Norris Point, Lark Harbour, Goose Arm, York Harbour, Woody Point & Man O’war Cove.
This place is a land like no other. It’s the far east of the western world, with thousands of islands, coves, guts and bays that exude a strange and startling beauty. You’ll never have to go looking for wildlife in Newfoundland. With over 35 million seabirds and 350 different species, this place is definitely for the birders.
There’s everything from a gentle paddle around a sheltered bay to one alongside humpback whales, to sea caves and remote pebble beaches. If you consider yourself a hiker or a dedicated walker, there are literally hundreds of trails. In a land as unpopulated and geographically ancient as Newfoundland, the hiking and walking opportunities are both endless and breathtaking.
Around every corner, around every bend, you will find a piece of heaven, a delightful sight and a playful breeze that will help us on this journey.
Let the voyage begin… Boarding takes place in Corner Brook. The landscape of the Corner Brook region is rugged and the scenery is spectacular. The surrounding coastline holds magnificent fjords, jagged headlands, thickly forested areas and many offshore islands. Wildlife, forest and water mingle with the city’s borders on all sides and mountains fill the horizon in all directions. It’s a perfect place to start our journey. This coastline was chartered by Captain James Cook in 1767 and not much has changed since then. The region enjoys spectacular natural scenery, isolated coves and islands yet to be settled. It is also famous for authentic cuisine, where the chef will create mouth watering treats such as snow crab, succulent bake apples and wild berries. The ship is at anchor for the night in Goose Arm, providing an excellent opportunity to grab a paddle and explore the private shoreline or relax and enjoy the sunset. (L,D)
DAY 2 - We wake to a sunrise off the mountains as the ship continues along Newfoundland’s West Coast. We’ll pass historic fishing villages and marvel over the numerous sightings of wildlife. Keep a look out for humpbacks, minke, and pilot whales that all frequent this area. We continue into the fjord arriving late afternoon to a warm welcome in the beautiful village of Lark Harbour, named after Captain Cook’s ship, H.M.S. Lark. Join in a hike for all levels at Bottle Cove. Spend the afternoon exploring remote coves, sea stacks, caves and an amazing view overlooking the ocean. Or hike the trails at Blow Me Down Mountain, the name says it all! In the evening get ready to experience a true “Scoff ‘n Scuff” as the village entertains with a night of traditional food and revelry. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 - Our morning is full of discovery, a Parks Canada guide sails with us to give insight on the region on our way to Norris Point. Once arriving in the afternoon join one of the best hikes to see wildlife in their natural habitat, the challenging Gros Morne Mountain. It’s one of the province’s most extensive trail systems, millions of years of tectonic plate movement has yielded an otherworldly landscape of varied rock formations and diverse vegetation. You can wander over the earth’s mantle, see fjords unlike anything else this side of Norway, and encounter flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth. Others may enjoy a boat tour into a land-locked freshwater fjord called Western Brook Pond followed by a visit to the sandy beaches of Cow Head. A visit to the Marine Biology Station is a must with a chance to touch sea urchins and other fascinating creatures of the deep. The evening offers the perfect chance to catch live, outdoor theatre in the magical setting of Cow Head. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 - In the morning we set sail to another magical place, with calm waters and sheer shoreline as the backdrop. It’s a perfect setting for learning and we’re joined by a biologist from the Norris Point’s Marine Biology Station to get a hands-on chance to explore the unique microcosm of the Bonne Bay fjords. Lunch is served on deck which is an excursion in itself. The chef has prepared a mixed grill of local specialties; moose, caribou, fish and wild berries. We continue to sail through Bonne Bay and anchor for the night at Man O’ War Cove. It’s a chance to relax on a deckchair and enjoy the superb scenery or grab a kayak for a paddle. This night is the Captain’s Dinner, providing us with a traditional evening of toasts to new friends and song. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 - We start the day with a breakfast sail to Woody Point, located at the base of the famous Tablelands. This morning is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the numerous hiking trails and explore the secrets of the Tablelands, “where the Earth shows its’ bones”. The ultramafic rock - peridotite - which makes up the Tablelands is thought to originate in the earth’s mantle and was forced up from the depths during a plate collision several hundred million years ago. Others may choose the Trout River Pond boat ride, where you can journey deep into the Earth. The sense of discovery heightens as you glide through the Narrows into the upper pond, having the beauty of this landlocked fjord surrounding you. Or take a quiet paddle along the coastline to see the many small communities located nearby. Craft stores in town offer a variety of items from Inuit carvings to hand knit sweaters, contemporary jewellery, and partridgeberry jam. Take a stroll to discover these treasures and meet the people who make them. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 - It’s a day to relax as we voyage, viewing dramatic seascape and an abundance of marine and wildlife. Today is the perfect combination of tradition and beauty, all fused together with friendly hospitality. We receive a warm welcome in Cox’s Cove, our stop for the evening. The night ends with a special Newfoundland ceremony of food, drink, music and laughter. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 - In the morning we have a sunrise sail to Corner Brook where our journey comes to an end but our memories will last a lifetime! (B)
What’s Included in the Voyage?
Modern, finely appointed cabin, local gourmet cuisine, complimentary soft drinks, coffee and tea, hands-on sail training program while underway, onboard guest lectures and entertainers, access to the ships bikes, sea kayaks and well-stocked library. The tour operator has worked with local operators to package unique shore excursions. Additional fees apply.
Dates: Departures in August
Prices:
Priced from $2106.00 CAD plus tax per person based on double occupancy.
Contact us for more details.
