View whales and wildlife on this sightseeing tour in Newfoundland

Today we travel southwest on the Avalon to Cape St. Mary’s along the scenic Cape Shore; stopping in along the way to Castle Hill National Historic Site in Placentia, or as the French referred to it, ‘Plaisance’. In the early seventeenth century this area became the French capital of Newfoundland and is still steeped in its history today. Vantage points along the way overlook the ocean and expanses of wild country, providing chances for moose and eagle sightings or activity on the water.

You will never forget your time at the Cape! Before modern day’s recognition by the world’s nature-loving community, our famous Cape St. Mary’s had been celebrated locally in myth and song for centuries. Roger Tory Peterson, himself, recognized it as one of our planet’s most dramatic marine wonders. Cape St. Mary’s Seabird Sanctuary, the continent’s third largest gannet nesting site, is an incredible breeding ground for tens of thousands of seabirds, including the world’s most southerly thick-billed murres. Stand only feet away from gannets, kittiwakes, and murres as they tend to their eggs and/or chicks! In season, usually mid-July, sea cliffs act as theatre seating for you to enjoy some of the world’s finest land-based whale watching, as these majestic marine mammals cavort around their northern coastal feeding grounds.

After lunch, your scenic coastal communities’ drive continues as you make your way to the Rocky River Salmon ladder. Here, learn about the efforts to introduce Atlantic salmon to this once infertile river. Your evening destination awaits you, just a few minutes away, alongside yet another salmon river. If time allows, you may opt for an evening round of golf at your resort or a hike along the river.

Overnight Location: Holyrood

After a scrumptious breakfast, it’s off for an early morning, gentle hike through the Salmonier Nature Park for an opportunity to view up-close Newfoundland Labrador’s native wildlife. Here you will learn about our provincial government’s programs for wildlife rehabilitation, research, and environmental monitoring.

Then, once again, we hit the road. Get ready to explore the Trinity/Bonavista region! Notice the change in terrain as you travel off the Avalon and deeper into the interior of the island of Newfoundland. Taller and varied deciduous trees and richer soils abound. Keep your eyes alert for wildlife along the way. After lunch, we are destined for beautiful sea-glass speckled beaches, sea arches, and amazing rock formations. Dramatic waterfalls, scenic vistas and a chance to stretch your legs on local hiking trails taking in woodland and coastline views are all highlights of the day.

Overnight Location: Trinity/Bonavista

After a night’s rest in a comfortable bed, this morning we go to sea once again, to enjoy more of the ocean’s wonders. The Trinity Bay area is alive with Bald eagles, whales, and dolphins. On one of our nature studies, Wildland Tours was the first to determine that Sperm whales are consistently found during the summer in parts of Trinity Bay. When you are rewarded with the sound of Sperm whales through an underwater microphone, as they communicate to each other with vocal ‘clicks’, it is truly a once in a life-time experience!

Your afternoon will feature more of what makes this area so special — trails, moose, osprey, songbirds, dramatic vistas, orchids, shore-birds, and numerous small museums and interpretation centres. In some ways this is an afternoon where you can explore your interests. Bird watching, icebergs, lighthouses, flower walks, beachcombing, land-based whale watching, photographing the local architecture, and a visit to the local aquarium are all possibilities. Many guests simply enjoy exploring the beautiful and historic community of Trinity. Wander through this picturesque town rich in history or take in some local theatre on your own.

Overnight Location: Trinity/Bonavista

Farewell to Sea and Sky
Free in St. John’s until we bring you to the airport.