Road Scholar : Home
Spectacular Newfoundland Coast to Coast

Program Number: 13535RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/14/2013 - 6/26/2013; 7/26/2013 - 8/7/2013; 8/23/2013 - 9/4/2013; 9/6/2013 - 9/18/2013;
Duration: 12 nights
Location: St. John's, Newfoundland
Price starting at: $3,378.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: On the Road; Independent City Discoveries
Meals: 34; 12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 11 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Known to locals as “the Rock,” the main island of Newfoundland and Labrador sports a rugged coast and picturesque peninsulas where some of the world’s rarest land formations can be seen and traces of four centuries of human settlement can be found. Traverse the island from coast to coast to discover the true character of Newfoundland.




Highlights

• Observe several species of whales and North America’s largest colony of Atlantic puffins at Witless Bay Ecological Reserve.
• Visit the ancient Viking settlement of L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• At Western Brook Pond, cruise the spectacular glacier-carved land-locked fjord, viewing waterfalls and billion year-old cliffs and sighting wildlife.



Activity Particulars

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




Date Specific Information

6-14-2013, 7-26-2013, 8-23-2013, 9-6-2013

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



Itinerary Summary

Arrival St. John’s, 2 nights; coach to Port Union, 3 nights; coach to Twillingate, 2 nights; coach to Cow Head, 2 nights; coach to St. Anthony, 1 night; coach to Hawke’s Bay, 1 night; coach to Deer Lake, 1 night; departure.



Coordinated by Routes to Learning Canada.




St. John's

St. John’s is on the northeast Avalon Peninsula, making it North America’s most easterly city. The sea has long affected the city’s growth and economy, from the 17th-century ebb and flow of migrating fishermen to the more recent discovery of underwater fuel reserves.
Accommodations
St. John’s: Centrally located hotel overlooking harbor and The Narrows. Port Union: Comfortable inn on the Discovery Trail. Twillingate: Harbor-side hotel. Cow Head: Waterfront motel in Gros Morne National Park. St. Anthony: Comfortable inn. Hawke’s Bay: Inn on the Torrent River. Deer Lake: Comfortable motel.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Bill Montevecchi
Bill Montevecchi is a professor of psychology, biology and ocean sciences at Memorial University of Newfoundland. His research is focused on marine birds, ocean ecology and conservation biology. Bill is the co-author of “Newfoundland Birds: Exploitation, Study and Conservation and created Seabirds – Oceanic Barometers for the Ideas Series of the CBC Radio.” Bill lectures nationally and internationally about avian ecology and conservation.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Quality Hotel Harbourview
  St. John's, Newfoundland 2 nights
   Seaport Inn
  Port Union, NL 3 nights
   Anchor Inn Motel
  Twillingate, NL 2 nights
   Shallow Bay Motel and Cabins
  Cow Head, NL 2 nights
   Haven Inn
  St. Anthony, NL 1 night
   Maynard's Torrent River Inn
  Hawke's Bay, NL 1 night
   Holiday Inn Express Deer Lake
  Deer Lake, NL 1 night
 Quality Hotel Harbourview
Type: Hotel
  Description: Proud winner of the 2009 Choice Hotels Canadian Hotel of the Year Award, the Quality Hotel Harbourview is close to many St. John's attractions, including Mile One Stadium, The Rooms provincial museum complex, the Johnson Geo Centre, the Quidi Vidi Battery Provincial Historical Site and the Signal Hill National Historic Site of Canada. Overlooking St. John's Harbour and The Narrows, this downtown St. John's hotel offers easy access to whale-watching tours and other water activities, while the popular George Street entertainment district is a short walk from the hotel.
  Contact info: 2 Hill O'Chips
St. John's, NL A16 6B1 Canada
phone: 709-754-7788
web: www.choicehotels.ca/en/quality-hotel-cn246
  Room amenities: Room controlled air conditioning, cable TV with in room movies, coffee maker, hairdryer, iron and ironing board.
  Facility amenities: Restaurant on site, non-smoking and handicapped accessible rooms available, complimentary sheltered parking, free local calls, free wireless high speed Internet, exercise room.
  Smoking allowed: No
  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: 2:00 PM

