Compare Coastal and Mountain Hiking in Gros Morne National Park by Road Scholar vs Best of the Canadian Maritimes by Intrepid Travel

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 Halifax / Lunenburg

Welcome to Halifax! Your tour starts today with a welcome meeting at 10am before you head to historic Lunenburg on the South Shore, one of only two urban communities in North America designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore Mahone Bay and nearby Blue Rocks on a leader-led walking tour and learn about this old fishing community that’s become a hub for artists and photographers. Enjoy some free time exploring the old town centre, which is a National Historic Site of Canada. And since Lunenburg was a rum-running town in the days of Prohibition, make sure you take the time to sample of the local brews. Head back to Halifax in the late afternoon and meet later in the evening for an optional dinner if you wish.

Day 2 Halifax

Take a trip to famous Peggy’s Cove, a picturesque fishing village that is one of the most photographed places in all of Canada – for good reason! Rocky outcrops, the crashing Atlantic, colourful fishing boats and that famous red-tipped lighthouse are what you expect to see on Maritimes postcards. Follow your local leader along the Peggy’s Cove Rock Walk, which meanders along the barren coastline that glaciers created some 12,000 years ago. Grab lunch in the village (your own expense) – perhaps a creamy seafood chowder or fresh lobster roll.

Day 3 Baddeck

Today you will drive from Halifax to Baddeck, but not without a stop at the excellent Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Center. Located in the heart of a development owned by Millbrook First Nation, it tells the story of the Millbrook Mi’kmaq and the important role they played and continue to play in the Maritimes. Don’t miss the gift shop which sells beautiful traditional arts and crafts. On arrival in Baddeck, relax and settle into your hotel before we head for an included dinner together.

Day 4 Baddeck

Today offers a big day of discovery and adventure. Start with a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site to gain insight into the life and work of this inventor, scientist, and teacher who is arguably best known for inventing the telephone. Then drive along the Cabot Trail and stop for a leisurely hike within Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The Skyline Trail is the park’s signature hike, which leads out to spectacular sweeping views over the sea. If it’s a nice day for driving, your leader will take you further along the Cabot Trail – a 4 hours’ drive, but with plenty of beautiful stops along the way. Enjoy a picnic lunch while you’re out along the trail before returning to Baddeck for the night.

Day 5 Charlottetown

Drive from Baddeck to Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island and the smallest provincial capital in the country. It’s the perfect destination to explore on foot when you arrive in the late afternoon. Stroll alongside the picturesque harbour or take in the leafy parks and Victorian-era streets lined with gabled houses. Tonight you may like to join your group for an optional dinner and toast your adventure.

Day 6 Charlottetown

An orientation meeting will take place at 10am this morning to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next leg of your journey, then head out with your leader for a walking tour of the town. Finish with a tasting at Upstreet Brewing – a fellow B Corp business that brews a mix of classic, seasonal and experimental craft beers. Your afternoon is free to wander on your own before regrouping in the evening for a truly special dinner. Head out along the stunning Points East Coastal Drive (approximately 45 minutes) to meet a local fisherman and enjoy a traditional lobster and mussel boil on his private property.

Day 7 Charlottetown

Drive from Charlottetown to the Greenwich section of Prince Edward Island National Park, home to a rare parabolic dune system as well as miles of pristine white sand beaches. Located along the famous Points East Coastal Drive, Greenwich is the perfect place to discover the small towns, beaches and wildlife that make Prince Edward Island so unique. As you walk the dune trail and dip your toes in the surf, look out for rare coastal plant species and a variety of seabirds.

Day 8 Summerside

This morning visit Lennox Island First Nation to meet with a Mi'kmaq guide for a tour of the cultural center and St. Anne church. Immerse yourself in Mi'kmaq culture and history, and learn the traditional way of preparing bannnock at a campfire. Settle in with a cup of tea and soak up the stories about life on Lennox Island. Then drive to nearby Cavendish where L.M. Montgomery famously drew her inspiration for the “Anne of Green Gables” novels. Visit Green Gables Heritage Place and explore the area on a walking tour (with a focus on Anne, of course!). Then, check out the very cool Bottle Houses – a village of buildings, including a tavern, a chapel and gift shop, that are literally made out of thousands of bottles. At spectacular Thunder Cove Beach the sandstone cliffs, sea stacks and caves make for an otherworldly landscape that most visitors to Prince Edward Island totally miss. Spend the night in the coastal city of Summerside.

Day 9 Moncton

Enjoy a free morning exploring Summerside on your own. You may want to check out the local museums, galleries and cultural centres, or you can just wander through the neighbourhoods of historic homes. Then get your sea legs ready! Today you’re cruising the waters of Shediac Bay on a working lobster boat with local fishers. Get a hands-on demonstration of lobster fishing and enjoy a delicious freshly caught lunch on board. After lunch, drive to Moncton and your hotel for the night.

Day 10 Saint John

Cross over into New Brunswick and make your way to the postcard-perfect Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park. Arrive for low tide and join a naturalist guide for a walk right out onto the sea floor and get up close to the towering sandstone formations known as the Hopewell Rocks, or Flowerpot Rocks. When the tide comes in, waters in the bay can reach up to 16 metres, so a trip here is all about timing and your local leader will make sure you get the most out of your visit. In the afternoon, take a quick detour to spectacular Cap Enrage with its charming lighthouse before continuing on to explore Fundy National Park. Then it's a short drive onwards to the historic seaport city of Saint John, where you’ll stay for the night.

Day 11 Saint John

Your tour ends today, and you are free to leave at your leisure. Or, if you like, stick around and explore the city of Saint John and more of the Maritimes on your own.