The Natural Wonders of Newfoundland and Labrador

You will fly to Saint John’s from Montreal. Pick up your rental car at the airport and drive downtown to your hotel. This maritime city is located at the eastern end of the island, in a superb setting mixing the old and the new. Its architectural heritage is a good example, between the streets lined with colourful wooden houses and the industrial port. The evening is free to explore the city by night, strolling down George Street where the main bars and restaurants are located.

Free day to discover the provincial capital. You will be surprised by this charming little town with its steep streets and San Francisco feel. Stroll through the picturesque centre on Water Street or Duckworth Street. Enjoy the stunning views as you climb Signal Hill and discover the island’s history and art by visiting the museums. Or visit the northern Avalon Peninsula and Cape St Francis Lighthouse at the far end of Route 20.

Today, we recommend a trip to Quidi Vidi, a charming little fishing port, located north of Signal Hill, 5 minutes from the centre of St-John’s. The village itself has a dozen small brightly painted houses, typical of the region, a small chapel and of course a fishing port!

On site, you could also visit the remains of the Quidi Vidi Battery located on a promontory. Not to mention a brewery where you can taste local beers!

Another original getaway is to Belle Island in Conception Bay. There are beautiful trails that lead to panoramic views of the bay and the high cliffs that are home to the island’s many birds.

Departure for the Bonavista Peninsula, which will immerse you in the history of the region with the arrival of John Cabot in 1947, just five years after the arrival of Christopher Columbus! We recommend a visit to the Bonavista Lighthouse and the Matthew, a replica of John Cabot’s ship.

You can also visit the Ryan Settlements. The guided tour (in English) offers a lot of interesting information about cod and the fishing boats used. In the village of Trinity, you can take a short walk on Gun Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the town.

Today, drive to Terra Nova National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador’s first park, located at the head of Bonavista Bay. The park offers a variety of landscapes: sheltered bays, rugged coastlines, fjords, high cliffs, hills covered with boreal forest, bogs, ponds and marshes.

To see the coastline, take the coastal path. For the best views in the region, take the Cape Malady Trail, which has interpretive panels at the top that tell you more about the ancient glaciers that formed this unique landscape.

Another day dedicated to the discovery of the Terra Nova National Park. Numerous hiking trails of various levels will allow you to explore this unique ecosystem. Take your binoculars to observe the local wildlife, you might even catch a glimpse of a moose! Or plan a boat or kayak trip in the park!

You could also enjoy the Eastport area, known for its beautiful white sandy beaches. In Sandy Cave, a small town with the longest sandy beach on the peninsula, you can hike the one-kilometre Sandy Cove Lookout Trail to a spectacular view of Terra Nova National Park. Enjoy a picnic or swim depending on the weather!

Twillingate and its islands are home to ancient fishing communities with a rich heritage. It is known as the iceberg capital of the world!

This is an opportunity to take a cruise from Twillingate for some great iceberg and whale watching. The cruise takes place in the famous “Iceberg Alley”, known to be one of the best places to see large numbers of these huge 10,000 year old icebergs!

You will drive to Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rugged beauty and diversity of landscapes and wildlife. A mountainous landscape of fjords, deep glacial lakes, coastal bogs and sea-sculpted cliffs awaits you in this park, as well as an abundance of wildlife, including moose, caribou and Arctic hare.

A boat trip into the majestic Western Brook Pond is scheduled for this morning. You will then take the road to Anse aux Meadows. You will reach this northern peninsula by following the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. You will notice a vegetation that is very particular to Newfoundland and Labrador: the Tuckamore. A rich Viking history will fill your mind. Depending on the time of year, it is possible to see icebergs.

Today you will visit an extraordinary site. A thousand years ago, the Vikings came to Anse aux Meadows on the northern peninsula of the island. Visit the superb reconstruction of the village of the first immigrants to North America. A boat trip for iceberg or whale watching (depending on the season) is included.

You continue south to Gros Morne National Park. On the way, you will stop at Port au Choix, where Amerindians settled 4200 years ago. You can visit the Paleo Eskimo Museum.

A day of exploring the park with its towering mountains, glacial valleys, fjord arms and sandy beaches. You can enjoy the hiking trails. Alternatively, a kayak or boat trip along the coastline from Rocky Harbour to Cow Head or to Bonne Bay is an option. Take in the scenery from the sea along the steep cliffs, vast forests or deserted Tablelands.

The main hike in the park is to Gros Morne Mountain. You can climb the second highest peak in Newfoundland and Labrador (806 metres) with its tundra-like arctic flora and a great view from the top!

Another great alternative is at the Discovery Center in Woody Point, the starting point for the Lookout Trail, which takes you to the top of Partridgeberry Hill and offers one of the best views in the park with a magnificent view of the park and Bonne Bay!

Drive to Deer Lake, in the Humber Valley, at the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and the Great Northern Peninsula. The town is surrounded by lakes, rivers, forests and mountains that offer many outdoor activities.

There are also opportunities to explore Lark Harbour and the surrounding area. The provincial park near Lark Harbour is beautiful and the scenery is stunning.

After your tour of the area, you will go to the Deer Lake airport to pick up your rental car and fly back to Montreal.