Newfoundland explored self-drive tour

Spend the day independently exploring Newfoundland's capital. Though the city is hilly, it is compact and lends itself to exploring on foot at your own pace. Admire the brightly painted rows of ‘jellybean’ houses, then hike up Signal Hill to see the Cabot Tower, built to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s voyage to Newfoundland. It’s worth the climb for the spectacular views over the city, and to see the site where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless message in 1901. End the day by taking a taxi to the quaint nearby fishing village of Quidi Vidi to enjoy a beer from the brewery or kick back and listen to live music in some of St. John’s atmospheric old pubs.

Collect your hire car from downtown St. John’s. Insurance, unlimited mileage and a tank of fuel are included, though a one-way drop-off charge must be paid locally. Your hire car allows you to explore the rugged bays of Newfoundland’s coasts at your own pace; you may wish to break your journey to explore a small village or stroll along a secluded beach. Your destination is Trinity Bay, a cluster of 11 historic fishing communities, where preserved 19th-century buildings, art galleries and museums help to preserve the historic ambience of the region.

Enjoy the morning exploring the pretty fishing villages around Trinity Bay. You may also wish to drive to Bonavista, at the tip of the peninsula, to visit the site of John Cabot’s landing in 1497, and to step aboard a replica of his ship, the Matthew. This afternoon, watch for the region’s prolific whales, puffins and dolphins on a guided small-group open-air Zodiac boat tour.

Your drive today takes you northwest to Twillingate on the shores of Notre Dame Bay. You’ll travel through the heart of Terra Nova National Park, where you may wish to stop to enjoy one of the many walking trails through the coastal boreal forest. On arrival in Twillingate there is time to explore this friendly, historic fishing village.

Charming Twillingate offers superb whale watching during the summer months, even from the cliff tops. In May and June, icebergs are swept close to shore here on the Labrador Current. Join a guided small-group boat tour to see and learn about the area’s marine mammals and, if in season, hopefully get close to some impressive icebergs.

Your drive today takes you through the heart of Newfoundland's rugged hinterland; you’ll pass huge tracts of coniferous forests and countless lakes. At Deer Lake, take the road north to Gros Morne National Park. Your destination is Woody Point, in the southern part of the park, and a picturesque and artistic hub. There is time for you to enjoy the local cafes and restaurants, or perhaps take in a performance at the Heritage Theatre.

Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 1805 square kilometres (696 square miles), offering a plethora of scenery, history, wildlife and geology. Today you may wish to explore the remarkable 485 million-year-old geology of ‘The Tablelands’, go walking in the mountains or along the coastal cliffs, or try sea kayaking or cycling.

Today’s drive takes you through the northern part of Gros Morne National Park and along the rugged western shore of Newfoundland’s Northern Peninsula. The area has a huge moose population, so do watch out for these ungainly creatures. You may wish to stop at historic Port aux Choix before arriving at your destination, St. Anthony. This afternoon, visit the remarkable L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the only authenticated Viking site in North America. Here you can see the remains of original Viking houses and experience an excellent recreation of the village, brought to life by costumed interpreters.

Leaving St. Anthony, drive a short distance to the little village of Quirpon. Park your car and meet your guide for the half-hour Zodiac boat trip across the strait to Quirpon Island. On the island, you can opt to be transported or to walk to Quirpon Lighthouse Inn, your home for the next two days. On arrival at the inn, you will meet the team and be shown to your simple room. All meals and activities are included during your stay in this special place.

After a hearty breakfast with your fellow guests, there is a variety of activities to choose from. The whale watching here is highly recommended; going out in a Rigid Inflatable Boat on a guided small-group trip enables you to get close to the large pods of whales that frequent these waters. You will learn about (and hear, through hydrophones) the whales while also looking out for birds and other marine life. You can also opt for a small-group guided walk to explore the remains of previous island inhabitants. Back at the lodge you can relax with a glass of wine, enjoy the peace, clean air and solitude and watch whales spouting in the water below.

You will be transferred back to Quirpon at the end of your stay on the island. Back in your car, drive south to Gros Morne National Park. This time you will be staying in the northern part of the park. This evening, you may wish to attend a performance of lively traditional Newfoundland music or see a play at the Cow Head Theatre.

Join a guided boat tour to Gros Morne National Park's most spectacular fjord, Western Brook Pond. After parking, walk for 40 minutes along an easy gravel path to board your vessel. This is a large group trip with commentary that explains all about the geology, flora and fauna of the fjord. Sit back and marvel at the towering sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls and the inky waters as you look out for sea mammals and birds.

Leaving Gros Morne National Park, drive the short distance to Deer Lake. Drop off your hire car at the airport before boarding your flight to Halifax. Check-in at your hotel at Halifax Airport.

Board your flight from Halifax.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.