Road Scholar : Home
Newfoundland and Labrador: Gros Morne and the Great Northern Peninsula

Program Number: 19794RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/29/2013 - 7/9/2013; 8/17/2013 - 8/27/2013;
Duration: 10 nights
Location: Deer Lake, Newfoundland & Labrador
Price starting at: $2,995.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Natural History
Meals: 29; 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

The Northern Peninsula and Southern Labrador are places where nature's forces are stripped raw to meet in a dramatic contest of rock and water — get an intimate view of this magnificent landscape, its wildlife and its remote coastal communities.




Highlights

• Cross the Strait of Belle Isle by ferry and journey along the Labrador Coast, exploring the historic villages of Red Bay and Battle Harbour, as well as Point Amour Lighthouse.
• Venture to Iceberg Alley, home to more icebergs than any other area of the province.
• Travel to Gros Morne National Park - a world of spectacular landscapes and uncrowded spaces. The park is internationally renowned for its scenic beauty, vast landscape and its complex geology.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day on uneven terrain; some stairs.




Date Specific Information

6-29-2013, 8-17-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Itinerary Summary

Independent arrival Deer Lake, 1 night; coach to Cow Head (Gros Morne National Park), 2 nights; coach to Plum Point, 1 night; Ferry and coach to Battle Harbour (Labrador), 2 nights; coach to L’Anse au Clair (Labrador), 1 night; Ferry and coach to St. Anthony, 2 nights; coach to Deer Lake, 1 night; independent departure.



Coordinated by Routes to Learning Canada.




Deer Lake

The first settlers in the area of western Newfoundland now known as Deer Lake were loggers and trappers from Cape Breton Island who arrived in 1864. The town is a significant base for exploring the diverse natural wonders of the Great Northern Peninsula, which include the UNESCO World Heritage Site Gros Morne National Park.
Accommodations
Deer Lake, Cow Head (Gros Morne National Park), Plum Point, L’ Anse au Clair, St. Anthony: Comfortable, centrally located hotels and motels. Battle Harbour: Restored building in Battle Harbour National Historic Site with shared bath facilities, no singles available.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Tony Oxford
Tony Oxford grew up in Little Bay Islands, a tiny island outport on the northeast coast of Newfoundland. He was raised during the last years of the Labrador salt cod fishery. A school administrator for 30 years, Tony is a master of Newfoundland language and expressions. For more than 25 years, he has also been in the music industry, playing in light rock and country bands, and has recorded several albums.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Holiday Inn Express Deer Lake
  Deer Lake, NL 1 night
   Shallow Bay Motel and Cabins
  Cow Head, NL 2 nights
   Plum Point Motel
  Plum Point, NL 1 night
   Battle Harbour Historic Buildings
  Battle Harbour, NL 2 nights
   Northern Light Inn
  L'Anse-au-Clair, Newfoundland and Labrador 1 night
   Haven Inn
  St. Anthony, NL 2 nights
   Holiday Inn Express Deer Lake
  Deer Lake, NL 1 night
 Holiday Inn Express Deer Lake
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: The hotel is located just minutes from the Deer Lake airport as well as attractions like Marble Mountain and the Humber Valley.
  Contact info: 38 Bennett Avenue
Deer Lake, NL A8A 1A9 Canada
phone: 709-635-3232
web: www.hiexpress.com/hotels/us/en/deer-lake/ydfex/hoteldetail
  Room amenities: Hairdryer, iron and ironing board, coffee/tea maker, microwave oven, mini refrigerator, in-room safe, air conditioning.
  Facility amenities: Free high-speed Internet access, free morning newspaper delivery to rooms, cable/satellite TV, pay-per-view movies, free local phone calls, air conditioned fitness room with complimentary water, indoor pool, and Laundry facilities.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Call for availability & rates Please contact the hotel directly on your own OR if you require personal assistance contact Maritime Travel toll free at 1-888-905-5959. A service fee MAY apply.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Call for availability & rates Please contact the hotel directly on your own OR if you require personal assistance contact Maritime Travel toll free at 1-888-905-5959. A service fee MAY apply.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM

