Nova Scotia to Newfoundland - 13 days

Nova Scotia to Newfoundland - 13 days

13 Days
From

$4935

Nova Scotia to Newfoundland - 13 days

13 Days Starting in Halifax, Canada and ending in St. John's, Canada

Visiting: Halifax, Port aux Basques, Port au Choix, L'Anse aux Meadows, St. Anthony, Gros Morne National Park, Gander, Clarenville, St. John's

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 48

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

12-110

From: $4935

NB: Prices correct on 07-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 13-day journey from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland, exploring the rich history and stunning landscapes of Eastern Canada. Begin in Halifax, the vibrant capital of Nova Scotia, before taking an overnight ferry to Port aux Basques. Discover the ancient cultures of Port au Choix and the Basque whaling history at Red Bay National Historic Site. Uncover Viking history at L'Anse aux Meadows and enjoy whale watching in St. Anthony. Experience the breathtaking scenery of Gros Morne National Park and the unique geological formations of the Tablelands. Visit Gander's North Atlantic Aviation Museum and explore the charming towns of Bonavista and Trinity. Conclude your adventure in St. John's, North America's oldest city, with a tour of its historic sites and a boat tour in Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, guided sightseeing, and the expertise of a local tour leader throughout this unforgettable small group tour.

Highlights

  • Halifax - Start your Newfoundland adventure in the captivating capital of Nova Scotia, and take the overnight ferry to Port aux Basques

  • Port au Choix - Uncover the ancient history of this scenic fishing community, located on the Port au Choix peninsula

  • Red Bay National Historic Site - Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its Basque whaling history

  • L'Anse aux Meadows - Discover Viking history at the first UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • St Anthony - Spot minke whales, fin whales, blue whales and other species on an included whale watching tour

  • Gros Morne National Park - Join a scenic boat tour on Bonne Bay and explore the unique geological formations of the Tablelands

  • St. John's - Explore North America’s oldest city, visiting sites like the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and Signal Hill

  • Witless Bay Ecological Reserve - Sail the waters of the bay, keeping your eyes peeled for the colourful puffins that live in the area

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Halifax

Location: Halifax

Accommodation Name: hotel

Upon arriving in Halifax, check in to your accommodation, ideally located in the downtown of this city on the Atlantic Ocean. As the capital of Nova Scotia, Halifax is rich in culture and history, and tonight is free for you to head out and explore.





There is also a welcome meeting with our tour guide this evening, so you can get to know the rest of the group.

Day 2: Halifax

Location: Halifax

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Port aux Basques (overnight ferry)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Halifax - North Sydney - Port aux Basques. We travel through Truro and Antigonish, crossing over the Canso Causeway to reach Cape Breton Island.





In North Sydney, we board the ferry for a relaxing overnight crossing to Port aux Basques, our port of entry for the island of Newfoundland.





Please note: The Marine Atlantic ferry schedule varies annually, so a daytime crossing may be required, which could necessitate an overnight stay in Port aux Basques. This accommodation will be included in your tour price, if required.

Day 3: Port Aux Basques

Location: Port aux Basques

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Port aux Basques - Port au Choix. Disembarking the ferry in Newfoundland this morning, we head through the Codroy Valley and the stunning Gros Morne National Park, which we will have the opportunity to explore later on during our tour.





Our destination today is the fishing community of Port au Choix, where we will learn about the ancient cultures that have inhabited the Port au Choix Peninsula. This area, which juts slightly into the Gulf of St. Lawrence on Newfoundland’s northwest coast, has been home to people for 5,500 years.





Please note: Some members of the tour may have started their tour in Corner Brook, instead of Halifax. The whole group will link up today, but the maximum group size of the tour will never be exceeded.

Day 4: Port Au Choix

Location: Port au Choix

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Port au Choix - L'Anse au Clair. We board the ferry from St. Barbe across the Strait of Belle Isle to reach Labrador this morning. Our next stop is Red Bay National Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Basques operated a whaling station in the 16th century. We're spending the night in Labrador.

Day 5: L'anse Au Clair

Location: L'Anse aux Meadows

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

L'Anse au Clair - St Anthony. We return to Newfoundland and travel to L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, the first cultural discovery in the world to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we will learn about the Vikings who roamed this area over a thousand years ago. After our visit, we will proceed to our accommodation in St. Anthony for the night.

Day 6: St. Anthony

Location: St. Anthony

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

St Anthony - Cow Head. We begin our day with a morning whale-watching boat tour off the coast of St. Anthony (weather permitting). We will enjoy wonderful views of the coastline and hope to spot species including minke whales, humpbacks and white-sided dolphins.





Afterwards, we will head to Cow Head in Gros Morne National Park, where we will stay for two nights. The months of June and early July offer the best opportunities to see icebergs as large as the Titanic!

Day 7: Cow Head

Location: Gros Morne National Park

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we are exploring UNESCO-listed Gros Morne National Park, beginning with a scenic boat tour on Bonne Bay. We’ll be on the lookout for bald eagles that are frequently spotted near the deep waters of the fjord.





Additionally, we will visit the Tablelands, an impressive flat-topped mountain made of rock typically found deep within the Earth’s mantle, which offers a truly awe-inspiring sight. Today promises to be unforgettable, as many believe the scenery in Gros Morne is unparalleled in Eastern Canada. We spend a second night in Cow Head.