 Seaport Inn
Type: Hotel
  Description: Conveniently located between the historic communities of Trinity and Bonavista, the Seaport Inn is the ideal haven for sightseeing on the Discovery Trail.
  Contact info: P.O. Box 37
Port Union, NL A0C 2J0 Canada
phone: 709-469-2257
web: www.seaportinn.ca
  Room amenities: Bath/shower, non-smoking rooms, color cable TV, telephone, free WiFi. Hairdryers are available at the front desk.
  Facility amenities: The Fireside Restaurant and Swallie Lounge are located on site.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Anchor Inn Motel
Type: Hotel
  Description: The breathtaking, rugged beauty of Twillingate Island, combined with its many and varied attractions, has made this uncut "Jewel of the North Atlantic" a favorite tourist destination.
  Contact info: Northside, Twillingate
Twillingate, NL A0G 4M0 Canada
phone: 709-884-2777
web: www.anchorinntwillingate.com
  Room amenities: Hairdryers are available at the front desk.
  Facility amenities: The Anchor Inn is 100% smoke free.
  Smoking allowed: No

 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, exercise room, laundromat, 18-hold mini golf, air conditioned restaurant.
  Smoking allowed: No

 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 center. The Haven Inn is 100% smoke free.
  Smoking allowed: Yes

 Maynard's Torrent River Inn
Type: Motel
  Description: Located next to the Torrent River, Maynard’s Torrent River Inn boasts a 1.8-mile (3.25-kilometer) boardwalk along the river, ending in a spectacular waterfall and salmon run. The beach in front of the motel is an unusual flat limestone pavement, bearing glacier scars in three different directions and inlaid with small fossils and tracks. The inn is family owned and known for quality service and hospitality.
  Contact info: Route 430
P.O. Box 59,
Hawke's Bay, NL A0K 3B0 Canada
phone: 709-248-5225
web: www.torrentriverinn.ca
  Room amenities: Cable color TV with remote control, hair care products, hair dryer, room service, telephone, private bathroom and coffee maker.
  Facility amenities: Bristol's pub and eatery (pool tables, dart boards, video lottery machines, cable and satellite television), two restaurants, 29 motel rooms, six cottages, two suites, well-stocked video and reading library with materials covering area history and culture (complimentary VCR available upon request), laundry facilities, wheelchair accessible, conference and meeting rooms, front desk operates 24 hours/day, patio, banquet room, fitness center.
  Smoking allowed: Yes

 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 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


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Hotel check-in after 2:00 pm, St. John's, NL. Program introductions scheduled at 5:00 pm and dinner is at 6:00 pm. You will be staying at Quality Hotel Harbourview that night.
  End of Program:
Breakfast is at 7:30 am followed by an optional activity for those not departing on early morning flights. Group transfer to Deer Lake Airport (YDF); approximate arrival at airport is 11:30 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 information.
  Parking availability:
Airport parking: Approximately CAD$12 per day/ CAD$60 per week. Lot is adjacent to Airport Terminal building. For information call (709) 758-8500 or visit www.stjohnsairport.com/index/index.cfm?id=45 At the hotel please call directly (709)-754-7788
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  St. John's, Newfoundland
  Nearest airport:  St. John's International Airport (YYT)
  From End of Program
  Location:  Deer Lake, NL
  Nearest city or town:  Cornerbrook, NL
  Nearest highway: Trans Canada Highway
  Nearest airport:  Deer Lake Airport (YDF)
Travel Details
 

St. John's, NL

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $25 - 30
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20 - 30 minutes 
   

From the St. John's airport, taxis available to take you to the hotel. To get to St. John's NL, a participant can fly with a number of major or discount air lines. Air Canada, Tango, Jazz and, Westjet are examples. PLEASE NOTE: This program starts in St. John's, NL and ends in Deer Lake, NL.

