Newfoundland: Bike & Hike the Avalon Peninsula
Eight days, challenging cycling on paved roads, with a hard day of hiking. Be the first North American to see the sun rise at Cape Spear; see two of North America’s largest sea bird colonies; spot whales and icebergs; and enjoy rambunctious Newfoundland culture in fishing outports.
The isolated culture of rural Newfoundland and the stark, unspoiled beauty of the landscapes make this an exceptional experience, with unparalleled scenery and visits to truly special places. The adventure starts and finishes in “the Battery”, and a downtown area packed with so many lively spots that nightlife is vividly entertaining. You will cycle from there down the beautiful East coast, past Witless Bay Ecological Preserve to La Manche, where we plan a full day of hiking on the East Coast Trail. You will probably see whales and icebergs, and will appreciate the unspoiled feel of the vast landscape here. The past two centuries of isolation have preserved a distinctive accent, believed by linguists to be a relatively unchanged Elizabethan dialect. It is very easy to strike up conversation with the friendly folk who live here, but whether you understand or are simply bemused by their colourful colloquialisms remains to be seen. You will bike through 17th century villages, across barrens peppered with “erratics”, and along shores where privateers once lured ships onto the rocks to loot their booty.
The Plan:
Day 1:
Meet in St. John’s at 15:00. Hike through the Battery to Signal Hill, site of the first transatlantic communication, and a fabulous viewpoint over the mouth of St. John’s harbour. After dinner, enjoy some music of Irish descent in one of many venues on the infamous George Street. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfasts only)
Park House Inn, St. John’s, www.newfoundlandbedandbreakfast.nl.ca; or
Banberry House, St. John’s, www.banberryhouse.com
Day 2: 20 km (12.4mi) plus boat trip
Very early morning pickup for a transfer to Cape Spear, to be the first in the New World to watch the sun rise. After breakfast, transfer south to Bay Bulls, for a boat trip through Witless Bay Ecological Reserve where you may get up close and personal with icebergs, humpback whales, and thousands of seabirds including the very photogenic Atlantic Puffin. Following the boat tour, ride south to the end of the road in Bauline East, adjacent to great hiking along the East Coast Trail in La Manche Provincial Park. BLD
Celtic Rendezvous, Bauline East, www.celticrendezvouscottages.com
Day 3: Hike the East Coast Trail. 3-30km (2-18mi)
This is a truly wild walk, along cliffs with carefully built bridges, showing you colonies of seabirds, including Atlantic Puffins, Northern Gannet, Common and Thick-billed Murres, Razorbills and the Blacklegged Kittiwake. After enjoying the most amazing views of this dramatic coast all the way to Brigus South, your van will transfer you back to your cozy inn. This is a challenging hike for which we recommend you bring sturdy hiking boots and a day pack. BLD
Same lodging
Day 4: 56km (35mi)
Cycling today along the Irish Loop will take you past the first English settlements in the New World, and many small Newfoundland fishing communities. In Ferryland you will have the opportunity to visit archaeological digs depicting the way of life of the earliest settlers of North America, at Lord Baltimore’s 17th century Colony of Avalon. You will also be able to fuel up with a healthy organic lunch at the lighthouse while watching whales (www.lighthousepicnics.ca). Finish in Renews. BD
Midnight Hill Manor, Renews, www.canadaselect.com
Day 5: 100km (62mi). Optional additional 38km to Mistaken Point
Today’s blissful ride takes you past Mistaken Point Fossil Reserve, over the fascinating ecosystem of the Avalon Barren region, along the shore of Holyrood Pond, and around St. Mary’s Harbour. Herds of caribou live in the area you will ride through, and with luck, you will see these magnificent creatures as you ride, stopping for swims, if you like, in the many pristine ponds along the way. The descent, art day’s end, into St. Mary’s is particularly beautiful. BLD
The Claddagh Inn, St. Mary’s
Day 6: 119km (74mi)
Ride from St. Mary’s to Salmonier Nature Park for a closer look at some of Newfoundland’s varied wildlife. Transfer to Dildo, and ride through Heart’s Delight, Heart’s Desire and Heart’s Content - a spectacular coastal cycling route largely along the coast of Trinity Bay. You will find the local people in these scenic villages as unique and entertaining as the names of their villages. If you like, you can extend your ride to Cupids - the oldest official English colony in Canada and the second oldest in North America, settled 1610. Visit www.baccalieudigs.ca/cupids.asp for more information. BLD
NaGeira House, Carbonear, www.nageirahouse.com; or
Sophia’s B&B, Carbonear, www.newfoundlandexperience.com
Day 7: Up to 140km (up to 87mi)
Today's ride takes you around the Conception Bay, or “Bacccalieu” loop - the local favourite. The magnificent seaside route will provide vistas of both Conception and Trinity Bays, and rewarding descents into quiet and picturesque fishing hamlets including Old Perlican and Bay de Verde. Near day’s end, the cross-country route from Heart’s Content to Victoria may be a great place to see a moose enjoying a meal in the peaty fens. Finish the day with a half-hour transfer to St. John’s. BD
Same lodging
Day 8: Transfer to St. John’s following breakfast. B
The Details:
| Start: | St. John’s, Newfoundland, 15:00, day one. Airport pickup available 14:30. |
| Finish: | At your inn in St. John’s, Newfoundland, day eight. |
| Guided Cost: | $2895 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners, boat trip, luggage handling, van and guide support, route notes and maps) |
| Self-Guided Cost: | $2495 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, boat tour, luggage transfers, transfers at start and finish and on day 6, route notes and maps) |
| Single Occupancy: | $545 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $145; Racing: $195 |
| 2010 Guided Dates: | Sep 5-12. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departure, updates or to add a new departure. |
| 2011 Guided Dates: | Jun 26-Jul 3; Jul 10-17, 24-31; Aug 7-14, 21-28; Sep 4-11.Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departure, updates or to add a new departure. |
| Self-Guided Dates: | You choose! Best months are June (spring flowers, icebergs abundant), July (warm weather, maybe icebergs, whales), August (warm weather, whales, usually no icebergs), and September (cooler and quiet). |
| Similar Trips: | Newfoundland: Viking Trail, Alberta:Banff to Jasper; Yukon: Multisport |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice. 15% sales tax applies, but a 50% refund will be applied for non-Canadians.