 Shallow Bay Motel and Cabins
Type: Motel
  Description: The motel is located in the small fishing village of Cow Head, within Gros Morne National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's the closest 2.5 star motel to Western Brook Pond in Gros Morne National Park. The motel hosts the Gros Morne Theatre Festival (June through to September).
  Contact info: 193 Main Street
P.O. Box 44,
Cow Head, NL A0K 2A0 Canada
phone: 709-243-2471
web: www.shallowbaymotel.com
  Room amenities: Hair dryers, iron/ironing board, coffee makers, private bath, clock radio, cable color TV, telephone, data port lines for computers.
  Facility amenities: Pub and eatery, outdoor heated swimming pool, located on the beach, 51 motel rooms and 18 cabins, free wireless high speed Internet, ATM, ice maker, vending machines, gift shop, sauna, laundromat, 18-hole mini golf, air conditioned restaurant.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Plum Point Motel
Type: Motel
  Description: The motel overlooks Old Ferrole Harbour where Captain Cook stayed in 1764. Come and enjoy history in Plum Point.
  Contact info: Route 430
Plum Point, NL A0K 4A0 Canada
phone: 888-663-2533
  Room amenities: Bath/shower, TV, telephone.
  Facility amenities: Dining room, restaurant, lounge, indoor pool, gift shop and laundromat.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Battle Harbour Historic Buildings
Type: Other
  Description: Stay overnight in one the restored buildings and experience the ambience of a life-style long past surrounding by period furnishings and fixtures. The Battle Harbour Inn: Once providing accommodation for the resident merchant and agents, this charming island haven is fully restored and renovated and cozily furnished with antiques. The glassed-in porch is a wonderful spot to sit and view sunsets and is the perfect vantage point for relaxing and taking in the beauty of the island and its setting. The Grenfell Cottage is equipped with a full kitchen, breakfast nook, dining room, parlor and "loo with a view" -a three piece bathroom with a claw-foot tub. The sun porch and veranda offer an ideal spot to gaze at the magnificent ocean view. The Isaac Smith House: This is the oldest private residence on Battle Harbour Island. A night in the historic cottage will transport you back in time. Keeping with traditional lifestyle, the Isaac Smith Cottage is lit by oil lamp and heated by wood (supplied). However, for your convenience they have incorporated hot water and full bathroom facilities, complete with a clawfoot tub. The Spearing Cottage: This was once located on Double Island and was used as the light keepers home. It also offers a fully equipped kitchen, sitting room and a bathroom with sink, shower and toilet. RCMP Detachment: Once the headquarters for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at Battle Harbour, this house has two bedrooms on the first floor and two bedrooms on the ground floor. There is a full bathroom on the second floor and a half bath on the ground floor. This house is also equipped with a full kitchen, a dining room and living room and furnished to reflect its mid 1950s to late 1960s use as a home.
  Contact info: Battle Harbour National Historic Site
P.O. Box 140,
St. Mary's Harbour, NL AOK 3PO Canada
phone: 709-921-6325
web: www.battleharbour.com/home/5
  Smoking allowed: No
  Bathroom: Rooms are in restored historic homes - bathroom configurations vary. See Unique Features for information on each property.

 Northern Light Inn
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Northern Light Inn is a privately owned 3.5 star hotel and is widely recommended as "a great place to stay". A family run hotel since 1974, they provide warm and personal service to their guests. The Northern Light Inn is the closest hotel to the ferry (ten minutes away) and is the largest hotel in the region.
  Contact info: 58 Main Street
P.O. Box 92,
L'Anse-au-Clair, NL A0K 3K0 Canada
phone: 709-931-2332
web: www.northernlightinn.com
  Room amenities: Air conditioned, Wi-fi, colour cable TV with remote control, AM/FM clock radio, hair dryer, telephone with voice mail system, room service, private bath with full tub and shower
  Facility amenities: 49 rooms, 3 suites, 2 wheelchair accessible suites, 5 housekeeping units, family restaurant, guest laundry facilities, fully licensed lounge, gift shop, large and small conference/banquet facilities, business service centre, ATM.
  Smoking allowed: Yes

