Ryan Premises before returning back to Trinity. Overnight Trinity.
Day 5 – Trinity/Twillingate
Depart Trinity and take a leisurely drive through Terra Nova National Park, a beautiful example of typical Newfoundland landscape, sheltered bays, rugged ocean coastline and rolling forested hills. Keep an eye out for ospreys, eagles, lynx and moose. Continue on to Central Newfoundland and explore the “Road to the Isles” or “Road to the Shore” routes to visit the many coves, inlets and fishing villages dotted along the coastline. Continue your drive to the fishing community of Twillingate; be sure to visit Long Point Lighthouse as well as the fascinating Prime Berth Twillingate Fishing Museum. Overnight Twillingate.
Day 6 – Twillingate
This morning you will take a Nature Tour and Cruise the scenic waters around Twillingate Island and in particular “Iceberg Alley” and Notre Dame Bay. Expect in season to see not only majestic icebergs but also whales such as humpback, minke and finback. You may also see Atlantic dolphins and seals as well as many native seas birds like terns, black guillemot, kittiwakes, seagulls, puffins, murres and shearwaters. Other Sightseeing suggestions include in the area include visiting the communities of Change Island & Fogo Island (both accessed by local ferry). Overnight Twillingate.
Day 7 – Twillingate/Gros Morne National Park
Today leave behind the Central Region of Newfoundland and head west through a vast expanse of lush forest and contrasting scenery towards Deer Lake, drive north along the Viking Trail (Route 430) to Gros Morne National Park – designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 for its impressive geological features, the 1805 sq kilometre park offers beauty and adventure that are unsurpassed by any in the world. Take time to fully explore the south side of this beautiful area of Newfoundland. Visit the impressive Discovery Centre and the scenic communities of Woody Point and Trout River, while here why not take a Zodiac boat tour to view the magnificent ‘Tablelands’ – The reason Gros Morne was given its UNESCO status. Gros Morne is a hiker’s paradise catering to all abilities, with over 19 hiking trails to choose from covering over 100 kms throughout the park. (Hikers trail guide available at Discovery & Visitor Centre’s). Overnight Gros Morne National Park.
Day 8 – Gros Morne National Park
Today explore the north side of the park. Highlights include the scenic community of Norris Point and Rocky Harbour – the service hub of the Gros Morne area. Take time to visit Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse and Bonne Bay Marine Station. In the afternoon, enjoy a spectacular Western Brook Pond Fjord Boat Tour – the only way, other than by helicopter to see the spectacular Western Brook Gorge. Enjoy a 45 minute boardwalk stroll to the dock before enjoying a leisurely cruise into the gorge – be at one with nature as you see the dramatic ravine-like sides of this inland fjord tower over 600 metres above you. Other suggestions in the area are to visit the shipwreck remains of the “SS Ethie, Shallow Bay Beach, and “the Arches”. This evening enjoy The Anchors Aweigh show in Rocky Harbour. Overnight Gros Morne National Park.
Day 9 – Gros Morne National Park/Quirpon Island
Depart Gros Morne National Park and drive north continuing along the Viking trail – you will notice the landscape changing as you pass through the communities of Daniels Harbour and Hawkes Bay. Be sure to visit Port au Choix – the National Historic Site and view artifacts of the maritime archaic people who occupied the area over 3700 years ago. Continue on to Quirpon Island dock are (pronounced Carpoon). You will be met on arrival and transferred by small power boat over to Quirpon Island. A unique remote island experience awaits you! You will stay in a recently refurbished original light-keeper’s residence which is located on Quirpon Island in Cape Bauld on the northernmost tip of the Great Northern Peninsula. This is a truly unique once in a lifetime experience not to be missed! Overnight Quirpon Island. * (All meals included).
Day 10 – Quirpon Island
Relax and enjoy your Quirpon Island experience – whale watch from the helipad, or the enclosed glass observation house or roam the rugged landscape. In season Quirpon Island is one of Newfoundland’s best locations for iceberg viewing as they drift the Labrador Current on their journey south. The northern tip of the island is strategically located at the mouth of the Strait of Belle Isle – a conveyor belt of food source – the island offers excellent whale viewing. Expect to see Minke and Humpback whales in season and also other species including the Orca and Right whale. Overnight Quirpon Island.
Day 11 – Quirpon Island/Main Brook
Depart Quirpon Island midmorning for your boat transfer over to Quirpon dock. Be sure to visit both L’Anse aux Meadows – the only authenticated Viking settlement site in North America and Norstead Viking Village – a fascinating re-enactment of how Vikings lived over 1000 years ago. Continue to St. Anthony and visit Grenfell Historic Properties and learn of the impact that Sir Wilfred Grenfell had on the social, medical and economic climate of the early 1900s during his worldwide mission. The historic properties tell the story of the evolution of northern Newfoundland and Labrador and the people of the region over the last 100 years. Depart St. Anthony and drive to Main Brook. On arrival relax and capture the extreme beauty and tranquility of your natural surroundings. Enjoy spectacular views from the Lodge which overlooks South West Pond. Why not take part in one of the many activities available onsite which included hiking, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Overnight Main Brook.
Day 12 – Main Brook/Humber Valley
Today take a leisurely drive back down the Viking Trail and on to the scenic Humber Valley – a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. A whole host of activities are available nearby ranging from hiking, kayaking, zip-lining, caving and cycling. This evening why not enjoy a round of golf or two at the award winning 18 hole championship River Course or perhaps some pampering at the onsite Pevonia Spa. Overnight Humber Valley.
Day 13 – Humber Valley
This morning why not explore the area further. Spend the day in Newfoundland’s second city located on the south shore of the Humber Arm. Places to visit within Corner Brook are the City Museum, the Newfie Bullet Historic Train and the Captain James Cook Monument. Further afield visit the spectacular Bay of Islands, sit of the former Frenchman’s Head Lighthouse and the picturesque communities of Bottle Cove and Lark Harbour. Overnight Humber Valley.
Day 14 – Humber Valley/Deer Lake
Depart Humber Valley and drive the short distance to Deer Lake airport where you will drop off your rental car ready for your onward journey.
Accommodation:
Superior: Leaside Manor Inn*, Fisher’s Loft Inn*, Applewood Inn*, Neddie’s Harbour Inn*, Grenfell Historic Heritage Inn*, Tuckamore Lodge*, Inn at Humber Valley* * Indicates breakfast included.
Accommodation is based on either a superior room or a superior rated property (run of the house room) including breakfast, Quindon Island includes all meals. Properties are subject to availability at all times and seasonal surcharges apply.
Includes :
13 Nights Accommodation based on superior grade | St. John’s City Tour | Bay Bulls Nature Cruise | Twillingate Nature Cruise | Western Brook Pond Cruise | St. Anthony Nature Cruise | Quirpon Island boat transfer| All Applicable Taxes | 14 day intermediate car hire includes GPS, unlimited klms, gst, ldw cdw.
Not included: All meals (unless stated above) | National Park Entrance Fees | Car Parking Fees | Gratuities | Any Additional Items Not Stated
