Legends & Lighthouses – Canada Holiday

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 Cape 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 RMS Titanic
Drive along the Viking Trail, stopping to visit L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
Best time to travel May - September

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
Car Hire
GPS Device
International Flights

13 nights from £3,499 per person

Sophie

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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.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive St John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador

Arrive at 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. Staying at: 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. Staying at: Leaside Manor

Day 3 Avalon Peninsula

Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland & Labrador

Spend the day exploring the stunning coastline and the little villages of the Avalon Peninsula. Start your day driving to Bay Bulls for a boat excursion to see whales and the Atlantic Puffin - if you are lucky you may even spot an iceberg (May/June only). From Bay Bulls follow the Irish Loop to Ferryland, the home of the original Colony of Avalon founded by George Calvert, later Lord Baltimore, in 1621. The site of the Ferryland settlement is now being excavated, and archaeologists have uncovered over a million artifacts from the stone constructed buildings including gold rings, Portuguese ceramics, and other unusual objects. Staying at: Leaside Manor

Day 4 St. John's to Trinity (167miles)

Trinity

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.

Staying at

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.

Staying at

Day 6 Bonavista Peninsula

Now that you have a sense of the area, venture to Port Rexton today and hike the Skerwink Trail. This very walkable trail will take you along the rugged coastline for a spectacular view of the surrounding villages set against the ocean. In the afternoon, head north to the town of Bonavista, where you can visit the Ryan Premises National Historic Site, a 19th century replica fish processing factory. In this small village you will also find the red and white striped Bonavista Lighthouse, and the Matthew Legacy, a replica of John Cabot’s ship which voyaged across the Atlantic to discover land in 1497.

Staying at

Day 7 Trinity to Twillingate (192 miles)

Twillingate

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.

Staying at

Deluxe Queen Room at at Harbour Lights Inn, Canada

Twin Room at at Harbour Lights Inn, Canada

Deluxe King Room at at Harbour Lights Inn, Canada

Day 8 Twillingate to Gros Morne National Park (263 miles)

Gros Morne National Park

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.

Staying at

Interior of Neddies Harbour Inn, Norris Point

Guest bedroom at Neddies Harbour Inn, Norris Point

Common room at Neddies Harbour Inn, Norris Point

Day 9 Western Brook Pond Cruise

The morning is free to explore the area with your rental car. Enjoy a boat tour of the freshwater fjord of Western Brook Pond. The landlocked fjord is a rare sight. Carved by glaciers, and home to plenty of waterfalls and wildlife, it’s worth the trip alone. The rest of the day is free to explore the sites of the Gros Morne National Park.

Staying at

Day 10 Gros Morne National Park

Enjoy a day exploring all of Gros Morne National Park on your own viewing glacial valleys, intriguing rock formations, magnificent sea arches and numerous types of wildlife. Don’t miss the internationally known Tablelands, a rare outcrop of the Earth’s mantle pushed skyward half a billion years ago.

Staying at

Day 11 Gros Morne National Park to St. Anthony (221 miles)

Saint Anthony, Newfoundland & Labrador

Heading toward St. Anthony, make a stop in Port Au Choix and Port Au Choix National Historic Site where three ancient cemeteries of the Maritime Archaic People were discovered. The Visitor Centre gives great background to this culture with exhibits and artifacts. Continue to St. Anthony, the ‘Iceberg Capital of the World’. Along the rugged ocean coastline you can witness the majestic wonder of whales and icebergs (note that the peak iceberg season is typically May/June and early July) Staying at: Grenfell Heritage Hotel

Day 12 St. Anthony - L’Anse aux Meadows

L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland & Labrador

Visit the L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site comprising the remains of the earliest European settlement in the Americas. The colony of Vinland was excavated in the 1960s and the artifacts are on display supported by a film. Walk to the original village and discover the full scale replicas of Norse buildings. Return to St. Anthony for the night. Staying at: Grenfell Heritage Hotel

Day 13 St. Anthony to Norris Point (221 miles)

Make your way back down the peninsula to Steady Brook. This picturesque community is surrounded by beautiful mountains with the Humber River flowing through its heart. This stunning area offers numerous activities and dining options and is a good base for exploring the Bay of Islands & Humber Valley. Staying at: Neddies Harbour Inn