Viking Trail Experience from Deer Lake - Double Occupancy

Journey through time to learn about the birth of a continent and the death of an ocean. Walk in the footsteps of the New World's first peoples and explore the home of the first Viking explorers. This exciting tour starts and ends in Deer Lake, Newfoundland and explores the nature and geology of Gros Morne National Park -- a United Nations World Heritage Site. L'Anse aux Meadows, North America's only known Viking settlement and Red Bay, the Labrador home of over 1,000 Basque whalers during the 1540s, are also highlights of this unique vacation.

The tour also features the northern terminus of the Appalachian Mountains, a visit to the Grenfell Interpretation Centre, lots of birds and wildlife, plus a short journey to the "centre of the earth." Enjoy Newfoundlanders, their culture, and their landscape on this unforgettable tour and help celebrate the 1006th anniversary of the Vikings walking their shores.

Transportation to Deer Lake is not included in the price of this tour.

Itinerary

Day 1: The tour begins in the afternoon as you are met at the airport in Deer Lake. In the early evening, you begin your exploration of Gros Morne with a light hike. Features include wild flowers, orchids (in season), lush forests, mountains, birds, waterfalls, and your first moose hunt. (Meals: Welcoming Dinner - Overnight Gros Morne)

Day 2: Gros Morne provides one of the world's great geology lessons. As Prince Edward noted, "What the Galapagos are to biology, Gros Morne is to geology." Hence, its United Nations World Heritage Site designation. This morning you travel to Western Brook Pond for a 2.5-hour boat journey through a billion years of geological history. The afternoon features beaches, dunes, spectacular scenery, and often some caribou. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch - Overnight Gros Morne)

Day 3: Today you travel to the centre of the Earth. More specifically, you visit the Tablelands where an 80 square kilometer slab of the Earth's mantle has been shoved up on land from deep beneath the ocean floor. Some scientists say the Tablelands more closely resemble the surface of the moon than the rest of the Earth. You then go on to part of the beautiful Green Gardens trail. Your destination is the remains of ancient volcanic islands. If people prefer there are other options including shorter walks, longer hikes, or sea kayaking. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch - Overnight Gros Morne)

Day 4: Today you drive north to St. Barbe and the Labrador ferry. En route you also visit The Arches, where the ocean has carved tunnels in the limestone rocks. The ferry ride may require an early rise but is a holiday highlight with whales, seals, icebergs, puffins, and pelagic seabirds all commonly seen (100 percent average so far). This is a small, local service and the schedule can be influenced by weather and other factors, but based on previous years of experience, it is likely you will have a relaxing and memorable drive with time to watch for wildlife and wildflowers. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch - Overnight L'Anse au Clair)

Day 5: Today you visit Red Bay -- the 16th Century's Whaling Capital of the World. This little-known part of North America had a population of over 500 European people when areas like Boston and New York were still wilderness. You visit the interpretation centre, and weather permitting, catch a boat ride to the actual dig site where you explore the trails walked by the Basques over four centuries ago. You also visit Canada's second tallest lighthouse at Point Amour. Another highlight is the oldest burial mound in North America -- older than the pyramids. The entire Labrador Straits area is rich in birds of prey, wild flowers, and fossils. Everyone with a camera will want to try to capture the sweeping seascapes and the dramatic colours the sea itself takes on in this wild place. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner - Overnight L'Anse au Clair)

Day 6: Today you get up early and further explore the beautiful Labrador Straits and possibly Quebec before returning to Newfoundland. Once you arrive in St. Barbe you travel to L'Anse aux Meadows -- the only authenticated Viking site in North America. From here you can look out at Belle Isle. This is the North American extreme of the Appalachians. The ground where you stand (and where the Vikings stood 10 centuries ago) is the most northerly portion of Appalachia. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch - Overnight St. Anthony)

Day 7: Today you explore St. Anthony for an hour or two before returning to Deer Lake and on to Corner Brook for the night. St. Anthony on the northern tip of Newfoundland was the staging point for many northern expeditions. Arctic explorers used its sheltered harbour to take on sled dogs and other supplies as the world raced for the North Pole. Another St. Anthony highlight is the Grenfell Interpretation Centre. In 1892 a young English doctor visited St. Anthony and founded the Grenfell Mission in order to bring medical aid to the native and fishing families along the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. You visit the interpretation centre that tells the inspiring story of Dr. Grenfell - friend to Kings and Presidents - and visit his actual home. Step back to the early days of the 20th century and enjoy the tales of dog teams, hardships, courage, and innovation that surrounded Dr. Grenfell. You also stop to explore the Maritime Archaic Indian exhibit at Port au Choix National Historic Park. This is the last archaeological site you visit on this holiday which is considered by some experts to be North America's most diverse archaeological adventure. Learn about the art and artifacts of these ancient Newfoundlanders. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch, Farewell Dinner - Overnight Corner Brook (Newfoundland's second city))

Day 8: Depart for home. If your schedule permits you can explore some of Corner Brook from your well located hotel. Your leader will have some other exciting options for you to consider.

