Compare Coastal and Mountain Hiking in Gros Morne National Park by Road Scholar vs Canada (Western): See & Experience it ALL in 10 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours by Charlie The Traveler

Day 1 Arrival and Check In/Welcome Dinner/Orientation Deer Lake, NL

Arrivals and transfers to the hotel in Deer Lake.. Meet your group leader between 4:00 - 5:00 to pick up your packet. If you arrive later, please ask the front desk for your packet.

Program orientation and introductions after dinner. You are embarking on an adventure in one of Canada's most celebrated National Parks - Gros Morne National Park. We will be staying in two small towns, Cow Head and Rocky Harbour, located right in the park, giving us easy access to many of the attractions, historically and culturally, that this World Heritage Site has to offer.

Welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant at 6:30 p.m.

Day 2 Geology of Gros Morne, Hiking the Tablelands, Woody Point Cow Head, NL

Hiking approximate 4.5 miles (7 km), easy terrain; 270 ft elevation gain; about 3 - 4 hours.

In a presentation with a Parks expert, we’ll learn why Gros Morne has been called the "Galapagos of Geology" and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. The park is a grand scale illustration of plate tectonics, and we will be walking on and touching evidence of the collision and separation of continent-sized plates of the earth's crust over millennia,, including the 1.5 billion year-old rock that forms the cliffs at Western Brooks Pond. After the presentation, we'll hike on the internationally known Tablelands, a rare outcrop of the Earth’s mantle pushed skyward half a billion years ago. The landscape here, with its peridotite and serpentinite rock, is similar that of Mars and what looks like a barren landscape is actually home to plants normally found in the Arctic. The trail ends in the glacially-carved Winterhouse Brook Canyon.

This afternoon we will be hiking on Woody Point community trail and through the historic community on the shores of Bonne Bay. Woody Point is a Registered Heritage District and has many heritage buildings. The trail provides spectacular vistas as it meanders through the hills of Woody Point, past the iconic Woody Point Lighthouse, and ending on the tranquil beaches of Woody Point. Many wild plants are featured on this walk including fields of pitcher plants. We will then transfer back to the hotel.

At leisure.

Breakfast at hotel

Lunch at a local Restaurant

Dinner at the motel

Day 3 Western Brook Pond, Fjord Cruise, Coastal Newfoundland Cow Head, NL

Hiking approximately 6 miles (9.5 km), on a flat terrain with little elevation gain; about 3 - 4 hours. The trail to Western Brook Pond is 2 miles (3 km) each way. The trail is boardwalk and gravel with some slight grades. Driving 60 miles over 1 hour.

Follow the trail to the shores of Western Brook Pond and its impressive backdrop of spectacular cliffs, fjords and the Long Range Mountains. Along the way you’ll cross the bogs and forested ridges of the parks’ coastal lowlands, once located below sea level. Then embark on a boat excursion on Western Brook Pond. The "pond" is the largest lake in the park. On board the boat, we will see the spectacular, land-locked Western Brook Pond fjord. The fjord is just one of numerous glacially carved fjords in the Long Range Mountains, the northernmost extent of the Appalachian Mountains. Waterfalls cascade from a height of 3,000 feet (900 meters), and we may spot some of the local wildlife. The lake is home to an unusual colony of cliff-nesting gulls.

Hike the limestone coastline near Cow Head. Enjoy spectacular coastal views, look for fossils buried in this ancient rock and learn of a journey from hundreds of metres below the ocean to its present day location. The trail winds through a thick medieval looking forest with tunnels of tuckamore lining the sides in between open areas. There are a couple of viewing platforms built along the way offering views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the expanse of the inland coastal lowlands and the Long Range Mountains. After the trail crests the top of the head it turns back towards the ocean and the lighthouse.

At leisure, option to attend a performance at the Gros Morne Theatre which is adjacent to the motel.

At the motel.

At the dockside at Western Brook Pond there is a sheltered waiting area, indoor washroom facilities, canteen services and a gift shop as well as several beautiful picnic areas where we will enjoy our boxed lunches.

At the motel

Day 4 Hiking Gros Morne Mountain - Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse Cow Head, NL

Hiking Gros Morne Mountain for approximately 5 - 7 miles (8-11 km) return on mountainous terrain with up to 1000 feet (305 meters) in elevation gain. About 3-4 hours. Moderate rating (rocky terrain in places). Hiking to Lobster Cove Lighthouse approximately 1 mile (1.5 km) on a paved trail.