 

St. John's

 

From Ferry Landing

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Newhooks
phone: 709-682-4877
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Distance:

 

81 miles/131 kms
   

A shuttle is available from the ferry in Argentia to St. John's, NL. Call 709-682-4877 for rates, schedules and reservations. There is a summer ferry between North Sydney, NS and Argentia, NL. Crossing time is 14 hours, For more information about the ferry visit Marine Atlantic www.marine-atlantic.ca/

 

Deer Lake, NL

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

No cost
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

5 - 10 minutes 
   

A group transfer to the Deer Lake international Airport (YDF) on the final day of the program will be arranged with an approximate arrival at the airport of 11:30 am, then a drop off at the hotel for those staying on at their own expense. You will be responsible for independent departures from Deer Lake. Those departing on early morning flights will need to take a taxi to the Deer Lake Airport (approximately $5 - $8)
 

Deer Lake

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$5 - $8 CDN
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

5 - 10 minutes 
   

For participants who have early morning departures from Deer Lake; ask the front desk staff at the hotel to arrange for a taxi from the hotel to the airport. Deer Lake Taxi: 709-635-2521; Star Taxi: 709-634-4343. PLEASE NOTE: This program starts in St. John's, NL and ends in Deer Lake, NL. Air Canada Airlines [888-247-2262] services Deer Lake.
 

Deer Lake

 

To Ferry Landing

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
DRL Coachlines
phone: 888-263-1854

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $50
Prices are subject to change.
   

DRL Coachlines offers scheduled service from Deer Lake to the ferry in Port-aux-Basques. Call 1-888-263-1854 for up to date information or visit http://www.drl-lr.com/ The ferry leaves from Port-aux-Basques, NL and crosses to North Sydney, NS. (approximately 8 hours). Call Marine Atlantic for up to date ferry schedules and information at 1-800-341-7981 or visit www.marine-atlantic.ca/index.asp

 
Driving Directions
  St. John's, NL (Airport) Take Portugal Cove Road south (left). Turn right on Logy Bay Road. Logy Bay Road turns into Kingsbridge Circle and then into Cavendish Square. Turn right on Ducksworth St. Turn left onto Hill O’Chips.
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: Arrivals and Introductions/Seabirds and Marine Ecology of Newfoundland and Labrador
(Friday, August 23)
   
 Afternoon: Independent arrivals and transfers to the program hotel after 2:00 pm. You will meet for introductions, a review of the program and site orientation at 5:00 p.m.
 Dinner: The welcome dinner is at the hotel restaurant at 6:00 p.m., offering a choice of items.
 Evening: PRESENTATION: A local expert will discuss "Seabirds and the Marine Ecology of Newfoundland and Labrador", followed by a video presentation "People of the Sea". You will learn about the diversity of North Atlantic seabirds and the Low Arctic ocean conditions along the coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador that provide their habitat. Newfoundland is the southern limit for icebergs and many Arctic seabirds. We will also explore the interrelationships between seabirds and their ocean environment and assess the current information about the North Atlantic, the fishes in it and climate change from the point of view of the spectacular seabirds of Newfoundland and Labrador.
   
Accommodations: Quality Hotel Harbourview
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: St. John's/Cape Spear/Signal Hill/The Rooms
(Saturday, August 24)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast is at the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: You will begin your visit to St. John's with a guided exploration of the city. St. John's is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador. This colorful city, born of its sheltered harbor, was a busy port 40 years before the Mayflower landed at Plymouth. Although it is a small city, St. John's has a warm, vibrant spirit. Water Street is the oldest street in North America. You will also visit Cape Spear, the most easterly point of land in North America, Signal Hill National Historic Site and Cabot Tower.
 Lunch: Lunch en route, followed by a visit to historic Quidi Vidi Village, including a guided tour of the brewery.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Join an expert at "The Rooms" for an introduction to the people of Newfoundland. A unique blend of art gallery, archives and museum; its controversial design mirrors the colorful "fishing rooms" where families came together to process their catch. This is a wonderful opportunity to be exposed to local culture and craft as well as traditional and modern looks at life in Newfoundland and Labrador as it houses the largest collection of artefact's and specimens - from the First Nations, Vikings, French, and English.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own to explore local fare.
 Evening: The evening is free to continue your exploration of St. John's.
   
