Drive Gros Morne
Witness the freshwater fjords, barren lowlands and striking coastline of Gros Morne NP.
Buckle up for an enriching self-drive trip around Newfoundland. A flight time of only 5 hours and 45 minutes, it’s comparable to driving from London to Lands End, switching Cornish pasties and pirate tales for Jiggs Dinner and Viking history.
Navigate Canada’s easternmost province where welcoming Newfoundlanders are proud to share their marine heritage. See colourful fishing cottages in St Johns, incredible wildlife in Gros Morne National Park and Iceberg Alley where frozen giants from Greenland’s glaciers sail past the shores of Fogo Island.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Bergs & Whales
See bergs in Iceberg Alley and watch whales from Long Point Lighthouse.
L'Anse aux Meadows
See the remains of an 11th century viking settlement and take a pottery class.
Fogo Head Boardwalk
Perhaps venture to Fogo Island to hike its trail and watch drifting icebergs.
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Days 1-2
St. John's (Dvele Inn)
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Day 3
St. John's - Trinity (Artisan Inn)
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Day 4
Trinity - Twillingate (The Hodge Premises)
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Day 5
Twillingate (The Hodge Premises)
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Day 6
Twillingate - Fogo Island (Escape by the Sea Cottages)
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Day 7
Fogo Island (Escape by the Sea Cottages)
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Day 8
Fogo Island - Gros Morne National Park (The Fish Sheds)
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Days 9-10
Gros Morne National Park (The Fish Sheds)
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Day 11
Gros Morne National Park - St. John's
Days 1-2
St. John's (Dvele Inn)
Explore St. John’s, immersing yourself in history and culture by visiting museums, local eateries, live music scenes as well as a guided tour of the harbour. Stay two nights at Dvele Inn.
Day 3
St. John's - Trinity (Artisan Inn)
Move on to the whitewashed and pastel port village of Trinity, one of the oldest European settlements in the Americas. Overnight at Artisan Inn.
Day 4
Trinity - Twillingate (The Hodge Premises)
After a morning whale watching tour, drive to Twillingate, passing through the boreal forests and rolling hills of the Terra Nova National Park. Spend the next two nights at The Hodge Premises.
Day 5
Twillingate (The Hodge Premises)
Onboard a zodiac, set out to see icebergs, humpback whales, minke whales and bergs up close.
Day 6
Twillingate - Fogo Island (Escape by the Sea Cottages)
Self-drive from Twillingate to Fogo Island for two nights at Escape by the Sea Cottages.
Day 7
Fogo Island (Escape by the Sea Cottages)
Enjoy quintessential Fogo experiences, including cod jigging and iceberg spotting.
Day 8
Fogo Island - Gros Morne National Park (The Fish Sheds)
Continue to Gros Morne National Park where it’s possible to do a zodiac tour through Bonne Bay fjord to see the varied marine life that lives here, followed by a picnic lunch on a remote beach. We can also organise a private guided hike through the park.
Days 9-10
Gros Morne National Park (The Fish Sheds)
Day trip to L’aux Meadows to visit the Norstead Viking Village to see how the Vikings lived in 790-1066AD.
Day 11
Gros Morne National Park - St. John's
Self-drive back to St. John’s for your return flight home.
More Details
St. John's
Local Life & Atlantic Puffins
Explore St. John’s, immersing yourself in the history and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador by visiting museums, local eateries and local galleries. Learn about the Inuit and pre-Inuit cultures associated with the area, view ceramic collections, find fossils, and drive up Signal Hill for spectacular views. Travel to one of the provinces most photographed places, the historic fishing village of Quidi Vidi, to sample award-winning ales in the Quidi Vidi Brewery. Consider making the journey to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, home to over 2.5 million seabirds (including over 500,000 Atlantic puffins), and join a cruise that goes in search of whales and icebergs.
Trinity
Clapboard Houses & Hiking
Move on to the whitewashed and pastel port village of Trinity, one of the oldest European settlements in the Americas, which is known for its picturesque clapboard houses and dramatic coastlines. Perhaps visit the museum, go hiking, take a boat tour to see the rugged beauty of Newfoundland in all its glory.
