Self Drive - Taste of Newfoundland | Self Drive Holidays | DMCi

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Tour Code: DM-SD-TASTENEWFNDLAND

Duration: 10 Days | 9 Nights

Availability: May to October 2023

Places Visited: St. John’s – Ferryland – Bay Bulls – Cape Spear – Brigus – Trinity – Bonavista – Twillingate – Cow Head – Gros Morne National Park – Deer Lake

Prices

Starting from

Adult

CA $2.999

Per Person Sharing Twin (Inclusive of Taxes & HST) Request for Quote

Highlights

Download Itinerary PDF View Route Map

Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
St. John’s – Ferryland – Bay Bulls – Cape Spear – Brigus – Trinity – Bonavista – Twillingate – Rocky Harbor/Cow head – Gros Morne National Park – Deer Lake
St. John’s – admissions to Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site
Admissions to Hawthorne Cottage National Historic Site
Admissions to Signal Hill National Historic Site
Admissions to Ryan Premises National Historic Site
Admissions to Terra Nova National Park
Twillingate - Iceberg Quest Ocean Tour
Admissions to Gros Morne National Park
West Brook Boat Tour in the Gros Morne National Park
Rental of a mid-size car with Unlimited Mileage
Rental Car Insurance
Optional – Tours & Admissions | Optional Rental Car Upgrades
Option to add Viking Trails and/or Labrador

Buckle up for a leisurely self-drive holiday around Newfoundland. The province is renowned for its collection of diverse landscapes. Navigate Canada’s sparsely populated region in search of its warm hospitality and incredible wildlife, embarking on whale-watching expeditions, floating Iceberg Alley and discovering artefacts dating to 1000 AD.

Please contact our Canada Destination Specialist for information and assistance.

Itinerary

Download Itinerary PDF

Day 1 - Arrive in St. John’s, NL.

This afternoon arrive in St. John’s. Proceed to the car rental desk after you have picked up your luggage to pick up your Rental Car and drive to downtown St. Johns. Spend the rest of the day exploring beautiful downtown St. Johns with its colourful row houses with an old-world charm.

The city of St. John's is a colourful place, with its characteristic row houses lining the downtown area and Signal Hill acting as an excellent lookout point for those who want to take in all that this historic province has offer. For more than three centuries now since it was first founded by British settlers back at 1600s-time frame-St Johns' harbour has never lost its charm nor authenticity about being just one big happy family here together sharing good times & bad memories alike!

Overnight in St. John’s, NL.

Day 2 – Day free

Start your tour of Newfoundland exploring St. John’s. Our sightseeing tour recommendations include suggestions include The Rooms, Johnson’s GEO Centre, The Newman Wine Vaults or maybe taking a gentle stroll along sections of the Grand Concourse, which comprises of 40 km (25 miles) of spectacular trails and walkways within St. John’s, Quidi Vidi Lake and Rennies River.

Head out on our sightseeing cruiser this morning and witness a variety of wildlife, including humpback whales as they cruise along the beautiful coastlines while steaming through 12-thousand-year-old icebergs that have just broken off from Greenland's ice shelf! You'll also get chance see elegant seabirds like Atlantic Puffin.

Overnight in St. John’s, NL.

Day 3 – Drive down the Avalon Peninsula to Ferryland and Bay Bulls

Embark on a journey that will take you south through the Avalon Peninsula. The scenic Irish Loop is only one of many stops you will make today! Drive down to visit the Colony of Avalon Archaeology Site where ruins from early 17th century have been well preserved for all our futures generations. For those who are willing to brave a 35-minute walk, we recommend the picnic lunch at the Ferryland Lighthouse. Enjoy a gourmet lunch sitting on the grass overlooking the ocean.

On your way back to St. John’s, stop by at Bay Bulls, one of Canada's oldest communities. Originally established because it was close to rich fishing grounds, the name Bay de Bois comes from French meaning "wooded bay". Others believe that this reference may also pertain Dovekies - an uncommon seabird known locally as 'bull bird'.

Overnight in St. John’s, NL.