Accommodations: Quality Hotel Harbourview
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Puffin and Whale Watch/Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
(Sunday, August 25)

Note: The puffin and whale watching are aboard Gatherall’s Catamaran, a purpose designed and built passenger vessel – not a converted fishing boat. It is a more stable than conventional vessels; which means less seasickness and a more pleasant ride. Space for all passengers both outside and inside (in case of inclement weather). Two washrooms and an on-board bar/canteen service. The Catamaran offers a raised height for viewing birds on the islands and the perfect angles for viewing whales.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast is at the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: En route to Port Union, we will stop in Bay Bulls, where a boat field trip will give you the opportunity to spot puffins and whales (weather and season permitting). The live, onboard interpretive program will describe the natural and cultural heritage of Newfoundland. You will also visit the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, where over 1,000,000 pairs of seabirds gather to breed during the summer months.
 Lunch: Lunch at Gatherall's, overlooking Bay Bulls Harbour, showcasing a stunning ocean view.
 Afternoon: Continue on to Port Union. Historic Port Union is Canada's only union built town, and it was a thriving industrial town during the period that the Fisherman's Protective Union flourished. The town's community spirit is still very much alive today as residents work to preserve their union built heritage and bring their history to life.
 Dinner: Dinner at the Seaport Inn, offering a choice of local specialties.
 Evening: Explore Port Union on an optional walk, or catch up on your rest.
   
Accommodations: Seaport Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Historic Port Union/Bonaventure/Trinity History and Theater
(Monday, August 26)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the inn.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: On a guided visit of historic Port Union, you will see the buildings of the town, including the factory and the Coaker Bungalow. Many are being restored to their original state. Local guides talk about each site and the part it played in the life and times of Port Union.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: A local historian will deliver a lecture, "Port Union: A Union-Built Town". You will learn how Sir William Coaker formed a union of fishermen in the early 1900s to fight against the merchant trade of St. John's. His goal was to revolutionize the fishery, placing control of the fish trade in the hands of fishermen. Sir William is noted as an activist, labor leader, visionary, businessman, publisher and politician. On a guided visit of historic Port Union, you will see the buildings of the town, including the factory and the Coaker Bungalow. Many are being restored to their original state. Trained guides talk about each site and the part it played in the life and times of Port Union.
 Lunch: Lunch en route.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: In Trinity, explore the town's historic sites. Then continue to Bonaventure and a field trip to the site of the Canadian Broadcasting System's mini-series Random Passage, taking you back to the early 1800s. Based on the acclaimed book of the same name by Bernice Morgan, this site includes period buildings and fishing stages designed to replicate the life of a typical Newfoundland fishing community in the early 1800s. As you take a guided walk through the constructed buildings, you will learn about the hardships of immigrants from England and Ireland in their struggle to survive in the harsh Newfoundland climate.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant in Trinity.
 Evening: PERFORMANCE: Enjoy a theatre performance in Trinity presented by the Rising Tide Theatre Company. Since its founding as a professional theatre company in 1978, Rising Tide Theatre has offered audiences some of the finest plays and talent available in Canada. The Company has explored current and controversial issues on stage, rejuvenated and modernized classics, and created plays which seek to portray the culture and character of Newfoundland and Labrador.
   
