Explore Newfoundland and Quirpon Lighthouse

Day 1 - Arrival in Halifax

This is Canada’s traditional gateway to the world, combining charming old wooden homes and Victorian parks with modern shopping centres. The largest city in the region, it is home to 5 universities and several colleges and has the ambience of a lively university town. Ships, from tall ships to naval vessels, can still be seen in the harbour, and old warehouses and shipfitters’ shops have become part of the exciting boardwalk along the waterside.

Day 2 - Halifax – Baddeck (ca. 320 km)

As you follow Marine Drive several parks provide sandy beaches and wild seascapes of rocky islands. En-route, why not visit Sherbrooke Village - one of the largest “living museums” in the Maritimes which has been partially restored to its frontier days. Cross by causeway to Cape Breton Island and continue to Baddeck.

Day 3 - Baddeck – Ferry – Argentia (ca. 175 km)

Explore the attractions of the Island, including the Bras d’Or Lake, wild seabird colonies or the Fortress of Louisbourg, Canada’s largest National Historic Site, and the strongest French fortress ever built in the Americas. Between June and September, costumed “animators” live in the fortress, making it come alive as it was in the summer of 1744. Then board your ferry (included) to Newfoundland later today where you will spend the night on board.  

Day 4 - Argentia – Trepassey (ca. 225 km)

The Avalon Peninsula was the first area of the province to be settled and is filled with tales of the early adventurers who laid claim to this New World. Stop at Castle Hill, Placentia to see the remains of France’s 17thcentury fortress, The Castle Hill National Historic Site. Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve is one of the best and most accessible places in the world to see tens of thousands of nesting seabirds at least until late summer. What makes it so spectacular, is that the birds can be seen from land, as close as 10 metres away. 

Day 5 - Trepassey – St. John’s (ca. 225 km)

Visit the lighthouse in Trepassey, enjoy a picnic by a lighthouse (not included) sitting at the end of a cliffy headland and watch for whales, delve into the rich history of this region where one of the first permanent European settlement in North America was established in 1621, or you may want to go whale watching tour at Bay Bulls. Nearby are Witless Bay and the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve which contains North America’s largest Atlantic puffin colony with more than 260,000 pairs of the province’s official bird. St. John’s is a combination of a booming oil town and picturesque wooden buildings from the Victorian period. Pubs and restaurants abound, and it seems as though the streets are never empty of pedestrians. Here you can shop in modern malls, tiny boutiques, or old time fisherman‘s outfitting stores; wander the brightly lit docks, or eat fresh seafood by the harbour. 

Day 6 - St. John’s – Trinity/Port Rexton (ca. 210 km)

The Bonavista Peninsula is one of the most historic and beautiful parts of the province. Some say that this is where John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto) landed in 1497 and claimed this ”New Found Land” for England. Whale cruises are available in the Trinity area.

Day 7 - Trinity/Port Rexton – Twillingate (ca. 240 km)

Terra Nova National Park features mountains and islands jutting into Bonavista Bay. Excellent walking trails and a boat tour provide chances to view the magnificent landscape. Follow the “Road to the Isles”, which takes you by a series of little causeways to remote Twillingate on Notre Dame Bay. This is one of the best areas for observing icebergs in early summer, and boat tours go out to the icebergs several times most days.

Day 8 - Twillingate – Gros Morne NP (ca. 280 km)

You travel through the vast interior of Newfoundland, go past old company towns by the Trans-Canada Highway, through forests once inhabited by the now vanished Beothuk Indians. Moose are frequently seen by the roadside. You spend the night in a village surrounded by beautiful Gros Morne National Park.

Day 9 - Rocky Harbour/Gros Morne National Park

Nestled on the west coast of Newfoundland, Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning natural beauty and unique geological features. The park offers a diverse landscape, from dramatic fjords and towering cliffs to dense forests and coastal lowlands. Visitors can hike the iconic Gros Morne Mountain, cruise the striking Western Brook Pond fjord, and explore the Tablelands, where Earth’s mantle is exposed. Ideal for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers, Gros Morne provides breathtaking scenery, rich wildlife, and a deep connection to Newfoundland's cultural and natural heritage.

Day 10 - Rocky Harbour – Quirpon Island (ca. 363 km)

Traveling from Rocky Harbour to Quirpon Island offers a captivating journey through Newfoundland’s rugged coastal charm and maritime heritage. Departing from the heart of Gros Morne National Park, Rocky Harbour provides a picturesque send-off with its coastal views and quaint village atmosphere. As you travel north along the Viking Trail (Route 430), the landscape unfolds with dramatic cliffs, sweeping ocean vistas, and charming outport communities.