 Haven Inn
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Haven Inn is named in recognition of Jacques Cartier, who in his 1534 visit named the protected harbor "St. Anthony’s Haven". The hotel prides itself on a warm, friendly atmosphere and their dedicated staff provide friendly and courteous Newfoundland service.
  Contact info: P.O. Box 4
St. Anthony, NL  Canada
phone: 709-454-9101
web: www.haveninn.ca
  Room amenities: Rooms feature wireless high speed Internet, remote controlled color television and cable service, telephone, hairdryer, coffee maker and personal desk.
  Facility amenities: Fully licensed lounge, located next to shopping centre. The Haven Inn is 100% smoke free.
  Smoking allowed: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Independent arrivals to the program hotel after 3:00 pm, Deer Lake, NL. Dinner is at 5:30 pm at the hotel. You will be staying at Holiday Inn Express Deer Lake that night.
  End of Program:
Breakfast is at 8:00 am. A coach transfer to the Deer Lake International Airport will be provided after breakfast. Approximate arrival at the airport is between 9:30 and 10:00 am. You will be staying at Holiday Inn Express Deer Lake the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. PASSPORTS: Passport requirements are subject to change. Visit www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html for up to date information.
  Parking availability:
At the hotel, please call directly 709-635-3232. At the airport: Cost is CAD$5 p/d (any 24-hour period) to a max of CAD$30 p/wk (any 7-day period). Debit and cash not accepted at automated express exit stations. To arrange, call 709-635-3601
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Deer Lake, NL
  Nearest city or town:  Cornerbrook, NL
  Nearest highway: Trans Canada Highway
  Nearest airport:  Deer Lake Airport (YDF)
  From End of Program
  Location: Deer Lake, NL
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Deer Lake

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Local Taxi
phone: 709-635-2521

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$5 - 8 CDN
Prices are subject to change.
   

Taxi service at regular metered rates is available from the Deer Lake Regional Airport (YDF) to the Holiday Inn Express. Deer Lake Taxi (709) 635-2521 or Star Taxi (709) 634-4343. Travel time is approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Please note, there is NO shuttle service or public transit to the Holiday Inn Express.

 

Deer Lake

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Included in program cost
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

5 - 10 minutes 
   

A coach transfer to the Deer Lake International Airport will be provided after breakfast on the final day of the program. Approximate arrival at the airport is between 9:30 and 10:00 a.m. For those booked on earlier flights, you will need to take a taxi to the airport in Deer Lake - approximately $5 - 8 CDN.
 
Driving Directions
  Directions from airport: Hotel is located 3 km (1.86 miles) from the airport. Head NW to Airport Road, turn left onto Airport Road. Turn right onto Highway 1 (TransCanada Highway). Take Exit 15, Deer Lake/Nicholsville. Turn right on Lakeside Drive. Turn right on Nicholsville Road. Take first right, Bennett Avenue. Hotel is located on the right at 38 Bennett Avenue.
  Port aux Basques (Ferry) Take the ferry from Nova Scotia by car, travel from the ferry terminal in Port aux Basques, to Deer Lake along the Trans Canada Highway. Take Exit 15, Deer Lake/Nicholsville. Turn right on Lakeside Drive. Turn right on Nicholsville Road. Take first right, Bennett Avenue. Hotel is located on the right at 38 Bennett Avenue.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Independent Arrivals/Introductions/Newfoundland History and Culture
(Saturday, June 29)
   
