Newfoundland Circumnavigation

Your journey begins in St. John’s, the lively and storied capital perched on the edge of North America. Beneath Signal Hill, our vessel slips through the narrow harbour entrance as the city’s colourful row houses glow in the evening light. This is where the island’s rhythm begins—where stories rise and fall with the swell of the sea.

As we sail from St. John’s, the horizon opens toward Saint-Pierre—France’s last foothold in North America. Here, a distinctly French spirit thrives amid a rugged North Atlantic landscape. Wander cobblestone streets lined with patisseries, shops, and seaside cafés. It’s a place where European elegance meets the edge of the sea, and every whaft of salt air carries a hint of history.

In Miawpukek First Nation, the Mi’kmaw people welcome us to a community that has bridged ancient traditions with modern life. Learn about this vibrant nation’s ongoing efforts to preserve language, ceremony, and knowledge of the land and sea. Through stories, song, and shared experience, discover a worldview grounded in connection and respect.

Hidden deep within a steep fjord, the outport of François can be reached only by boat. Colourful homes cling to the hillside, and air carries the quiet cadence of community life. Spend the day exploring waterfalls and lookout trails or simply chat with locals who embody Newfoundland’s legendary hospitality.

As evening falls, the town gathers for a joyful kitchen party—music, dance, laughter, and good company flowing as naturally as the tide. Raise a glass and join in the moment.

Cruise along one of Newfoundland’s most rugged stretches of coastline, where ancient cliffs rise over quiet coves and hidden bays. We’ll explore by Zodiac and on foot, tracing the contours of this remote landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for seabirds, whales, moose, and caribou—life thrives here in unexpected places.

In Gros Morne National Park, the Earth’s story is written in stone. The ochre slopes of the Tablelands—where the planet’s mantle meets the crust—create a landscape unlike any other. Join our Parks Canada naturalists for guided walks among these surreal formations and learn how Gros Morne earned its UNESCO World Heritage status.

After exploring, enjoy the warm spirit of Woody Point, where artists, writers, and musicians find inspiration in the surrounding mountains and sea.

Step back to the 1500s at Red Bay, once a bustling Basque whaling station and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the excellent interpretation centre to see recovered artifacts—including tools and personal items from the ship San Juan, lost here in 1565. Then, cross to Saddle Island to explore the remnants of a whaling community that helped shape the earliest chapters of transatlantic industry.

At the northern tip of Newfoundland lies L’Anse aux Meadows, the only authenticated Norse site in North America. Step inside reconstructed sod dwellings and imagine the Norse explorers who crossed the Atlantic more than a millennium ago. Here, archaeology meets legend—linking Norse sagas to the rugged beauty of Newfoundland’s northern coast.

As we sail along the northeast coast, each harbour reveals a new perspective on island life. Visit small fishing communities where weathered boats rest in calm coves and friendly faces greet you at the wharf. Capture the texture of coastal living—salt-streaked sheds, drying nets, and stories told over mugs of tea. This is the living heartbeat of Newfoundland.

We return through The Narrows, back into the embrace of St. John’s harbour. The journey’s end is a circle closed—but the impressions linger: the warmth of newfound friends, the taste of sea air, the sound of a tin whistle drifting over the waves.

Our expedition team will assist with luggage and onward travel—but Newfoundland, as locals say, will stay with you long after you’ve gone.