Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures - Natural Newfoundland and Legendary Labrador

Gros Morne mountain in Newfoundland Newfoundland and Labrador is a pristine region rich with native wildlife, significant history and distinct culture. Discover this eastern coast of Canada, with its dramatic shoreline abundant with puffins and whales and its fascinating stories of early explorers. A unique blend of nature, history and old-world charm combine to create an amazing learning experience. Humpback whales, a Viking village and warm-hearted people welcome you to this coastal delight.

Educational Highlights in Newfoundland and Labrador

For outdoor enthusiasts, the majestic landscapes of Newfoundland and Labrador have a unique appeal. Discover the region’s natural wonders and abundant resources with Canadian experts who are passionate about sharing the unique character of this maritime province with you.

Delve into Newfoundland and Labrador’s geologic history, focusing on its minerals, oil, and gas, during a special presentation at the St. John’s Geo Centre. Explore how these resources have influenced the history of the area.
Learn to identify the diverse flora and fauna of the region during an exclusive talk and nature walk led by a naturalist in Gros Morne National Park.
Discover the complexities of protecting and preserving the celebrated Atlantic salmon during a session with marine biologist Fred Parsons at the Salmonid Interpretation Centre.

12 days • 18 Meals

Departure Dates
6/20/2008	6/27/2008	7/11/2008
7/18/2008	7/25/2008	8/15/2008
8/22/2008	9/5/2008	9/19/2008
Click a Departure Date to request a quote!

Itinerary
Day 1 St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada	Your tour begins in St. John’s, the capital city for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, one of the oldest port communities in North America.
Day 2 St. John's	A morning sightseeing tour of St. John's offers views of the city and its harbor from Signal Hill, and takes you by sites that illustrate its historic settlement, including a visit to "The Rooms," a unique heritage museum. Travel to Cape Spear, home to a lighthouse on "the most easterly point in North America." Later, enjoy a nature cruise to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Millions of Atlantic Puffins gather here, making it the largest Atlantic Puffin sanctuary in North America. Thousands of humpback and minke whales also make this their home. Tonight, savor your first Newfoundland dinner complete with local music. (B, D)
Day 3 St. John's - Terra Nova National Park - Grand Falls - Windsor	Today travel to Terra Nova National Park, a National Historic site, created to protect 250 square miles of boreal forest, coastline and Newfoundland's natural habitat. While in the park, enjoy a visit to the Marine Atlantic Centre where you can view the park's marine life. Continue your journey along the Trans-Canada Highway to Grand Falls - Windsor. This afternoon visit the Salmonid Interpretive Center and learn about the life cycle of the Atlantic Salmon. Later, make your way to the Mary March Provincial Museum and learn about the Boethuck heritage and that of other early settlers. Learn first hand about Newfoundland's rich logging tradition as you stroll through various log homes at a local loggers camp. This evening you are welcome to participate in a traditional Newfoundland "Mug Up," where you join local students to share their culture while listening to folklore stories of Newfoundland. (B, D)
Day 4 Grand Falls - Gros Morne	Travel west on the Trans-Canada Highway to Shallow Bay, set in the heart of Gros Morne National Park, where many natural wonders await you. (B, D)
Day 5 Gros Morne National Park	Meet a Park Ranger at Gros Morne National Park and learn about the parks inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage site. See natural forces of glaciers and shifting continental plates and how they have shaped these landscapes while visiting the Tablelands' mountains, ten times older than the Canadian Rockies. Travel deep into the park and explore hidden fjords, stark mountains and dense forest of Atlantic Canada's largest park. Later, enjoy a short cruise to see the fjords from a new perspective and watch for whales and eagles while listening to traditional Newfoundland music. Continue your drive through Gros Morne National Park to visit Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse. (B)
Day 6 Gros Morne - Plum Point	Travel along the Viking Trail to visit the point where Leif Erickson landed in 1000 AD at L'Anse aux Meadows. See how Newfoundlanders have tamed this stark, forbidding landscape. Experience first hand their unique solutions to living under extreme weather conditions. Also learn about the historic and lengthy search for this site and how researchers followed Icelandic sagas to the northern coast of Newfoundland to finally find a Viking settlement. Later, enjoy a visit to a local Eco-museum. Learn about the famous local berries and the traditional methods of making them into jams, sauces and vinegars. (B, D)
Day 7 Plum Point - L'anse-au-Clair, Labrador	A morning ferry ride across the Straits of Belle Isle takes you to the mainland of southern Labrador. Enjoy a picturesque ride past colorful fishing villages while learning the history and importance of whaling to this region. The Vikings were the first Europeans to land in North America, but a few centuries later the Basques arrived here for the whaling opportunities. Their Labrador port, now the community of Red Bay, is home to an interpretation center where you can explore this corner of the 16th century Basques world. With a population of just under 300, Red Bay offers visitors a unique glimpse into a bygone era. Tonight, enjoy a dinner of local cuisine where you have the opportunity to sample a local delicacy - caribou. (B, D)
Day 8 L'anse-au-Clair - Corner Brook, Newfoundland	Take the ferry back to Newfoundland this morning and embark on a drive along the scenic Viking Trail. Later you'll follow the route that James Cook took in 1770 when he created the "General Chart of the Island". Visit a local mineral and stone specialist, who discusses Labradorite and the mining, cutting and other steps which produce this impressive stone. This evening, the "Sharecroppers", a well-known trio from the Corner Brook area, will delight you with traditional songs. (B, D)
Day 9 Corner Brook - Gander	Travel to beautiful Lark Harbor to take in the beauty of Bottle Cove and visit the bustling fishing station at Little Port. From there travel through central Newfoundland to the Exploits Valley. This evening, enjoy a traditional Newfoundland meal - a Jigg's dinner and another Newfoundland tradition - a Screech In! (B, D)
Day 10 Gander - Twillingate - Gander	This morning visit the North Atlantic Aviation Museum of Gander where you learn about Gander's unique location and the role it plays in the history of world aviation. Later, visit nearby Twillingate, a quaint town with a famous lighthouse that overlooks picturesque Notre Dame Bay. Here you may spot icebergs and whales as they move down Iceberg Alley. Enjoy a visit to a local winery to learn about making wines out of local fruits and berries. (B)
Day 11 Gander - St. John's	Local citizens of Gander join you at breakfast so you can learn first hand about living on "The Rock". Returning to St. John's, enjoy a visit to the Johnson Geo Centre where a museum staff member guides you through this unique museum. You will also enjoy a special lecture of how Newfoundland became "The Rock". Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 12: St. John's	Tour Concludes
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

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