 Afternoon: Independent arrivals and transfers to the program hotel after 3:00 pm. Please note that rooms are not generally available until mid to late afternoon.
 Dinner: The welcome dinner will be held at the hotel.
 Evening: INTRODUCTIONS: Following dinner, you will meet for introductions, a review of the program and site orientation. PRESENTATION: Newfoundland History and Culture. A presentation by a local expert and educator will provide an introduction to Newfoundland history and culture including early Newfoundland music, the Norse and Beothuk peoples and the resettlement program.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Deer Lake
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Gros Morne National Park/Exploratory Walk of the Tablelands/Newfoundland Fisheries
(Sunday, June 30)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Gros Morne National Park. Today we travel to the world renowned Gros Morne National Park - a world of spectacular landscapes and uncrowded spaces. During your stay in the Park you will meet experts, local residents, musicians and storytellers as part of your introduction to this phenomenal place. Declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1987, the park is internationally renowned for its scenic beauty, vast landscape and endless hiking trails. Gros Morne is also world renowned for its complex geology. It was here that geologists proved the theory of plate tectonics. Meet with a Park expert to examine the forces of nature that have shaped the land and the people on this World Heritage coast. Visit the state-of-the-art Discovery Centre. This is not just another interpretation centre, but an integral part of your Park experience.
 Lunch: Lunch at the award-winning Seaside Restaurant, located in the scenic coastal fishing village of Trout River.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP AND PRESENTATION: Trout River and The Tablelands. Following lunch continue on to the southwest corner of the Park to the coastal settlement of Trout River. Explore magnificent views of the coast and the startling geology of the nearby Tablelands - the most important geological feature in Gros Morne Park, and the main reason for the park being declared a World Heritage Site. With a Senior Parks geologist, explore the lunar-like landscape where you will bear witness to the forces of plate tectonics and ancient glaciation that occurred about 470 million years ago. PRESENTATION: Newfoundland Fisheries. Meet with a local expert to hear stories of Newfoundland's fisheries. Although the tradition of fishing is an old one in Newfoundland, the innovations required to sustain the practice are anything but archaic. The creativity required in keeping the fishing industry afloat is one of the biggest challenges in Newfoundland. Hear about how they are adapting to the changing times. Continue on to the town of Cow Head where you will be warmly welcomed by your hosts.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Shallow Bay Motel and Cabins
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Western Brook Trail and Fjord Cruise/Gros Morne Theatre Festival
(Monday, July 1)

Note: This morning you will walk the trail to Western Brook Pond which is 3 km (2 miles) in length each way. The trail is boardwalk and gravel, mostly flat with a few slight grades. There is no transportation available on the trail.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: This morning, you will walk the Western Brook Pond Trail to begin the cruise on Western Brook Pond.
 Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch dockside at Western Brook Pond. There is a sheltered waiting area, indoor washroom facilities, canteen services and a gift shop as well as several beautiful picnic areas.
 Afternoon: EXCURSION: This afternoon you will take a boat excursion on Western Brook Pond in Gros Morne National Park (weather permitting). This is the largest lake in the park. On board the boat, you will see the spectacular, land-locked Western Brook Pond fjord. The fjord is just one of numerous glacially carved fjords in the Long Range Mountains, the northernmost extent of the Appalachian Mountains. Waterfalls cascade from a height of 3,000 feet (900 meters), and you may spot some of the local wildlife. The lake is home to Atlantic salmon, brook trout and Arctic char as well as an unusual colony of cliff-nesting gulls. After returning from the cruise in late afternoon, enjoy some free time to relax at the hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
 Evening: PERFORMANCE: Enjoy a performance featuring Newfoundland stories, song and music, celebrating the Island's heritage and most importantly her people. Following the performance, enjoy a meet and greet with one of the performers.
   
Accommodations: Shallow Bay Motel and Cabins
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Cow Head Lighthouse Trail/Port au Choix National Historic Site
(Tuesday, July 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: EXCURSION: Cow Head Lighthouse. This morning we head out for the Cow Head Lighthouse. Enjoy a scenic walk along the Cow Head Peninsula or "The Head" as it is commonly known and hear about the history of this area. After the trail crests the top of the head it turns back towards the ocean and the lighthouse. Built in 1909, it was used as a beacon for passing ships.
 Lunch: Lunch en route.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Port aux Choix. This afternoon we head north on the Viking Trail to the town of Port au Choix, known as the "fishing capital" of Western Newfoundland. French, Spanish, Portuguese and Basque fishermen swarmed the west coast and settled in this port following John Cabot's discovery of cod. Today some come to sample the day's catch but the greatest attraction is the mystery buried underground. In the 1960s archaeologists discovered the graves of 90 Maritime Archaic Indians that date back almost 5,000 years. It is regarded as one of the richest archeological finds in North America. PRESENTATION: "The Ancient Peoples of Port-au-Choix - Groswater and Dorset Inuit and Maritime Archaic Indians".
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
 Evening: Enjoy the remainder of the evening to explore Plum Point, or catch up on your rest.
   
