Itinerary Highlights
- Spot puffins, murres and whales on a seabird tour at Witless Bay
- Explore Twillingate’s coast and potentially spot humpbacks on an iceberg tour
- Cruise Western Brook Pond through fjords and cliffs, and discover striking viewpoints
- Observe whales and seabirds on a St. Anthony marine tour before visiting a Viking settlement
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Car Hire
15 nights from £4,175 per person
Jake Aley
Travel Specialist
Set off on a self-drive adventure through Newfoundland, Canada, where rugged coastlines, dramatic cliffs and rich wildlife define every day of your exploration.
This tour is ideal if you enjoy flexible travel, scenic drives and discovering nature at your own pace, with expert guidance and support along the way.
Start in St. John’s, the colourful provincial capital, and stroll the historic harbour before exploring Water Street and taking in sweeping views from Signal Hill. From there, head out on a tour to see puffins and seabirds at Witless Bay, while also potentially spotting humpback whales along the way, and visit Cape Spear – North America’s easternmost point.
Next, travel north to Trinity, a historic town filled with preserved 19th-century buildings, and spend a day exploring the Bonavista Peninsula, from puffin colonies to coastal hikes along the Skerwink Trail. Continue to Twillingate for iceberg spotting, whale watching and hiking through coastal forests.
Your journey then takes you to Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a cruise through the fjords of Western Brook Pond, followed by a folklore storytelling tour by lantern light. Further north along the Viking Trail, St. Anthony offers marine wildlife tours, seasonal icebergs and the chance to visit the Viking site at L’Anse aux Meadows.
Finally, stay on Quirpon Island for remote cliffside views and whale spotting from the lighthouse inn, before returning south via Corner Brook to explore the lookouts and Humber Valley. Each day is carefully planned to balance driving, exploration and wildlife viewing, giving you the freedom to savour Newfoundland at your own pace while taking in its unique landscapes and seascapes.
Please note, this is an example tour. To create your own tailor-made itinerary, speak with our Travel Specialists by calling us today.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Fly UK to Canada
Fly direct from London Gatwick to St. John’s and transfer to your hotel. Once settled, take a leisurely walk around the historic harbour, with its colourful buildings and boats drifting in the bay. Explore Water Street’s shops or head up to Signal Hill for far-reaching views over the city and Atlantic Coast.
Day 2 | St. John’s
St. John's
Drive to Witless Bay for an O’Brien Puffin & Seabird Tour, spotting puffins, murres and, in season, humpback whales. Then why not choose to visit Cape Spear? It’s North America’s easternmost point, featuring a historic lighthouse and dramatic ocean views. Alternatively, you could stroll the colourful Jellybean Row neighbourhoods, taking in the brightly painted houses and local character.
Day 3 | St. John’s – Trinity
Trinity
Travel north to Trinity, a historic town renowned for its preserved 19th-century buildings and harbour. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and take time to explore the town’s time-worn streets, artisan shops and local galleries. Trinity’s atmosphere is ideal for relaxed wandering, while the harbour provides opportunities to watch fishing boats and enjoy coastal views.
Day 4 | Trinity
Trinity
Explore the Bonavista Peninsula. You’ll start with Elliston’s puffin viewing site, home to colonies that nest along a cliff face. Continue to the Bonavista Lighthouse for coastal views and local history; then visit the Dungeon, a dramatic sea arch carved by the Atlantic waves. Take time for hikes, such as the Skerwink Trail, celebrated for its rugged cliffs, wildflowers and ocean vistas.
Day 5 | Trinity – Twillingate
Twillingate
Head northwest to Twillingate. You’ll take in small fishing communities along the route and, once you arrive, visit Long Point Lighthouse for views over the Atlantic. Then wander through Twillingate’s craft shops and museums to discover the town’s fishing heritage and maritime culture. The day strikes a nice balance between planned sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace.
Day 6 | Twillingate
Twillingate
Join the included Iceberg Quest Ocean Tour, spotting towering icebergs and humpback whales while cruising the coast. You have excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife observation in a dramatic maritime setting. Then, in the afternoon, explore the hiking trails, such as French Beach or Sleepy Cove, where cliffs and coastal forests reveal the region’s natural beauty.