The drive offers several worthwhile stops, including the historic Port au Choix archaeological site and the scenic fishing village of St. Anthony. Upon reaching the northern tip of the Great Northern Peninsula, a short boat ride takes you to Quirpon Island—a remote and windswept destination rich in iceberg sightings, whale watching, and historic allure. The island is home to a restored lighthouse inn, offering a unique and peaceful stay with panoramic views of the Atlantic. This route is both an adventure and a step back in time, showcasing the raw beauty and storied past of Newfoundland's northern coast.

Day 11 - Explore Quirpon Island

Only 7km in length, Quirpon Island is ideally located on the shores of “Iceberg Alley” – a perfect place to watch Icebergs and Whales (June/July). It is also a great spot to watch seabirds that feed along the coastline. 

Day 12 - Quirpon Island – Woody Point (ca. 434 km)

The journey from Quirpon Island to Woody Point takes you from the wild, windswept northern tip of Newfoundland to the heart of Gros Morne National Park’s cultural and geological treasures. Departing Quirpon Island—known for its lighthouse inn, dramatic cliffs, and frequent sightings of icebergs and whales—you’ll head south along the scenic Viking Trail (Route 430), retracing the rugged coastline through fishing villages and expansive boreal landscapes.

As you travel through St. Anthony, Port au Choix, and Deer Lake, the scenery transitions from raw northern terrain to the rolling hills and fjords of Gros Morne. Arriving in Woody Point on Bonne Bay’s southern shore, you’ll find a charming community steeped in history and surrounded by stunning views. The area is known for its artistic spirit, the striking Tablelands—where Earth’s mantle is visible—and excellent hiking opportunities. Woody Point offers a warm welcome with cozy accommodations, local dining, and access to some of the park’s most iconic natural features, making it a perfect place to unwind and explore.

Day 13 - Woody Point

Located on the southern shores of Bonne Bay in Gros Morne National Park, Woody Point is a charming and vibrant seaside community that blends natural beauty with cultural richness. This historic town is known for its colorful waterfront, heritage buildings, and welcoming local spirit. Surrounded by towering mountains and deep fjords, it offers stunning views and easy access to some of the park’s most iconic attractions.

Woody Point is the perfect base for exploring the Tablelands, a rare geological formation where the Earth’s mantle is exposed, as well as scenic hiking trails like Green Gardens and Lookout Trail. The town itself boasts a lively arts scene, cozy cafés, local shops, and the renowned Writers at Woody Point festival. Whether you're drawn by the dramatic landscapes or the laid-back coastal vibe, Woody Point offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation at the heart of Newfoundland’s west coast.

Day 14 - Woody Point to Port aux Basques

The drive from Woody Point to Port aux Basques takes you on a scenic journey through the diverse landscapes and small-town charm of western Newfoundland. Leaving the tranquil beauty of Woody Point and Bonne Bay behind, you’ll cross through the lush interior of Gros Morne National Park, where mountains, forests, and fjords provide a stunning backdrop.

As you continue south along the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1), the route winds through quiet rural communities, rolling hills, and stretches of untamed wilderness. The scenery shifts gradually from rugged highlands to windswept coastal plains as you approach the southwestern tip of the island.

Your journey ends in the historic port town of Channel-Port aux Basques, the gateway to and from mainland Canada via the Marine Atlantic ferry. Known for its maritime history, lighthouse views, and friendly atmosphere, Port aux Basques offers a final glimpse of Newfoundland’s coastal character before departure. It’s a memorable end—or beginning—to your island adventure.

Day 15 - Port aux Basques – Sydney Area (ca. 25 km)

A 5-6 hour ferry (included) crossing brings you back to the mainland of Canada. When you come into harbour in Sydney, Nova Scotia, watch out for bald eagles, which are more abundant here than almost anywhere else in eastern America.

Day 16 - Sydney to Guysbourogh

The drive from Sydney to Guysborough takes you on a peaceful and picturesque route along Nova Scotia’s eastern coastline, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and maritime charm. Departing from Sydney, the bustling hub of Cape Breton Island, you’ll travel south through rolling hills, forested landscapes, and small Acadian and Mi’kmaq communities rich with history.

As you approach the Canso Causeway and cross onto mainland Nova Scotia, the journey becomes more remote and tranquil. The coastal drive toward Guysborough winds past scenic inlets, fishing villages, and stretches of rugged shoreline that reveal the quiet charm of the Eastern Shore.

Arriving in Guysborough, you'll find a welcoming seaside town nestled along Chedabucto Bay. Known for its heritage architecture, friendly locals, and peaceful setting, Guysborough is perfect for relaxing, exploring local trails, or enjoying fresh seafood by the water. This off-the-beaten-path destination is a hidden gem, ideal for those seeking a slower pace and authentic Nova Scotian experience.

Day 17 - Guysborough to Halifax Airport

Today make the drive to Halifax Airport for your onward flight home.