Accommodations: Plum Point Motel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Ferry to Labrador/Point Amour Lighthouse/Afternoon Social/Ferry to Battle Harbour
(Wednesday, July 3)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: FERRY TO LABRADOR: Travel to St. Barbe to board the Labrador ferry "Apollo". Make sure you keep an eye on the water as whale and iceberg sightings are common on the ferry trip. Upon arrival, we travel north along the Labrador Coastal Drive. The scenery along this road is beautiful yet harsh, a reminder that those who live here are toughened by the elements that shape their existence every day.
 Lunch: Lunch at Pointe Amour Lighthouse.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Point Amour Lighthouse and Afternoon Social. After lunch we explore the Point Amour Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in Atlantic Canada. Lighthouses play an integral part in the history and culture of Newfoundland as you will discover through a presentation at the historic site featuring a local storyteller and an afternoon social featuring Labrador tea and wildberry tarts. FERRY TO BATTLE HARBOUR: Depart for Mary's Harbour for a short ferry ride to Battle Harbour. Ferry crossing approximately one hour; whale and iceberg sightings are common.
 Dinner: Dinner in historic Battle Harbour, usually a three course offering with salad or fish cake starter, beef, chicken or turkey as entree, potatoes plus one other vegetable, a selection of homemade sweet breads/cookies/pies, coffee and tea.
 Evening: The evening is free to explore local sites on your own.
   
Accommodations: Battle Harbour Historic Buildings
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Battle Harbour National Historic Site - Presentation and Guided Exploration
(Thursday, July 4)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in Battle Harbour, typically consisting of a choice of hot or cold cereals, juice, coffee/tea, toast, an egg-based dish with meat, fish or homemade baked beans.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: Battle Harbour Historic Site. Battle Harbour has been at the center of life in Labrador for centuries. Through presentations, guided walks and overnight stays in one of the restored historic homes in the village, discover the centuries of history that are embedded in the area. Begin with a presentation by a fourth generation Battle Harbour descendent who will share his personal stories and discuss life in an isolated Labrador community. Learn about the village's past as we visit numerous historic structures, walkways and work areas that have been restored or reinstated. A collection of more than 500 artifacts related to the fishery and everyday life are on display and there is a special exhibit on the Labrador Fisheries. Visit the Marconi Station where Commander Robert E. Peary used its wireless services to share details of his reaching the Pole to the outside world - which created a great controversy between Peary and Cook as to who exactly had reached the Pole first, if at all.
 Lunch: Lunch in Battle Harbour. Fish in some form is usually offered during lunch accompanied by home made rolls, a selection of homemade sweet breads/cookies, coffee and tea.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Battle Harbour. Continue your exploration of Battle Harbour, winding your way through and around the wharves, stores and the shore side boardwalk, up a hill to St. James the Apostle Church - built in 1852 and restored in 1991 it is the sole surviving example of famed architect William Grey and the oldest surviving Anglican Church in Labrador. Travel back along the main east to west path in front of the NL Ranger Station, the former RCMP Detachment and each of the heritage homes. These historic buildings were once homes to the first permanent settlers who came to Battle Island in 1775 to work at the fishery which was established in 1770. In the years following, it became a major base for the region's cod and seal fisheries and for the commercial trade that led to the formation of a permanent community. In 1992, the Battle Harbour Historic Trust began to restore many of the buildings to their original condition. The village is a living commemoration of the life and society created there by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians during the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.
 Dinner: Dinner in historic Battle Harbour, usually a three course offering with salad or fish cake starter, beef, chicken or turkey as entree, potatoes plus one other vegetable, a selection of homemade sweet breads/cookies/pies, coffee and tea.
   
