BCRTA – Best of Newfoundland and Labrador | September 10th, 2024

$6299 $5999 per person

⭐⭐⭐+

*Prices are CAD per person, based on 2 people sharing and reflects early booking discount (land only)

Single Supplement: $1200

Group Size Limited to 32 Guests

*Members are welcome to invite Family and/or Friends to travel with them on this group departure at the same rate.

Want to add a pre night in Corner Brook?

1 Pre Night: $189 CAD – Per Person based on Double Occupancy

1 Pre Night: $295 CAD Single Occupancy

Includes: Airport meet and greet, arrival transfer, accommodation and breakfast. Newfoundland charges an additional 15% HST

September 10th to 25th, 2024

JOIN THIS BCRTA EXCLUSIVE GROUP DEPARTURE OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR (operated by McCarthy’s Party) HOSTED BY GRACE WILSON

Please join Grace Wilson, Past President of the BCRTA, as she leads and explores Newfoundland and Labrador. A working trip to St. John’s, as a director of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation, whetted her appetite to return, discover more Canadian history and enjoy more Newfie humour. And you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to be declared an honorary Newfoundlander. (Screech!)

Grace led the BCRTA trip to Cambodia and Vietnam that was filled with delicious food, history, and unexpected story-telling events. She and her husband, Ken, look forward to another exciting adventure and invite you to join us in Newfoundland.

Since 1982, McCarthy’s Party has specialized in delivering tours of Newfoundland and Labrador. Committed to providing you with an authentic experience, they offer you total immersion – Newfoundland and Labrador style. Their guides grew up in the province and are the best source for information on the culture, history, music and language that make this area so unique. They know off the beaten path locations where their groups see the spectacular scenery and wildlife of Newfoundland. Your local guide will provide you with an authentic Newfoundland experience that will be both educational and thoroughly enjoyable.

Highlights:

Corner Brook Tour including Cook’s Lookout and the Bay of Islands
Tour of Red Bay Basque Whaling Station
Sightseeing in Gros Morne National Park and Port au Choix
Visit L’Anse aux Meadows
Travel across of the Straits of Belle Isle to the shores of Labrador
Visit Auk Island Winery
Boat Tour on Bonne Bay (weather permitting)
Excursions to Twillingate, Trinity and Bonavista
Visit to the Ryan Premises
Visit to Sir Wilfred Grenfell Mission
Explore Terra Nova National Park
Screech In
Visit the historic village of Trinity, one of North America’s Oldest Communities
Visit Cape Bonavista, landing site of John Cabot in 1497
Historic Tour of St. Johns, including Signal Hill, Quidi Vidi and Cape Spear
Entrance Fees to National Historic Sites

What’s Included:

Services of McCarthy’s Party local Newfoundland Guide
15 nights accommodation with private bath and/or shower
Baggage Handling of one suitcase per person
All sightseeing as per itinerary
Entrance Fees to National Historic Sites
Fifteen Breakfasts
Thirteen lunches
Five Dinners
Ground Transportation
Arrival and Departure Transfers if arriving and departing during the regular arrival and departure dates (if adding pre/post nights then these are also including if purchase these through us)
Tipping for Tour Manager, Driver and Local Guides

Not Included:

Domestic airfare – Trip Merchant is happy to assist you with booking the airfare from your preferred Canadian air gateway
15% HST
Trip Cancellation and out of Province Medical Insurance

Terms and Conditions:

$400 per person deposit (+15% HST) (if you cancel prior to January 31st, 2024, deposit converts to a future travel credit that can be applied towards any Trip Merchant group departure up to 2 years beyond your original date of travel) – *Deposits are 100% non-refundable if you cancel after January 31st, 2024

Final Balance: Due May 10th, 2024 (100% non-refundable after final payment)

Call for assistance: 1-800-481-9739 ext 3

Mention Group Booking Number: BCRTANL04

16 Days/15 Nights

33 Meals

Group Departures

Guided Tours

North & Central America

Destination

Canada
Arrival City

Deer Lake, Newfoundland
Departure City

St. John's, Newfoundland
Activity Level

This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs, or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
Passenger Limit

32 Guests

Tuesday, September 10th: Arrive at Deer Lake - Transfer to Corner Brook

Arrive at Deer Lake on the West Coast of Newfoundland and transfer to Corner Brook to begin your holiday with McCarthy’s Party. This evening we will enjoy a get together to meet your fellow travellers and learn more about the trip ahead.

Accommodation: Glynmill Inn, Corner Brook

The Glynmill Inn, with “unparalleled ambiance in old English style,” juts up through the maples in the center of Corner Brook’s majesty. Nestled in a panoramic garden, the white and green Tudor-style roof peaks will warmly invite you to come by. Surrounded by trees and our own pond, the Glynmill Inn offers the intimacy of a tranquil resort. Built-in 1923 by Halifax architect Andrew Cobb, the Glynmill Inn is a four-and-one-half-storey hotel built in the Tudor Revival style. The Inn is one of the most recognizable buildings in Corner Brook. March 31, 2001, The Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador designated The Glynmill Inn a Registered Heritage Structure.

