Newfoundland Fly Drive

In-depth self-drive holiday in Newfoundland

There is nothing more rewarding than to venture off the beaten path and discover something magical. Unearth Newfoundland’s hidden gems on this in-depth self-drive across the untouched island. Step into the footsteps of its early explorers, the Vikings, experience close-up encounters with its diverse fauna including comical puffins, giant humpbacks, graceful gannets and impressive moose and meet friendly locals proud of their amazing province. As this trip is all about taking your time, you’ll be able to travel to the island’s hidden coves, fjords, waterfalls and of course climb its highest mountain! There’s off the beaten path, and then there’s Newfoundland.

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SUGGESTED ITINERARY

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

Day 1

Arrival to St. John’s at Newfoundland’s East shore. Take a stroll along the colourful waterfront and soak in the atmosphere of vibrant St John’s. Pop in one of the local pubs on St. George Street, where you might be surprised to hear some Irish music! If you wish to venture further, climb atop Signal Hill. As you overlook the tumultuous North Atlantic you’ll be able to relive the moment the first wireless signal was received from UK. Spend your first night in Newfoundland in the vibrant city.

Day 2

Your self-drive adventure begins with a close encounter of Newfoundland’s rich bird life. Start your day with a visit to Cape Spear Lighthouse, the country's most easterly lighthouse and a great for walking, being part of the East Coast Trail that loops along the headlands and coastline.

Join a boat trip near Bay Bulls to come up close to the puffin colony and watch gannets gracefully bask in the coastal waters. The cherry on top of today’s ornithological experience is a visit to Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, where chances are that you’ll hear its 70.000 noisy inhabitants before you see them!

Day 3

Leave the Avalon Peninsula behind aiming north for the cultural village of Trinity. A sense of pioneering spirit is hanging in the air as you step into John Cabot’s footsteps. In 1497 he was the first European explorer to set foot on the wild shores of the island. His first glimpse on the new world won’t differ much from what you’ll see 500 years later-a dramatic steep coast and rolling green hills and perhaps a few nesting puffins.

Day 4

Today’s drive takes you to the picturesque fishing village of Twillingate. As you begin to immerse in the Newfoundland way of life, we’d recommend a visit to the Driftwood Gallery. View the challenging, yet rewarding life Newfoundland offered to settlers through the eyes of local artists. If you like to know more about Newfoundland’s military history have browse through Durrell museum.

Day 5

The days adventures take you to one of the world’s four corners on Fogo island. After a short ferry ride to the wind-swept island you’ll be able to spend the day exploring. Learn how one lady returned to her roots and managed to transform the sleepy island into a vibrant and proud community. Fogo is the perfect place to connect with its proud locals and to learn more about its heritage and its seven seasons.

Day 6

The longer the drive the greater the excitement will be the theme of today’s drive. Luckily, your trip down to the UNESCO world heritage listed Gros Morne national park is likely to meet, if not exceed, expectations. Once at the park spectacular views across the extraterrestrial seeming Tablelands await. Keep your eyes peeled for one of Newfoundland’s 120.000 moose wandering the national park and hope to catch a glimpse the more elusive wolves, Black Bears and foxes.

Day 7

Time to strap on your hiking boots! Today is all about exploring the phenomenal landscape surrounding you. Hike the Green Garden Trail leading to some of the park’s biological and geographical wonders. Bring your camera to capture Gros Morne’s hidden gems, including seastacks, pillow lava, wild meadows and sea caves. This round trip trek will take a few hours, so we recommend packing a picnic for your adventures.

After building an appetite treat yourself to a great meal in the traditional fishing village of Trout River. Look out to sea to watch passing whales enjoy their very own seafood meal!

Day 8

Travel to the north of the island to meet its earliest explorers. L’anse aux meadows UNESCO World Heritage Site is believed to be 1000 years old and is the only known Viking settlement in North America. Feel free to chat to one of the Vikings about their favourite pastimes or their dinner recommendations. Watch the sun dip into the ocean from your room in a remote lighthouse. Quirpon Lighthouse is located at the very north tip of Newfoundland, enjoying the provinces best location for spotting whales and icebergs.

Staying at:



Day 9

Spend a relaxed day on Quirpon island as you take a stroll at one of the island’s deserted trails. This part of Newfoundland is ideal for spotting humpback whales and icebergs. Join an optional zip boat safari to come for even closer encounters on iceberg alley. Chat to Quirpon’s friendly staff about the best walking paths around the distant island.

Day 10

Leave the north of the province behind today, visiting the quaint little settlements of the northern peninsula on route. Stop in the town of St Anthony to learn about British medical missionary, Sir Wilfred Grenfell and view the Jordi Bonet murals.

On route to the north of Gros Morne national park keep your eye out for the unique rock formation of The Arches before reaching the coastal town of Cows Head, where miles long beaches stretch along the untouched shorelines. Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner by the beach and let the day come to a close.

Day 11

Take to the seas for exclusive views on one of Gros Morne’s hideaways - a landlocked fjord dotted with waterfalls and hanging valleys. The UNESCO world heritage site is surrounded by 2000 foot granite cliffs that will make you dizzy just looking at them.

Spend the afternoon at leisure, choosing to explore Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse, Norris Point Look-off, the Ethie shipwreck or Rocky Harbour. Return to your Gros Morne accommodation tonight, resting your feet for a while whilst listening to the lapping shore on the sea wall.

Day 12

Today you are headed for the top of Gros Morne mountain (2460 ft). An early, start, a packed lunch and an adventurous spirit are essential on this 6-8 hour hike. On the track spectacular views on the forests dotted with lakes await. On your way back you might even spot a moose plodding through the thick woods. Head for Humber Valley this afternoon leaving behind the wilds of Gros Morne.

Day 13

Start your day with a hike along the beaches of the Humber River and the Bay Of islands. Leading all the way up to the fishing town of Little Port, make sure to follow a small trail leading you to the secluded Cedar Cove. If you want to stretch your legs you might like to walk the last leg of the International Appalachian trail, which begins all the way down in Georgia, USA. A rewarding view across the Bay of Islands awaits as you reach the top of the 650 meter hill.

Spend your final evening at the hotel, spoiling yourself at the fantastic restaurant and spa facilities.

Day 14

End your journey high on adrenaline, speeding through ravines and across the Humber River on Canada’s highest zip-line. The nine ziplines crisscross the valleys and rivers with over 2.7km of hair raising lines.

Wish farewell to the forests, waterfalls and pristine rivers of Newfoundland as it is time to return to reality as you head to Deer Lake airport.

BUDGET

From £2795 per person, based on two sharing (excluding flights), including car rental, accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis

This roughly converts to: 3,214 EUR | 3,661 USD

Remember that each trip we craft is unique, and you'll receive a personalised trip proposal based on your travel dates and preferences, and in the currency of your choice (GBP, USD, or EUR).

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Additional Info

This trip has flexible daily departures

Many of trips can be tailored to your requirements and departure dates. Please get in touch with us for a tailored quotation and details of availability for your preferred travel dates. All trips and departures are subject to availability.

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IDEAL TRIP LENGTH:

13 nights

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