The isolated culture of Newfoundland and the stark, unspoiled beauty of the landscapes make this an exceptional experience, with visits to truly special places. The adventure starts and finishes in the vibrant port town of St. John’s, with colorful shanty homes perched on the rocks overlooking the harbor mouth at “the Battery”, and a downtown area packed with so many lively spots that nightlife is vividly entertaining.
You will cycle from there down the beautiful East coast, past Witless bay Ecological Preserve to La Manche, where we plan a day of hiking on the East Coast Trail. You will probably see whales and icebergs, and will appreciate the unspoiled feel of the vast landscape here. The past two centuries of isolation have preserved a distinctive accent, believed by linguists to be a relatively unchanged Elizabethan dialect. It is very easy to strike up conversation with the friendly folk who live here, but whether you understand or are simply amused by their colorful colloquialisms remains to be seen. You will bike through 16th century villages, across barrens peppered with “erratic”, and along shores where privateers once lured ships onto the rocks to loot their booty.
2007 Groups: Jun 30-Jul 7; Jul 8 to 15; Jul 29-Aug 5; Aug 12-19; Aug 20-27. Custom groups any time. Route Notes: Best for energetic cyclists, but available to relaxed riders with van support. Tour starts: St. John’s, Newfoundland 3pm Day 1 and finish at St. John’s, Newfoundland 12 noon Day 8.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Meet in St. John’s at 3:00pm. Hike through the Battery to Signal Hill, site of the first transatlantic communication, and a fabulous viewpoint over the mouth of St. John’s harbor. After dinner, enjoy some music of Irish descent in one of many venues on the infamous George Street. Dinner included on guided trips. Lodging: Blue on Water, St. John’s.
Day 2: 45 km (28mi.) plus boat trip. Very early morning pickup for a transfer to Cape Spear, to be the earliest in the New World to watch the sun rise. After breakfast, transfer south to Bay Bulls, for a boat trip through Witless bay Ecological Reserve where you will get up close and personal with icebergs humpback whales and thousands of seabirds including the very photographic Atlantic Puffin. Following the boat tour, ride south to the end of the road in Bauline East, adjacent to great hiking along the East Coast Trail in La Manche Provincial Park. Breakfast included. Picnic lunch and dinner also included on guided tours. Lodging: Celtic Rendezvous, East Bauline.
Day 3: Hiking the East Coast Trail. (distance optional, 3-30km (2-18mi.) This is a truly wild walk, along cliffs with carefully built bridges, showing you colonies of seabirds, including Atlantic Puffins, Northern Gannet, Common and Thick-billed Murres, Razorbills and the Blacklegged Kittywake. After enjoying the most amazing views of this dramatic coast, you will have the choice of turning around early, or hiking all the way to Brigus South, from where our van will transfer you back to your cozy inn. Breakfast included. Picnic lunch & dinner included on guided trips. Lodging: same as last night.
Day 4: 112 km (70mi.) Cycling today along the Irish loop will take you past the first English settlements in the new world, and many small Newfoundland fishing communities. In Ferryland you will have the opportunity to visit archaeological digs depicting the way of life of the earliest settlers of North America, at Lord Baltimore’s 17th century colony. You will also be able to have a healthy organic lunch at the lighthouse while watching whales. The day’s ride ends in Trepassey, minutes from the Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve, home to ancient fossils and modern caribou herds. Breakfast Included. Lodging: Northwest Lodge B&B or Trepassey Motel, Trepassey.
Day 5: 110 km (69mi.) Today’s blissful ride takes you over the fascinating ecosystem of the Avalon Barren region, along the shore of Holyrood Pond, and around St. Mary’s harbor to Salmon Arm before finishing at one of two exceptionally cozy lodges. Herds of caribou live in the area you will ride through, and with luck, you will see these magnificent creatures as you ride, stopping for swims, if you like, in the many pristine ponds along the way. You can also stop at the Salmonier Nature Park for a closer look at some of Newfoundland’s varied wildlife. Breakfast included. Picnic lunch and dinner included on guided tours. Lodging: Trelawney B&B, Colinet or Salmonier Country Manor, Mt. Carmel.
Day 6: 60 or 115 km (37-72mi.) Optional morning van transfer to Dildo, or ride through Whitburne for energetic riders. Ride through Heart’s Delight, Heart’s Desire, & Heart’s Content to Carbonear - a spectacular coastal cycling route around Conception Bay North. You will find the local people in these scenic villages as unique and entertaining as the names of their villages. Breakfast included. Picnic lunch & dinner included on guided trips. Lodging: NaGeira House, Carbonear or Sophia's B&B, Carbonear.
Day 7: Up to 140km (up to 87mi.) Today's ride takes you around the Conception Bay loop - the local favorite. The magnificent seaside route will provide vistas of Trinity Bay and rewarding descents into quiet and picturesque fishing hamlets, including Old Perlican and bay de Verde. Near day’s end, the cross-country route from Victoria to Heart’s Content may be a great place to see a moose enjoying a meal in the peaty fens. We will have the support van nearby for those who find the distance too much for the time. Breakfast included. Dinner included on guided trips. Lodging: same as last night.
Day 8: Transfer to St. John’s before 12 noon via Cupids after breakfast.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Guided Cost: C$ 2795 (US$ 2485) (8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners, boat trip, luggage handling, van & guide support, route notes and maps)
- Self-Guided Cost: C$ 2395 (US$ 2095) (8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, luggage handling, transfers at start and finish, route notes and maps)
- Bike Rental: Light hybrid/mountain - 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
Hiking & Trekking
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