Meals Provided: No Meals | Welcome Reception

Wednesday, September 11th: Corner Brook | Old Town, Cook's Lookout and Bay of Islands | Welcome Dinner

This morning we will tour Corner Brook, the second largest city in Newfoundland. We visit the old town as well as Cook’s Lookout, named for Captain James Cook who mapped and named many of the Bays and key geographical points of the west coast of Newfoundland. Then we tour the Bay of Islands. This spectacular inlet was used by the basque fishermen and Jerseymen as their home base for fisheries in the 18th and 19th century.

Accommodation: Glynmill Inn, Corner Brook

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Thursday, September 12th: Viking Trail | Gros Morne National Park | Port aux Choix

(Photo Credit: Bejamin Heath | Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism)

This morning we take the Viking trail to beautiful Gros Morne National Park. We will travel along some of the most spectacular coastline in North America and visit the National Historic Park at Port au Choix, which interprets the intriguing history and lifestyle of the Maritime Archaic people who lived here over 3000 years ago.

Accommodation: Plum Point Motel, Plum Point

Plum Point Motel is located within the scenic community in the heart of Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula. We are a popular stopover for travellers along the Viking Trail. We offer comfortable lodging, a variety of services, and a friendly team who are dedicated to making your stay a pleasant one.

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Friday, September 13th: St. Anthony | L'Anse aux Meadows

Photo Credit: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

Today we travel the coastline to St. Anthony to visit the home of the famous medical missionary, Sir Wilfred Grenfell. The highlight of this day is our visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site at L'Anse aux Meadows, home of Leif the Lucky and the Viking people who settled this area as early as the year 1000 A.D.

Accommodation: Plum Point Motel, Plum Point

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Saturday, September 14th: Viking Trail | Straits of Belle Isle to Labrador

(Photo Credit: Parks Canada | Dale Wilson | Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism)

This morning we travel north on the Viking Trail to the town of the town of Roddickton, the self proclaimed ‘Moose Capital of the World’ and their Green Moose Interpretation Centre. Later we travel to Conche. Here we visit the community centre to see the Conche Tapestry. Named by CNN as one of the most magnificent tapestries outside of Europe, this piece was worked on by the local people and depicts the history of the town. This afternoon we travel across the Straits of Belle Isle to the shores of Labrador.

Accommodation: Northern Light Inn, Labrador

The Northern Light Inn is now the largest hotel in the region with seventy rooms and a full range of services. The hotel continues its family operations under the management of Steve and Shirley`s sons Chad and Brad and employs 25 people.

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sunday, September 15th: Labrador | Whaling Station

Today we visit the recently discovered Whaling Station founded by the Basques in the early 1500’s, and learn about the “modern techniques” used by these whalers and the hardships they endured. Later we visit the tallest lighthouse in the province at L’Anse Amour.

Accommodation: Northern Light Inn, Labrador

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Monday, September 16th: Labrador to Cow Head

(Photo Credit: Barrett and Mackay and Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism)

Take to the waters again as we maximize our wildlife viewing with a return ferry ride to Newfoundland. Continue exploring the majestic coastline of Western Newfoundland, stopping often to appreciate the many unique vistas, characters, and exhibits for which Newfoundland is so famous.

(Photo Credit: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism)

Accommodation: Shallow Bay Motel, Cow Head

Cow Head, a small fishing village on the shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, is the home of Shallow Bay Motel. Cow Head is located in Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Park represents a 1,805 square kms sample of Newfoundland’s western highlands and coastal lowlands, a landscape of mountains, fiords, valleys, deep glacial lakes, coastal bogs, and wave carved cliffs. Come visit and see for yourself magnificent Western Brook Fiord, the Long Range Mountains, The Arches, the Broom Point Fishing Exhibit! Shallow Bay Motel, Cow Head, is the halfway point between Port-aux-Basques and the Viking Site at L’anse au Meadows and Grenfell Historic Properties at St. Anthony. 92 units | licensed Family Restaurant | Pub | Fitness Centre | Sauna | Gift Shop | Laundromat | Heated pool and Hot tub overlooking the ocean

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tuesday September 17th: Gros Morne National Park

This day’s adventure is dedicated to Gros Morne National Park & UNESCO World Heritage Site; starting with an interpretive boat tour across the gentle waters of beautiful Bonne Bay. In Woody Point we’ll visit the park’s new Discovery Centre and view the famous Tableland Mountains. It is this area that earned the park its nickname as the 'Galapagos of Plate Tectonics'.

Accommodation: Shallow Bay Motel, Cow Head

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Wednesday, September 18th: Gander

Bid farewell to the west coast as we take an easterly trek, to a new geological frontier. A perfect harbor provides a beautiful backdrop for an eventful morning of whale interpretation and brilliant art exhibits. This afternoon commemorates the survivors of the 9/11 Tragedy and the many acts of kindness extended when we welcomed the 'Come From Away' guests into the homes and communities surrounding Gander; the epicenter of the hit Broadway musical.

