Hiking Tours

The Widest Variety of Hikes

This tour features a multitude of hiking environments – hugging the wild coast, following meandering rivers, crossing natural wetlands, and climbing soaring mountains. This place is rugged and wild, and many of its treasures can only be seen on foot.

World Heritage Treasures

There are only 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada, and this tour visits two of them: one renowned for its geological importance, the other representing great cultural and historic significance.

UNESCO World Heritage Site #1 - The Tablelands

The Tablelands of Gros Morne National Park are considered the most significant geological formation in Canada. In its designation, UNESCO said: “The park provides a rare example of the process of continental drift, where the deep ocean crust and the rocks of the earth’s mantle lie exposed.”

UNESCO World Heritage Site #2 - L'Anse aux Meadows

While popular history suggests Christopher Columbus was the first European to visit North America, the L’Anse aux Meadows archeological site is proof that the Vikings were living and working in Newfoundland hundreds of years earlier.

Vikings!

Located a short distance from L'Anse aux Meadows is Norstead Viking Village, a recreated Viking port of trade. Experience Viking culture by participating in Norse games, learn about boat building, one-needle knitting, wool spinning, weaving, and even learn how to throw an axe. You can also step aboard Snorri, a replica of the Viking ship that retraced Erickson's course from Greenland to the Meadows.

Western Brook Pond, Gros Morne National Park

The simple name does not prepare visitors for the jaw-dropping reality. Western Brook Pond is a massive fresh-water fjord lodged between soaring peaks in a pristine setting. In recent years, it has provided the most "Instagrammed" setting in Newfoundland.

Puffin & Whale Watching Tour

No trip to Newfoundland would be complete without a day out on the water. Gatherall's Tours have been taking visitors on whale watching tours for decades, and they usually find something exciting. Birders also enjoy a feast for their eyes with multiple opportunities to add to their “Life List.” Especially fun to watch are the puffins!

Port au Choix Historic Sites 

It’s important to remember that long before the Vikings arrived, there were thriving communities populated by the Maritime Archaic people, the Dorset people, the Groswater people and more recent indigenous peoples on the Great Northern Peninsula.

Grab your Ugly Stick & Get Ready for a Party

Master this iconic Newfoundland instrument during a shed party. This long-standing tradition will have you dancing, singing, and laughing.

Day 1

1. . Tablelands Trail, Gros Morne National Park

(H1/Easy – 4.2km/90m)

This is hike is a quintessential “geology field trip,” where science and plate tectonics explain the barren landscape of the region. It is one of the few places in the world that you can walk on the Earth’s mantle, and the Parks Canada Ranger will explain what all this means.

All Trails - Tablelands Trail

Trailpeak.com - Tablelands

Day 2

2a. Gros Morne Trail, Gros Morne National Park 

(H3/Difficult – 10km/380m) 

This hike takes guests up high enough to get a great view over the surrounding areas and turns around at that lookout, just before the most difficult part of the longer trip to the summit. 

All trails - Gros Morne Mountain Trail-Shorter 

https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nl/grosmorne/activ/experiences/randonnee-hiking/mgm-gmm

2b. OPTIONAL Gros Morne Trail, Gros Morne National Park 

(H4/More Difficult – 18km/810m) 

This trail is featured on the “bucket list” of many serious hikers. While it takes 8+ hours to get to the summit and back, the reward is amazing views and a well-deserved sense of satisfaction. 

All Trails - Gros Morne Mountain - Longer

Day 3

3. Western Brook Pond Access Trail, Gros Morne National Park 

(H1/Easy – 6.0km/20m) 

This walk crosses a preserved lowland area between the road and the tour boat wharf, and allows the awesome view of Western Brook Pond to slowly come into sight. 

All Trails - Western Brook Pond

Trailpeak.com - Western Brook Pond 

4. Cow Head Lighthouse Trail, Shallow Bay 

(H2/Moderate – 3.2km/60m) 

This rugged community-built trail connects the village of Cow Head with the historic lighthouse. Our local guide will share the history of her hometown, and how this trail was built. 

All Trails - Cow Head Lighthouse Trail 

Trailpeak.com - Cow Head Lighthouse Trail

Day 4

5. Birchy Nuddick Trail, L’Anse aux Meadows National Park 

(H1/Easy – 3.4km/25m) 

This easy loop trail allows guests to explore a bit more of the area where the Vikings decided to build their settlement.

All Trails - Birchy Nuddick Trail 

https://alavigne.net/Outdoors/TripReports/2011/NfldAndLabrador/?p=birchynuddick

Day 5

6. Dorset Trail, Porte au Choix National Historic Site 

(H2/Moderate – 6.2km/75m) 

This trail meanders through meadows, past ponds and caves, before arriving at the coast. From there to the Point Richie Lighthouse, guests will see and experience the Newfoundland coastline featured in those amazing television ads ... always a favourite!