Day 4 - Cape Spear, Conception Bay Scenic Drive, Brigus, Trinity

The stunning views of Cape Spear and Signal Hill are worth a quick stop on the way to or from St John's. Continue along Conception Bay Scenic Drive - this drive includes plenty more history about what life was like back when there were pirates hereabouts. A gorgeous seaside town in the Conception Bay called Brigus awaits you. Brigus was home to the famous late Captain Bob Bartlett, who took Robert Perry to the North Pole. In Brigus, you can take a leisurely hike around charming streets sloping up into green cliffs, before stopping for a slice of homemade blueberry cheesecake. Places of interest in Brigus include Hawthorne Cottage National Historic Site, the Brigus Tunnel, John N Leamon Stone Barn Museum and St. George's Heritage Church Museum. Later this evening, drive to Trinity, one of the most picturesque fishing communities on the island. This little town is at the heart of Newfoundland's history having been an active settlement since at least 1588.

Trinity will be your home for the next two nights.

Overnight in Trinity, NL.

Day 5 - Explore Port Rexton, Port Union, Elliston, Bonavista, New Bonaventure, Upper Amherst Cove

Trinity Bight is the perfect destination for those looking to experience everything that this incredible island has in store. With captivating stories from both modern history and ancient legend, you'll be able explore every corner of Newfound weed without ever getting bored! Trinity is ideally situated for exploring surrounding communities for half-day and full day trips including Port Rexton, Port Union, Elliston, Bonavista, New Bonaventure, Upper Amherst Cove and more.

Overnight in Trinity, NL.

Day 6 – Clarenville to Twillingate

Leaving Trinity behind, drive along to Terra Nova National Park. Know as the ‘Fingers of the Sea’, Terra Nova National Park protects remnants of the ancient Appalachian Mountains. Rocky headlands of the park provide shelter from the awesome power of the open ocean. With a landscape that is continually changing from rugged cliffs and sheltered inlets of the coastal region to the rolling forested hills, bogs, and ponds of the inland, Terra Nova Park represents some of the most beautiful landscapes of Newfoundland. Watch out for ospreys, eagle, lynx, and moose.

As you drive on to Central Newfoundland, you will have the choice of taking the “Road to the Isles” or “Road to the Shore” routes both of which will lead you to many coves, inlets and fishing villages dotted along the coastline. Continue your drive to the fishing community of Twillingate located on Iceberg Alley. here you will find an ocean playground with icebergs, whales, rugged coastline, and unique island culture - the island connected to Newfoundland by bridges and causeways.

Overnight in Twillingate, NL

Day 7 – Twillingate, Fogo & Change Islands

Twillingate personifies everything so many Newfoundland and Labrador out ports are famous for: stunningly rugged coastline, historical, picturesque streets, and lush countryside roads. Off the coast, you will see whales, dolphins, harp seals, seabirds, and – if the season is right – icebergs. Twillingate is one of the stops along Iceberg Alley, a vast corridor of ocean that runs from Greenland and a popular path for these frozen leviathans. For some of the best views, head to Long Point Lighthouse, which looks out over the distant reaches of Notre Dame Bay. Take a boat expedition and witness whales breaching and playing just meters away from you. Go kayaking, hiking and enjoy the famous local cuisine.

While still at Twillingate, make sure to visit Fogo & Change Islands. Fogo Island, legend has it is one of the Four Corners of the Earth. The islands are home to some 12 communities, each with its own distinctive flair and allure. After your ferry ride to the islands, stroll among homes, stages, and stores (fishing sheds) unchanged for decades. Fogo has evolved into a haven for artists from around the world, who come to work in incredible, inspiring modern studios. While on Change Islands, you’ll discover a distinct part of our cultural heritage – the noble Newfoundland Pony.

Overnight in Twillingate, NL

Day 8 - Twillingate to Gros Morne National Park

Today, we leave the Central Region of Newfoundland to drive west through a vast expanse of lush forest and contrasting scenery towards Deer Lake. At Deer Lake, drive north along the Viking Trail to Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. With its impressive geological features, the park with its 1805 sq. kilometer expanse offers beauty and adventure that are unsurpassed by any in the world. Take time to fully explore the south side of this beautiful area of Newfoundland. Visit the impressive Discovery Centre and the scenic communities of Woody Point and Trout River. Gros Morne is a hiker’s paradise catering to all abilities, with over 19 hiking trails to choose from covering over 100 kms throughout the park. (Hikers trail guide available at Discovery & Visitor Centre’s). Overnight Gros Morne National Park.

