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Book now, sleep easy

To bring this itinerary to life be sure to make your travel reservations well in advance as demand is high during the peak season. This will help you avoid disappointment and give you the freedom to travel as you’ve planned.

1. Book your way here

Newfoundland and Labrador can be reached via popular national and international connections.

• +1 (888) 247 2262
• www.aircanada.com/newfoundlandlabrador
• +1 (888) 937 8538
• www.westjet.com
• +1 (888) 619 8622
• www.flyporter.com
• www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/PlanYourTrip/LocalTransportation

Travellers can reach Newfoundland and Labrador via Marine Atlantic ferries which operate between North Sydney, Nova Scotia and the island of Newfoundland. These super ferries carry hundreds of vehicles and passengers to two entry points – Port aux Basques and Argentia

• +1 (800) 341 7981
• www.marine-atlantic.ca
• www.tw.gov.nl.ca/ferryservices

2. Book your car rental

Summer is the height of travel and convention season and demand for rental cars is high. With so much to explore in this this place — be sure to book car rentals early.

• www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/plan-and-book/transportation-and-information

3. Reserve your accommodations

As with car rentals, accommodations are in high demand during the summer months, so it’s important to book at least some in advance.

• www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/plan-and-book/accommodations

4. Confirm details and reserve your space

For many activities, attractions, and restaurants it’s a good idea to touch base and confirm hours of operation,reservations & other details.

Or let a professional plan and book your trip.

If you’re interested in bringing this itinerary - or one similar to it - to life without having to worry about the details, there are many package tour operators that can take care of the arrangements for you. Whether you want to book everything at once - be it travel, accommodations, and attractions - or you just want to book a local package for the length of your stay (and book your own flight/ferry crossing), the choice is yours.

• www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/plan-and-book/packaged-vacations
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• Review Site

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* Offers are subject to availability. Taxes are extra. You may have to pre-book and/or mention the promotion at the time of booking. Please check with the operator for more details.

We’d love to help you plan your trip, or give you some advice on how to find your way once you’re here. Our travel counsellors are available via phone, and our social media posts on Facebook and Instagram always inspire travellers.

• +1 (800) 563 6353 (Inside North America) +1 (709) 729 2830 (Outside North America)
• newfoundlandlabradortourism
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• [email protected]
• www.newfoundlandlabrador.com

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Adventure with us!

We are pretty excited about our new video showing just a few of the things we do here at Adventures Newfoundland . It covers the stunning scenery of Exploits Island and some of the activities you can experience with us. Featuring our remote accommodations at Surgeon Cove Head, displaying some drone footage, the interior of the Inn, and a spar and boom clip showing the way we have to get supplies to the top. Music is the Wedding Gift by @rawlinscross . The video was produced by Warren Robertson of Scope Digital Media

An unforgettable kayaking experience awaits!

Add a little adventure to your life by partaking in one of Adventures Newfoundland’s sea kayak tours in the Bay of Exploits on the island of Newfoundland. Located within the much larger Notre Dame Bay, the Bay of Exploits has been described as a paddler’s paradise. Numerous islands, marine life, spectacular scenery and historic resettled communities, such as the village of Exploits, make this bay a destination for sea kayakers far and wide.

If kayaking is not for you then check out our scenic boat tours of the Bay of Exploits. Combine your trip with fishing for Cod or even Sharks while at the same time immersing yourself in the rich history of one of Newfoundland and Labradors largest resettled communities.

Follow the boat tour Link for our unique tour offerings.

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Happiness Promise

There are hundreds of thousands of guides and tour operators around the world. Figuring out who to trust is stressful and hard.

That’s why we started 10Adventures Tours, we’re here to make it easy to find a great guide or tour operator. We handpick the best local guides and tour operators for 10Adventures, working to ensure you have great guides and a great trip.

We know it sucks to show up in a different country and find out the tents are junk, the guide incompetent or the route different from what we thought we were getting.

We want to give our users peace of mind that you’ll have a great trip and offer a guarantee that we will work with you to make it right.

How does this work? Well, if you feel that something about your trip didn’t’ meet your expectations, let us know. We will then work to gather the details and figure out where things went wrong. If something indeed wasn’t as described, or went wrong with your trip, and the problem was within the control of either oursleves, the guide or the tour company, we will then work out a refund with you that’s proportional to the scale of the problem.

Obviously the best way to make a great trip is to tell your local guide or tour operator and give them the chance to fix the solution while you are on your trip. Most things can be solved by telling your guide when the issue develops. If that doesn’t solve it, then email us right away. Please don’t wait to voice your concerns until the trip is over, as it’s much harder to solve issues after the fact.

We work hard to make sure you have a great trip. If something isn’t right, please email  [email protected]  and we will get to work right away.

Group Trips

Group travel can be chaotic and messy, which is why going on a trip with family or friends is the fun part and planning the trip, well… isn’t. But what if the group travel experience of your dreams could be organized without the hassle of you needing to plan every detail?

With 10Adventures group tours, you’ll be the mastermind behind an unforgettable trip without the need to worry about logistics, payments, or who can get time off for a holiday.

The VIP-level service of our Travel Advisors allows you to organize the adventure of your dreams, customize it exactly how you want to, and watch the savings roll in as more of your friends and family sign up for the once in a lifetime experience you created. It’s that simple!

Take the first step on your next group adventure by contacting one of our Travel Advisors today.

The window to travel as a family only narrows with time. Make the most of it by exploring the world together and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Why share a travel experience with people you don’t know? Spend your hard-earned vacation surrounded by close friends on the adventure of a lifetime.

Shared travel experiences strengthen bonds and are the perfect way to come together as colleagues to solve challenges in a way that just can’t be done in an office environment.

Connect with members of your club or social circle over shared interests like food, culture, and the outdoors.

• VIP Service: Have a dedicated Travel Advisor who is always a call or a click away.
• Cost Savings: More people mean a lower cost per person. And there are additional discounts for children and shared rooms.
• Customizable: You are in charge and choose the start date, length, itinerary, accommodations, and other services.
• Easy Payment: Flexible payment schedule, and most importantly separate invoices so you aren’t left paying for other people.
• Private: Just you and your group making memories that will last your lifetime.
• Quality Time: There’s no better way to travel than alongside family and or friends. Enjoy quality time exploring the world with those you love most.

Newfoundland’s North Coast Self-Drive Tour

Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!

Discover whales and icebergs as you explore the landscapes of northern Newfoundland

Take the first step towards a private travel experience, customized just for you.

About this tour:

What travellers are saying about 10Adventures

Jennifer W.

Why travellers choose this tour

At 10Adventures, we take care of the details so that our guests can focus on making memories. Enjoy these key features on this tour.

We're Canadian

Book with a Canadian company whose mission is to help you travel the world.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 13 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in St. John’s and after the tour in Deer Lake are not included but can be added as a supplement.

Don't worry about meals. Meals are not included in this tour.

Check out the 'What's Included' tab for more info on personal transfers during your tour.

Local Support

Travel stress-free knowing in-country local support is available by regular phone or WhatsApp to support you during your tour.