Please note: You may request when booking that instead of today's included Bonne Bay boat tour and Tablelands visit, you take a scenic boat tour on Western Brook Pond and visit the Broom Point Fishing Premises instead. There is a 45-minute walk (3 km/2 miles) from the parking lot to the dock and a 45-minute walk back. This option must be requested on booking.

Day 8: Cow Head

Location: Gander

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cow Head - Gander. As our time in Gros Morne National Park comes to an end, we’ll journey through Central Newfoundland to Gander, famously known as the inspiration for the hit Broadway musical, "Come From Away". While in Gander, we’ll learn about the incredible hospitality and generosity shown by the local residents during the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, when 38 planes were unexpectedly diverted there.





We will also visit the North Atlantic Aviation Museum, which houses a fascinating collection of artifacts and exhibits detailing Gander’s pivotal role in the history of transatlantic aviation.

Day 9: Gander

Location: Gander

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gander - Clarenville. We take a scenic drive along the rugged coast of Notre Dame Bay to the beautiful outport of Twillingate, where we’ll visit the Long Point Lighthouse and the Prime Berth Fishery & Heritage Centre.





Keeping our cameras ready for potential wildlife sightings, we’ll continue through Terra Nova National Park before arriving in Clarenville, where we’ll stay for the next two nights.









Day 10: Clarenville

Location: Clarenville

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we’ll explore two quaint and historic towns in the area. Our journey begins in Bonavista, where John Cabot made his first landing in North America in 1497. At the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site, we’ll learn about the challenging lives of the lighthouse keepers.





We will then continue to the charming town of Trinity, where we can stroll through its lanes and explore the many historic buildings preserved from the 18th century. Then we head back to Clarenville for the night.













Day 11: Clarenville

Location: St. John's

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Clarenville - St John's. We continue to the fascinating old seaport of St. John's, where we’ll stay for the next two nights. As the oldest city in North America and the capital of Newfoundland, St. John's is set against the striking granite cliffs and slopes of the Avalon Peninsula.





We’ll enjoy an included city tour showcasing the Victorian architecture of the downtown area, the bustling modern waterfront, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and the Confederation Building. To finish, we will take in the panoramic views from Signal Hill.

Day 12: St. John's

Location: St. John's

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we head to Bay Bulls for a memorable highlight of our trip: a boat tour (weather permitting) through the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, where we can look for puffins and other seabirds. Afterwards, we visit Cape Spear National Historic Site, the most easterly point in North America. The afternoon is free for you to further explore St. John's at your own pace.











Day 13: St. John's

Location: St. John's

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our tour comes to an end today, after a final breakfast at the hotel and check out.

What's Included

  • 12 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 9 dinners

  • 11 nights 3-4 star hotels & 1 overnight ferry from Halifax - Port aux Basques

  • Escorted by an expert local tour leader

  • All relevant transfers and transportation in a private coach

  • Strait of Belle Isle return ferry from Newfoundland - Labrador

  • Guided sightseeing in Port au Choix, Red Bay, L’Anse aux Meadows, Gros Morne National Park, Gander, Twillingate, Bonavsita, Trinity & St Johns

  • Whale watching boat tour in St Anthony

  • Bonne Bay boat tour (or Western Brook Pond boat tour, see Itinerary for details)

  • Witless Bay Ecological Reserve boat tour

  • Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go

What's Not Included

  • International flights & visas

  • Airport transfers

  • Any meals or drinks not specified in the inclusions

  • Tips for your tour guide - an entirely personal gesture!

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with all relevant transfers and transportation provided in a private coach, including a return ferry across the Strait of Belle Isle from Newfoundland to Labrador.

Accommodation

Enjoy 11 nights in comfortable 3-4 star hotels and experience an overnight ferry journey from Halifax to Port aux Basques, ensuring a restful stay throughout your adventure.

Age Policy

Min:12yrs, accompanied by an adult / Max:110

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?

    During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including minke whales, fin whales, blue whales, and puffins. In Gros Morne National Park, you might spot bald eagles, and in Terra Nova National Park, there are opportunities for wildlife sightings as well.

  • Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Red Bay National Historic Site, known for its Basque whaling history, and L'Anse aux Meadows, which is recognized for its Viking history.

  • What is the accommodation like during the tour?

    The tour includes 11 nights in 3-4 star hotels and 1 overnight ferry from Halifax to Port aux Basques. Accommodation is ideally located to enhance your experience in each destination.

  • Is there a whale watching tour included in the itinerary?

    Yes, there is a whale watching boat tour included in St. Anthony, where you can spot various species of whales and enjoy views of the coastline.

  • What is the significance of Gander in the tour?

    Gander is significant for its role during the September 11, 2001 attacks when 38 planes were unexpectedly diverted there. The tour includes a visit to the North Atlantic Aviation Museum to learn about Gander's pivotal role in transatlantic aviation.

  • What activities are included in Gros Morne National Park?

    In Gros Morne National Park, the tour includes a scenic boat tour on Bonne Bay and exploration of the unique geological formations of the Tablelands. Alternatively, you can opt for a boat tour on Western Brook Pond and visit the Broom Point Fishing Premises.

  • What is the focus of the visit to St. John's?

    In St. John's, the tour focuses on exploring North America's oldest city, including a city tour of its Victorian architecture, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and panoramic views from Signal Hill. There is also a boat tour in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve to see puffins and other seabirds.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025
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Prices last published on 07-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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