Newfoundland Adventure: From Deer Lake to St. John's

Begin your adventure today. There are no planned activities so feel free to explore or rest up for the excitement ahead.

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. This will take place at 10AM at the start hotel in Deer Lake. The group will depart for Gros Morne National Park right afterwards.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Start the CEO-led hike from the trailhead near Woody Point. Follow an old roadbed as it weaves along the base of the mountain. Search for plants, unusual rocks, and panoramic views. Finish the trail in the glacially carved Winter House Brook Canyon. The total distance is about 4km roundtrip, there will be about 88m of elevation gain and it will take 1-2 hours.

Enjoy time to explore the quaint fishing village of Woody Point on your own. Then, take in the views of the Tablelands, Gros Morne Mountains, and small communities dotting the shoreline on a 15-minute boat shuttle ride across the beautiful Bonne Bay. This route saves an hour drive and offers unforgettable scenic views the whole way.

Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts diverse landscapes from fjords and mountains to forests and coastlines. The area also offers a unique and visible example of continental drift and plate tectonics. Begin the visit today with the Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse. Walk along the trail with views of the water and visit the exhibit.

Set off on a boat tour on Western Brook Pond, a landlocked fjord with waterfalls, billion year old cliffs, and plenty of chances to see wildlife. Throughout the two hour boat tour, the group will learn more about the geological and historical features of this gorgeous place. You will walk from the parking lot to the dock which is about 3km and takes 45 minutes along a gravel and fairly flat trail.

Spend free time strolling along the sidewalks of the Rocky Harbour waterfront. Opt to check out the Town Square, artisans' shops, restaurants, and cafes. Listen to the sounds of the ocean and take in a fiery summer sunset (weather permitting). Choose to find a cute local spot for dinner and simply enjoy being outside. Rocky Harbour is a charming fishing village and a gateway to the stunning Gros Morne National Park, and is a great place for experiencing traditional Newfoundland culture.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

King's Point is special for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Known for the Alexander Murray Hiking Trail with 2,200 stairs and unforgettable views and the local art scene. During free time here choose to hike along the trail with your CEO and enjoy a packed lunch along the way. This will be 8km and 350m in elevation gain. Or choose to stay in town and visit a local restaurant for lunch. Then walk on your own to places like the King's Point Pottery Gallery or Heritage House.

Take advantage of a free morning to explore Twillingate on your own. Optional activities you can choose from are hiking, a whale watching cruise, or visiting shops, museums, and galleries downtown. Twillingate is known for its icebergs. Nestled on the rugged coast of Notre Dame Bay, Twillingate offers incredible views of these ancient ice giants as they journey south through Iceberg Alley. Whether you're interested in dramatic scenery, exciting wildlife, or local culture, Twillingate promises to be a noteworthy destination.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Trinity, Newfoundland is known for its well-preserved heritage architecture, vibrant arts scene, and for being one of the province's oldest settlements. It was once a major trading centre for salt fish and boasts a beautiful harbour. Find your way around town by the old-fashioned street signage in calligraphy, watch a blacksmith at work, or visit the Cooperage to learn about barrel making. Later in the evening, choose to join your CEO for a sunset walk on Gun Hill to see golden hour colours over Fisher Cove. The walk to get to the top takes between 20 and 30 minutes. Or you could choose to book a show at the Rising Tide Theatre. This local establishment located in the heart of Trinity has been producing culturally rich and locally rooted performances for over 40 years.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Enjoy a walk on a narrow, well worn path for about 5 minutes to reach the local puffin viewing site. This is one of the best accessible locations in North America to view this beautiful bird. Between May and September the colourful auks occupy a section of the land at the end of a rocky outcrop. Observe, take photos, and simply enjoy the wildlife.

Spend the afternoon on a hike with your CEO on one of the trails along the Bonavista Peninsula. Your CEO will choose the trail based on weather and overall group ability. Options could be the Cape Shore trail to the lighthouse (3.5km along the coastline), Murphy's Cove Loop (7.7km coastal loop through abandoned community), and Skerwind Trail (5.3km coastal loop with wildlife viewing opportunities).

There will be an hour of free time in Elliston. Choose a local spot for lunch on your own and opt to visit the John C. Crosbie Sealers Interpretation Centre featuring a captivating experience and opportunity to learn the historic and cultural context of sealing in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Spend a few hours this afternoon exploring the quaint town of Brigus. The well-kept, old-style architecture, stone walls, lush green gardens, and winding narrow lanes are reflective of the English, Irish, and Welsh heritage evident here. The group will walk through the charming town, visit an old tunnel in the rocky cliffs by the harbour, learn about the maritime history here, and enjoy free time for lunch. There will also be time for an optional visit to the Hawthorne Cottage National Historic Site, or to walk part of the Lighthouse trail if you choose. Brigus is famous for its annual blueberry festival and so trying one of the blueberry pastries (like cobbler, crisp, or pie) is a must.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Enjoy a visit and walk around Signal Hill in St. John's. This national historic site is famous for its role in military history and communication breakthroughs (the first wireless transatlantic signal was received here in 1901). Walk around the area and take in the beautiful views of the city and Atlantic Ocean. Check out the iconic Cabot Tower and savour the rugged coastline. There may be time for a quick stop at the visitor centre.

As the capital of the Newfoundland and Labrador province, St. John's is one of the oldest and most easterly towns in North America. Become acquainted with the blend of English and Irish cultures here, and the Victorian architecture evident throughout the downtown. Get a taste of its steep hills, colourful row houses and long history.

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.