Payments Made Easy

Enjoy the flexibility and ease of staggered payments in your own currency using your choice of credit card.

Route Resources

Route notes, maps, and/or a trail app make navigation on this tour a breeze.

Park Entrance Fees

Included where possible! Check the 'What's Included' tab for more info on park entrance fees during your tour.

Luggage transfers

Take a load off, with optional or included luggage transfers. Check inclusions for further details.

Accommodation for Newfoundland’s North Coast Self-Drive Tour

This tour is based in hotel accommodations. Hotels on this trip are 3-star standard accommodations that offer clean, comfortable rooms and famous east coast hospitality.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travellers Rooms are double occupancy. Single rooms, including those for solo travellers, are by request.

Hotel in St. John’s

Stay in a welcoming 3-star hotel and spend a few days enjoying the culturally vibrant capital of Newfoundland.

Hotel in Bonavista

Enjoy a stay in Bonavista, a small town on the coast known to be a wonderful jumping point for viewing marine wildlife and icebergs.

Hotel in Glovertown

Experience the unique lifestyle in this small town. Relax in its peaceful and beautiful location, and enjoy the perceptible kindness of the population.

Hotel in Twillingate

During summer, this tiny place sees many tourists coming to kayak, take photos, geocache, beachcomb, hike, and pick berries. Also, the town’s name is amusing to say.

Hotel in Cow Head

This artsy and inviting town of about 500 people doubles as one of the gateways to Gros Morne National Park. See if there’s a theatre show when you’re there.

Night 11-12

Hotel in st. anthony.

Experience the unique culture of northern Newfoundland here. Check out the local traditions, music, dialect, and food in this town shrouded in mysticism.

Hotel in Rocky Harbour

A booming industrial town for fishing and wood, Rocky Harbour is in the heart of Gros Morne National Park. You’ll find scenic strolls and festivals galore!

Hotels on Standard Tour

Planning a group trip?

Learn how we help group of friends, outdoor clubs and families get the tour they’ve been dreaming about.

Newfoundland’s North Coast Self-Drive Tour Details

Overview for newfoundland’s north coast self-drive tour.

Discover the incredible natural beauty of the rugged northern coast of Newfoundland during this 14-day self-drive adventure. The Newfoundland’s North Coast Self-Drive Tour explores the picturesque coastal villages, spectacular scenery, and the waters of the Atlantic as you search for its majestic ocean residents.

This tour offers many options for your daily activities and allows plenty of time to hike and explore the beaches and parks. You can choose to spend all day on an epic hike in the Tablelands or relax on the beach, watching the tides come in and ice chunks floating by. You’ll also have a few boat excursions to admire the beautiful icebergs and look for whales. This unforgettable self-guided tour is the perfect way for nature lovers to experience magnificent Newfoundland.

Itinerary for Newfoundland’s North Coast Self-Drive Tour

Arrival in st. john’s.

Upon your arrival at St. John’s airport, you’ll collect your rental vehicle and check into your hotel. You’ll have the next three nights to explore the island’s capital, affectionately referred to as “the rock.”

Explore Downtown St. John’s

Today, you stroll the town and admire the brightly-coloured homes, and learn about the fascinating history of St. John’s. There is a free walking tour you can take that will uncover more about this lively little city. Another point of interest might be Signal Hill, which played an important role in both communication and military history. You can also pay a visit to Quidi Vidi, a historic fishing village.

Whale and Wildlife Watching

Drive to the Avalon Peninsula, where you’ll find the Bay of Bulls. Spend some time looking out over the cliffs to see if you can spot a whale in the distance. You’ll then board a boat to take a wildlife-viewing cruise to look for whales and puffins. Today, you’ll also visit Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, where you can observe the seabird colonies at the sanctuary.

Scenic Coastal Drive

Today, you’ll leave the lively atmosphere of St. John’s and start your drive to the remote north. You’ll follow the rugged coast and pass through many charming fishing villages during the drive. As you near Bonavista, you’ll drive to White Rock for a scenic view over the town. You may see some icebergs floating in the distance as you arrive in Bonavista for the night.

Hike or Paddle in Terra Nova Park

Spend today in glorious Terra Nova Park. Enjoy the lovely forests and lake by taking a quiet hike in the wilderness or renting a canoe and going for a tranquil paddle. There is also a beautiful coastal trail you can take for a short walk feeling the sea breeze on your skin. After spending the day out in nature, you’ll drive to Glovertown for the night.

Watch the Iceberg Float at Twillingate

Drive to the village of Twillingate, where you’ll find an endearing little village and the famous Newfoundland hospitality. The village offers stunning views into the bay, where the icebergs float by in the ocean currents. There is a free walking tour of the village available, showing off the amazing natural beauty of Twillingate.

Cruise Iceberg Alley

Today, you’ll take a cruise into the ocean that will bring you up-close to the giant icebergs as you navigate the ice flows. You’ll also be on the lookout for humpback whales and other marine life during this exciting boat tour. End the day with a visit to the picturesque Long Point Lighthouse, one of the most photographed locations on this island’s coast.

Begin Your Adventure in Gros Morne National Park

This morning, you’ll drive to the UNESCO-designated Gros Morne National Park. You’ll stay in Cow Head for a few nights so that you can spend time exploring this diverse and spectacular park, reminiscent of Lord of the Rings or Narnia.

Hiking in Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne owes its dramatic landscapes to the collision of the continents and glacial movements over thousands of years. Today, you’ll be spoiled for choice of where to hike. You can explore the cliffs and fjords or stroll along the rugged beaches. No matter which you choose, you will be in awe of the park’s otherworldly beauty.

Explore the Tablelands

Today will reveal to you another new environment in Gros Morne. Take scenic hikes through the northern tundra and look for wildlife as you explore the moors between the mountain ridges of the Tablelands. Don’t be surprised if you catch an arctic hare or deer racing across your path!

Reach the Northern Tip of Newfoundland

Begin your day with a trip to the Eskimo Paleo Museum in Port au Choix. Here, you’ll learn about the history and culture of the people indigenous to this sea coast. Then, continue your drive up to the northernmost point of the island at St. Anthony, the self-proclaimed “Iceberg Capital.”

Visit L’Anse aux Meadows and Observation Cruise

L’Anse aux Meadows is where you’ll find the archeological site that records Norse presence on the island. You can choose to visit the remains of the Viking village to learn more about the pre-Columbus settlers. Then, you’ll take a cruise that offers another chance to see whales and the spectacular icebergs, admiring the coastal landscapes and other wildlife on the ride.

Visit the Western Brook Fjord

Today, you’ll return to Gros Morne National Park to experience the awe-inspiring cliffs that soar dramatically above the fjords. You’ll take a scenic boat tour of the magnificent Western Brook Pond Fjord. In the evening, you’ll continue driving south and spend the night in Rocky Harbour.

Tour Ends in Deer Lake

On the final day of your tour, you’ll want to time your drive to Deer Lake to correspond with your flights. Drop your rental vehicle off at the airport and begin your journey home or to your next destination.

