This is an adventure for more intrepid explorers. This tour has been chosen one of the world’s best trips by Men’s Journal. We travel with the prevailing wind, and although the roads are often wide, seldom busy, and not too hilly once we leave Gros Morne National Park, the distances are long and the services spartan and few. The rewards, however, are many. You will visit picturesque fishing villages populated by some of the friendliest people in the world.
You will ride through Gros Morne National Park, where the incomparable landscape and unique natural history have earned it a place on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. Also, you will hike to the top of Gros Morne Mountain and take boats up fjords rivaling those of Norway. You can visit a 4000 year old burial ground of the now extinct Maritime Archaic Indians at Port au Choix, and see evidence of the also extinct Dorset Eskimos, and you'll see where the Vikings landed and settled, long before Columbus, at L'Anse aux Meadows (another UNESCO World Heritage Site) 1000 years ago. While you enjoy the landscape, the wildlife, the people, and the history, our comfortable support van (guided trips only) will always be nearby for refreshments, repairs and rides.
Highlights: The breathtaking descent to Bonne Bay on day one. Spontaneous moose encounters by the roadside. West coast sunsets over dinner. Live singing with Newfie bands at L’Anse aux Meadows, Quiet Roads, A mountain to climb, fish as fresh as fish gets. Route Notes: There are some big hills, long rides, and challenging hikes. Relaxed riders will require some van support, and may choose shorter options. Advanced cyclists will enjoy the route. One day is over 100 miles, but is helped with wide, not so hilly roads, and usually a tailwind.
2007 Groups: Jun 23-29; Jul 22-28; Jul 29-Aug 4; Aug 5-11; Sep 2-8. Custom groups any time. Tour starts: Deer Lake Motel, Deer Lake, 9:00am day one. Tour finish: Deer Lake Motel, Deer Lake, 4:00pm day 7. Optional 10:00am finish at St. Anthony, from where there are flights to Deer Lake or St. John's.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: 72km/45 miles (subtract 31km – 19mi. – with optional transfer to Wiltondale). Spend 60 minutes adjusting bikes, touring Deer Lake, and getting familiar with gears. From Deer Lake, cycle towards lunch in Gros Morne National Park; stopping at Wiltondale Pioneer Village en route. Ride the southern route along the shore of Bonne Bay, finishing in the tiny fishing village of Woody Point. Lunch and dinner included on guided trips. Lodging: Aunt Jane’s Place and Victorian Manor.
Day 2: 40 or 104km/25 or 65 miles, plus hiking or boat trip. Begin the day with a cycle to Trout River for lunch overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. An optional morning boat trip will take you up Trout River Pond to see the geological curiosity of the Tablelands, illustrating plate tectonics, or hike to Green Meadows. Return to Trout River for van transfer or water taxi trip across Bonne Bay, to Norris Point. Those wanting a longer ride can ride the around the shore of Bonne Bay. All meals included on guided trips. Breakfast included on self-guided trips. Lodging: Gros Morne Cabins, Rocky Harbour or Sugar Hill Inn, Norris Point.
Day 3: 8 hour hike. Today you will hike to the top of Gros Morne Mountain, where caribou are sometimes seen atop the Long Range Mountains. This is a difficult eight-hour hike; rewarded (weather permitting) by phenomenal views over Ten-Mile Pond, the Long Range Mountains, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Breakfast included. Lunch also included on guided trips. Lodging: same as last night.
Day 4: 88km/55 miles plus boat trip. Morning van transfer north through Gros Morne to Western Brook Pond to take a fascinating boat trip up the fjord at Western Brook Pond (in Newfoundland, even the largest lakes are usually called ponds). There is an optional afternoon hike on Cow Head, where an abundance of fossils provides a record of marine life through the ages, before cycling to Portland Creek. Breakfast included. Lunch and dinner also included on guided trips. Lodging: Entente Cordiale, Portland Creek.
Day 5: Up to 280km or 180 miles (van pickup). A long ride today, assisted (we hope!) by the prevailing tailwind and the wide flat road, will take you to L'Anse aux Meadows, where Vikings landed 1000 years ago. Believed to be Lief Eriksson's Vinland of the Norse sagas, this is the site of the birth of the first European descendant in the New World: "Snorri". Self-guided trips include an extra day here, dividing the mileage into 175km, and 105km, with a stop in Flower’s Cove. Breakfast included. Dinner also included on guided trips. Lodging: Valhalla Lodge, L'Anse aux Meadows.
Day 6: 16-80km; 10-50 miles. Visit the archaeological site at L'Anse aux Meadows, and the Viking village of Norstead, then cycle into St. Anthony for a visit to the Grenfell Mission, an early pioneering medical outpost for the natives of Northern Newfoundland and Labrador. Fine Native crafts can often be purchased here. Independent lunch options and an optional afternoon whale-watch. Breakfast included. Dinner also included on guided trips. Lodging: Valhalla Lodge, L'Anse aux Meadows & Southwest Pond Cabins.
Day 7: A five hour van transfer arrives back in Deer Lake by mid-afternoon. There are flights from St. Anthony airport to St. John’s, for those waiting an earlier departure, or those disinclined to take the van back to Deer Lake. Breakfast included.
Testimonials:
"Entente Cordiale was a favorite because of its spectacular setting and home-like atmosphere."
(Marc & Barbara L., ON)
"…the ride to Portland Creek was very pretty… and we had a very helpful tailwind. Trip was flatter (thank goodness) than I thought it would be. The hike was spectacular!"
(Susan & Quincy, AB)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Guided Cost: C$ 2395 (US$ 2095) pp. dbl. (6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners, one fjord boat trip and one whale watch and iceberg boat trip, luggage handling, van and guide support, maps & route notes)
- Self-Guided Cost: C$ 1995 (US$ 1795) pp. dbl. (7 nights, 7 breakfasts, luggage handling, one 350km transfer, maps & route notes)
- Bike Rental: Light hybrid - C$ 145 (US$ 125); Super light road - C$ 220 (US$ 195). Rentals may not be available on self-guided trips.
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
Newfoundland
Bicycle Touring
National Parks
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