Accommodations: Battle Harbour Historic Buildings
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Red Bay National Historic Site/Sampling of local preserves
(Friday, July 5)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in Battle Harbour, typically consisting of a choice of hot or cold cereals, juice, coffee/tea, toast, an egg-based dish with meat, fish or homemade baked beans.
 Morning: FERRY TO ST. MARY'S HARBOUR: After breakfast we travel by ferry from Battle Harbour to Mary's Harbour where you may encounter more whales and icebergs. Enroute we stop at the oldest mound burial in North America (time permitting) to ponder the mystery of the ceremonial burial of a Maritime Archaic adolescent who died some 7500 years ago, that's about 2000 years before the construction of the pyramids. PRESENTATION: Basque Whaling History. At Red Bay National Historic Site, a presentation by a Parks historian will highlight the Basque whaling industry dating back to the 1500s and the role that it played in the history of Canada. Explore artifacts and exhibits that tell the intriguing story of 16th-century Basque whalers who built the first industrial complex in the New World here. Learn about the thriving industry of the production of whale oil that lit the lamps of Europe in the late Middle Ages. Red Bay is the most complete and best preserved example of these ports.
 Lunch: Lunch features traditional Basque food.
 Afternoon: EXCURSION: En route to L'Anse au Clair, enjoy a sample of local preserves. Cloudberries and lingonberries (called bakeapples and partridgeberries in Newfoundland and Labrador) as well as blueberries, are processed into gourmet spreads and syrups.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Northern Light Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Ferry to Newfoundland/Grenfell Historic Properties
(Saturday, July 6)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: FERRY TO MAINLAND: Board the ferry and cross the Strait of Belle Isle back to mainland Newfoundland. Continue your journey along the Viking Trail to St. Anthony, a seasonal fishing station for French and Biscayan (Basque) fishermen in the early 1500s. As the largest town at the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula, it was a base camp for early European settlers. Today, its proximity to L'Anse-aux-Meadows makes it one of the world's significant archaeological properties.
 Lunch: Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Lightkeeper's Cafe in St. Anthony. Take in the ocean view while dining on Newfoundland specialities.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Explore the Grenfell Historic Properties complex in St. Anthony. At Grenfell House Museum and Interpretive Centre, learn about the life and times of Sir Wilfred Grenfell, a medical missionary who devoted his life's work to serving the people of northern Newfoundland and Labrador. You will have an opportunity to visit Grenfell Handicrafts, located in the Interpretation Centre. The Jordi Bonet Murals in the rotunda of the nearby Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital are a series of ceramic murals depicting the culture and history of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. On entering the rotunda, one is at once struck by the beauty and harmony of design and color. Some of the panels are quite realistic and not difficult to interpret while others are more abstract.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Haven Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Whale Watching/L'Anse-aux-Meadows/Norstead Viking Village
(Sunday, July 7)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: EXCURSION: Whale Watching. Embark on a whale watching safari off the coast of St. Anthony to explore the breathtaking coastal waters of Iceberg Alley, an area noted for icebergs, whales and seabirds. The St. Anthony coast is one of the best places in the world for viewing humpbacks and Atlantic white-beaked dolphins. Minke, fin and killer whales are also common.
 Lunch: Lunch en route. Experience the renowned Newfoundland hospitality and a choice of traditional or non-traditional dishes.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: L'Anse-aux-Meadows National Historic Site. This afternoon we set out for L'Anse-aux-Meadows National Historic Site - one of the highlights of this program. Meet a local expert for an in-depth presentation on the only authenticated Viking Settlement in North America. Here you will learn about this ancient settlement, the first European encampment in the New World and site of Leif Erickson's Vinland. Discover the westward migration of the Vikings and understand how they lived so long ago. Stand on the same grassy plain facing the sea where the Vikings stood 1,000 years ago, then stoop to enter the reconstructed sod house that once protected them from the chill, wind and snow. Experience first-hand the warm, smoky atmosphere of these efficient buildings, while interpreters depict Viking life. Eight Norse sod-house foundations were unearthed by explorer Helge Ingstad and his wife, archaeologist Anne Stine Ingstad, in the 1960s. They were assisted by George Decker, a local fisherman, who showed them what he thought was an Aboriginal campsite. This confirmed the discovery of the first European encampment in the New World. FIELD TRIP: Norstead Viking Village. Continue to Norstead Village, a re-created Viking village. A presentation will examine the human history of a Viking village and about the port of trade. Explore how the Vikings would have lived 1,000 years ago and discover what crops they would have planted in a reenactment of the daily life of a Viking. Marvel at a full-scale replica of a Viking ship and uncover the chieftain's hall, blacksmith shop, tents and fire pit and sample the fare and culture of the ancient Vikings at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 Dinner: Dinner at the Norseman Restaurant. Explore an unforgettable dining experience in L'Anse aux Meadows. Take in a fabulous view of the ocean where whales and icebergs cross paths.
   
