Itinerary

St. John’s

We will join midday to explore Salmonier Nature Park Reserve and its extensive wildlife exhibits before we set sail on the Akademik Ioffe.

Fogo Island & Change Islands

Fogo Island was originally named “fuego” or “fire”, after fires set by early fishermen were seen burning on the island. Now it supports 11 permanent communities, as well as a landmark proclaimed by the Flat Earth Society as one of the four corners of the Earth. In Hamilton Sound, the Change Islands are an artist’s and photographer’s paradise, rich in geological features and historical architecture, with salt box houses and red ochre fishing stages and stores that hug its charming coves.


Raleigh, Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve & L’Anse aux Meadows

On the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland lies a barren-looking limestone landscape so unique in its conditions, over 300 species of plants have made this habitat home including one species that grows nowhere else on the planet, the Burnt Cape Cinquefoil. The Nature Conservancy of Canada, working closely with the province and the town of Raleigh, established Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve in 2000. L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the only authenticated Viking site in North America. Located at the tip of Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula, it is widely regarded as one of the most important archaeological sites globally.

Cape St. Charles & Battle Harbour

Arriving at the most eastern point on the North American mainland, we will explore an abandoned fishing village. Perched on a rocky shore, Cape St. Charles is a haunting reminder of times gone by. Once a bustling fishing community until the codfish moratorium in 1992 forced it to cease its fishing operations,Battle Harbour has undergone extensive restoration work. A walking tour of this restored fishing community, guided by our own staff member Mike Earle, Curator of Battle Harbour, suggests how daily life might have been for Battle Harbour’s past inhabitants.

Gros Morne National Park, Woody Point & Cox’s Cove

It has been said, “Gros Morne is to geology what the Galapagos are to biology.” Spectacular scenery- Precambrian cliffs, deep inland fjords and volcanic “pillow” rocks formed as lava cooled underwater- is just one of the reasons we stop here year after year. Highlights on this day include time spent exploring the Tablelands, a 600-metre high plateau that forms one of the world’s best examples of ancient rock exposed from the earth’s interior, and exploring the fjord by ship. We will partake in some local entertainment and dancing before the day is through.

The Codroy Valley

The Grand Codroy Estuary is another area where NCC is working to protect critical habitat, as it is one of Newfoundland’s finest estuarine wetlands with intertidal sandbars, mudflats and islands. The Codroy Estuary is considered one of, and perhaps the most, important areas in the province for migratory birds. The Estuary is home to nesting Black Ducks, Ringnecked Ducks, and Green-winged Teals, and is one of the only known areas on the island where Bald Eagles, Merlin, Osprey and other raptors are commonly found.

The South Coast & Bay D'Espoir (2 days)

The last of the true outport communities are found here amid dramatic rock strewn cliffs and wild ocean. Though fewer in number now than at the peak of the cod fishery, the friendly residents are no less hospitable. We are treated to music at an authentic Newfoundland “Kitchen Party.”

St. Pierre, France

A population of approximately 6500 resides on the island of St. Pierre, all from various descents: French, Basque, Breton, and Normand. St. Pierre’s houses somewhat resemble its history: an eclectic collection of colours and style aligned on picturesque cobblestone streets and alleys. During our visit to St. Pierre, we will have the chance to sample superb cuisine and wine, not to mention sinfully delicious baked goods.



St. John’s

After breakfast, we disembark the Akademik Ioffe at St. John’s, the cultural centre of the Avalon Peninsula. With galleries, coffee shops, and music, the lively town continues to prosper with a joie-de-vivre unique in its own.