Tour Highlights

Highlights for newfoundland’s north coast self-drive tour.

Start your expedition in picturesque St. John’s, where it won’t be long before you’re asked to “kiss the cod.”

Take several wildlife cruises to admire the incredible icebergs and look for whales, seabirds, and marine life.

Hike in the awe-inspiring UNESCO-designated Gros Morne National Park and take a cruise in the spectacular fjords.

Enjoy the world-famous east coast hospitality as you stay in charming coastal cities and fishing villages.

What's Included

What's included for newfoundland’s north coast self-drive tour.

Meals are not included in this tour.

Transportation during the Tour

This is a self-drive tour, and you’ll be provided with a rental vehicle for the duration of the itinerary.

Also Included

• Standard vehicle rental
• Whale and puffin watching cruise at Bay of Bulls
• Iceberg cruise at Twillingate
• Landscape and wildlife cruise at St. Anthony
• Western Brook Pond Fjord Cruise at Gros Morne
• Canadian taxes
• 24/7 access to helpline

Not included

• Flights to St. John’s and from Deer Lake
• Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
• Travel insurance and car rental insurance
• Personal expenses
• Entrance fees to national parks
• Entrance and admission fees to attractions
• Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired

Optional Extras

• Additional nights before or after the tour
• Single occupancy upgrades
• Optional activities or excursions

Dates & Prices

Dates and prices for newfoundland’s north coast self-drive tour.

This self-guided tour is run as private tour for your group only, and the price per person depends on how many people are in your group.

Prices below are per person:

• Groups of 2+: from $2,095 USD per person*

*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.

Accommodation

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Tour Booking Process

Booking process for newfoundland’s north coast self-drive tour.

Submit Booking

Confirm Availability

Pay Deposit

Trip Confirmed!

Frequently asked questions for Newfoundland’s North Coast Self-Drive Tour

How hard is the Newfoundland’s North Coast Self-Drive Tour?

We rate this tour as a 1/5. This tour has a flexible itinerary that allows you to choose hikes and activities and tailor them to your fitness level.

Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website , though you should verify with your government.

Is my driver’s licence valid in Canada?

Most standard driver’s licences are valid in Canada; however, International Drivers Permit might be required, or some exemptions might apply. Please check this source about driving with foreign license in Canada .

Is the vehicle insurance included?

No, vehicle insurance is not included in the package. We strongly suggest having one for this tour to avoid liability in case there is damage caused to the vehicle. You can either book vehicle insurance during the booking process, or get one by yourself.

I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?

Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.

Are meals included on the Newfoundland’s North Coast Self-Drive Tour?

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance .

How do I get to St. John’s to start this tour?

Fly into St. John’s International Airport (YYT). You’ll collect your rental vehicle directly from the airport.

Is the Newfoundland’s North Coast Self-Drive Tour in English?

The route guide, maps, and programs provided will be in English.

Where does the Newfoundland’s North Coast Self-Drive Tour end?

This tour ends in Deer Lake. You can fly from the Deer Lake Regional Airport (YDF).

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Canada?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to Canada for this tour?

The best time to travel to Newfoundland for this road trip tour is during summer and early fall. This tour is available from June to September.

Tour Difficulty

Difficulty for newfoundland’s north coast self-drive tour.

Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

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Start filling out your booking details. Once you submit your request, we'll review availability for this tour and contact you within 24 hours to further customize your perfect adventure.

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We make it easy for travellers to book private travel experiences, so they can make memories exploring the world with the people that matter most.

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COVID-19 Notice

Welcome to A Wilder Experience

At A Wilder Experience (AWE) we offer guests unique adventure tourism-based excursions throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and the Canadian Arctic. We are passionate about pushing our comfort zone and exploring the vast natural beauty of this country. AWE specializes in individual, group and family excursions in a variety of disciplines from sea kayaking and packrafting to backcountry skiing. We are an inclusive organization and offer excursions for all adventurers, from novice to advanced. We also offer outdoor experiential education programs and corporate team building events. Let us help you plan your adventure.

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“You were such a terrific guide and asset for our Arctic trip. Thank you for all you did to make our trip so special.”

Our Core Values

Our clients, environmental stewardship.

Our core values are something we practice in our personal and professional lives. They centre around respecting and protecting our natural spaces through Leave No Trace ethics and deliberate conservation efforts.

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Safe and responsible practices.

“Was an amazing week – due to both the Baffin area and to the great staff team and leadership – thanks very much! I hope your following weeks went as well as our week did.”

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Authentic and Exhilarating Experiences

10 Fun Things to do in Central Newfoundland

By: Author Lora Pope

Posted on Published: August 10, 2020  - Last updated: July 20, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking and making a purchase through the links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my disclaimer for more information. This and display ads allow me to keep the site up to date and give back .

Looking for the best things to do in Central Newfoundland? Let me help you! I grew up in Newfoundland and love going on outdoor adventures – which Central Newfoundland has plenty of!

Newfoundland and Labrador is a province packed full of outdoor adventures, but when it comes to the top places to visit, the central region is often overlooked.

If you ask most people about Central, they tend to draw a blank face and make some comment about getting gas in Gander.

Admittedly, I didn’t even know how much it had to offer, but after spending a week exploring the area with Adventure Central Newfoundland , my perception completely shifted.

River Rafting, whale watching, sea kayaking, trail hiking, and iceberg spotting – there are so many amazing adventures and fun things to do in Central Newfoundland.

I am blown away by the beauty of this part of Newfoundland and can’t wait to share it with you. If you don’t think there’s any outdoor adventure in Central Newfoundland, think again.

Best things to do in Central Newfoundland

#1. marine wildlife safari in hare bay.

Newfoundland is famous for its whale watching, and one of the best places to see whales is Hare Bay in Central Newfoundland.

We were meant to go with Hare Bay Advent ures on a wooden row boat adventure, but the owner called the day before to ask us if we wanted to go whale watching instead. He said that he thought the area currently had the best whale watching on the island, so of course, I said YES!

We met with the owner of Hare Bay Adventures, Duane, and set off for a scenic boat ride through Northern Bonavista Bay.

The ride was beautiful, passing by several islands that were former communities resettled in the 1960s. The guides shared some of their stories of the resettlement history, which was so fascinating to hear.

If you’re interested in learning more about this part of Newfoundland’s history and visiting some of these islands, Hare Bay Adventures also offers resettlement tours.

After a while, spouts started to appear in the distance, so we followed them, making our way towards the playful whales.

As we got closer, I couldn’t believe how many whales there were! I have been whale watching several times in Newfoundland, and it’s never been this good. They were on all sides of the boat, I didn’t have enough cameras to keep up with how many there were! It was mainly humpbacks and a few minkes.

More to that, the whales were so playful. They were happily flapping around in the water, which to me looked like they were waving at us. It was such a magical experience!

The area is also full of sea birds. We went past a small island that dozens of Northern Gannets were perched on!

I was busy trying to get a photo of the Northern Gannets, only to turn around and see thousands of birds flying over the boat. It was a feeding frenzy and an incredible experience to witness. It felt like an episode of planet earth! It’s a great place to go puffin-watching in Newfoundland.

