Take in the considerable highlights in and around St. John’s, a city founded in the late 16th century at the eastern edge of North America. A brief drive will take you to Signal Hill, where signal flags were once flown to announce the names of approaching ships. It was also here that Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901. Then, it’s on to downtown St. John’s, North America’s oldest and most easterly city. As you drive through the narrow crisscrossing streets, you will pass the Government House, which was constructed of red sandstone quarried from Signal Hill in 1831. Other landmarks include rows of colorful wooden Victorian homes and several churches on the Canadian Register of Historic Places. Nearby Cape Spear is also a National Historic Site, as you will discover during an enlightening visit. The cape is noted for being the easternmost point in North America and the site of the province’s oldest surviving lighthouse.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Take in the sweeping views from atop Signal Hill and discover the origin of its name.
• Drive past St. John’s architectural treasures, many of which are National Historic Sites.
• Explore the province’s oldest lighthouse and a gun battery manned during World War II.
• Drive through the fishing village of Petty Harbour on the return to St. John’s.
Note: This tour includes about 1½ hours of easy to moderate walking and/or standing that includes navigating wooden boardwalks, slopes, stairs, and uneven surfaces. At Cape Spear there are 185 steps to the Lighthouse. The tour is not available to guests who are confined to a wheelchair. Guests must be able to board the 3 steps to get on and off the coach on their own. The motorcoaches we use can accommodate a limited number of collapsible wheelchairs and scooters. Guests can use their mobility equipment at the sites, though some pathways and trails may be inaccessible. Guests with wheelchairs should have a companion with them. Guides will not push guests in wheelchairs as they need their attention on the whole group.
Hear fascinating tales of St. John’s long association with alcoholic beverages and sample several of the best ones as you make your way through the city. Your immersion will include a stop at Newman’s Wine Vaults, where port from Portugal was first aged in its stone vaults in the late 1700s after a ship carrying the wine had to winter in St. John’s. As you will discover during your tasting of ruby port, it was a serendipitous event. Named for the oak-hulled steamers once used in Newfoundland’s seal hunts, Wooden Walls Distilling, winners of the World's Best Varietal Vodka and Best Varietal Vodka in Canada, is a newer venue but no less intriguing. Its wonderfully atmospheric interior is an ideal setting for a tour and tasting of its handcrafted spirits – mostly vodkas – which are produced in small batches to ensure their artisanal quality. On the outskirts of town, in the picturesque fishing village of Quidi Vidi, you will sample a flight of beers at Quidi Vidi Brewery,
HIGHLIGHTS
• Sample port wine, handcrafted spirits and locally brewed beers at three historical venues.
• Discover how the beverages pay homage to St. John’s seafaring past.
• Enjoy enlightening tours of port wine vaults, and a distillery.
• Pass some of St. John’s most historical landmarks while traveling between venues.
Note: Participants must be 19 years of age. It is not available to guests who utilize a wheelchair. This excursion is not wheelchair accessible. This tour will operate by school bus. School buses have no storage for wheelchairs, scooters OR walkers. As per the Highway Traffic Act, if a vehicle has no inside storage for mobility devices, then it is not legal to carry these devices with passengers onboard. Guests can leave these devices behind at the pier and keep an eye on them but we cannot be responsible for them. There is a moderate amount of walking, and many stairs to be encountered. This is NOT suitable for guests with mobility equipment. Pathways are gravel, and would be difficult to navigate with equipment. There is 1000 meters (3000 feet) of walking on this excursion. It is not recommended for those with mobility difficulties. Order of events above may vary to avoid congestion. Bring cash or credit to make purchases at Wooden Walls or Quidi Vidi Brewery. They both have product for sale.
Cruise the pristine waters off Newfoundland and look for Atlantic puffins, which may number up to a half-million. You will board the boat in the engaging fishing community of Bay Bulls and soon begin cruising the dramatic coastline, where chances are you will see puffins and perhaps even an iceberg or whale (in season). A staggeringly high 95% of all North America’s Atlantic puffins breed around the Newfoundland and Labrador coasts, and they are magnificent to watch. Often called “sea parrots,” puffins spend most of their lives on the water, either diving as deep as 200 feet for food or resting on the waves when not swimming. They are also skilled flyers, which is surprising considering their stout bodies. These waters are also home to the world’s largest population of humpback whales, which often breach the surface in a magnificent display of power. Also, keep an eye out for frolicking dolphins and seabirds such as gannets and storm petrels. After your boat tour return to St. John’s to conclude the tour.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Cruise Newfoundland’s picturesque coastline, looking for Atlantic puffins.
• Watch the puffins dive for food and then rest on the waves between dives.
• Listen to the local hosts interpret and describe puffin behavior.
• Look for other marine life such as humpback whales, which are often spotted feeding.
Note: Persons who suffer from motion sickness should take the necessary precautions before beginning the tour. The tour boat has both inside and outside seating however, seating is NOT guaranteed and will be on a first come first serve basis. Warm, layered clothing; sun cap; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Wildlife sightings, while likely, are not guaranteed. Tour coaches have restrooms. Bring local currency or credit if you’d like to make purchases at the gift shop, or purchase drinks on board the boat.
Hike the stunningly beautiful coastline from the top of the National Historic Site of Signal Hill to downtown St. John’s. While visiting Signal Hill, you will learn about the military history of this strategic site and enjoy magnificent views that may include your ship in the harbor below. Your descent from Signal Hill will be on foot down North Head Trail, a winding path that follows the edge of the bluff in parts. It will be well worth the effort as the views of the sea and surrounding landscape are breathtaking. You may see wildflowers (in season), seabirds and fishing trawlers cruising through the Narrows. In time, you will arrive downtown and make your way to the War Memorial, this is where your tour concludes. You can make your way back to the ship (500 meters away), or if time allows, continue to stroll Water Street, which is thought to be the oldest street in North America.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Hike mainly downhill from historical Signal Hill to downtown St. John’s.
• Delight in the glorious vistas of the sea, wildflowers (in season), and the city below.
• Stroll what may be the oldest street in North America.
Note: This tour includes about two hours of strenuous walking. It is not available to wheelchair guests or to those with walking difficulties. All participants must be physically fit to participate. This is a hiking tour covering approximately 3km over well-established pathway and steps. The hike is over terrain that is uneven, has many loose rocks and over 300 wooden steps and travels along high cliffs. Some sections of the trail are narrow and adjacent to steep drops. This may be a concern for persons with a fear of heights. There are sections where the trail rises almost 100 meters, which is like climbing a 20-story building. Hikers should be careful to take their time and not overexert themselves. Guests must exercise caution when navigating the trail. Guests must be physically fit and able to navigate the trail. Should an incident occur where a guest is injured and is not able to continue on the trail with the assistance of our guide, the only option MAY be an ambulance or air lift from the cliffside trail at the guests expense. Maximum age depends on the physical capabilities of the passenger. Minimum age to participate is 12 years old. Those with any walking difficulties, vertigo or fear of heights should not take this tour. There are no restrooms on this coastal trail. Travel to the trail head will be by school bus. Participants will be required to sign a waiver.
Adult from: $159.10 NZD
Child from: $159.10 NZD
DURATION2 1/2 hrs
ACTIVITY LEVEL3
Hiking
Age
Please note:
The information in this document was current at time of printing. Tour descriptions and prices vary by ship and sailing date and are subject to change without notice. Log into My NCL for the applicable information specific to your cruise.
