Coast to Coast Newfoundland Adventure

This 7-day itinerary combines all the best of Newfoundland: spectacular nature, iconic wildlife and friendly local hospitality.

Day 1:

Begin your Newfoundland adventure in the world-renowned beauty of Gros Morne National Park. Spend the day touring the park’s south side. Start at the Discovery Centre for an interpretation of the natural and cultural history of the park. From the centre you are able to see the Tablelands, the remarkable stretch of geology that makes this park a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take some time to stroll along the base of these amazing mountains.

Afterwards, head for a meal overlooking Bonne Bay. Keep an eye on the ocean so you don’t miss whales that might be chasing the capelin into the bay, looking for their own seafood supper. Now it’s time to drive around beautiful Bonne Bay towards the park’s north side. Thousands of moose call the park home, so keep watch!

Overnight: The Oceanview Hotel, Rocky Harbour

Day 2:

Today you’ll continue your exploration of Gros Morne, visiting incredible places such as the Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse in Rocky Harbour; the Norris Point Look-Off where you’ll likely get to meet many of the marine species one on one; the northerly village of Cow Head and the wreck of the Ethie, a ship driven ashore more than a century ago.

Later in the afternoon, enjoy one of the icons of Gros Morne National Park. A 45-minute walk across a bog (known locally as a “mish”) takes you to the mouth of the Western Brook Pond Fjord. You have likely already seen moose but, if not, the walk gives you the chance to see caribou, moose and interesting bog plants including Newfoundland’s provincial flower that eats insects! The boat journey takes you into a deceptively innocuous notch in the granite cliffs that open into a landlocked fjord surrounded by 2000-foot cliffs. Penetrate miles into the mountains in this ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site’ with Hanging Valleys and waterfalls dropping from a height that makes you dizzy just to see them.

If you would prefer to skip the boat journey, you can instead choose to set sail on a catamaran tour of Bonne Bay. Whales are common, as are nesting hawks and eagles. Whatever you spot, be assured of a good time with an entertaining crew.

Overnight: The Oceanview Hotel, Rocky Harbour

Day 3:

Along your way east to Gander, you’ll detour to visit the interesting town of Lewisporte. Once the setting-off point for vessels supplying Labrador, it is now popular with smaller recreational sail and power boats, due to the sheltered areas along this coast.

Gander is an airbase built in the Second World War. It was the busiest airport in the world and the base from which thousands of aircraft were ferried to Europe to fight the war. As such, Gander offers a fascinating glimpse into the aeronautical heritage of Newfoundland.

The Air Museum tells the story but so does the airport. This has been identified as Canada’s best example of untouched Deco design, a reminder of the late 1950s and early 1960s airports. The Memorial to the 256 US service personnel killed in the Arrow Air crash of 1985 offers a sombre moment for reflection. Gander’s most recent moment in the international spotlight was as the emergency destination for thousands as the planes were routed there during 9/11. The stories and lasting friendships are a testament to how good can come from any situation.

Overnight: Quality Inn, Gander

Day 4:

After your time in Gander, press onward to Trinity to experience true Newfoundland culture and history professionally brought back to life in this restored outport. This is a wonderful area, and the town just one attraction – the scenery is spectacular, and the hospitality is great.

Your mission is to explore Cape Bonavista where John Cabot landed in 1497. Stop to visit such sites as the Ryan Premises National Historic Site. James Ryan Ltd. exported fish to Portugal, Spain, Italy and the West Indies. In the 19th century, most Newfoundland salt fish, including Ryan’s, was carried directly to market by a large fleet of schooners, which filled Bonavista’s small harbour. The Ryan Premises were a significant part of a regional enterprise and a significant presence in the lives of the people who not only lived in the region but also abroad.

Also, well worth the visit is the Bonavista Museum and the Mockbeggar Plantation Provincial Historic Site. The town of Elliston, located 5 km from Bonavista has many attractions including the beautiful beach at Sandy Cove, camping facilities at Elliston municipal park, puffin sites and many examples of traditional Newfoundland root cellars.

Overnight: Quality Inn, Clarenville

Day 5:

Today you will reach the provincial capital city of St. John’s! This lively port city has so much to offer. Start with a visit to Signal Hill overlooking the harbour entrance to St. John’s and the site where the first trans-Atlantic wireless message was received. Explore the Johnson Geo Centre, which will give you a great overview of the geology highlights of the entire province.

You may want to explore downtown St. John’s in the evening. The pedestrian-friendly waterfront offers a glimpse into the province’s shipping history — from the explorers in the 1400s to the Portuguese White Fleet and on to today with massive cruise ships tied side by side with the active fishing trawlers bringing in tonight’s meals for the local restaurants.

Overnight: Murray Premises, St. John’s

Day 6:

If you want to be among the first people in North America to see the sunrise today, you can wake up before dawn and head to Cape Spear. The Cape Spear National Historic Site is located on the easternmost point in North America and is, therefore, the place that welcomes the new day first. After the sun rises, explore the beautiful coastal area, including the historic lighthouse (the oldest in Newfoundland!) And the WWII gun battery.

Late in the day, explore south of St. John’s as you trace the eastern edge of the continent. A short drive south takes you to Bay Bulls, where a boat tour sets off to see a Puffin colony and whales.

Overnight: Murray Premises, St. John’s

Day 7:

On your last morning in Newfoundland, it is only fitting to visit stunning Quidi Vidi, a tiny fishing port embedded within the city of St. John’s. Here you’ll find a cool building offering a workspace to local artists, a microbrewery and lots of gorgeous scenery. This delightful neighbourhood is the perfect place to get some of those last photos of iconic fishing vessels and catch the light of the morning sun reflecting in the waters.