Legends & Lighthouses – Canada Holiday

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Itinerary Highlights

Discover Quidi Vidi, a scenic fishing village in St John's and the National Historic site of Cape Spear
Look out for woodland caribou while driving through the scenic Avalon Peninsula, whales and puffins at Witless Bay Ecological Reserve and gannets at ape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve Seabird Sanctuary
Visit historic lighthouses such Cape Race Lighthouse, where on April 14th, 1912 this station received distress calls from the HMS Titanic
Drive along the Viking Trail, stopping to visit Port au Choix National Historic Site, and stay at the original light keepers residence on the remote Quirpon Island

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
Car Hire
GPS Device
International Flights

16 nights from £3,075 per person

Best time to travel MAY - OCT

01244 435 806

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On this in-depth self-drive tour you’ll immerse yourself in Newfoundland life, and discover some of the natural beauty and historic lighthouses here which are symbolic of the area’s marine culture and the enduring spirit of the locals.

Travel along rugged coastlines where you will learn legends of daring rescues and fearsome storms; explore lush woodlands and keep an eye out for caribou and moose.

Cruise on waters that are home to humpback and minke whales, and marvel at cliff faces where you may spot resident puffins.

Visit sites of historic significance, such as Castle Hill National Historic Park where the British and French forces battled on Newfoundland’s shore in an attempt to win control of its lucrative fishery; and Cape Race Lighthouse, where in 1912 crew here received distress calls from the HMS Titanic.

Be wowed by spectacular scenery at Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an area of outstanding natural beauty. Hike for miles along marked walking trails or experience this stunning region from the water, cruising through the dramatic fjord at Western Brook Pond.

You will stay in quaint and homely bed & breakfasts, charming inns and comfortable heritage properties, all chosen for their unique style, exceptional hospitality and spectacular locations. The most unique of these will no doubt be Quirpon Lighthouse Inn, an original lighthouse keeper’s residence on the northern most tip of the remote Quirpon Island, where you can sit and look out hoping to see minke and humpback whales breaching.

Itinerary

Day 1 UK to St John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador

Take a short flight from the UK to St John’s, the oldest city in North America! The remainder of the day is free for you to wander around this historic and vibrant city and discover some traditional Newfoundland fare served in its numerous restaurants. In the evening, head to George Street, which is well-known for its pubs and bars. Accommodation: Leaside Manor

Day 2 St John’s

Discover some of the many highlights of St John’s on today’s city tour. You will visit the National Historic site of Cape Spear as well as Signal Hill. You will visit Quidi Vidi, a scenic fishing village set in a picturesque cove. Make sure to stop at Government House and the Roman Catholic Cathedral. There is time for you to explore more at your leisure; other notable attractions include Johnson’s GEO Centre and the Newman Wine Vaults. Accommodation: Leaside Manor

Day 3 St John’s to Avalon Peninsula (74 miles)

Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland & Labrador

Today you begin your self-drive adventure following the Irish Loop to the scenic Avalon Peninsula, home to over 5,500 woodland caribou. Stop at Bulls Bay for an optional whale watching and puffin cruise around Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Enjoy the Lighthouse Picnic with exquisite food at one of the most beautiful locations in the world – Ferryland Head. Other attractions on today’s drive include Cape Race Lighthouse, where on April 14th, 1912 this station received distress calls from the HMS Titanic. Accommodation: Claddagh Inn, St Mary’s

Day 4 Avalon Peninsula

Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland & Labrador

This morning you will take the scenic drive along the western shore of the Avalon Peninsula. Take time to visit the Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve Seabird Sanctuary – the Interpretive Centre overlooks Bird Rock, one of the largest nesting sites for gannets in North America. Continue along the Cape Shore Route to Castle Hill National Historic Park – a fort erected in the 17th century to protect the once French capital of Newfoundland. Accommodation: Rosedale Manor, Placentia

Day 5 Avalon Peninsula to Trinity (134 miles)

Depart Placentia and continue north through the scenic Bonavista Peninsula on to Trinity - the cultural architectural capital of Newfoundland. Trinity is renowned for its unique historical architecture including the Ryan Store, Hiscock House and the Blacksmith Museum. Trinity also hosts the New Founde Lande Trinity Pageant – a humorous look at Newfoundland & Labrador history. Accommodation: Fisher’s Loft Inn, Trinity

Day 6 Trinity

Today you will take a nature cruise of Trinity Bay in search of whales. The afternoon is at your leisure to discover more of this beautiful area. Visit the nearby Cape Random film set constructed in 2000; the site offers visitors the opportunity to step back in time and imagine life in a typical fishing community in the early 1800's. Other attractions include Cape Bonavista Lighthouse and the Mockbeggar Plantation. Accommodation: Fisher’s Loft Inn, Trinity

Day 7 Trinity to Twillingate (192 miles)

Take a leisurely drive to Terra Nova National Park, - a beautiful example of a typical Newfoundland landscape. The landscape of the park varies, from the rugged cliffs and sheltered inlets of the coastal region to the rolling forested hills, bogs and ponds of the inland. Keep an eye out for ospreys, eagle, lynx and moose. Continue to Central Newfoundland and explore the many coves, inlets and fishing villages dotted along the coastline. Accommodation: Iceberg Alley, Twillingate.