Day 7 | Twillingate – Gros Morne National Park
Gros Morne National Park
Make your way west to Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its dramatic landscapes and geological significance. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and take a short walk. Options include Norris Point and Rocky Harbour, both perfect for catching the sunset over fjords, cliffs and forests. Enjoy a gentle introduction to Gros Morne’s striking scenery.
Day 8 | Gros Morne National Park
Gros Morne National Park
Take the included Western Brook Pond boat tour, gliding through a dramatic fjord surrounded by towering cliffs and pristine freshwater. You should keep an eye out for bald eagles, seabirds and seals along the shoreline while, at the same time, learning about the area’s unique geology from your guide. After the tour, spend the afternoon exploring nearby beaches or forested trails.
Day 9 | Gros Morne National Park
Gros Morne National Park
Spend the day exploring more of Gros Morne National Park. You might wish to visit the Tablelands to see the park’s unique ‘moonscape’ geology, hike the coastal trails at Green Gardens or learn about local wildlife and history at the Discovery Centre. In the evening, join the included Lanterns & Lore Tour, during which guides bring the past to life with storytelling and regional history by lantern light.
Day 10 | Gros Morne National Park – St. Anthony
St. Anthony
Ride north along the Viking Trail to St. Anthony, taking in the coastal communities along the way. You could stop at Fishing Point for whale watching from the shore, where humpbacks and other marine life are often seen. Or, time permitting, visit Port au Choix National Historic Site to explore its archaeological remains and learn about Newfoundland’s Indigenous and early European history.
Day 11 | St. Anthony
St. Anthony
Experience the included marine wildlife tour from St. Anthony, spotting humpback whales, seabirds and, seasonally, towering icebergs. The boat tour offers excellent opportunities for photography. You can then choose to visit L’Anse aux Meadows—the only authenticated Viking settlement in North America—with its well-preserved ruins and exhibits that reveal the region’s Norse history.
Day 12 | St. Anthony – Quirpon Island
Quirpon Island
Transfer from St. Anthony to Quirpon Island and settle into the lighthouse inn, perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. The island’s remote setting provides a peaceful retreat and excellent opportunities to spot whales from the shoreline. Take time to explore the immediate surroundings, enjoying the extensive ocean views, seabird colonies and coastal scenery.
Day 13 | Quirpon Island
Quirpon Island
Enjoy a day exploring Quirpon Island’s trails and hidden coves, taking in the dramatic surroundings. The lighthouse area is an excellent vantage point for spotting whales. Along the way, keep an eye out for seabirds, seals and other local wildlife. Hiking on the island offers both leisurely walks and more adventurous routes, all framed by ocean views. Pause to enjoy the remote atmosphere.
Day 14 | Quirpon Island – Corner Brook
Corner Brook
Move south from Quirpon Island to Corner Brook, following the Viking Trail and passing through coastal landscapes, small fishing communities and forested stretches. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and take time to relax after the drive. You can enjoy an evening along the Humber River or explore Corner Brook’s town centre, with its local shops, cafés and restaurants.
Day 15 | Corner Brook
Corner Brook
Use your penultimate day in Newfoundland to explore the natural highlights around Corner Brook. You could hike the Corner Brook Gorge trail or the Captain Cook Lookout, both offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Alternatively, venture into the Humber Valley for gentle walks, riverside trails or a visit to Marble Mountain for sweeping vistas and outdoor activities.
Day 16 | Departure
Drive from Corner Brook to Deer Lake Airport for your flight back to St. John’s and connect with your return flight to the UK. Depending on your schedule, you may also wish to extend your adventures in Canada. Speak with one of our Travel Specialists to tailor-make your self-drive journey.
Jake Aley
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
15 nights from £4,175 per person
Jake Aley
Travel Specialist
Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrance fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Five excursions are included: St. John's Whale and Bird Boat Tour, Lanterns & Lore Evening & Western Brook Pond Tour in Gros Morne, Twillingate Iceberg and Whale Tour, and St. Anthony Boat Tour.
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
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