A circumnavigation and exploration of the island of Newfoundland & outlying islands
Embark National Geographic Explorer and sail into eastern Canada's breathtaking natural beauty. Discover Newfoundland's little known, astonishing Viking past. Your journey of pure discovery ventures to the legendary islands of Cape Breton, Saint Pierre, and the Isles de la Madeleine.
Immerse yourself in the region's extraordinary history and revel in wild landscapes!
Venture into the ancient Viking settlement of L'Anse aux Meadows, the only widely accepted site of trans-Atlantic Viking establishment and very early Norse exploration. See WWII harbor defenses, and visit the only North American island that remains under French control, an outpost of its era as a colonial superpower.
Discover sweeping dunes, wind- and wave-carved cliffs, and sandstone hills in a wild land. Keep an eye out for moose, see birds, including charming puffins, and rely on our eagle-eyed naturalists to keep an eye on the horizon for whales.
The Day to Day Itinerary
DAY 1: U.S. / St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada
Arrive in St. John's late afternoon and embark the National Geographic Explorer. (Dinner)
DAY 2: St. Pierre
Our first landfall is St. Pierre, France's oldest remaining overseas territory. Explore this picturesque French fishing enclave where we will stop at a scenic whale watching lookout and a French-style graveyard. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 3: Louisbourg & Baddeck, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Today we visit the reconstructed Fortress of Louisbourg, an 18th-century fort where the British and French fought. Later, we visit the village of Baddeck, where Alexander Graham Bell built his summer home, now the centerpiece of a beautiful park and museum. Enjoy a guided tour of the Bell Museum and have the opportunity to see historic artifacts not otherwise available to the public. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 4: Îles de la Madeleine, Quebec
A cluster of wispy islands isolated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Îles de la Madeleine are home to miles of dunes, grassy hills, and dazzling red sandstone cliffs. Local experts will guide us by Zodiac across this landscape of caves and sea arches, stopping along the way in colorful fishing villages as we learn about Acadian culture. Weather permitting, we will end the day with a bicycle ride. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 5: Gros Morne National Park
Graced by cliffs, fjords, and a sweeping alpine plateau, Gros Morne National Park has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its spectacular geology. Go on a variety of walks with our naturalists along waterfalls, marine inlets, and forested trails. Learn about the forces that shaped this land and the ancient serpentine rock that illustrates the phenomenon of plate tectonics. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 6: L'Anse Aux Meadows
In the World Heritage site of L'Anse aux Meadows, walk among 11th-century Norse ruins and reconstructed sod huts and learn the saga of the Vikings in North America--nearly 500 years before Columbus arrived. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 7: Exploring Eastern Newfoundland
Wild, rugged, and often accessible only by sea, Newfoundland's east coast is dotted with tiny fishing villages tucked into coves. Explore these stunning shores by Zodiac and kayak, and gain insights for our experts into the island's people and wildlife. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 8: St. John's / Disembark / U.S.
Sail through the harbor narrow in the early morning as we approach St. John's, the picturesque capital city of Newfoundland and the most easterly point of North America. Visit the colorful waterfront and historic Signal Hill or the Rooms Museum before you transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)
For more information and pricing, please contact us directly at 604 733 1010 or by email
