Gros Morne National Park – Choose your own Adventure!
Nature pulled out its best for Gros Morne! Two distinct landscapes, the Gulf of St. Lawrence lowlands and the Long-Range Mountains, provide views of towering cliffs, waterfalls, glacial fjords, and an amazing collection of wildlife. Discover the barren area of the Tablelands with a guided walk on “Earth’s mantle”. Hear how this unique land was formed and enjoy broad panoramic views.
As a bonus, see Gros Morne by water with a choice of one of two cruises:
Bonne Bay: A lively narrated cruise of the two connected arms of Bonne Bay takes us by Newfoundland’s best. Watch for moose, seabirds, and whales that are known to breach the boat side, and enjoy traditional music performed by the crew.
Western Brook Pond: Carved by glaciers, this landlocked fjord is home to salmon, trout, arctic char, and an unusual colony of cliff-nesting gulls. An invigorating 45-minute walk (3km each way) leads you over the coastal plain and down to the dock for your cruise of Western Brook Pond. This inland fjord features spectacular views of billion-year-old cliffs and 2,000-foot-high misty waterfalls.
Recognizing Four Ancient Cultures
Long before Europeans arrived, the west side of Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula was a crossroads of 6000 years of human history. Discover one of North America’s most fascinating archaeological finds at Port au Choix National Historic Site
and learn about its former inhabitants, the Maritime Archaic Indians, Groswater Paleoeskimo, Dorset Paleoeskimo, and Recent Indian groups.
See displays of original artifacts, and dive into the past and participate in a hands-on lesson using ancient tools to prepare seal skins. Realize the important role seals have played and continue to play in the lives of the locals, and see the stark beauty of the Point Ritchie Peninsula.
The Legacy of Sir Wilfred Grenfell
Experience the spectacular legacy of Dr. Wilfred Grenfell at the Grenfell Interperatation Centre. Not only was he a doctor he advocated for those on the island establishing hospitals, schools and orphanages, he devoted his life work to serving the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. For his years of service on behalf of these communities, he was knighted by King George V.
Vikings!
Transport back in time 1000 years ago to L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, the only authenticated Norse site in North America. This history museum tells the stories of Norse expeditions from Greenland and the struggles of early settler life they entailed when they arrived. See original Viking artifacts uncovered during archaeological excavations, tour the village, learn the trades of the time, and hear stories of Norse legend.
Special “cod splitting show”
Discover old traditions and hear tales of fishing and whaling at Prime Berth Twillingate Fishery and Heritage Centre. Tour through seven different buildings including a 100+ year old fish store and net loft, touch two different Sei whale skeletons, learn how to split cod, and more!
Grab your Ugly Stick & Get Ready for a Party
Master this iconic Newfoundland instrument during a shed party. This long-standing tradition will have you dancing, singing, and laughing.
Gaze Over the Horizon
At the tip of the Bonavista Peninsula sits the beaconing Cape Bonavista Lighthouse. Built in 1843, the light at Cape Bonavista is one of the few in the world where you can still climb up the stone tower to see the same seal oil-fueled light used in the 19th century.
Become an Honorary Newfoundlander!
A “screech-in” is a fun ceremony where you take a “come from away” mainlander, and with a shot of screech, the reciting of an age-old saying, and a kissing of a cod, they become an honorary Newfoundlander!
See North America's Largest Atlantic Puffin Colony
Take a memorable cruise out of Bay Bulls en route to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. This protected area is home to more than 2 million sea birds including 500,000 Atlantic Puffins and the largest humpback whale population in North America.
Cape Spear Lighthouse
“If you stand here, your back to the sea, the entire population of North America stretches out in front of you, and there’s nothing behind you until Ireland.” This iconic lighthouse
is the oldest in the province, and a symbol of Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine history.
Time in Newfoundland’s Capital City
St. John's,
the capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, is a bit of an enigma … one of the oldest cities in North America, but offering contemporary charisma and small-town charm. There is a rich history here with stories demonstrating determination, hardship, and resourcefulness, but one cannot help but be impressed by the friendly, lively spirit of the people. Learn more about the city during a guided tour, and then go exploring!
St. John’s has several museums, and admission is included to your choice of one of two, which focus on the heart and soul of Newfoundland and Labrador: the geology of the land and the spirit of the people. The Johnson GEO Centre
presents the story of our earth, with interactive exhibits, explaining the forces of nature that shaped this land. While the focus of the GEO Centre is geology, The Rooms
is devoted to the colourful history and creative spirit of the indigenous people of Newfoundland. Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest cultural space, The Rooms houses an extensive collection of artifacts, art, and archival records, and exhibits bring to life the stories of this province’s rich heritage.
