Newfoundland Cruise itinerary
Day 1: St. John’s, NL
Welcome to St. John’s—Newfoundland’s historic, vibrant capital. Sailing out of the port of St. John’s has to be experienced to be believed. Signal Hill keeps watch as we exit the world-famous Narrows.
The charming houses of The Battery are always a hit with shutterbugs. The bustling capital city of Newfoundland & Labrador makes a spectacular backdrop as we head out to sea. Watch for whales and seabirds as we sail!
Day 2–3: Northeast Coast, Newfoundland
The northeast coast of Newfoundland is known for the dozens of picturesque villages that dot its rocky shores, and we’ll find harbour in one of these unique communities today. We look forward to a characteristically warm Newfoundland welcome upon our arrival. Photographers will have their work cut out for them, capturing the special charm of classic island architecture.
Day 4: L’Anse aux Meadows
L’Anse aux Meadows, A UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the only authenticated former Norse settlement in North America. The archaeological remains found here in 1960 date to approximately 1000 AD. Amazingly, the location of the ruins was first established by a close reading of the Viking sagas.
Today, a superb interpretive centre 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
Red Bay Basque Whaling Station became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013. Basque whalers operated out of the Red Bay harbour in the 1500s: North America’s first export industry.
The interpretation centre at Red Bay is excellent. Here we find tools, personal items, and navigational instruments recovered from the wreck of the whaling ship San Juan. The ship was lost in a storm in 1565 and found centuries later submerged in the harbour.
Day 6: Woody Point / Gros Morne National Park
Gros Morne’s Tablelands, a six hundred-metre plateau, form one of the world’s best examples of exposed mantle. Normally found below the Earth’s crust, the mineral-rich rocks support very little life, making the Tablelands an eerie landscape.
We will offer various walking and hiking options here. Views of Bonne Bay will be spectacular. Gros Morne’s interpretation centre is excellent and the town of Woody Point is charming to explore.
Days 7–8: Southern Coast Newfoundland
The wild and windswept coast of southern Newfoundland is home to a few remaining outport communities. Visits here are often a highlight of our trips.
There are many choices of unique bays and coves to explore via Zodiac or land excursions. The geology is outstanding, and plant life is gorgeous here. We’ll be on the watch for wildlife too. We’ll make the most of every chance to explore this beautiful and remote coast.
Day 9: Miawpukek (Conne River)
The First Nations community of Miawpukek 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 had traditionally travelled nomadically throughout the East Coast.
Since its establishment as a reserve in 1987, Miawpukek has successfully bridged traditional knowledge and contemporary practice. We will receive a formal welcome from local leaders and have a chance to explore this special community.
Day 10: Saint-Pierre, FR
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.
French food, wine, cars, clothing, and shops are all in evidence here—and the sweets at the local cafes and bakeries are much in demand! Saint-Pierre offers a taste of European living, just a short sail from the coast of Newfoundland!
Day 11: St. John’s, NL
On the final day of our expedition, we sail back though the Narrows and into St. John’s harbour. We will say our farewells and begin the process of departure. The expedition team will be on hand to assist you with luggage and transportation arrangements.