Accommodations: Seaport Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Elliston Puffin Site/John Cabot/Cape Bonavista/Ryan Premises Site
(Tuesday, August 27)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the inn.
 Morning: EXCURSION: Before the advent of electricity, vegetables were stored in root cellars. Elliston has over a hundred of them, some which have been restored. That is why the town officially declared itself the "Root Cellar Capital of the World" in July 2000. The town boasts 135 documented root cellars, some of which have survived nearly 200 years. You will learn about early Newfoundland subsistence. Guides will talk about the importance of the cellars in the life of the settlers and how they were constructed. You will also visit the Elliston puffin site. Elliston boasts the closest viewing of puffins from land in North America.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: You will visit John Cabot's Matthew Legacy Site. Here you will learn about John Cabot's famous voyage of discovery to Newfoundland in 1497. That year, John Cabot, or Giovanni Caboto, sailed from England in search of new lands rich in spices, he discovered Newfoundland. He made the voyage in a 65-foot caravel called the Matthew, almost certainly named for his wife, Mattea. A full-scale replica of the Matthew made a transatlantic voyage in 1997 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Cabot's voyage. Another full-scale replica was built, officially christened and launched in 1998 in Bonavista.
 Lunch: Lunch en route.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: At Ryan Premises National Historic Site, you will learn the intriguing story of the East Coast fishery. Parks Canada staff will describe the compelling story of the fishing industry in Newfoundland in the unique setting of these restored merchant's premises. The first thing you notice is the smell of salt cod. More than a century after employees of James Ryan Ltd. began salting and storing the cod brought in by local fishermen, the tangy aroma of their work remains as strong as if the enterprise had just closed yesterday.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Visit the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, located at the headland of Cape Bonavista. As trained guides interpret this site, you will learn how important this lighthouse was in guiding mariners and shipping traffic bound for Labrador. Discover the vital role played by lighthouses, and the extraordinary breed of men and women who operated them, in safeguarding the lives of the mariners who executed their trade off Newfoundland's rugged coast. The lighthouse is now a Provincial Historic Site, restored to the 1870s. Bonavista is one of the oldest settlements on the northeast coast of Newfoundland. A quaint fishing community of 4,600 people, it is the largest community in the province to rely solely on the inshore fishing industry. Its name is presumed to have come from Italian explorer John Cabot's exclamation "O Buena Vista", meaning "O Happy Sight", when he first sighted land off Cape Bonavista in 1497.
 Dinner: Local residents will join you for dinner and share their stories about life in rural Newfoundland. Dinner will be a buffet style meal featuring traditional Newfoundland dishes.
 Evening: PERFORMANCE: Following dinner there will be traditional music and dancing, try your hand at playing the "ugly sticks" and spoons. An evening of fun and laughter.
   
Accommodations: Seaport Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Terra Nova National Park/Boyd's Cove Beothuk Site
(Wednesday, August 28)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the inn.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: En route to Twillingate, you will visit Terra Nova National Park. You will learn about the geology and geography of the park, the marine life along its coastline and the issues affecting its ecological integrity. Discover why the park's theme is "where long fingers of the North Atlantic Ocean touch our boreal landscape". After watching a short introductory movie, you will have a guided visit of the marine exhibits and touch tank, then up to the top of Blue Hill. The natural habitat of this 400-square-kilometre park includes spruce and fir forest, rolling hills, sheltered inlets, rugged coastline, bogs, ponds, streams and glacial features. From whales roaming the rich feeding grounds of the Sounds to the orchids of the boreal habitat, this area has supported an impressive array of marine and terrestrial life for thousands of years. Salmon, moose, bear, lynx and bald eagles are just some of the wildlife you may see at Terra Nova.
 Lunch: Buffet lunch at a restaurant in Gander.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: At Boyd's Cove Beothuk Site, you will learn the haunting story of the extinct Beothuk people. Discover how these people lived in the 17th century - who they traded with and what sort of religion they practiced. Explore the physical world in which the Beothuk lived by following a traditional path through the forest used by early European settlers and possibly also by the Beothuk. Watch a video that includes footage by the late Dr. Ralph Pastore, the archaeologist in charge of the digs at Boyd's Cove. Artists' drawings, artifacts, models and a diorama provide concrete examples. Archaeological excavations have uncovered a group of house pits occupied between 1650 and 1720 AD, at a time when the now-extinct Beothuk people had had some interaction with Europeans and were making use of metal scavenged from European sites. The Beothuk people became extinct with the death of Shanawdithit, a Beothuk woman, in St. John's in 1829. The Boyd's Cove site and Notre Dame Bay area provide important information about the life and culture of this unique people.
 Afternoon: Continue on to Twillingate, a town of 5,000 people located in beautiful Notre Dame Bay. The town probably dates from the 15th century, when it was a fishing port. It flourished in the 18th century, becoming known as the "Capital of the North". Since the downturn in the fishery, many businesspeople and residents have turned to tourism to turn the town's fortunes around.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel, featuring a choice of items.
 Evening: This evening is yours to explore local sites and discover Twillingate on your own or relax at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Anchor Inn Motel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Prime Berth Fishing Heritage Centre/Twillingate Boat Cruise
(Thursday, August 29)