After an exciting afternoon of whale and bird watching, we headed over to Braggs Island for dinner.

Duane fried up some freshly caught trout and cod over a campfire, followed by a delicious partridgeberry cake. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day!

Hare Bay Adventures offers private whale-watching tours when the whales are in the bay, as well as a variety of other adventurous tours, including hiking, campfires, row boating, bird-watching, fishing, and more.

#2. Get Wet on the Canyon Run with Rafting Newfoundland

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-packed adventure in Central Newfoundland, then visit Grand Falls-Windsor and join Rafting Newfoundland for a tour on the Exploits River.

It’s the only place you can go rafting in the province, and it does not disappoint.

Rafting Newfoundland offers two different rafting tours: the Canyon Run and the Badger Chute. The latter is a family-friendly run suitable for ages 5+ and up, while the other is marketed as non-stop thrills from start to finish.

The last time I went rafting was on the Zambezi River in Victoria Falls , so OF COURSE, I opted for the more adventurous one.

After getting geared up and given a safety briefing, we climbed down the rocks to the river. The tour starts right by the dam, so there’s a sign indicating the area is dangerous, only adding to the ambiance that this is going to be a thrilling adventure.

We started off with a 15-foot cliff jump into the water, which was much more effective at waking me up than the 3 cups of coffee I had prior.

You get soaked on this tour, but the water is surprisingly warm. Before heading out, we swam over to check out a small waterfall, which the guides said you can sometimes see salmon jumping over. How neat!

We hit the first rapid soon after, which, as the guide explained, changes daily as it depends on the dam outflow. So much fun! Although the rapids can be intense here, the route is actually very safe because there’s always a large body of calm water after each rapid.

GH010138 from Laura Pope on Vimeo .

There are only a couple of major rapids on this route, but the guides make it fun by ‘playing’ in the water. We purposely took the raft back into several of the rapids, which is unlike any other rafting experience I’ve done before. One of these is called the ‘toilet bowl’ where you flood the raft with water. It’s a blast!

The guides can basically customize this tour to be as adrenaline-packed as you want it. You wanna flip the raft? You got it!

All of the guides are stoked with energy and make the experience so much fun. The route itself is also gorgeous, taking you through the canyon along the exploits river. After the last rapid, we floated gently back to the starting point, which was the perfect way to end the afternoon.

#3. Hike to the top of Alexander Murray Hiking Trail

One of the best things to do in Central Newfoundland is hiking the Alexander Murray Hiking Trail in King’s Point, which is just outside of Springdale.

The hike is named after Sir Alexander Murray, who was the first person to make a geological map of Newfoundland.

It’s an 8km round-trip hike, made more challenging by the number of stairs. The trail starts off seemingly easy through the forest, but as you get closer to the top, you will be faced with what feels like never-ending staircases. To be more precise, it’s actually 2200 stairs, but that’s up AND down.

It’s all worth it, though; the views at the top are incredible.

The summit, called HayPook, offers 360-degree views of Green Bay. It’s definitely one of the best views I found while traveling in Central Newfoundland.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lora🇨🇦Outdoor Adventure Travel (@explorewithlora) on Aug 2, 2020 at 10:26am PDT

There are also several waterfalls along the trail, although they were pretty dry when we hiked it as it hadn’t been raining much.

The trail took us about 3 hours round-trip to hike, which included lots of photos at the top. The trailhead is by the entrance of King’s Point at the Visitor Center on Highway 391, 12 KM off the Trans Canada Highway.

#4. Go Sea Kayaking around The Bay of Exploits

One of my favorite adventures in Central Newfoundland was sea kayaking around the Bay of Exploits with Adventures Newfoundland.

After spending the night in Fortune Harbour, we met the owner Paul in nearby Lawrence’s harbor, where we hopped in his boat to the Bay of Exploits.

Along the way, we passed by cliffs that have 450 million-year-old lava pillow crusts. Just a casual boat ride in Newfoundland!

The weather was not looking overly favorable in the morning, so we decided to wait it out because you can always count on the weather changing in Newfoundland. Paul took us inside his cozy cabin and entertained us with stories over scones and coffee.

The Bay of Exploits has a fascinating history that Paul is a wealth of knowledge about. The land was inhabited by the Beothuk Indians before the arrival of European settlers, and when European settlement began, serious conflict developed.

If you join a sea kayaking tour with Paul you will not only get to see this beautiful part of Newfoundland but also learn about the native Beothuk population and their fascinating but tragic story.

Our waiting paid off and the skies became perfectly clear in the afternoon, so we headed out into the kayaks for a beautiful sunset paddle. Located within the much larger Notre Dame Bay, the Bay of Exploits offers some of the most scenic sea kayaking in Newfoundland.

I was worried that the ocean kayaking would be tough, but the bay is so sheltered that it’s pretty easy to paddle through. The kayaks are also top quality!

My travel partner, Matt, may have also been kindly pulling the weight in our double kayak while I took photos, but he agreed that it was an easy paddle.

For the more adventurous paddlers, Adventures Newfoundland also offers multi-day journeys that will take you to the exposed Northeast coast of Newfoundland.

Whether you want a one-day paddle or a week-long camping adventure, Paul can customize the tour to your needs. Visit his website to learn more!

#5. Visit One of the Four Corners of The Flat Earth

Fogo is a small island that has become increasingly popular in recent years largely in part to the five-star Fogo Inn.

While the inn is certainly impressive, what I love about visiting Fogo Island is its ease of access to nature. Walking around, it feels like the entire island is a hiking trail.

We met with local Al Dwyer, who runs a walking tour in Tilting, one of the communities in Fogo.

Aside from being incredibly picturesque, what’s interesting about Tilting is that it’s the only Irish settlement in Fogo. The accent of those from Tilting, including Al, sounds remarkably Irish. I could listen to him talk all day!

We started the tour at the Tilting National Historic Site , where you can see well-preserved fishing stages and saltbox houses.

Hiking along Oliver’s Cove Path, we passed by traditional gardens, ancient graveyards, stunning coastlines, and interesting monuments such as the Devil’s Rocking Chair.

Throughout the walk, Al told us many stories about what life was like here when the Irish first came and what it was like to grow up in Tilting. He has stories for days!

Just in time for sunset, we headed up to Brimstone head for a quick hike to one of the four corners of the flat earth , or at least what’s believed by the Flat Earth Society. The other three are Hydra, Bermuda Triangle, and Papa New Guinea (new travel goal)?

Whether you believe it’s one of the four corners of the earth or not, this is an epic place to catch the sunset and get stunning views of the town of Fogo. It’s only about a 15-minute walk to the top.

#6. See Where the Continents Collided at the Dover Fault

Newfoundland is full of fascinating geological history.

From the tablelands of Gros Morne National Park that helped develop the theory of plate tectonics to 650 million-year-old fossils in Mistaken Point on the Irish Loop, a trip to Newfoundland will help you understand how the present-day shape of the planet was formed.