Day 8 Twillingate

Enjoy a full day to explore Twillingate at your leisure. Visit the working Long Point Lighthouse which has been in operation since 1876, and the Durrell Museum which houses community artefacts from the late 1800s alongside a polar bear exhibit. The Iceberg Interpretation Centre is housed in a 175-year-old rustic building; this is the starting point for cruises out to see icebergs floating by in May and June each year. Accommodation: Iceberg Alley, Twillingate.

Day 9 Twillingate to Gros Morne National Park (263 miles)

green gardens gros morne - courtesy of barrett mackay photo

Today drive through a vast expanse of lush forest and contrasting scenery on your way to Deer Lake in the west. Follow the Viking Trail to Gros Morne National Park - designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 for its impressive geological features. Visit the scenic communities of Woody Point and Trout River and view the magnificent 'Tablelands'. Gros Morne is a hiker's paradise, catering to all abilities, with over 19 hiking trails to choose from. Accommodation: Bonne Bay Inn, Gros Morne National Park.

Day 10 Gros Morne National Park to Quirpon Island (270 miles)

Quirpon Island, Newfoundland & Labrador

Drive along the Viking Trail, stopping to visit Port au Choix National Historic Site and view artefacts of the Maritime Archaic people who occupied the region over 3,700 years ago. At Quirpon Dock you will be transferred by small power boat over to Quirpon Island. You will stay in a refurbished original Light Keeper’s residence, in Cape Bauld on the northernmost tip of the Northern Peninsula. Accommodation: Quirpon Island (All meals included)

Day 11 Quirpon Island

Quirpon Island, Newfoundland & Labrador

Relax and enjoy your Quirpon Island experience. In season, Quirpon Island is one of Newfoundland’s best locations for iceberg viewing as the huge blocks of ice drift on the Labrador Current on their journey south. The island’s northern tip is located at the mouth of the Strait of Belle Isle - a conveyor belt of food sources for whales. In season, expect to see minke, humpback and a variety of other whale species, including the orca and right whale. Accommodation: Quirpon Lighthouse Inn, Quirpon Island. (All meals included).

Day 12 Quirpon Island to Gros Morne National Park (233 miles)

Depart Quirpon mid-morning and be transferred back over to Quirpon dock. Drive south, down the Great Northern Peninsula back to Gros Morne National Park. Highlights en route include visiting “The Arches”, Shallow Bay Beach and the shipwreck remains of the SS Ethie.

Staying at

Exterior of Neddies Harbour Inn, Norris Point

Interior of Neddies Harbour Inn, Norris Point

Guest bedroom at Neddies Harbour Inn, Norris Point

Common room at Neddies Harbour Inn, Norris Point

Day 13 Gros Morne National Park

Today explore the north side of the park. Highlights include the scenic community of Norris Point and Rocky Harbour, to visit Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse and Bonne Bay Marine Station. In the afternoon, take an optional cruise on the Western Brook Pond Fjord Boat Tour or take to the skies by helicopter, to see the spectacular Western Brook Gorge from the air.

Staying at

Day 14 Gros Morne National Park to Humber Valley Area (72 miles)

Humber Valley, Newfoundland & Labrador

Depart Gros Morne National Park and drive to the Humber Valley region. A whole host of activities are available nearby ranging from hiking, kayaking, zip-lining, caving and cycling. Why not enjoy a round of golf or two at the award winning 18-hole championship River Course at Humber Valley Resort, or perhaps opt for some pampering at the onsite Pevonia Spa. Accommodation: Marble Inn Resort, Steady Brook.

Day 15 Humber Valley Area

captain james cook national historic site in corner brook

Visit Newfoundland’s second city - Corner Brook, located on the south shore of the Humber Arm. Attractions worth a visit include the Newfie Bullet Historic Train and the Captain James Cook Monument. Follow the Captain Cook Trail along the spectacular South Shore of the Bay of Islands to the picturesque communities of Bottle Cove and Lark Harbour. Be sure to visit Steady Brook Falls, one of the Humber Valley's most scenic areas. Accommodation: Marble Inn Resort, Steady Brook.

Day 16 Humber Valley Area to Cape Anguille (130 miles)

Cape Anguille, Newfoundland & Labrador

Continue your journey west to Codroy Valley, stopping at Sandy Point Lighthouse en route. Continue through the stunning valley to Cape Anguille. Visit the recently restored Rose Blanche Point Lighthouse, a unique granite stone dwelling with a slate roof. Other lighthouses nearby include the Colombier Island Lighthouse, the Channel Head Lighthouse and Cape Ray Lighthouse. Accommodation: Cape Anguille Lighthouse Inn.

Day 17 Cape Anguille to UK