Note: Our vessels offer open decks for unobstructed viewing, and heated cabin & washroom facilities. Full bar service and light snacks available for purchase. Each tour is supported by a compelling narrative highlighting the natural and cultural history of Newfoundland and is accompanied by traditional Newfoundland music.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Your day will start with a visit to Prime Berth Fishing Heritage Centre, where you will learn about Newfoundland's inshore fishing heritage and culture as it is lived in the hundreds of little outport communities scattered around the coast. See demonstrations in a 100-year-old fishing stage and learn how life has changed in these communities in the past 20 years. The large number of cultural artifacts enables you to connect with the "soul" of Newfoundland. You will also be able to speak to people who have spent their lives in tiny outport communities. They work in the commercial fishery, catching snow crab, cod, capelin, herring, lobster, mackerel and squid. Run by commercial fisherpeople, the centre features an old fishing stage, net loft and fish store. You will also learn how the province's people are coping since the collapse of the cod fishery.
 Lunch: Lunch en route.
 Afternoon: FREE TIME: Later this afternoon, spend some free time on your own to explore local sites and discover Twillingate. You may see icebergs (season permitting) because Twillingate calls itself the "Iceberg Capital of the World".
 Afternoon: BOAT EXCURSION: Observe whales, icebergs (weather and season permitting) and marvel at the rugged coast. Witness the world’s largest concentration of humpback whales. Steam through the passageway of 12,000 year old Greenland icebergs. View elegant sea birds including the Atlantic Puffin as they feed in our coastal waters. We recommend dressing in layers for the boat trip so that you’ll be comfortable regardless of the weather. A good sweater and a waterproof outer layer are highly recommended. Early in the season a hat and a pair of mittens would not go astray. We also recommend bringing a camera (with a secure strap), a comfortable set of non-slip footwear, and a sense of adventure!
 Afternoon: Optional visit to the Long Point Lighthouse and Interpretation Centre where you can watch whales, seals, and sea birds cavort over the panoramic seascape, with a commanding view of the ocean and nearby islands. The Centre houses one of Newfoundland's largest private antique and ephemeral collections; cultural, heritage, and natural history exhibits.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel offers a choice of items.
 Evening: Free evening to relax at your motel or continue exploring the wonderful opportunities Twillingate has to offer.
   
Accommodations: Anchor Inn Motel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Gros Morne National Park/Cow Head
(Friday, August 30)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Depart for Cow Head with rest breaks en route.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch en route.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP AND PRESENTATION: Gros Morne National Park. Here you will learn about the park's remarkable geology. In fact, Gros Morne has been called the "Galapagos of Geology" and became a World Heritage site in 1987. Thanks to sharp ridges and huge cliffs, coastal bogs and highland tundra, dramatic ocean inlets and lakes, the scenery at Gros Morne National Park ranks among the most spectacular in Atlantic Canada. The park is a textbook illustration of plate tectonics, the theory that suggests that continent-sized plates of the earth's crust have collided and separated repeatedly over geological time. About 600 million years ago, the joint land mass of Europe and North America was starting to pull apart. Magma from the lower crust welled up and filled the gap between them, and this solidified magma is visible in the cliffs of Gros Morne's Western Brook Pond. On a walking field trip to the Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park, you will hear a presentation on "Gros Morne Park Geology".
 Afternoon: Continue on to Cow Head. This small fishing village is situated on the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Gros Morne National Park. It represents a large sample of Newfoundland's western highlands and coastal lowlands - a landscape of mountains, fjords, deep glacial lakes and wave-carved cliffs.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel features a choice of items.
 Evening: Enjoy a free evening to explore the sites of Cow Head or catch up on your rest.
   