One significant geological area to visit in Newfoundland is the Dover Fault. It’s the site where the North American and European continents collided 150 million years ago!

The town of Dover has set up an interpretation site where you can go and learn about it.

Although you can visit on your own, I highly recommend going with Duane from Hare Bay Adventures. He is a wealth of knowledge about the area (history, geology, biology – there didn’t seem to be a question Duane couldn’t answer).

As he explained to us, the rocks you see on either side of the Dover fault are completely different from each other.

The remnants of Africa and/or Europe are east of the Dover Fault (the Avalon), and the Appalachian rocks are west of the fault. I will never stop being amazed at how cool the geology of Newfoundland is!

Nearby, you can see the remnants of a plane crash from 1942.

#7. Hike the Damnable trail system

If you’re looking for a beautiful place to go hiking in Newfoundland, check out the Damnable trail on the Eastport Peninsula . The trails were just completed in 2020, and they’ve done an amazing job building them.

The paths were largely developed from the remnants of old walking trails and hauling paths forged by the first settlers to the area. The trails are a great complement to nearby Terra Nova National Park, which offers mainly inland trails.

The trails you’ll find on the Damnable network offer incredible coastal views, where you can sometimes spot humpback whales in the summer.

We spent the afternoon hiking the trails with Wayne and his friendly dog.

The Damnable trail network was built with the principle of being both accessible and challenging, so there are trails for all levels, including wheelchair-accessible ones.

The trails were also built to take you through the communities in the area. One of them actually starts right behind the museum in Salvage, taking you to a gorgeous viewpoint of the community.

#8. Swim in the Ocean next to White Sand Beaches

White sand beaches in Newfoundland? This is another great feature of Central Newfoundland – beaches that aren’t just rocks (although those do have their own charm).

After hiking the Damnable trail system, we went to Eastport Beach to cool off for a swim. I know, swimming in the ocean next to sandy beaches? this definitely isn’t the Newfoundland I’m used to!

Because it was getting late in the day, The water wasn’t quite as warm as I hoped it would be, but I did manage to go in for a partial dip.

I can count the number of times I’ve been swimming in the ocean in Newfoundland on my hand, so the fact that I got in without immediately getting hypothermia is remarkable to me.

As I sat back on the beach, a friendly doggo came over to me to say hi, followed by his owner, who asked us if we were allergic to chickens (he had a box with him).

It was a strange question to be asked on a beach, and I expected him to pull out a box of BBQ chicken or something, but instead, a dozen or so baby chicks came out.

The owner told me that he just got the chicks, and he can’t leave them at home alone, so they come everywhere with him, including the beach! You’ll meet all sorts of characters while traveling in Newfoundland; it’s just part of the charm.

The beaches don’t stop in Eastport either, I’ve been told they are all over Central Newfoundland. Burgeo and Lumsden are apparently some of the best.

Another beach that’s worth mentioning in Central Newfoundland is Glassy Beach in Springdale. It’s not sand, but it’s almost all beach glass.

Glassy Beach is on Google Maps and easy to find; it’s just a short drive down a dirt road off the main road in Eastport.

There’s a well-marked sign to indicate where the beach trail starts, and it’s just a couple-minute walk down to the beach.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lora🇨🇦Outdoor Adventure Travel (@explorewithlora) on Aug 5, 2020 at 9:51am PDT

#9. Search for Icebergs in Twillingate

Twillingate is one of the most beautiful places to see in Central Newfoundland.

One reason why is that it’s part of Newfoundland’s Iceberg Alley. Every spring, giant 10,000-year-old icebergs float by here, often getting stuck in the bay.

The best time to see Icebergs in Central Newfoundland is late May into early June, although depending on the year, they can hang around into July.

Unfortunately for me, 2020 wasn’t a good year for icebergs (apparently, the icebergs are social distancing, too), but we still headed out on a boat tour with Twillingate Adventures .

Even without icebergs, it’s worth going on a boat tour in Twillingate . Because you are always guaranteed the coastline, and the coastline here does not disappoint.

The landscapes around Twillingate are stunning. There are so many neat rock formations you can see around here, as well as several species of birds. We saw ospreys and bald eagles! Boat tours are one of the top things to do in Twillingate in summer.

There are also several species of whales that hang around the water here, especially when the capelin start rolling (usually around mid-July).

I thought this boat tour was great without whales and icebergs, so I can only imagine how magical it would be to see either alongside these stunning landscapes.

The boat that Twillingate Adventures uses, the Twillingate Spirit, is the smoothest boat I’ve ever been on in Newfoundland.

It was custom-built for Twillingate with a wave-dampening design, so you barely feel the waves you’re going through, which is rare in Newfoundland. If you’re worried about getting seasick but want to do a boat ride in Newfoundland, this is a pretty safe bet!

#10. Fuel your Adventures with Experience Twillingate

With so many outdoor adventures, you’ll need to fuel up! For one of the best food experiences in Central Newfoundland, check out Experience Twillingate with local Crystal Anstey.

We met Crystal at a gorgeous beach in Twillingate, where she prepared an incredible four-course meal, all using local ingredients right on the beach.

Using the campfire and a hot cast iron pan, the first course was fried scallops cooked to perfection and served in a very adorable mini-sized cast iron pan.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lora🇨🇦Outdoor Adventure Travel (@explorewithlora) on Jul 30, 2020 at 10:53am PDT

Crystal gave me cooking tips the whole way through and almost had me convinced I could do it myself (cooking is not my strong suit).

Following the scallops was a cod dish with kale that melted in your mouth. Crystal is all about using minimal ingredients, as the seafood in Newfoundland has so much flavor on its own.

What I loved about this experience is that every single item Crystal uses is local and sustainable, downright to the wood boards she uses to serve the food. Her kids even caught the fish!

Then came the main event of the night, the lobster.

I helped by collecting the water from the ocean, which is the perfect amount of salt for cooking (how neat is nature?).

Last but not least, for dessert, we had mini strawberry pies made with fresh strawberry jam made from local berries.

This entire meal was set amongst the sunset on the beach in Twillingate. As the sun set, you could see the reflection on the houses in the water.

Aside from the delicious flavors and beautiful setting, Crystal is just an awesome person to hang out with. You may start the night as strangers, but I can guarantee you’ll leave feeling like you spent the night with your friends.

With such a beautiful backdrop, good company, and incredible food, I cannot think of a better way to spend a summer evening in Newfoundland. If you want to book this experience, visit her website here.

Final Thoughts: Things to do in Central Newfoundland

I’ll never look at Central Newfoundland the same way after such an amazing week of experiences. If you just get off that highway, adventure awaits.

There are so many amazing towns in Central Newfoundland to explore, I hope this post could inspire you to visit.

From hiking through pristine parks to discovering the rich history and vibrant communities, this region promises unforgettable adventures for every traveler.

Big thanks to Adventure Central / Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism for sponsoring this trip. As always, all opinions are my own.

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Lora is a full-time digital nomad on a quest to visit every country in the world and pet as many dogs as she can along the way. Over the last 15 years, she has traveled to 70+ countries and six continents solo. She currently calls Puerto Vallarta, Mexico home and enjoys ending each day with sunset and tacos on the beach.