Alltrails - Port au Choix Loop 

Parks Canada - Port au Choix 

Day 6

7. Long Point Lighthouse, Crow Head 

(H2/Moderate – 4.5km/203m) 

While visiting the Long Point Lighthouse, guests will have time to explore some of the many trails in the vicinity. 

All Trails - Long Point Lighthouse

Day 7 

8. Skerwink Trail, Port Rexton 

(H2/Moderate – 5.1km/62m) 

Travel & Leisure magazine named this one of the best trails in the world. The coastal scenery is spectacular, and this hike is sure to be the highlight of the tour for some. 

All Trails - Skerwink Trail

Hiking the Skerwink Trail

Day 8

9. St. John’s Walking Tour 

(H1/Easy – 5.0km/100m) 

Downtown St. John’s is hilly, so this city walking tour is more difficult than most. Our local guide will show us the historic and social hotspots.

https://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/top-destinations/st-johns 

Day 9

10. Tinkers Point Path

(H2/Moderate - 5 km/208m)

One of the locals' favourite hikes along the East Coast Trail which follows the coastline, allowing opportunities to see whales and seals. This hike delights with majestic sea views throughout, and we will hike at a leisurely pace to fully embrace nature's beauty.

All Trails - Tinkers Point

The Most History Dense Place in Canada

This is a bold statement, but one could assert that there are more chapters of world history on display on the Great Northern Peninsula than anywhere else in Canada. Where else can a visitor see the earth’s mantle, evidence of pre-historic people, Viking settlements, indigenous communities, and traditional Newfoundland fishing villages?

Three Days in Gros Morne National Park

Start your tour off in famous Gros Morne National Park. Guests get to explore the Parks different landscapes from the strange Tablelands and craggy coastlines to forests and mountains. A special highlight will be the boat tour through the Western Brook Pond Fjord. 

A Great Escape from Urban Hustle and Bustle

This tour takes place in the least populated area visited by DeLuxe Hiking. If someone’s goal is to see as few people as possible while on vacation, escaping the traffic and hustle and bustle of city life, this would be the tour to take. Even internet signals will be weak in places!

An Organized Tour is the Way to Go!

Given the large distances, limited access and sparce facilities of across Newfoundland, knowing where to go, how to get there, and where to stay and eat is not easy to figure out. As a result, hikers who attempt to make their own arrangements spend a lot of time dealing with logistics, while guests on DeLuxe Hiking tours make the most of their time seeing and doing the good stuff!

• Round trip airfare from Toronto (YYZ) to Deer Lake, Newfoundland (YDF) and from St. John's, Newfoundland (YYT) back to Toronto
• Our unique Connections Program
• Private motorcoach transportation
• 9 nights of accommodation
• 9 Breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
• Local guides and all entry fees and charges
• Services of a DeLuxe Hiking Tour Director

Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person and include HST.

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

• 2 walks & 8 hikes
• Gros Morne National Park: Tableland guided walk, ½ or full day hike, Western Brook Pond Cruise 
• Theatre Newfoundland, if available
• L’Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Site, guided 
• Norstead Viking Village, guided
• Port Au Choix Historic Site
• Prime Berth Twillingate Fishery & Heritage Centre
• Traditional Kitchen Party
• Cape Bonavista Lighthouse
• Ryan Premises National Historic Site
• Cape Spear
• St. John’s Walking Tour, guided
• Bay Bulls whale watching tour
• Witless Bay Ecological Reserve

Day 1: Fly to Deer Lake, Gros Morne National Park: Tablelands Hike

Fly to Deer Lake on the west side of the province and travel to Gros Morne National Park for a guided tour of the Tablelands. Walk upon the Earth’s mantle, discovering this bizarre and beautiful landscape involving glacially carved valleys and unique vegetation. After your exciting day, enjoy an included dinner and a fun kitchen party.

Stay: Oceanview Motel, Rocky Harbour 

Nights: 1 

Meals: L, D

Day 2: Gros Morne National Park – Full or ½ Day Hike

This is a big hiking day, and a highlight for serious hikers. Guests will have two options. For those who are really serious, one of Canada’s most famous challenges awaits: a full-day climb to the top of Gros Morne Mountain! For those who enjoy hiking, but also want to see a few other things, there’s a half-day Gros Morne Mountain option, followed by an afternoon tour of the Rocky Harbour area. Reconvene as a group for an included dinner and local entertainment, if available.

Stay: Shallow Bay Motel, Cow Head 

Nights: 1 

Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: Western Brook Pond Cruise, Cowhead Lighthouse

The day begins with a visit to Newfoundland’s most famous fjord, Western Brook Pond. Walk an easy 3km and get ready for a two-hour boat cruise featuring truly breathtaking scenery in a completely undeveloped setting. In the afternoon, we will hike to the Cow Head Lighthouse. Dinner is included tonight followed by a free evening.