Schedule

June 6-13
June 13-20
June 27-July 4
July 11-18
July 18-25
August 1-8
August 15-22
September 12-19

FAQ

Q) What is the weather like?
A) Day-time summer temperatures can range from 10-25 °C (50-75 °F), while nights may go a few degrees lower. The weather is quite changeable, so be prepared. It is not unusual for people to wear T-shirts and shorts while viewing 15-storey-tall icebergs.

Q) What should I bring?
A) Along with the clothing you would regularly bring, take a warm sweater, raingear, light boots, and (very important) your camera and binoculars. Sunscreen is very important for boat trips as the sunlight reflects off the water. Your leaders carry field guides and local literature for you to enjoy during the tour.

Q) Will we see whales?
A) In season - late June to early August - visiting groups have always seen humpback whales. Often other whale species - minke, dolphin, fin - are also seen. There may be single days when whales elude you, but during this time the whale watching is the best in the world. Every summer there are days where guests see four to six species and dozens of individuals. Whales have been watched and studied since 1979 without incident, but there is always the possibility that climatic or oceanographic changes might cause a redistribution of these animals. No one can make promises for nature, but she has been very good to our guests over the years.

Q) Are there any dangerous plants or animals?
A) Newfoundland does not have any snakes, other reptiles, skunks, poison ivy, poison oak, or ragweed. Lyme disease has not been found here. Common sense will prevent most problems. Occasionally groups will see black bears. Your guide will advise you on the best way to avoid these powerful animals, but common sense is still your most important asset. Mushroom lovers please note: Newfoundland has a wonderful and diverse mushroom fauna, but the indicators of safe mushrooms in Europe usually denote hazardous North American species. To be safe it is best to avoid picking them.

Q) Are there many flies and mosquitoes?
A) As with any wild place, there is a diversity of insect life. Most of your time is spent in coastal areas where there are very few pests. Even when you go inland the flies are seldom a serious problem. However, you should prepare for flies on the in-land stops of the Labrador portion of the Viking Trail Experience.

Q) I have vertigo. Will this be a problem? What about seasickness?
A) Although you do travel near some cliffs, you will not be required to walk close to a cliff edge at any point. You visit a spectacular gannet stack, which is also used for land-based whale watching. American writer Robert Finch said this about the place: "Here a person could go up to the very lip of oblivion with nothing to stop him but the will to live." You can, however, enjoy the wonders without going too close. In fact, a traditional ballad, Let Me Fish Off Cape St. Mary's, inspired by this remote, rugged place is perhaps the most haunting song in the large repertoire of unique Newfoundland music. If you are prone to seasickness, you can still fully participate in our Viking Trail Experiences. There is flexibility to avoid rough seas, and usually the waters are so calm that seasickness is not an issue.

Q) How safe is the city?
A) St. John's people have a long tradition of welcoming visitors and providing world-famous hospitality. The city's roots go back over 500 years. Its rugged, sometimes bloody history has somehow shaped it into one of North America's most peaceful and friendly urban areas. St. John's boasts North America's lowest murder rate, and the urban parts of the entire province are protected by the last police force on the continent to carry firearms. (Despite the low crime rates and a decline in offences, the police succumbed to "pistol envy" in 1998 and became an armed force.) There is very little crime, but guests should always follow the basic rules of travel safety.

Q) How good are the tour leaders?
A) Your leaders boast a great mix of local experience and knowledge. Some are authors, others are professors, and all sport a unique mix of knowledge, humor, and training. Expect a qualified, remarkable, and fun traveling companion.

Q) I am a birder. Is this a good vacation for me?
A) The Viking Trail Experience incorporates two ferry rides described as one of the planet's best pelagic bird watching trips. (This adventure is the ferry ride between Labrador and Newfoundland. Non-birders enjoy the whales, seals, and icebergs on this trip.)

Q) My interest is history and archaeology. Should I take one of your tours?
A) The Viking Trail Experience holiday has been described as one of the most archaeologically diverse vacations in the world. The new world's oldest burial mound (older than the pyramids!), the only authenticated Viking site in North America, and various national historic sites and parks tell the story of 10,000 years of human habitation. The mountains, wildlife, geology, fossils, unique foods and culture all work to enhance your understanding of how the early peoples and more recent folk lived in this unique maritime landscape. Besides the spectacular wildlife and amazing sights, the Newfoundland Adventure is a history lover's delight that also features some interesting time travels. You'll visit the ongoing archaeological excavation of Baltimore's 1621 colony where archaeologists and enthusiastic visitors are unearthing approximately 4,000 artifacts a week! Stroll around the site of the last battle of the Seven Year War! Hear the true tales of pirates and princesses!

Q) What is the biggest challenge of these tours?
A) The exotic location at the continent's eastern edge usually makes it necessary to book airline tickets early in order to select your choice of travel dates and receive the best airfare.

Included:
All accommodations, all ground transportation during the tour, meals as indicated, the services of an experienced guide, all admissions, all boat/ferry passes.

Not Included:
Transportation to and/or from Deer Lake, Newfoundland

Notes:
We do reserve the right to re-arrange the schedule for your comfort and convenience should the weather or ferry schedule require changes to be made.

30 DAYS MINIMUM ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED. Transportation to Deer Lake is not included. Hotel pick ups are not available. Rates are in US Dollars. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 800-719-3312.