Lodges & Escapes (Option 1) 14 Night Self Drive Itinerary

Included

• Document Pack Includes: Travel Wallet, Full Itinerary, Vouchers, Driving Directions, Maps & Supporting Literature
• 14 Nights Accommodation
• Midsize Car Rental for Duration (unlimited Kms)
• St. John's City Tour
• Bay Bulls Nature Cruise
• Trinity Whale Watching Cruise
• Western Brook Pond Boat Cruise

Day 1 - St. John's

Arrive St. John's and pick up your rental car and explore the oldest city in North America. This historical, vibrant city has many attractions with the added bonus of a wide selection of restaurants from fine dining to traditional Newfoundland fayre. St. John's has the highest concentration of pubs per capita on the continent and a visit to the infamous George Street is a must! Overnight St. John's.

Day 2 - St. John's

This morning enjoy a City Tour of St. John's - highlights include Quidi Vidi Village, Government House and Signal Hill to name a few! Other sightseeing suggestions include visiting the new Johnson's GEO Centre, Botanical Gardens, Newman Wine Vaults or maybe taking a gentle stroll along sections of the Grand Concourse, which comprises of 40 km (25 miles) of spectacular trails and walkways within St. John's, taking in the sights of Signal Hill, Quidi Vidi Lake and Rennies River. The Dinner Theatre in St. John's comes highly recommended - experience an evening of hilarious wit, musical talent, character interaction and sumptuous food! Overnight St. John's.

Day 3 - St. John's

Depart St. John's along the Irish Loop to the scenic Avalon Peninsula, home to over 5500 woodland caribou. En route visit Cape Spear - the most easterly point in North America. Continue on to Bay Bulls where you will enjoy a cruise around the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, a protective sanctuary for kittiwakes, murres, puffins and other seabirds. The waters off Bay Bulls are home to the world's largest population of humpback whales. Continue along the south shore via Ferryland and visit the fascinating Colony of Avalon Archeological site. If time permits visit Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve Seabird Sanctuary. The Interpretive Centre overlooks Bird Rock - one of the largest nesting sites for gannets in North America. Overnight St. John's.

Day 4 - St. John's/Swift Current

Depart St. John's along the scenic Conception Bay coastal drive through Holyrood and on to the charming community of Brigus 'once the residence of the world famous northern explorer Captain Bob Bartlett. Whilst in Brigus visit Hawthorne Cottage, Ye Olde Stone Barn Museum and the Tunnel. Other scenic fishing communities dotted along this route include: Cupids, Harbour Grace, Heart's Content, Heart's Delight and Dildo! (To name a few). Continue north on the Trans Canada Highway to Goobies, then head for Swift Current, nestled in Pipers Hole River at the headwaters of the Placentia Bay. Overnight Swift Current.

Day 5 - Swift Current

Take a full day to explore this scenic area, enjoy a leisurely stroll - there is a trail system nearby that meanders along the shores of the Pipers Hole River. Specialised activities onsite or nearby include: hiking, fishing, golf and canoeing. Overnight Swift Current.

Day 6 - Swift Current/Trinity

Depart Swift Current and rejoin the Trans Canada Highway west towards the Bonavista Peninsula and onto the cultural capital of Newfoundland - Trinity. Trinity is renown for its unique historical architecture and places to visit include the Ryan Store, Hiscock House and the Blacksmith Museum. In the afternoon perhaps enjoy the famous New Founde Lande Trinity Pageant hosted by Rising Tide Theatre Company - a humorous look at Newfoundland & Labrador merchant history. Overnight Trinity.

Day 7 - Trinity

This morning enjoy a whale Watching cruise of Trinity Bay. In the afternoon visit the Bonavista Bay area further. The famous movie 'The Shipping News' and the widely acclaimed TV series 'Random Passage' were filmed here. Visit the nearby Cape Random film set, constructed in 2000, the site offers visitors the opportunity to step back in time and imagine the life of our forbearers in a typical fishing community in the early 1800's. If time permits continue on and drive the remainder of the Bonavista Peninsula and visit Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, historic Ryan Premises, Mockbeggar Plantation and the new Matthew Legacy. Overnight Trinity.