Stay: Plum Point Motel, Plum Point

Nights: 2

Meals: B, D

Day 4: L’anse aux Meadows, Birchy Nuddick Trail, Norstead Viking Village 

Begin the day with a visit to the world-famous L’Anse aux Meadows Historic Site to learn about a Viking community unearthed in the 1960s. After a short hike along the coast and picnic lunch, the next stop is the Norstead Viking Living History Attraction where guests can imagine what life was like for those first European visitors. We will end our visit at the Dark Tickle Company store and café where guests can pick up local jams & jellies, and many other tasteful gifts and souvenirs. Those interested can take a bog walk on site.

Meals: B, L

Day 5: Port au Choix Historic Site, Point Richie Lighthouse

On the way to Gander, we will stop at Port au Choix Historic Site Interpretive Centre to learn about multiple chapters in pre-European contact history. Afterwards, hike the beautiful Dorset Trail to the Port Richie Lighthouse with a local guide. Once you arrive in Gander, enjoy an included group dinner and a free evening. 

Stay: Sinbad’s Hotel & Suites, Gander

Nights: 1 

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: Prime Berth, Shed Party, Long Point Lighthouse Hike

This is the part of the island that most people picture when they hear the word Newfoundland. We begin our day with a guided tour of Prime Berth, a private interpretative fishing centre. After, we will experience an authentic ‘shed party’. Next up is the historic Long Point Lighthouse in Twillingate. Depart for a hike along the rugged coastline where whales and icebergs may be seen. After you arrive in Clarenville, enjoy a free evening.

Stay: Clarenville Inn, Clarenville

Nights: 2 

Meals: B, L

Day 7: Skerwink Trail

Start your day with a visit to Dungeon Provincial Park, where you’ll find spectacular examples of the North Atlantic Ocean’s wave action and erosive power due to the ancient sedimentary rocks’ composition and thousands of years of continuous coastal erosion leaving the incredible feature you will see today. At Ryan Premises, you’ll learn all about the important history of the cod fisheries in Newfoundland. After lunch, we will head to the Skerwink Trailhead. This award-winning trail offers more spectacular coastal scenery per linear foot than any other trail in Newfoundland. 

Meals: B

Day 8: East Coast Trail, St. John’s Walking Tour

Today we start with a short stop in Petty Harbour, an active fishing village before proceeding to Cape Spear National Historic Site, the most easterly point in North America. We will hike the coastline to Cape Spear and have time to visit this historic and windy site. Then it’s on to St. John’s where lunch and free time await. After getting your bearings, rejoin the group for a guided walking tour of Newfoundland’s capital city. The rest of the evening is free time. 

Stay: Delta St. John’s, St. John’s

Nights: 2 

Meals: B

Day 9: Whale Watching, East Coast Trail Hike

This is a big day, beginning with a Gatherall’s whale watching tour in nearby Bay Bulls. After a light lunch on the pier, guests will be shuttled to the nearby trailhead for a beautiful hike along the coast with local professional guides. After returning to the hotel, guests will have the opportunity to visit one of many local restaurants for a group dinner, and possibly George Street for some more upbeat entertainment.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 10: Home

Our hiking tour, exploring magnificent Newfoundland, has come to an end. After breakfast and checkout, arrive at the airport at about noon, in time for the return flight home.

Meals: B

Ocean View Motel, Rocky Harbour (1 night)

Shallow Bay Motel, Cow Head (1 night)

Plum Point Motel, Plum Point (2 nights)

Sinbad’s Hotel & Suites, Gander (1 night)

The Clarenville Inn, Clarenville (2 nights)

Delta Hotel, St. John’s (2 nights)

The terrain in Newfoundland is quite rugged, hiking shoes/boots and poles are recommended. Gaiters are optional but nice to have.

This tour features a hike at the H4 level. Guests have the option to choose the easier hike.  

The weather in Newfoundland varies from day to day and can be cool and blustery, even in the summer. Be sure to pack clothing for layering and be prepared for rapid weather changes on the trails.

This itinerary includes a boat cruise and a ferry ride. Although for most people medication is not required, there may be some who may want to bring along a remedy for motion sickness. You don’t want to let a little thing like that spoil these amazing experiences.

You may be interested in the Gros Morne Hiking Guide, with hikes, descriptions, elevations, distances, and an idea of difficulty.

This tour begins with a flight into Deer Lake, Newfoundland, ends with a flight from St. John's Newfoundland, so guests can join this tour from anywhere in the world!

Please contact us to discuss your airfare and pre-and post-tour accommodation options.