Accommodations: Shallow Bay Motel and Cabins
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Rocky Harbour/Western Brook Pond Trail and Boat Excursion/Theater Performance
(Saturday, August 31)

Note: Today you will walk the trail to Western Brook Pond 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. Located at dockside is a sheltered waiting area, indoor washroom facilities, canteen services, gift shop, picnic area. Two Coast Guard approved vessels have a combined capacity of 165 people. Live interpretation of some the geological and historical features of this wonder of nature.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: You will visit the Rocky Harbour Visitor Centre. Learn about the geology and wildlife of Gros Morne National Park, supported by exhibits and a video. Curving around a long and sweeping bay with the mountains in the background, Rocky Harbour is the largest and prettiest village in Gros Morne National Park. The community serves as the major service center for the park. You will walk the Western Brook Pond Trail to begin the cruise on Western Brook Pond. Pause for a while to examine the variety of plant life, look for wildlife or read the interpretive panels located along the trail.
 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. The trail carries you over the fragile coastal plain, once located below sea level. A light weight jacket is advisable while aboard the boat.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel features a choice of items.
 Evening: PERFORMANCE: Enjoy a presentation at the hotel by the Gros Morne Theatre Company, focusing on Newfoundland stories, song and music, celebrating the Newfoundland culture, heritage, and most importantly her people. Plays include stories about heroic nurses, heroic actions during a ship wreck, a pair of Newfoundland Eds, and a real life murder mystery from the 1800s.
   
Accommodations: Shallow Bay Motel and Cabins
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: St. Anthony/Grenfell Historic Properties/Entertainment
(Sunday, September 1)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Depart for St. Anthony. St. Anthony had its beginnings as a seasonal fishing station for French and Biscayan (Basque) fishermen in the early 1500s. This is how Jacques Cartier came upon it in 1534, when he named the protected harbor St. Anthony Haven. A permanent coastal settlement did not begin until after the Napoleonic Wars ended in 1815. During the latter decades of the 19th century, the town was a service point for Newfoundland schooners sailing between the Labrador coast and ports in Bonavista. 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. The founding of the mission by Sir Wilfred Grenfell in 1893 began the development of St. Anthony as an institutional and medical center, one of the more important facets of the town's economy today.
 Lunch: Lunch at the Lightkeepers Restaurant, located in the former residence of the Fishing Point lighthouse keeper. The restaurant features a spectacular ocean view of Iceberg Alley.
 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. 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 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.
 Evening: PERFORMANCE: During and following dinner, enjoy local entertainment at the restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Haven Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: L'Anse-aux-Meadows/Norstead Viking Village/Hawke's Bay
(Monday, September 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Exploring L'Anse-aux-Meadows National Historic Site is one of the highlights of this program. En route to the site, you will watch the video "Vinland Mystery" in preparation. At L'Anse aux Meadows you will learn about this famous ancient Viking 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. You will experience first-hand the warm, smoky atmosphere of these efficient buildings, while costumed 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.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Experience Norstead Viking Village, a re-created Viking village. Learn how the Vikings would have lived 1,000 years ago and discover what crops they would have planted. Analysis is provided by costumed interpreters carrying out authentic demonstrations. At the boatshed, marvel at a full-scale replica of a Viking ship. At the place of worship, explore the transition from paganism to Christianity. Visit the chieftain's hall, blacksmith shop, tents and fire pit.
 Lunch: Lunch en route. Experience the renowned Newfoundland hospitality and a choice of traditional or non-traditional dishes.
 Afternoon: Continue on to Hawke's Bay, a town on the Viking Trail between Gros Morne National Park and St. Anthony, at the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula. Nestled at the end of a beautiful inland bay, the town is protected from the cold winds and fog experienced along the coast. It is rich in history, from whaling to early aviation, logging, sport-fishing and river drives.
 Dinner: Seafood dinner at the inn.
 Evening: PRESENTATION: A local expert highlights early Newfoundland culture in Canada.
   