Day 8 - Trinity/Notre Dame Bay

Depart Trinity and take a leisurely drive through Terra Nova National Park, a beautiful example of typical Newfoundland landscape. If time permits also visit the spectacular 'Road to the Beaches' area. Places to visit include Salvage, voted one of Canada's top ten prettiest towns, Eastport or perhaps one of the many superb beaches in the area. Overnight Notre Dame Bay.

Day 9 - Notre Dame Bay

Take time today to explore this area - visit the fishing community of Twillingate and the 1876 still active Long Point Lighthouse. Other suggestions include driving the scenic 'Road to Shore' route or visiting the quaint communities of Change Islands & Fogo Island before driving back to Notre Dame Bay. Overnight Notre Dame Bay.

Day 10 - Notre Dame Bay/Gros Morne National Park

Today leave behind the Central region of Newfoundland and head west through a vast expanse of lush forest and contrasting scenery and onto Gros Morne National Park. Designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 for it's impressive geological features, the 1805 sq km park offers beauty and adventure that are unsurpassed by any in the world. Overnight Gros Morne National Park.

Day 11 - Gros Morne National Park

Take time to fully explore this outstanding area of Newfoundland. Visit the impressive Discovery Centre in Woody Point, perhaps take a boat cruise of Trout River Pond, an excellent way to see the spectacular Tablelands. Overnight Gros Morne National Park.

Day 12 - Gros Morne National Park

Time for some further exploring of this magnificent park. In the afternoon enjoy the spectacular Western Brook Pond Fjord Boat Tour - the only way, other than by helicopter to see the spectacular Western Brook Gorge. Enjoy a 45 minute boardwalk stroll to the dock before enjoying a leisurely cruise into the gorge - be at one with nature as you see the dramatic ravine-like sides of this inland fjord tower over 600 metres above you. Whilst in the area visit Shallow Bay beach, SS Ethie and the Arches. Overnight Gros Morne National Park.

Day 13 - Gros Morne National Park/Quirpon Island

Depart Gros Morne National Park and drive north continuing along the Viking trail. Enroute visit Port au Choix National Historic Site and view artifacts of the Maritime Archaic people who occupied the region over 3700 years ago. Continue up the Northern Peninsula and visit both L'Anse aux Meadows - the only authenticated Viking settlement site in North America and Norstead Viking Village - a fascinating re-enactment of how Vikings lived over 1000 years ago. Continue on to Quirpon dock. A unique remote Island experience awaits you! You will stay in a recently refurbished original Light keeper's residence, which is located on Quirpon Island in Cape Bauld on the northernmost tip of the Great Northern Peninsula. Overnight Quirpon Island. *see notes below relating to Quirpon.

Day 14 - Quirpon Island

Relax and enjoy your Quirpon Island experience - whale watch from the Helipad, or the enclosed glass observation house or roam the rugged landscape. In season Quirpon Island is one of Newfoundland's best locations (in season) for Iceberg viewing as they drift the Labrador Current on their journey south. The island also offers excellent whale viewing as the northern tip of the island is strategically located at the mouth of the Strait of Belle Isle which is a conveyor belt of food source. Overnight Quirpon Island.

Day 15 - Quirpon Island/Deer Lake **

Depart Quirpon Island mid morning for your boat transfer over to Quirpon dock. Drive back down the Viking Trail to Deer Lake Airport where you will drop off your rental car, ready for your onward journey.

** Alternative option - Drop vehicle at St. Anthony Airport and fly back to St. John's (Price available on request).

Note: Quirpon Island Lighthouse Inn - A hike from Quirpon Island dock to Inn may be required, dependent on weather conditions. All meals & boat transfer included at Quirpon Island. Due to heritage structure of building, bathroom is private but not ensuite.

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