Day 1 Embark in St. John's, Newfoundland
Arrive in St. John's, the historic and vibrant capital of Newfoundland. Picturesque and welcoming, St. John's is proud of its 500 year history. It has been continually fished since 1498, allowing it to boast the designation of North America’s oldest European settlement.
An optional afternoon city tour is offered to those interested. Afterwards, rendezvous at the docks and board the Ocean Endeavour to begin the adventure proper. Passengers 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 you head for open water.
Day 2-3 Northeast Coast
- Ship
- 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
The northeast coast of Newfoundland is known for the dozens of quaint villages that dot its rocky shores, and it is to one of these small settlements that you pay a visit today. You may look forward to a characteristically warm Newfoundland welcome upon your arrival. The area itself is home to a plethora of islands and, seasonally, ice bergs that drift in from the Atlantic; the Ocean Endeavour charts a scenic course past these beautiful obstacles as you head north.
Day 4 L'Anse aux Meadows
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, L'Anse Aux Meadows is the only authenticated Norse settlement in North America. The archeological remains found here in 1960 date to approximately 1000 A.D. Amazingly, the location of the ruins was first established by a close reading of the Viking sagas. Today a superb interpretive center and reconstructions of the several Norse-style sod buildings make L'Anse Aux Meadows a must-see for any visitor to Newfoundland.
Day 5 Red Bay
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Labrador is home to the Red Bay Basque Whaling Station, Canada’s newest UNESCO World Heritage site. Beginning in the 1500s, Basque whalers operated out of the Red Bay harbor, making it at one time the largest whaling station in the world. The site includes six hundred acres of terrestrial and aquatic protected area. Among the important artifacts found at Red Bay is the whaling ship San Juan, lost in a storm in 1565 and found centuries later submerged in the harbor in only ten meters of water. A large number of tools, personal items, and navigational instruments have been recovered from the wreck.
Day 6 Woody Point | Gros Morne National Park
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Gros Morne is internationally famed for its geographic diversity and majesty. The park’s mountains are both picturesque and highly unusual: the Tablelands, a 600-meter plateau, forms one of the world’s best examples of ancient rock exposed from the earth’s mantle. The park’s fjords are equally stunning, and the town of Woody Point has become widely renowned for its annual Writers’ Festival.
There are a choice of walks—catering to all levels of skill and interest—as you explore the surrounding area. The beauty of Bonne Bay is surely a highlight, as are the subtle charms of Woody Point.
Day 7-8 Newfoundland's South Coast
- Ship
- 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
The wild and windswept coast of Southern Newfoundland is home to a few remaining outpost communities, still largely cut off from mainstream travel. Visits here are often a highlight of this itinerary. There are many unique bays and coves to explore via Zodiac or land excursions.
Day 9 Miawpukek (Conne River)
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The First Nations community of Miawpukek (Conne River) has an economically self-sufficient mandate, guided by traditional values. It became a permanent settlement sometime around 1822. Before then, it was one of many semi-permanent camping sites used by the Mi'kmaw people, who were, at the time, nomads travelling throughout the east coast. Since its establishment as a reserve in 1987, Miawpukek’s employment rate has increased from 10% to nearly 100% and Indian and Northern Affairs often reference the community as a model for other First Nations. Receive a formal welcome into the community and meet the locals, with the help of community leaders.
Day 10 Saint-Pierre, FR
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Explore Saint-Pierre, a last bastion of France’s colonial territories in North America. The colourful and charming shops and residences of the town of Saint-Pierre reveal its unique historical character.
Day 11 Disembark in St. John's Newfoundland
On the final day of your expedition, sail though the historic Narrows and into St. John's harbor. Say your farewells and begin the process of departure. Staff are on hand to assist you with luggage and transportation arrangements.
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