Accommodation: Sinbad's Hotel, Gander

Located in the heart of downtown Gander, Sinbad’s Hotel & Suites situates you in the center of the action. Just seconds away from shopping and restaurants and minutes away from local attractions, Sinbad’s offers accommodations to suit your every need. Sinbad’s offers 107 spacious, air-conditioned rooms and suites. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, irons, ironing boards, hairdryer and in-room coffee makers.

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Thursday, September 19th: Gander

(Photo Credit: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism)

Today we are off on the “Road to the Isles”, travelling across "Tickles and Runs" to spend time on beautiful Twillingate Island. This is one of Newfoundland's oldest and most interesting fishing communities.

(Photo Credit: Barrett and Mackay and Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism)

We visit the lighthouse at Crow Head, the Auk Island Winery for a sample of their wares, and the Beothuck Centre in Boyd’s Cove where we learn about the native groups that once occupied Newfoundland.

Accommodation: Sinbad's Hotel, Gander

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Friday, September 20th: Terra Nova National Park

(Photo Credit: Parks Canada | Dale Wilson | Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism)

This morning we will visit the fishing community of Salvage on the Eastport Peninsula. Here we go for a walk in the town and hopefully have a chat with some of the locals. This is also a great iceberg viewing area. Next we travel to Terra Nova National Park to view the vistas of Newman Sound and to visit the park’s Marine Interpretation Center. Here we will experience first-hand the variety of marine life found in the sounds and learn about this ecologically diverse area.

Accommodation: Clarenville Inn, Clarenville

Located off the Trans Canada Highway, Clarenville Inn offers an outdoor pool and a la carte restaurant. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout. Rooms here will provide you with a 46-inch flat-screen cable TV. Each includes a refrigerator and air conditioning. A hairdryer and free toiletries can be found in the bathroom. Some have an ocean view. The on-site Stellar Kitchen offers various dishes throughout the day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can also enjoy a drink at the Stellar Lounge, also found on the premises. At Clarenville Inn you will find a fitness centre. Other facilities offered include meeting facilities, luggage storage and a children's playground. The property offers free parking.

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Saturday, September 21st: Trinity | Cape Bonavista

This morning we travel to the historic village of Trinity, one of the oldest communities in North America, the gem of the Island. Here we learn about the Poole fish merchants who established this fishing station. We also have the opportunity to visit some of the many shops and galleries where local work is featured. Next we are off to Bonavista, the landfall of John Cabot in 1497. Here we visit the Ryan Premises and have an opportunity to learn about inshore fishing techniques that have allowed this town to thrive for hundreds of years.

(Photo Credit: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism)

This afternoon we visit Cape Bonavista for a chance to walk the cliffs and enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery.

Accommodation: Clarenville Inn, Clarenville

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sunday, September 22nd: Avalon Peninsula to St. John's

(Photo Credit: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism)

Today we travel to the Avalon Peninsula along the picturesque coastline of Conception Bay, the home of pirates of centuries ago. It was here, on the ruggedly beautiful shores of Newfoundland and Labrador, far from the comforts of home that it all began. A culture. A history. A country. Over the next 400 years, English settlement in Newfoundland and Labrador and the rest of British North America grew to become what is now English Canada. But it all started in 1610 with John Guy’s fateful choice of Cupids as his new home. We will also stop along the way for picture taking and to visit some of the more interesting villages such as Brigus, one of the historic sailing ports of Conception Bay and home of the late, famous Captain Bob Bartlett who took Perry to the North Pole. This evening we make our way to travel to St. John’s, arguably the oldest city in North America and our home for the next three nights

Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel, St. John's

Revel in exceptional services and amenities at Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland. Steeped in history and built on the site of the old Fort William at the base of Signal Hill, our downtown St. John’s hotel blends elegance with the vibrant and colourful atmosphere of one of the oldest cities in North America. Take advantage of our premier location, whether traveling to Newfoundland for business or enjoying a relaxing vacation. Easily accessible from the St. John's airport and overlooking the harbour, our pet-friendly hotel is just minutes from area attractions, boutique shopping and legendary George Street.

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Monday, September 23rd: Historic tour of St. John's

An historic tour of St. John’s will provide a brilliant interpretation of North America’s oldest city, and a proper orientation for your free time. Visit Cabot Tower and Signal Hill to view the harbour’s "Narrows" and admire the architecture of old St. John's; including the famous ‘Jelly Bean Houses’.

We will also visit Cape Spear National Historic Park, the most easterly point of land in North America. We will end this day with an included lunch at a local restaurant in Quidi Vidi.

Accommodation: Sheraton St. John's Hotel, St. John's

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Tuesday, September 24th: Leisure Day | Farewell Dinner

Today is free to explore the many historic exhibits, walking trails, boutique shops and galleries that surround your hotel. This evening enjoy a special farewell dinner sponsored by Johnson Insurance.

Accommodation: Sheraton St. John's Hotel, St. John's

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner

Wednesday, September 25th: Depart for home

All good things must come to an end and so we bid a fond farewell to our newest yet oldest Province. As you fly homeward it will be with many delightful memories of an authentic Newfoundland experience that will be recalled for years to come.

Meals Provided: Breakfast