Newfoundland: Trails, Whales and Icebergs

Depart in the morning for Deer Lake, Newfoundland aboard a non-stop flight. Arrangements made at Deer Lake airport for mini-van rental. It’s a one hour drive to Gros Morne National Park and our hotel Neddies Harbour Inn located in Norris Point. Our first stop will be at the Visitors Centre, which depicts the heritage of Gros Morne National Park and the diverse geography which we will be exploring over the next few days. The Centre also has an outstanding collection of books and hand crafts. Dinner will be at a local restaurant where we can taste fresh local seafood.

Following a substantial hot buffet breakfast, we depart for the south side of the park.  Our first day of hiking begins with the Green Garden Trail which is a 10 km loop of moderate difficulty. The coastal shoreline contains volcanic rock that tells the earth’s story, millions of years ago. This is the perfect place to regain one’s inner perspective. Hiking boots are essential and walking sticks are recommended as there are a number of wooden steps. We will enjoy lunch at our leisure along the trail. In the afternoon, we will take in the Tablelands, a 4 km easy-moderate trail, notorious for its orange-brown rock; this trail was once part of the ocean floor, millions of years ago. Before returning to our hotel we will visit the Discovery Centre, an interactive exhibit depicting the geological history of Gros Morne National Park. Dinner this evening will be in a small gourmet restaurant.

After breakfast we will drive to the base of Gros Morne Mountain. This is a full day hike of 16km. The first 6km leads up to the lookout and the second part traverses around the mountain top and rewards us with the most  spectacular scenery of the tour. Wildlife and birds will complement your photos. Hill training is recommended as preparation for this hike.  End the day with a relaxing dinner at our hotel in the Black Spruce Restaurant where award winning chef Jason Lynch prepares locally grown organic cuisine. 

We will begin our journey along the west coast of Gros Morne National Park on route to the northern tip of Newfoundland. Our travels will take us along the scenic west coast, stopping Cow’s Head for lunch, as well as photo opportunities along the way, arriving in St. Anthony late afternoon. We will be staying at the Grenfell Heritage Hotel. St Anthony is home to the Grenfell historic properties which include a museum and Tea House walking trail. After personal time to rest, walk or explore, we will have dinner in the hotel dining room.

Today’s adventures include a boat tour of Iceberg Alley and the chance to see more varieties of whales than anywhere else in Newfoundland.  Be sure to pack warm clothing and safe footwear for this tour. A dose of motion sickness medication is also suggested as a precautionary measure. Today, we will also travel from St. Anthony to L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO world heritage site. We will have an opportunity to observe the early life experiences of the Vikings. Dinner this evening will be at the Light keepers Restaurant where we will savor our final evening of the Newfoundland experience.

We will have an early breakfast and then depart from the hotel for Deer Lake airport. The return drive recaps the beauties of visiting two UNESCO world heritage sites.  Our flight arrives in Toronto late afternoon.