Accommodations: Maynard's Torrent River Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Port au Choix National Historic Site/Salmon River Fish Ladder
(Tuesday, September 3)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the inn.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: A field trip to Port au Choix National Historic Site begins with a presentation highlighting early Newfoundland culture in Canada. At Port au Choix, you will watch a film and listen to a lecture on "The Ancient Peoples of Port-au-Choix - Groswater and Dorset Inuit and Maritime Archaic Indians". Visit the lighthouse at Port Riche and have an opportunity to hunt for fossils.
 Lunch: Lunch at the inn. Entertainment is provided by a local musician during and after lunch.
 Afternoon: PRESENTATION: A presentation on the Torrent River Boardwalk and Salmon River Fish Ladder is followed by a visit to the Fish Ladder. The boardwalk along the Torrent River ends in a spectacular waterfall, the site of Newfoundland and Labrador's most successful salmon-enhancement project. When the salmon are migrating you can see them jumping up the ladder to the area where they will spawn. You'll then depart by coach for Deer Lake.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner in Deer Lake.
 Evening: The evening is free to explore Deer Lake on your own or prepare for your departure tomorrow.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Deer Lake
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Insectarium/Independent Departures
(Wednesday, September 4)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the motel at 7:30 am. Participants travelling on early morning flights will need to take a taxi to the Deer Lake Airport (approximately 5 minutes).
 Morning: OPTIONAL FIELD TRIP: For those with later flights, we will explore the Insectarium in Deer Lake and learn all about the world of insects, especially species found in Newfoundland and Labrador. We will drop participants off at the Deer Lake International Airport or hotel in Deer Lake after the activity - approximate arrival at the airport is 11:30 am.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  St. John's, Newfoundland Activities in St. John's
St. John's has historic buildings, museums, shopping, educational centers and a very active arts community. Participants can visit sites such as The Fluvarium, Cathedral Tea Room, Pharmacy Museum, National Research Centre ship testing wave tank, English style Parks and Gardens. Live theater downtown and movie theater at the malls. On June 24 each year the city celebrates the 500+ years of the city's birthday with over 30 free admission events. For additional information, visit www.destinationstjohns.com/why-st-johns/attractions/
  Johnson Geo Centre
The GEO CENTRE is a geological interpretation centre — the result of more than four years of research, planning, design, and construction. It was built in a natural rock basin that was originally filled with peat, covering glacial till and boulders. The large, glass-encased entry, standing 2.5 stories high, is the only part of the building above ground. Approximately 85 per cent of the building’s 2,970 square metres (33,600 square feet) of floor space is underground. The external walls of the Exhibits area are of natural, 550 million year old exposed rock; you can see the features and characteristics of Signal Hill’s geology. For additional information, visit www.geocentre.ca/
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



Moon Handbook Atlantic Canada


Author: Mark Morris


Description: GUIDEBOOK, 2009, PAPERBACK, 500 PAGES A comprehensive guide to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island. With regional maps and detailed descriptions of St. John's and other points of interest, along with an overview of the people, wildlife and history of the region. (CAN02, $19.95) Available through Longitude. Call 1 (800) 342-2164 or go to reading.longitudebooks.com/RL8230



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. (CND234, $15.00) Available through Longitude. Call 1 (800) 342-2164 or go to reading.longitudebooks.com/RL8230



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. (NFL17, $14.00) Available through Longitude. Call 1 (800) 342-2164 or go to reading.longitudebooks.com/RL8230



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. Available through Longitude. Call 1 (800) 342-2164 or go to reading.longitudebooks.com/RL8230 (NAM24, $19.95)





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