Hike to the base of Gros Morne Mountain. It dominates the skyline and stands apart from the Long Range Mountains. Hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of Bonne Bay and the Long Range Mountains. Listen for songbirds and look for moose along the trail. The first 2.5 miles of trail wind through forest to a viewing platform at the mountain base. There are frequent stairs and a boardwalk from which we will enjoy amazing vistas.

After lunch we head for the Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse - an historic lighthouse and one of the best places in Gros Morne National Park to spot whales! We’ll learn how local residents fought to have these lighthouses built in order to protect loved ones out at sea fishing, see the lighthouse keepers’ tidal clock, and then hike the coastal trail.

At leisure.

Breakfast at motel.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant

Dinner at the motel.

Day 5 Hiking Philips Garden Trail, Hawkes Bay Cow Head, NL

Hiking 5 - 6 miles (8-9.5 km), Phillips Garden trail has hilly terrain with some steep sections; hike at Hawkes Bay on flat ground; minimal elevation gain..

North of Gros Morne National Park is the fishing community of Port au Choix. The rich fishing grounds made this area and important source of food for Maritime Archaic Indian, Dorset and Groswater Paleoeskimo groups and other, more recent, Indigenous peoples. The Dorset people also hunted seals on passing ice flows for food, clothing and shelter. Walk in their footsteps along the trail and see a full-scale replica of one of their subterranean dwellings at the Port Au Choix National Historic Site. Explore the limestone barrens looking for rare plants and fossils. Keep an eye out for sculptures offering glimpses into ancient Indigenous ways of life.

We head to Hawke's Bay to hike the John Hogan Trail. The trail was built to commemorate the remarkable courage of Newfoundland Ranger John Hogan, who for over 50 days, survived in the wilderness and cared for a totally incapacitated companion. The boardwalk meanders along the Torrent River and ends in a spectacular waterfall. Visit the Torrent River Salmon Ladder and hear about Newfoundland and Labrador's most successful salmon- enhancement project.

At leisure.

At the motel.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant

Dinner at the motel.

Day 6 Hiking Bakers Brook Falls Trail, Burnt Hills Trail Rocky Harbour, NL

Hiking Baker's Brook Falls Trail for approximately 5 - 7 miles (8-11 km) on flat terrain with little elevation gain. About 4 - 5 hours. Hiking Burnt Hills trail for approximately 2 miles (3.5 km) with an elevation gain of 750 feet (235 meters).

Hike across the coastal lowlands to an impressive waterfall at Bakers Brook. The trail offers great views of the Long Range Mountains and leads through balsam fir forest to the falls, a series of cascades over limestone ridges. This boreal forest is in several stages of regeneration, recovering from the natural effects of winds and insects. Heavy moose browsing has limited its regrowth in many places.

After lunch we hike Burnt Hills Trail, which is located on the waterfront of Norris Point. This trail will lead us to scenic views of Norris Point, The Tablelands and the eastern arm of Bonne Bay. A popular spot for photographers.

At leisure.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant

Dinner on own.

Day 7 Hiking Trout River, Green Gardens Rocky Harbour, NL

Hiking approximately 6 miles (9.5 km), some steep sections, elevation gain 900 ft; about 4 hours.

Today we hike in the Trout River area. Follow the trail to a spectacular coastline of cliffs, sea stacks, and the meadows of Green Gardens. Cross serpentine barrens, descend through forest, and reach the shore at Old Man Cove.

Hiking continues at the Tablelands with great panoramic views. Transfer to Rocky Harbour in time to freshen up for dinner.

There is no party like a Newfoundland Kitchen Party! Join a local musician for our own interpretation of this lively local tradition. Sing along, and even grab your own traditional NL instrument to play along with the band. And don’t forget to get Screeched in. No trip to our shores can be complete without partaking in this unique ceremony that will get your tongue in a twist and make you an honorary Newfoundlander in the process.

Breakfast in hotel dining room.

Box lunch.

Farewell dinner at the hotel.

Day 8 Program Concludes, Departures Rocky Harbour, NL

Group transfer to Deer Lake Airport after breakfast; approximate arrival at airport is 9:00 a.m. Check-out is 11:00 a.m. for those staying on independently. This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please be in touch via the Road Scholar Social Network, where you can share memories, pictures and comments. Best wishes for all your journeys.

Final breakfast at 8:00 a.m. and goodbyes.

Day 1: Welcome to the Rocky Mountains

Through the city of Edmonton, we reach our first destination. This is none other than the resort town of Jasper. It is home to the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Jasper National Park attracts those seeking vast wilderness, majestic peaks and lots of wildlife.