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• Grand Safari Wildlife Photo & Hiking Tours
• Grand Lake Boat Tours & Eco Tours
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Newfoundland Adventure Tours

Grand Lake Adventures is a Tourism business located in Deer Lake, Newfoundland. We have been in the tourism industry now for 13 years. We offer outdoor Newfoundland adventures tours for non-resident visitors to our beautiful province of Newfoundland (NL), Canada. We want to showcase our diverse landscape through the Newfoundland hiking tours , boat tours , fishing trips and trekking adventures we offer.

We also want to pass on our knowledge of the different vegetation, mineral rocks and wildlife that we have here on the island. That is why we are offering our Newfoundland backcountry Grand Safari Wildlife Photo & Hiking Tour as our main and featured tour packages.

Expert Guides

13 years experience in the Newfoundland Tourism business and expert guides to share an abundance of knowledge

Ecological Reserves

Little Grand Lake Provisional Ecological Reserve surrounds Little Grand Lake plus two Little Grand Lake Wildlife Reserves

Tour Packages

Newfoundland hiking tours, boat tours and fishing trips at Grand Lake, the largest body of fresh water in Newfoundland, Canada

Newfoundland Hiking Tours & Eco Adventures

Grand Wildlife Photo & Hiking Safari Tours

Grand lake boat tours & eco tours, brook trout & atlantic salmon fishing trips.

Is there a Newfoundland Hiking Adventure on your bucket list? CHECK!

Hiker's Reviews

This trip surpassed my expectations in what I thought Newfoundland was like. This region is a hidden gem and I would recommend it to anyone. I will be back!!

Stunning Hiking Tours

Guided Newfoundland hiking tours, boat tours and fishing trips. Come explore the natural beauty of Newfoundland at Grand Lake.

• Grand Lake is approximately 90 miles long
• Has an island 22 miles long
• 3 ecological reserves
• An amazing abundance of wildlife
• 13 years in the Newfoundland tourism business

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Newfoundland Adventure & Active Tours

A world of Atlantic adventure is waiting for you. Join a Backroads Walking & Hiking Tour to discover the rugged coastline, swooping seabirds and delicious fisherman’s cuisine of colorful Newfoundland. See humpback whales breaching off the coast. Walk in the steps of Leif Erickson’s Norse explorers. Take a deep breath of sea breeze and enjoy.

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Experience the rich natural, cultural, and geological histories of Newfoundland and Labrador that will forever become part of your life’s story. Travel with Wildland Tours and create personable and fun memories as you meander throughout these ancient lands caressed by salt sprays of the wild North Atlantic.

Connect with nature like you never have before walk the same paths as our indigenous ancestors, sample traditional flavours, explore our outport communities, and listen to centuries old music in one of england’s first new world colonies., why choose us.

Small Escorted Groups

Guaranteed to go with just one, and with a maximum of 8 or 18 guests, we explore special places where other tour groups do not.

Knowledgeable Local Guides

Our tour guides live and breathe our province and they are passionate about sharing it with you!

Mesmerizing Beauty

The warmth of the people and the spirituality in nature here is like no other; having four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a UNESCO Global Geopark was inevitable.

Wildland Tours respectfully acknowledges and embraces the lands on which we travel as the ancestral homes of our Indigenous peoples and solemnly share their histories with all who venture throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Our best vacations.

Weekly departures from June 2 – July 28

Newfoundland Adventure

Eastern and Avalon regions, 8 days, 7 nights

Experience the world’s largest gathering of feeding humpback whales and a fabulous diversity of land and marine plants and animals. Explore the Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark while visiting the Trinity/Bonavista region. Meander through the historic streets of old St. John’s and hike the paths and trails of coastal communities and beaches.

Photo by Lisa B. Sells

Based on Double Occupancy Airfare NOT included. 15% HST extra

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Gros Morne, Norse Wonders, and Southern Labrador

Weekly departures from June 2 – September 1

Viking Trail Experience

Western Newfoundland and Southern Labrador regions, 8 Days, 7 Nights

Immerse yourself in three UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Gros Morne, Red Bay, and L’Anse aux Meadows! Explore majestic landscapes, bays, and freshwater fjords. Walk in the footsteps of the New World’s first peoples, first Norse colonists, and Basque whaling outfitters and settlers.

Join us to experience the world’s largest gathering of acrobatic humpback whales and a fabulous diversity of marine wildlife!

The haunting and melodic songs of the male humpback will always stay with you, join north america's only atlantic orca expedition.

One departure only from August 30 – September 8

Southern Labrador Adventure

Western Newfoundland and Southern Labrador regions, 10 Days, 9 Nights Maximum 8 guests; fills up fast!

Enjoy comfortable nights, wild days, and some of the planet’s most dramatic landscapes! Encounter humpbacks, orcas, rare subalpine arctic plants. Travel through time viewing fossils, remnants of the earliest life on earth, and some of the new world’s earliest archaeological sites. Explore Battle Harbour with its beautiful historic buildings in a context of wild nature. It is one of the most restorative, off-the-grid retreats in North America. Guests are still talking about the incredible food!

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Icebergs, Seabirds, Culture, and History

Choose your own dates between May 1 – 20

May Magic on the Avalon

Avalon region, 5 Days, 4 Nights

A holiday where you choose the dates and leave the rest to us. Blend both olde St. John’s and outport community comfort. Savour delicious traditional meals throughout your fun filled days of city highlights and explore the countryside with abundant species of plants and animals. Did we mention icebergs??!

Calved from Greenland glaciers, thousands of these giants journey here to greet you!

Blue and crystal hues of mammoth icebergs drift beside our shores along ‘ iceberg alley ’., seals, icebergs, seabirds, and mountains.

You choose the dates between May 1 – 20

May Magic on the Great Northern Peninsula

Western Region, 6 Days, 5 Nights

Be mesmerized by mammoth icebergs, mountains, and moose. Explore dramatic, glacially scoured landscapes. Discover hidden fossil treasures. Spring is the ideal time to see caribou, bear, fox, and so much more!

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Don't take it from us...

Here's what some of our happy travellers say.

“ Thanks for another wonderful trip to Newfoundland. Darrell was an informative and gracious host and your province is just lovely. By the way, where do you find the interesting, lively guests that take your tours? We have been so fortunate both times to be with great people. ”

“ I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the Newfoundland adventure tour. Our tour leader, Stewart Cochrane, was an excellent source of information and he ensured that everything went according to plan. As a nature lover, and keen photographer, this tour ticked all the right boxes, so much so, that I am considering another tour with you for next year. All the accommodation was comfortable, but the Round da Bay Inn was exceptional, with its themed rooms, great hosts, and superb cooking,(to be highly recommended). ”

“ I have just returned home from completing Viking Trail tour. This was without a doubt the best tour I have ever taken. From seeing a trilobite on the first day, to hiking the Green Gardens, to the archaeological sites and everything in between was much more than I had expected. The small group size really allows an individual to experience more than they would with one of the larger tour operators. ”

OCEAN QUEST ADVENTURE TOURS

Ocean Quest Adventures is located in Newfoundland, Canada, and “dives” into many areas of our great Canadian tourism. We have locations in St. John’s, Petty Harbour, and Conception Bay South! Whether you’re looking for adventure on your Newfoundland vacation, or enjoying a Staycation in our great province, we have something for everyone!