Overnight in Cow Head, NL

Day 9 – Gros Morne National Park

Spend the day exploring the north side of the park. Park highlights include the scenic community of Norris Point and Rocky Harbour. Take time to visit Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse and Bonne Bay Marine Station. In the afternoon, enjoy a spectacular Western Brook Pond Fjord Boat Tour – the only way, other than by helicopter, to see the spectacular Western Brook Gorge.

Gros Morne National Park is a place unlike any other on earth. It took 485 million years for Mother Nature to create the Gros Morne National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is a never-ending series of wonders and delights, and a demonstration of the spectacularly raw and enigmatic beauty of the physical world. The Park offers all kinds of outdoor activities. Particularly popular would be hiking. You will discover both marked and unmarked trails winding throughout the landscape, and explore the park's dense forests for rare plant, animal, and bird species. Instead of taking the boat tour at Bonnie Bay, client have the choice of taking the Western Brook Pond Scenic Boat Tour.

Clients must note that although the Western Brook Pond sounds an exotic outing, there is a 45-minute walk (3 km/2 miles) from the parking lot to the dock and a 45-minute walk back.

Overnight in Cow Head, NL

Day 10 – Cow Head to Deer Lake

Depart Gros Morne National Park and drive to Deer Lake Airport where you will drop off your rental car, ready for your onward journey.

End of your Taste of Newfoundland Tour.

Contact our Canada Destination Specialist

Inclusions

9 nights accommodations.
Admissions to Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site
Admissions to Hawthorne Cottage National Historic Site
Admissions to Signal Hill National Historic Site
Admissions to Ryan Premises National Historic Site
Admissions to Terra Nova National Park
Twillingate - Iceberg Quest Ocean Tour
Admissions to Gros Morne National Park
Western Brook Boat Tour in the Gros Morne National Park. Should be ready to walk 3 KM from parking to the Pier. Please review FAQ.
Rental of a Mid-Sized car.
Unlimited Mileage.
Rental Car insurance with CA $500 deductible.
One-way Drop-off Fee.
Optional CDW/LDW.
Taxes & HST.

Exclusions

Airfare. Offered as a supplement on request.
Breakfast and other meals.
Park Fees other than what is included under Inclusions.
Rental Car Insurance & Theft Protection – Optional.
Roadside assistance – Optional.
Additional Driver Fees.
Gas for the vehicle.
GPS. Racks, etc.
Child and Infant Seats.
Parking & Tolls.
Porterage at hotels.
Bottled Water in hotel rooms.
Visa and Documentation Fees.
Telephone calls, Laundry, and other expenses.
Any personal expenses.
Gratuities for hotel staff.
Travel Insurance – highly recommended. If client declines your offer to sell Travel Insurance, you are required to secure a Liability Waiver signed by the client that you must provide us on demand. We sell Travel Insurance to residents of Ontario. Non-residents of Ontario as well as clients from abroad must purchase Travel Insurance in the province/state/country where they reside.
Optional Tours and activities.
Early Check-in and Late Check-out charges. Charges will apply.
Gratuities for Tour Guides/Driver cum Guides (Expected)
If applicable, cost of any RTPCR/Antigen Test or costs related to quarantine.

Accommodations Featured

Destination	Hotel
St. John’s, NL	Hilton Garden Inn St. John's Newfoundland
Trinity, NL	Artisan inn & Vacation Homes
Twillingate, NL	Iceberg Alley B & B
Rocky Harbour, NL	Ocean View Hotel

Rooms featured will be Standard ROH room unless specified otherwise. Hotels featured will be as above or similar. We feature a range of hotel properties. Hotel upgrades are available. Please check with us for rates and availability.

Please contact our Canada Destination Specialist for information and assistance.