Note that if you cannot arrive at the Edmonton Airport by 2:00pm, you will need a ‘pre-tour’ day. You would sleep in Downtown Edmonton for that evening and would start our tour the following day. We would make all arrangements for you in the event you need to sleep in Edmonton.

Day 2: A Fantasy Boat Ride & Abundant Wildlife

As a daytrip from Jasper, we visit Maligne Canyon and Medicine Lake as well as do a boat cruise from Maligne Lake to Spirit Island. Maligne Canyon contains waterfalls, underground stream outlets, birds and plant life. Wildlife is surprisingly abundant along Medicine Lake. Grizzly bear, black bear, mule deer, wolves, moose, mountain sheep and bald eagles are some of the animals which frequent the lake area during the summer season. The lake cruise is scenic and is arguably the highlight of the day.

Day 3: A Monster Bus on a Glacier & One of the Most Scenic Drives on Earth

Although we are relocating from Jasper to the resort town of Banff, a lot of important stops are made along the way: Athabasca Falls, Columbia Icefield (ride on the actual glacier with a specially designed, stretched out monster bus!), Weeping Wall Waterfalls, Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier and Peyto Lake. Today is best described as one of the most scenic drives on Earth! Note that lunch is included on today’s tour.

Day 4: A Pilot’s View of Paradise & a Canyon Deservedly Displayed on Postcards

As a daytrip from Banff, our morning starts with a visit to the town of Canmore. It is from there we take a helicopter ride. The mountainous scenery is like no other. In the latter part of the day, after returning to Banff, we visit the nearby Johnston Canyon. Limestone rock eroding over thousands of years led to a picture-perfect creation combining sheer canyon walls, waterfalls, tunnels and natural pools.

Day 5: Instagram-Famous Photo Stops, a Lake Cruise & Thundering Waterfalls

As another daytrip from Banff, today we visit Bow Falls, Surprise Corner Lookout, Hoodoos Viewpoint, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. We also go on an enjoyable boat cruise at Lake Minnewanka. The evening ends with a ride on Banff Gondola. We ascend Sulphur Mountain (2,281 meters or 7,484 feet) and then follow the well-designed skywalk.

Day 6: The Ultimate Seaplane Tour & an Ice Bar

After relocating by both land and air from Banff to the resort town of Whistler, we go on a seaplane ride: rugged peaks, majestic glaciers, lush alpine meadows and turquoise glacial waters. After this flightseeing tour, we return to town. Over two million people visit Whistler annually. Its pedestrian village has won numerous design awards. Whistler has been voted among the top destinations in North America by major magazines since the mid-1990s.

We encourage you to end the day with a visit to the town’s most famous ice bar. It is fascinating even to those who do not drink.

Day 7: The Outdoor Adventurist’s Favorite Day of All

As excursions from Whistler, we go off-roading, whitewater rafting and ziplining. These are three of the very most popular activities in Whistler…and we are doing them all in one day! Even if we ignore the thrill aspect, the nature we see today gives enough reason why not to miss out.

Day 8: Walking a Suspension Bridge, Touching Peak to Peak by Cable Car & Nightlife

Before relocating by land to the city of Vancouver, we go on the so-called ‘Peak 2 Peak’ Gondola. Until 2017, it held the world record for the longest free span between ropeway towers. Adding to the overall experience is the ski lift ride and a 425-foot suspension bridge called Cloudraker Skybridge.

Once in Vancouver, we head to another suspension bridge. It is called Capilano. It is 140 meters (460 feet) long and 70 meters (230 feet) above the river. Capilano draws over 1.2 million visitors per year. We recommend you end your evening in Downtown Vancouver, specifically in an area called Gastown. There you will find lots of restaurants, galleries, shops and places to party.

Day 9: Whales, Islands, Beaches & a Food Market

Before making a daytrip by seaplane to the village of Tofino, we visit Vancouver’s most famous public market. It is located on Granville Island. Established in 1979, Granville Island Public Market is located in an enclosed facility where customers can purchase fresh produce, meat, seafood, cheeses and other products, many of which are locally sourced. There are approximately 50 vendors in the market, some of which are food vendors. They sell a range of items from Mexican, Asian, Greek and deli food to candy and snacks. The market attracts both local residents and tourists.

The seaplane ride between Vancouver and Tofino is quite scenic. On a clear day, we can see whales as well as Clayoquot Sound. This is a body of water with many inlets and islands. While in Tofino, we have time to walk around town. A visit to Chesterman Beach is recommended for those who wish to swim.

Day 10: Our Tour Ends This Morning

Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport or port in Vancouver.