Twillingate
Terra Nova & Iceberg Alley
Drive to Twillingate, passing through the boreal forests and rolling hills of the Terra Nova National Park and detour to Long Point Lighthouse. Perhaps stop to photograph rugged cliffs, sheltered inlets and scenic Iceberg Alley. It is possible to embark on a sunset boat trip to Iceberg Alley to see humpback whales, minke whales and bergs up close. We know the best places to view 10,000 year old icebergs, the location of a reconstructed village where you can learn to throw axes, and everything in between.
Gros Morne & L'Anse aux Meadows
Coastlines & Vikings
Explore Gros Morne National Park and discover its 485-million-year-old geology, forests, freshwater fjords, bogs, barren lowlands and striking coastlines. Visit some of the tiny seaside communities that have made this area their home, or travel to L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage site at the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland, to see the reconstructed remains of an 11th century Viking settlement. When not perusing the exhibitions of 1000 AD artefacts, walk a trail to a nearby lake for a picnic lunch, learn to throw an axe or spin yarn, or attend a Viking-style pottery lesson.
How does this holiday make a positive impact?
- Relevant SDGs
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L’Anse aux Meadows, where remains of an 11th-century Viking settlement evidence the first contact between North America and Europe, emphasises collaboration with indigenous communities to preserve cultural heritage. The site was inhabited by indigenous peoples long before the arrival of the Norse, therefore respecting local traditions and integrating indigenous storytelling into exhibits is key to the management strategy of the site.
A visit to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve supports essential seabird conservation. The marine protected area provides a sanctuary to over 260,000 pairs of Atlantic Puffin, North America’s largest colony, as well as thousands of Leach’s Storm-petrel and other seabirds. Extensive research projects are conducted in the reserve to monitor the birds’ behaviour and population trends, and to improve understanding of the management needed to help these birds thrive.
Terra Nova National Park’s forests are under threat after an extended period of over-browsing by moose. Introduced to Newfoundland in the late 19th century, moose have become hyper-abundant. Through humane population management, the park aims to create a healthier balance to prevent further habitat destruction and encouraging harmony between moose and other species in the environment. Tourism generates vital funding for effective management of species and their habitat.
Learn more about the UN's 17 sustainability goals
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A note on price
This Itinerary
Price
From £3,199 Per person
When to travel
Canada in January
January is an undoubtedly cold time of year in Canada, with temperatures reaching negative daily. However, visiting during this time can be a good chance to avoid the overwhelming busy times of the festive season and school holidays.
Canada in February
Winter in Canada offers an array of sporting and cultural events both indoors and out. Banff, Whistler and Jasper offer phenomenal ski resorts or perhaps be a spectator of an ice hockey match, arguably the country’s favourite sport.
Canada in March
While March can be a good off-peak time to visit, it is worth being prepared for drastic weather changes. However, this also means lower costs and fewer crowds. The mountains are still open for the ski season and cities are ideal as they are fewer tourists.
Canada in April
April marks the start of spring across Canada, a time to avoid crowds and discover all that the country has to offer with comfortable temperatures on average.
Canada in May
May is a favourable time to visit Canada, with temperatures rising, avoiding school holidays and off-peak rates.
Canada in June
For many travellers, June is the ideal time to visit Canada. Just before peak season, the weather is favourable and most of the trails and seasonal activities will have opened.
Canada in July
Summer in Canada calls for longer days to explore the natural beauty that awaits outdoors whether it’s hiking, fishing or camping. Temperatures average around 25, making cities quite warm but head into the wilderness or by the coast and enjoy the open air.
Canada in August
Summer is considered the peak season with warm temperatures and all attractions open. It is worth noting this time of year can be quite busy as it is school holidays.
Canada in September
As autumn rolls in and temperatures lower, September is a great time to avoid massive crowds and experience all that the country has to offer in comfortable weather. September is also the beginning of the salmon run, a peak time to see the bears fishing.
Canada in October
Temperatures continue to drop in October, also bringing cloudy days and rain. The autumn foliage is in full bloom across the countryside. This can also be a good time to take advantage of off-peak rates, however, it is worth bearing in mind that the weather can vary and some coastal towns will have started to close for the season.
Canada in November
November is a good time of year to visit the cities of Canada. It is too late to view the foliage and a bit too early to skiing yet, but a good time to explore cities across the country, in temperatures averaging 5 degrees.
Canada in December
The build-up to the festive season is in full swing across the country. Snow may have already started, making the perfect scene for ice skating and markets.
Holiday Inspiration
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