MARINE WILDLIFE SNORKELING

Get in the water and make some new friends! This adventure will take you into the water and allow you to swim alongside the many majestic creatures that grace us with their presence throughout the summer months. 

ZODIAC BOAT TOURS

Thanks to the design of our rigid-hulled inflatable boat, we can provide you with a fast-paced interpretative tour that is sure to get your adrenaline flowing while teaching you a thing or two about the area. While maintaining a high degree of safety, our Zodiacs allow us to land on secluded beaches, drift close to whales, and circle icebergs with ease. 

2022 CAN GEO TRAVEL PARTNER

This year we are happy to announce that Ocean Quest Adventures has been recognized as Newfoundland’s exploratory adventure by the folks at Can Geo Travels. Both Owner, Rick Stanley and Chief Happiness Officer, John Olivero join the Can Geo team as Ambassadors to the Royal  Canadian Geographic Society. Read more below!

KAYAKING ADVENTURES

Is kayaking your thing? Want to feel the smooth peaceful motion in the ocean? We got the kayaks! You can just meet us there. Explore the rugged and beautiful coastlines of Conception Bay with one of our experienced kayaking guides.

PRIVATE BOAT CHARTERS

The OQ Mermaid is a 42’ cruiser that can accommodate up to 29 passengers. We can keep it a simple and relaxing cruise or add some adventure with additional watersport activities. 

SCUBA DIVING TRIPS

Just beyond the shorelines of Conception Bay South are the most spectacular dive opportunities in North America. WWII shipwrecks, reefs, wall dives, and more! Experience the rich diving opportunities that grace our waters.

SCUBA DIVING COURSES

Have you always wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater? If you want to try scuba diving, Ocean Quest Adventures scuba training is the place for you.  We have something for all experience levels for you to explore the underwater world.

PADDLE BOARDING

Stand up paddle boarding tours are just one way to experience adventure in Newfoundland with Ocean Quest Adventures.  

BICYCLING TOURS

Enjoy the rugged terrain and amazing trails Newfoundland has to offer with an Ocean Quest Adventures bicycling tour. The sights and sounds, along with Newfoundland’s fresh air, will surely add to this amazing adventure.

TOP OCEAN QUEST ADVENTURES

Explore our Newfoundland and Labrador adventures during your next vacation or staycation!

Newfoundland Adventure: Westbound

7 days | marvel at whales, puffins, waterfalls and more in newfoundland.

Take a trip to North America’s most north-easterly point, where the sun rises first and the dramatic coastline, mighty fjords and wonderful wildlife will take your breath away. Watch huge icebergs bob past the town known as “The Iceberg Capital of the World” in the spring, go whale watching, and spot puffins at one of North America’s best viewing sites. With a knowledgeable leader to guide the way, you’ll experience a landscape that has been shaped by the elements over thousands of years, hike easy yet spectacular trails, and enjoy delicious picnic lunches surrounded by the splendour of Newfoundland’s famous scenery.

Trip overview

• Take in superb coastal views as you enjoy a delicious picnic lunch followed by a walk along the Skerwink Trail, one of the North America’s best trails.
• Cruise through pristine waters as you keep an eye out for whales, seabirds and more.
• Watch the puffins at Elliston’s renowned viewing site which offers one of the closest land views of these birds in North America.
• Wander the ancient landscape at UNESCO World Heritage listed Gros Morne National Park and marvel at tumbling waterfalls and towering cliffs.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Water First. Donations support their work to provide critical clean, safe water for indigenous communities in Canada.
• There are a few opportunities for easy hikes so sturdy footwear is recommended.
• Some of the best scenery in Newfoundland is found on hikes. So, while this trip doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to partake in all activities.
• This itinerary also runs in reverse, from Deer Lake to St, John's: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/canada/newfoundland-adventure-eastbound-144935

Welcome to St John’s! Meet your leader at the hotel for a group welcome meeting at 10am before heading off on a leader-led tour of the city. Take a drive up Signal Hill to enjoy sweeping views of St. John’s Harbour and brighten your day with a stop at St John’s famous colourful houses on ‘Jellybean Row’ and the charming harbourfront neighborhood of Quidi Vidi. This afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore St John’s before joining your group for a welcome dinner at Celtic Hearth. Sample Jigg’s dinner pie, a classic Newfoundland dish, then head to a local pub for a traditional “screech-in” ceremony that involves a shot of screech (rum) and kissing a cod. It’s more fun than you might think!

• Hotel (1 night)
• St John’s – Local dinner
• St. John’s – Leader led walking tour

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting at 10am as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time and then departing on the tour. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

After breakfast, drive to the start of the Skerwink Trail for a delicious picnic lunch and a walk along the coast. Named as one of the top trails in North America and Europe by Travel and Leisure Magazine, this easy hike offers superb photography and wildlife spotting opportunities. After the hike, head to Trinity and check into your accommodation then explore this charming historical town at your leisure or perhaps join your group for an informal dinner at a local restaurant.

• Bed & Breakfast (1 night)
• Trinity - Skerwink Trail hike

Today’s total driving time is 3 hours. Today’s walking distance is 5.3 kms (3.2 miles) with 53 metres (193 feet) of elevation.

On some departures the next two nights' accommodation will be a historic inn.

Today it’s time to spot puffins at Elliston’s renowned viewing site which offers one of the closest land views of puffins in North America. See if you can also spot the Puffin King, a rock formation which looks like a puffin sitting on a throne. After you’ve seen the puffins, drive 20 minutes north to visit the historic Cape Bonavista Lighthouse which is one of the most photographed places in Newfoundland. Climb the stairs to the top of the tower and see the seal oil-fuelled light that was used in the 1800s.

• Elliston - Puffin viewing
• Bonavista - Lighthouse visit

Today’s driving time is approximately 3 hours.

This morning, sit back and relax on the drive from Trinity to Twillingate where we’ll check into our hotel before a late afternoon boat tour where we will spot whales and seabirds. In the spring, you might get to see icebergs floating down the stretch of water known as Iceberg Alley. After the cruise, head back to your hotel and take it easy or explore Twillingate which is known as “The Iceberg Capital of the World".

• Twillingate - Seabird & Whale watching boat tour

Today’s driving time is approximately 4.5 hours.

Due to the small number of rooms in Bed & Breakfast style accommodations, the group may be split and accommodated in two nearby Bed & Breakfasts.

Enjoy the scenic drive from Twillingate to Gros Morne National Park with a stop at along the way for a picnic lunch. After lunch, talk a walk around the historic Lobster Cove Lighthouse and enjoy the view of the rolling waves and rocky beaches far below. This evening you’ll have time to settle into your hotel and perhaps take a walk around town or head out for dinner.

