Newfoundland and Labrador Explorer - Self Drive
Newfoundland and Labrador is Canada’s most easterly province and sits surrounded by around 18,000 miles of rugged coastline. Set out on a 14 day self-drive tour and explore this stunning province for yourself, with its rich culture, wild nature, stunning coast, and unforgettable landscapes.
You’ll start your journey on the island of Newfoundland, in the capital city of St. John’s. This city sits in contrast with the rest of the wild and untamed province. Once you leave the colourful streets and lively downtown of St. John’s, you’ll find yourself transported to a land of craggy cliffs, thick forests and dramatic coastlines.
The province’s culture is one to be experienced, with a rich heritage born from its European and First Nations history. Discover a bounty of historic places, from the Red Bay Basque Whaling Station, a site that tells the story of the old European practice of whaling, to quaint towns and the geological marvels of Gros Morne National Park.
See how the province is shaped by its relationship with the water that surrounds and intersects Labrador and Newfoundland. Discover its shorelines, dotted with small fishing villages and coastal towns that tell tales of a way of life intrinsically linked to the ocean. In Twillingate, witness the wonder of towering ancient icebergs as they float by on their journey from the Arctic Circle, and keep an eye out for majestic whales and other marine life.
Whether you choose to take your time and explore as you go or perhaps wish to incorporate an array of outdoor activities into your itinerary, this is the perfect introduction to the wonderful province of Newfoundland and Labrador, taking you to some of the best places the province has to offer.
Trip highlights
- Enjoy an Iceberg Quest Whale, Iceberg and Boat Tour in Twillingate, watching out for majestic humpback whales and icebergs floating along Iceberg Alley
- See the small but spectacular Terra Nova National Park
- Experience Labrador’s untamed coastline at L’Anse au Claire
- Discover countless scenic towns and small communities as you drive along Newfound’s Northern Peninsula
Arrive in St. John’s
Room Only
Arrive at St. John’s International Airport and make your way to your hotel. Here, you can pick up your information kit from the front desk, before spending your first day exploring the city as you please.
Suggested Accommodation
St. John’s
Room Only
Spend the day discovering everything that the charming city of St. John’s has to offer.
Suggested Accommodation
St. John’s - Trinity
Room Only
Travel northward today on a route that passes the villages of Clarenville and North West Brook and offers up all of the charm of the Maritime provinces. This evening, you’ll reach Trinity, where you can spend the night.
Suggested Accommodation
Trinity
Room Only
Today, you’ll get to explore this wonderful area of Newfoundland, stopping at quaint towns and villages that will shine a light on the province’s past. See the charming fishing houses of New Bonaventure and wander around Trinity, with visits to the historic St. Paul’s Anglican Church and the English Arts Harbour Centre.
Suggested Accommodation
Trinity - Twillingate
Room Only
Today is all about searching for icebergs and whales on a narrated tour. You’ll get to experience the wonder of Iceberg Alley as giant 12,000 year old icebergs float on by on their way from the Arctic Circle. Look out for the humpback whales that swim in these waters and seabirds that call the area home. After a day of true Newfoundland adventure, spend another night in Twillingate.
Suggested Accommodation
Twillingate
Room Only
Today is all about searching for icebergs and whales on a narrated tour. You’ll get to experience the wonder of Iceberg Alley as giant 12,000 year old icebergs float on by on their way from the Arctic Circle. Look out for the humpback whales that swim in these waters and seabirds that call the area home. After a day of true Newfoundland adventure, spend another night in Twillingate.
Suggested Accommodation
Twillingate - Rocky Harbour
Room Only
Today will take you across the centre of Newfoundland to Rocky Harbour, a town that sits on the province’s western edge. En route, you’ll pass through many of Newfoundland’s small communities; you might choose to stop in the scenic village of South Brook and take in its stunning coloured houses that sit on the sides of the village’s steep hills. Later on, you’ll pass Gros Morne National Park, home to Gros Morne Mountain, the second tallest peak in the province, before finally reaching Rocky Harbour.
Suggested Accommodation
Rocky Harbour - L’Anse au Claire
Room only
Drive northward today and reach the top of Newfoundland’s Northern Peninsula, then take a short ferry ride across the mouth of the bay to Labrador, taking in the breath-taking views of the vast Atlantic Ocean. Once you reach Labrador, continue your journey to L’Anse au Claire, where you’ll spend the night.
Suggested Accommodation
L’Anse au Claire
Room only
Today, you’ll get to enjoy the untamed wilderness of Labrador’s coast and discover its history as a centre for whaling in the 19th century. You might want to take a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Red Bay to explore its preserved buildings and equipment that once served the whaling industry here.
Suggested Accommodation
L’Anse au Claire - St. Anthony
Room only
You’ll board the ferry back to Newfoundland today, then drive across the tip of the peninsula to reach St. Anthony early in the day. The rest of the day is for exploring the small, scenic town of St. Anthony.
Suggested Accommodation
St. Anthony
Room only
Discover more of St. Anthony today and spend the afternoon at Fishing Point Municipal Park, watching icebergs pass by, eating delicious food, hiking the park’s trails, and enjoying breath-taking views of Newfoundland’s rustic coastline.
Suggested Accommodation
St. Anthony - Cow Head
Room only
Journey along the southern shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence today, revisiting the small coastal towns you passed on the way to L’Anse au Claire. Once you reach Cow Head, enjoy the white sands and clear waters of Shallow Bay Beach.
Suggested Accommodation
Cow Head to Gander
Room only
On your last full day in this stunning province, cross Newfoundland once more and arrive at the small city of Gander. There’s lots to discover here, including the city’s rich aviation history. After exploring Gander, settle down for your last night on the road.
Suggested Accommodation
Gander - St. John’s
Say goodbye to Newfoundland and Labrador as you drive from Gander to St. John’s in time to catch your onward flight from St. John’s International Airport.
Included
- International flights and airfare taxes
- Cost of accommodation (double room based on two people sharing) for a total of 13 nights (alternative but similar accommodation may be used at certain times of the year)
- Board basis: Room Only
- Car hire and insurance
- Excursions in Twillingate and Rocky Harbour
- Ferry crossings between St Barbe and Blanc Sablon
- Taxes
Not included
- Visa arrangements and fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses, such as beverages, telephone calls, laundry, camera fees, spa and business facilities in the hotel
- Gratuities
- Meals
- Attractions and excursions
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