Signal Hill, where Marconi made history. From the North Head path, winding down to the headlands, a panoramic view of the city of St. John's. A 19th century lighthouse stands guard at Cape Spear, the easternmost point of North America. In Witless Bay, four islands host vast colonies of puffins and Black-legged Kittiwakes. Humpback and Minke whales breach against a backdrop of summer skies. The serrated cliffs of Brigus Head; resplendent views of Cape Broyle and the rolling hills of the west. Buried treasure at Ferryland, the site of Lord Baltimore's mansion. The stillness of the forest at Bay Bulls, where Michaleen's Path leads to an imposing headland of meadows and cliffs. A gentle trail follows the sea edge, weaving through woods and heath, giving way to cobblestone beaches. Early summer Icebergs drift on brilliant blue sea, in stately solitude. Just breathe.
Highlights:
- Signal Hill: site of Marconis first Trans-Atlantic wireless signal
- Cape Spear: easternmost point in North America
- Best 30 miles of the East Coast Trail
- Boat Tour to Witless Bay Seabird Ecological Reserve
- Puffins and Whales
- Local dinner theatre
- Cliffside cottages
- Lighthouse picnic at Ferryland
Tour Details:
Grade: moderate walking
Daily walkimg: 3 to 6 miles per day
Tour Dates: July 8-13, July 22-27*, Aug 5-10 (*Women Only) Departure from St. Johns, Newfoundland
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1:
Your guides will meet you at your accommodations in St. John's or at the Everton House Inn at 11 am. Our adventure begins with a picnic and a visit to Signal Hill, where Guglielmo Marconi received the first Trans-Atlantic wireless signal in 1901. We'll return to St. John's by way of the scenic North Head path, which winds down the headland providing a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and the City of St. John's, Newfoundland. We'll stay at the exquisite Everton House Inn and dine in the downtown area. (Walk up to 5 km or 3 miles, drive up to ½ hour)
Day 2:
This morning we'll visit picturesque Maddox Cove and Petty Harbour; fishing villages overlooking the Atlantic. We'll walk a coastal trail to Cape Spear, the eastern-most point in North America. Set high on a cape and restored to its original appearance, the Cape Spear lighthouse, built in 1836, is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland. During World War II, a coastal defense battery protected St. John's from attack and much of the structure remains to be explored. We'll overnight at the same inn. (Walk up to 9 km or 6 miles, drive up to 1 hour)
Day 3:
We'll head down the coast of the Avalon Peninsula to the community of Bay Bulls for a nature boat trip to the Witless Bay Seabird Ecological Reserve. The four islands that make up the seabird nesting site reserve are home to the largest Puffin colony on the continent, the largest Blacklegged Kittiwake colony on the continent and the second largest Leach's Storm Petrel colony in the world. Protected status prohibits us from landing, but our boat allows a unique perspective of these "global bird villages". In addition to the splendor of the seabird colonies, icebergs are frequently sighted in these waters in the early summer, as are Humpback and Minke whales, which gather to feed on the Capelin. In the afternoon, we'll walk the easy Tinkers Point Path from Mobile to Tors Cove. We are always near the ocean on this path, occasionally weaving in and out of small wooded areas. We'll stay at the Celtic Rendezvous Cottages, perched over the ocean near Cape Broyle, arriving in time to get ready for the local dinner theatre in Ferryland this evening. (Walk up to 5 km or 3 miles, drive up to 1 hour);
Day 4:
We'll hike the coastal La Manche Village Path from Tors Cove to La Manche and stop for a picnic along the way. The trail ends with a spectacular newly rebuilt, 150 foot high suspension foot-bridge spanning a river gorge. There are trail options available for the afternoon. We can walk the moderate 3-5 hour Brigus Head Trail, which circles the perimeter of Brigus Head, past beaches, sea ledges, sharp cliffs and forest. At 650 feet, Brigus Head offers spectacular views of Cape Broyle, Brigus South and the rolling hills to the west, ending at Admirals Cove or we can choose to take an archeology dig walk at Ferryland to discover the spot where Lord Baltimore (later to found the city of Baltimore) built his mansion. Weather permitting, there is an option to kayak for the afternoon at Cape Broyle. (Note: Kayaking is not included in the cost of the walking adventure) We'll relax this evening at the same cottages. (Walk up to 7 km or 4 miles, drive up to 1 hour);
Day 5:
We'll begin our day watching the first sunrise of the day in North America. We'll hike the exciting Michaleen's Path beginning at Bay Bulls as it passes through quiet woods to an imposing headland featuring a rolling meadow, abrupt cliffs, sea stacks and nesting Kittiwakes. On the Witless Bay side, there is an ever-changing view of the islands that make up the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. We'll end our hike at Bear Cove or continue along the coastal road to Ragged Beach. In the afternoon, we'll walk the beautiful trail from Witless Bay to the community of Mobile. Called the Beaches Path, this gentle trail follows the sea edge, weaving through woods, heath and meadowland. Cobblestone beaches are accessible at many points. We'll do a little beachcombing and watch for whales and seabirds along the way. We'll enjoy a farewell dinner and stay at the same cottages. (Walk up to 9 km or 6 miles, drive up to 1 hour);
Day 6:
The last day of our adventure will take us on the easy Blackhead to Cape Spear walk. This path will take us across a high scenic headland topped by two WWII decoy batteries, and then descends to Cape Spear National Historic Site. We'll enjoy lunch at the Tearoom at the Botanical Gardens and arrive back in St. John's to wander the historic waterfront, ending our adventure together, at approximately 4 pm. (Walk up to 3 km or 1 ½ miles, drive up to 1 hour).
Travel Tip: Ensure that your airline ticket is to St. Johns, Newfoundland, not to be confused with Saint John, New Brunswick.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Included:
- All meals
- Lodging at comfortable and often luxurious accommodations
- Knowledgeable and friendly regional guides
- Transportation in modern air-conditioned vans
- All park entrances and other entry fees for museums included in our itinerary
- Fares for ferries
- Whale and seabird watching cruises and tidal bore rafting, where offered
- Gratuities at inns and restaurants
- All taxes.
Not included: airfare, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities for guides.
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
Newfoundland
Hiking & Trekking
Wildlife Viewing
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