Newfoundland & Labrador Discovery
The Ports & Trails of Newfoundland & Labrador
Beginning in Nova Scotia’s capital Halifax this self-drive itinerary will take you to the dramatic landscapes and magnificent coastlines of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada’s eastern most province. Discover deep fjords, majestic icebergs, an abundance of wildlife and breathtaking national parks.
2 nights Halifax • 1 night Port aux Basques • 1 night Cow Head • 2 nights St. Anthony • 2 nights L'Anse-au-Clair • 1 night Rocky Harbour • 2 nights Gander • 2 nights St John's • 1 night ferry crossing (Argentia - North Sydney)
Day 1: Halifax
Upon arrival collect your hire car and transfer your downtown hotel. Once you are checked-in the remainder of the day is at leisure for exploring. Spend two nights in Halifax.
Day 2: Halifax
A fascinating Halifax sightseeing tour will take you through the historic streets of this intriguing coastal city. Highlights include St Paul’s Church, the Historic Properties district and the Titanic Burial Site. The tour will visit the Halifax Citadel National Historic Park and Victorian Public Gardens.
Day 3: Port aux Basques
Drive the length of Nova Scotia through the lush Bras d’Ors basin to North Sydney where you’ll board the ferry for your crossing to Channel-Port-aux-Basques, gateway to Newfoundland. As you cross the Cabot Strait, keep a close watch for whales and dolphins as well as many varieties of seabirds and birds of prey. Overnight in Port aux Basques.
Day 4: Cow Head
Head up the western coast of Newfoundland passing tiny communities along the way. A stop in the village of St. George’s will reveal its colonial heritage as a French fishing port in the 17th century and its association with the old Newfoundland Railway. Barachois Pond Provincial Park near Stephenville is perfect hiking country - self-guided trails reward you with panoramic views of St George’s Bay, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Your journey continues to the peaceful waterside village of Cow Head where you will spend the night.
Day 5: St. Anthony
Today’s scenic drive north along the coast of the Gulf of St. Lawrence will take you to Port au Choix where there is an archaeological site and exhibit centre dedicated to the Dorset Eskimo people who once lived on this coast. Continue driving the ‘Viking Trail’ and make your way around the ‘horn’ of Newfoundland towards the village of St. Anthony. Spend two nights in St. Anthony.
Day 6: St. Anthony
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the area around the Northern Peninsula. The coastal waters off St. Anthony are well known for its icebergs, whales, dolphins and seabirds - a boat excursion in the company of an experienced local naturalist is included. This northern corridor of Iceberg Alley consistently has more icebergs than any other location in Newfoundland. A trip to L’anse Aux Meadows Historic Site, the only known Viking settlement in North America and UNESCO World Heritage Site is most worthwhile
Day 7: L’anse-au-Clair
As you travel across Newfoundland’s Highlands you will experience some of the most pristine and untouched wilderness in Canada. With more moose and bears per square kilometre than anywhere in the nation, there could be opportunities for casual wildlife viewing. Cross the Strait of Belle Isle by ferry to Blanc Sablon, Québec on the Labrador border. It is only a short drive to your hotel in L’Anse-au-Clair.
Day 8: L’Anse-au-Clair
An 80km paved road takes you along Labrador’s southern coast. One of Canada’s most impressive lighthouses is located in L’Anse Amour, as well as the earliest known funeral monument in North America, which is said to be some 9,000 years old. Continue to Red Bay, the site of the remains of a Basque whaling station from the 1500’s before returning to your hotel in L’Anse-au-Clair.
Day 9: Rocky Harbour
Today you cross back to the shores of Newfoundland and journey down the coast to Gros Morne, one of Canada’s most beautiful National Parks. Long fjords, rugged rocky coastlines and windswept mountains create fabulous scenery. Enjoy a two-hour boat cruise of Western Brook Pond fjord before driving to the pretty town of Rocky Harbour.
Day 10: Gander
Drive east to Gander, a town that played a critical role in during World War II as the main staging area for fighter and bomber squadrons and then became a hub for the developing aviation industry that followed in the post-war years. The North Atlantic Aviation Museum features displays, artefacts and presentations that celebrate the long relationship the city has with the dream of flight. Overnight in Gander.
Day 11: Gander
Take a day to explore Newfoundland’s dramatic northern coast and the small fishing villages and communities of both European and First Nations descent. Explore the Kittiwake Coast, where dense forests give way to fabulous seascapes of inlets, coves and islands. Plan for a stop at the "Roads to the Isles", an excellent vantage point for observing towering icebergs as they slowly drift past for southern waters.
Day 12: St. John’s
Today’s scenic drive will take you to the provincial capital of St John’s, a historic and vibrant city which has many attractions and a wide selection of restaurants ranging from fine dining to traditional Newfoundland fayre, it also has the highest concentration of pubs per capita on the continent - a visit to the famous George Street is a must!
Day 13: St. John’s
A day to explore the delightful city of St John’s and the surrounding area. Wander through the steep narrow streets of the old city and climb the rock slope of Signal Hill for an unforgettable view and visit Cape Spear, the most easterly point of land in North America.
Day 14: Argentia - North Sydney
After enjoying a final morning in St. John’s travel across the heartland of Newfoundland to the west coast of the island and arrive in the small village of Argentia where you’ll board the ferry for your overnight journey to North Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Day 15: Halifax
Disembark in North Sydney in the morning. Drive back to the airport at Halifax, drop off your car and check in for your return flight.
Prices from
2012 prices from: £2,995 - £3,295 per person.
Self-drives commence in Halifax, Nova Scotia
08, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24 & 29 June 2012
01, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 & 29 July 2012
03, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 & 31 August 2012
Includes: 14 nights room only accommodation in standard category hotels, sightseeing tours & excursions as detailed in itinerary above, Viking Trail Pass, ferry crossings, car-hire (midsize) with a personalised self-drive information pack and international flights.
Terms & Conditions: Prices are based on low & high season and two people sharing a twin/double room. For a tailored up-to-the-minute quotation, call one of our Canada specialists today.
To book, call 0845 643 6548
To book this travel offer, call one of our tailor-made travel experts now, quoting reference WEX102539.
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