Accommodations: Haven Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Coach to Deer Lake/Arches Provincial Park/Farewell Dinner
(Monday, July 8)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Following breakfast, we will travel south to the village of Hawke's Bay.
 Lunch: Pizza and pasta buffet lunch at the Torrent River Inn in Hawke's Bay.
 Afternoon: This afternoon, continue on to Deer Lake. EXCURSION: Arches Provincial Park. Ancient limestone carved by eons of pounding surf have created the Arches, a natural rock formation known throughout the province. The site includes a trail leading to the huge rocks.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner at the hotel in Deer Lake.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Deer Lake
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Independent Departures
(Tuesday, July 9)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel is at 8:00 am.
 Morning: A coach transfer to the Deer Lake International Airport will be provided after breakfast. Approximate arrival at the airport is between 9:30 and 10:00 am.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Outport: The Soul of Newfoundland


Author: Candace Cochrane


Description: "A collection of beautiful photography that captures our land and our people at their most comfortable and natural state."
The Newfoundland Herald

Since joining confederation with Canada in 1949, Newfoundland has experienced huge industrial and economic progress. At the same time, development of the province’s natural resources has put increasing pressure on traditional outport culture. To exacerbate matters, the last decade has witnessed a dying fishery, the lure of economic prosperity in the west, and the attraction of larger urban centres. As a result, outport communities are feeling the brunt of vast outmigration. Much of the distinct heritage that has characterized Newfoundland for so many years has changed drastically. However, the uniqueness of outports, nurtured by centuries of isolation, will always remain. Outport is a snapshot in time between the years 1969–1985, vividly capturing the life of one of these communities. Through dramatic photographs and personal stories told by the people themselves, this book takes a look back at a lifestyle that has changed forever. Candace Cochrane first came to Newfoundland in 1967 to work in a children’s summer recreation program run by the Quebec-Labrador Foundation (QLF) on the Northern Peninsula. She has divides her time between working as a photojournalist, a teacher of photography, and a cultural heritage program director for QLF. Her photographs have appeared in numerous magazines and books in Canada and the US. Some of the photographs from this book are collected in the National Archives of Canada. For part of each year, Cochrane lives and works out of her house on the Northern Peninsula, where she first fell in love with the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Available directly from Flanker Press



Frommer’s Newfoundland & Labrador


Author: Andrew Hempstead


Description: GUIDEBOOK, 2012, PAPERBACK, 243 PAGES A comprehensive, practical guide to the region with excellent recommendations for hotels, restaurants and excursions. With two-color maps throughout.



Theatre of Fish, Travels Through Newfoundland and Labrador


Author: John Gimlette


Description: TRAVEL NARRATIVE, 2006, PAPERBACK, 356 PAGES Gimlette (At the Tomb of the Inflatable Pig) reels in history, folklore and some pretty odd characters in this rollicking account of his travels around The Rock. His Newfoundland, steeped in myth and cod, is more than slightly off kilter. We can almost forgive him for occasionally being too clever for his own good! Gimlette travels, in part, in the footsteps of his adventurous great-grandfather Eliot Curwen and much-ballyhooed contemporary Wilfred Grenfell, about whom we learn a great deal.



Newfoundland & Labrador Map


Author: ITMB


Description: This double-sided map shows the island of Newfoundland on one side (1:750,000), showing all roads and villages, and the French islands of St. Pierre et Miquelon, as well as an inset map of St. John's. The other side is the first-ever map of enormous and largely-unexplored Labrador at a scale of 1:1.39 million. There is a land connection from Baie Comeau in Quebec north to Labrador City, and an east-west dirt road to Goose Bay via the huge power station at Churchill Falls, and ferry services along the coast. The rest is as wild as it gets. 27"X39"



A Field Guide to North Atlantic Wildlife: Marine Mammals, Seabirds, Fish and Other Sea Life


Author: Noble S. Proctor | Patrick J. Lynch


Description: FIELD GUIDE, 2005, PAPERBACK, 221 PAGES A comprehensive pocket guide to the marine mammals, seabirds, fish, invertebrates and other marine life of the Northwestern Atlantic. Built for the field, full-color illustrations, range maps and descriptions are integrated on opposite pages for easy reference. The range maps cover the Atlantic coast from Cape Hatteras to Newfoundland. Many of the individual whale species get two full pages. With an outstanding overview of oceanography and conservation, checklist and glossary.



Hungry Ocean, A Swordboat Captain's Journey


Author: Linda Greenlaw


Description: TRAVEL NARRATIVE, 2000, PAPERBACK, 288 PAGES A formidable skipper, Greenlaw details all the excitement, boredom, weather, and characters on a first-class fishing operation off the coast of Newfoundland.





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