Circumnavigation of Newfoundland - Vikings, Fjords and Whales

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Day 1: St. John's, NL

Welcome to St. John’s - Newfoundland’s historic, vibrant capital. Picturesque and welcoming, with a world-famous harbor, St. John’s has been continually fished since 1498, allowing it to boast the designation of North America’s oldest European settlement.

We will offer an optional afternoon city tour to those interested. Afterwards, we will rendezvous at the docks and board the Ocean Endeavour to begin the adventure proper. Passengers will meet the staff and crew, and prepare to leave the harbor. Sailing out of St. John’s has to be experienced to be believed! Signal Hill keeps watch over the world-famous Narrows as we head for open water.

Days 2 - 4: Northeast Coast

Look forward to a characteristically warm Newfoundland welcome upon your arrival in the picturesque villages and unique communities that dot the rocky shores of the northeast coast of Newfoundland.

Have your camera at the ready—photographers will have their work cut out for them capturing all the special charm of classic island communities and rambling coastlines.

Day 5: L'Anse Aux Meadows

Wander through the reconstructed Viking habitation at L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only authenticated Norse settlement in North America.

Learn more about the archaeological remains that date to approximately 1000 CE, and how—amazingly—the site was first found here in 1960 by a close reading of the Viking sagas.

Be sure to visit the superb interpretation centre and meet the actors in period costumes as you make your way through the reconstructed Norse-style sod buildings. This is a must-see for any visitor to Newfoundland and Labrador!

Day 6: Red Bay

Make a stop in Labrador at the Red Bay Basque Whaling Station, which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013.

Learn firsthand about how Basque whalers operated out of the harbour in the 1500s, creating what was to be North America’s first export industry.

Browse through the excellent interpretation centre to see the tools, personal items, and navigational instruments recovered from the wreck of the whaling ship San Juan, which was lost in a storm in 1565 and found centuries later submerged in the harbour.

Visit nearby Saddle Island to delve even deeper into the history of the whaling industry.

Day 7: Woody Point / Gros Morne National Park

Stretch your legs with a walk or hike at Gros Morne National Park.

Soak in the extraordinary views of beautiful Bonne Bay and be sure to take time to explore the park’s excellent interpretation centre and the town of Woody Point.

Witness for yourself the spectacular Tablelands, a six-hundred-metre plateau that forms one of the world’s best examples of exposed mantle.

Normally found below the Earth’s crust, the mineral-rich rocks support very little life, making the Tablelands an eerie landscape.

Days 8 - 9: South Coast

Journey through the beautiful and windswept coast of southern Newfoundland, dotted with bays, coves, and a few remaining remote outport communities.

Admire outstanding geology and gorgeous botanical life.

Spot plentiful birds, whales, and other wildlife as we make the most of every opportunity for Zodiac and land excursions.

A visit here will be a highlight of your trip!

Day 10: Miawpukek (Conne River)

Receive a formal welcome from local leaders of the First Nations community of Miawpukek.

Learn more about the history of the community, formerly called Conne River, which became a permanent settlement sometime around 1822. Before then, it was one of many semi-permanent camping sites used by Mi'kmaw people, who traditionally travelled nomadically throughout the east coast of Canada.

Have a chance to explore this special community, which was established as a reserve in 1987 and has successfully bridged traditional knowledge and contemporary practices.

Day 11: Saint-Pierre, FR

Indulge in the colourful town of Saint-Pierre, a charming finale to your trip. Just off the shores of Newfoundland lie the islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon—an official territory of France.

Wind through charming streets lined with shops, houses, and cafés that bring a taste of Europe to the east coast of North America.

Day 12: St. John's, NL

Complete your journey by sailing back through the picturesque Narrows and into St. John’s harbour.

Say your farewells in this cultural hotspot and North America's oldest city.