OVERVIEW

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.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing/ hats/ sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

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.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

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.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

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.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.