CANADIAN MARITIMES AND NEWFOUNDLAND  

SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

National Geographic Explorer

National Geographic Explorer was completely redesigned and rebuilt prior to being relaunched in 2008. The ship is equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment making it ideal for Antarctic expeditions, and offers a well-appointed interior with vast expanses of glass for an unprecedented connection to the regions explored. The Explorer accommodates guests in 81 spacious outside cabins, most with feature windows and some with balconies. Public areas include a lounge and bar, a spa, fitness centre and sauna, and a choice of dining options that offer regionally inspired cuisine.

Day 1 St John’s, Newfoundland, Canada

Arrive in St. John’s, the picturesque capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, in the afternoon before embarking the ship.

Day 2 St Pierre, France

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

Day 3 Louisbourg and Baddeck, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Visit the reconstructed Fortress of Louisbourg, an 18th-century fort where the British and French fought. Later, 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.

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 you across this landscape of caves and sea arches, stopping along the way in colourful fishing villages as you learn about Acadian culture.

Day 5 Gulf of St Lawrence

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

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 your 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.

Day 7 Red Bay

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.

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.

Day 9 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 experts into the island’s people and wildlife.

Day 10 St John’s, Newfoundland

Disembark in St. John’s and transfer to the airport for flights home.