The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland (Lindblad Expeditions)

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Map

Overview

Embark on a circumnavigation of Newfoundland and sail into Eastern Canada’s breathtaking natural beauty. Discover Norse history at L’Anse aux Meadows, the only transatlantic site established by Vikings. See World War II harbor defenses and visit the only North American island that remains under French control. Your journey of pure discovery ventures to the legendary islands of Cape Breton, St-Pierre, and the Îles de la Madeleine in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Trip Highlights

Discover charming coastal villages and small islands, including the historic French settlements at St. Pierre et Miquelon
Explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Gros Morne National Park, one of the few places on earth where the mantle is exposed, and the 11th-century Viking site at L’Anse aux Meadows
Hike along the dunes and sandstone cliffs of Îles de la Madeleine
Experience the bounty of the region in its famous cuisine including Cape Breton mussels, fresh seafood, and much more
Visit Baddeck, Nova Scotia, Alexander Graham Bell's summer home, and tour the museum dedicated to his life and inventions

Day 1 :

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada / Embark Ship

Arrive in St. John’s, the picturesque capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador. Settle into National Geographic Explorer.

Arrival Time: Arrive by 4:00 p.m.
Arrival City: St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2 :

St-Pierre, France

Our first landfall is St-Pierre, France’s oldest remaining overseas territory. Get to know this picturesque French fishing enclave where we visit a local island to learn the importance of the historic cod fisheries and explore the fascinating L’Arche Museum.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 :

louisbourg and 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. Explore the life of Bell and enjoy a tour of the Bell Museum to view historic artifacts.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 :

Îles de la Madeleine, Québec

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 guide us across this landscape of caves and sea arches, stopping along the way in colorful fishing villages as we learn about Acadian culture.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 :

Exploring the Gulf of St. Lawrence

This is a day of exploration where our expedition team looks for the best opportunities to focus on the natural history and landscapes of the region.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 :

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 :

Today we explore Red Bay, the site of a historic Basque whaling station dating back to the 1500s. See original Basque remains and artifacts at this National Historic Site or take a scenic hike to a viewpoint overlooking the small village.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 :

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 :

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, and back aboard, gain insights from our experts into the island’s people and wildlife.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 :

St. John's / Disembark Ship / Home

Sail through The Narrows in the early morning and disembark in St. John’s. Visit the colorful waterfront and historic Signal Hill or The Rooms museum before transferring to the airport for your flight home.

Departure Time: Depart after 12:00 p.m.
Departure City: St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Meals Included: Breakfast