• Cabin (1 night)
• Rocky Harbour - Lobster Cove Lighthouse visit
• Gros Morne National Park - Walk

Today’s driving time is approximately 5 hours. Today’s walking distance is approximately 2 kms (1.2 miles) with limited elevation.

Start the day with a stroll along the Western Brook Pond Trail and take in the view before boarding the Western Brook Pond Boat Tour. Don’t forget your camera as you’ll want to capture the dramatic waterfalls, towering cliffs and abundant wildlife that can be found in this glacier-carved land-locked fjord. This afternoon there is time to freshen up before the group comes together again for an optional dinner where you can celebrate your adventures!

• Gros Morne NP - Western Brook Pond Boat Tour

Today’s walking distance is approximately 5.4 kms (3.3 miles) with 35 metres (364 feet) of elevation. The boat tour can only be accessed via the hiking path.

After breakfast, your Newfoundland adventure comes to an end. You can choose to stay in Rocky Harbour or take the complimentary group transfer to Deer Lake Regional Airport.

• Rocky Harbour – Complimentary departure transfer to Deer Lake Airport

There's a complimentary group transfer from your hotel in Rocky Harbour to Deer Lake Regional Airport. For more information about timing and meeting point details please see the Essential Trip Information.

6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner

Private Vehicle, boat

Hotel (1 night), Bed & Breakfast (3 nights), Cabin (2 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 10 am. Please make your own way to the Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary. 2. Please be careful when booking flights to St. John's, Newfoundland; make sure you fly into St. John's Airport [YYT]. Please do not book flights to Saint John, New Brunswick [YSJ] as this is in another province. 3. Your adventure ends on Day 7 after breakfast. There are no activities included on that day. You are free to stay in Rocky Harbour or take advantage of a complimentary group departure transfer to Deer Lake Airport (YDF). We will aim to arrive at the airport at around 10 am. 4. A single supplement is available for this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Up Close & Personal With Icebergs & Whales and Stunning Coastal Scenery!

Located in the heart of the Newfoundland Iceberg Alley, Twillingate Adventure Tours will introduce you to spectacular views! Climb aboard and explore with us today. Let us Guide your exploration of the waters surrounding Twillingate islands from the Twillingate Spirit, Twillingate Adventure Tours newest rigid hull zodiac. Experience icebergs, whales, seabirds and amazing landscapes. When your touring experience is complete, relax at Annie’s Harbour Restaurant, specializing in friendly service and fresh, local seafood. 

From Whales and other wildlife to Icebergs and Sunsets – prepare for the experience of a lifetime.

Stay, Tour and Dine (Click for more info)

Contact us now and book your adventure tour for this coming season!

View Photos

View past photographs of adventure tours in our online gallery.

Questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate to give us a call or email today!

“Excellent tour. The guide is a true representation of local culture and gives a rich display of Newfoundland life and facts and information on icebergs, wildlife, and topography of the land. It was certainly an excellent adventure for me and my family.”

“What an amazing time my family and I had today. We got to see a humpback whale. It was awesome. We had the best tour guide. I highly recommend this tour.”

“We had a fantastic tour today! Amazing Icebergs and I held a 10,000 year old piece of iceberg ice. Topped it off with Fish Tacos at Annies yum. Perfect Day thanks.”

• Itineraries
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Getting Here Package Tours

If you prefer to travel with all the planning done for you, there are many package tours available to bring you to Newfoundland and Labrador. These operators are experts when it comes to arranging your vacation, and you can choose a fully guided adventure, motor coach, or a self-driving trip across the province with a helping hand to rely on. Standing on the deck of a cruise ship is the best way to appreciate the landscape and shoreline, and we do have a lot of it to see: 29,000 kilometres of bays, guts, headlands, harbours, and coves. You can cruise in luxury or board an expedition ship and stop to explore long-abandoned settlements. Hundreds of small communities dot the coastline, not to mention, the whales and seabirds who come every year in the thousands. You can also visit towns where history and modern conveniences offer the best of both the old and the new. For information on cruise lines and ports of call, please email [email protected] .

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Discovery Sea Adventure Tours

Whale watching in bonavista, newfoundland, whale watching tours.

Watch out for whales, puffins, and icebergs! We most commonly sight humpback whales, fin whales, and minke whales on our trips. Create lasting memories on this tour.

• User All ages
• Hour Glass 2.5 hours

The ocean waters off Newfoundland offer one of the best places in the world for a whale watching tour. We offer the most authentic and exciting experiences on the Atlantic Ocean using our Fast Rescue Craft (FRC), which gives us the ability to cover a vast area. Our vessel is the newest and fastest in the region, letting you spend more time with the whales and on the water. The 24-foot zodiac is fully certified, meeting all Transport Canada specifications. Robert (Bob) Currie is your captain and tour guide. He is fully certified in Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP), Fast Rescue Craft (FRC), Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boat, Restricted Operators Certificate – Marine Commercial (ROCMC), and MED A1, A2 & B2.

Authentic & Exciting Whale Watching Tours

I booked a tour with Bob and enjoyed it so much, I came back the next morning to do it again. Bob took us out on the water and the whales showed up. He stopped the zodiac with some distance to the whales and let them come, and they did. It was like being on the water with a whale whisperer... Oh and we also saw bald eagles, puffins, the caves and tons of other great stuff. Thank you so much for the experience!

Capt. Bob was friendly, knowledgeable and delivered the best experience ever. The BEST! We floated quietly as pods of Humpback whales including Mothers and Calves surrounded us as they fed on the Capelin. We saw breaching and fins! Then we floated around towering sea stacks in emerald coloured water watching colonies of Puffins. And, if the wasn't enough, we saw more whales on the way back! I've done over 12 tours in Canada and this was truly an experience of a lifetime! Thank you!

This was our second iceberg tour of our NL trip and was definitely the most spectacular.....we saw 2 amazing icebergs, some rugged coastline rocks and caves, plenty of bird life, including a pair of bald eagles and hundreds of black guillemots and to top it off was Bob, our Zodiac captain. He was highly knowledgeable and had a wicked sense of humour. Thanks for a great morning in Bonavista.

My husband and I went our on the zodiac while in Bonavista...it was the experience of a life time...we sawn lots of whales, the scenery is fantastic,, even if we hadn't seen whales the scenery was well worth the trip..We enjoyed it so much we went out the next day with My husband cousin and her husband and even though they grew up in the area they enjoyed it as much as we did...If you are going to . be in this area I highly recommend a whale watching trip on the zodiac.

Adventure Central

Adventure Central Newfoundland (ACN) is your helping hand and source of information for the tourism industry in Central Newfoundland. 

As a non-profit, membership based, professional tourism Destination Management Organization, ACN works collectively with entrepreneurs, tour guides, accommodators, culinary specialists, experience providers, artisans, municipalities, event planners, musicians, transportation companies, venues, volunteers, ambassadors, media, travel trade, and a wide assortment of assisting organizations, to develop, actively market, and grow the tourism industry.

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• Call Adventure Canada at +1 800 363 7566

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