12-Nights Circle Newfoundland & Labrador: Halifax, Gros Morne National Park, St. Anthony & More

St. John's, Newfoundland

St. John's, a classic harbor city, is capital of Newfoundland. Old accents and customs are common, yet Saint John is still modern. The city recently celebrated its 500th anniversary as a modern city with preserved heritage and culture. It offers old world charm, unique architectural and historic landmarks, fine cuisine and many other attractions. Historic downtown features unique sites, such as Cabot Tower on Signal Hill overlooking the harbor and the city. The famous friendliness, hospitality and charm of the people of Saint John, plus the Newfoundland folk music found in many of the lively waterfront bars, ensure a perfect visit. A 3 mile Rennies River Trail cuts through the city along a wooded stream and ends at the only public fluvarium in North America, where in late October/early November one can observe spawning brown and brook trout in their natural habitat through underwater windows. The Bowring Victorian park was donated by the wealthy Bowring family in 1911, and resembles the parks of London after which is was modeled.

Clarenville

Established in 1891 and originally called Clarenceville, this tiny town was the center starting hub of the Newfoundland Railway. By 1942, Clarenville's deep water port sheltered ships that later became the town's own shipyard. These industries expanded the town's community and greatly improved their economy. Today, the town still boasts of a beautiful abundance of natural beauty.

Gander

Located at the northeast tip of the North American continent is a tiny town in Newfoundland & Labrador chosen to be an airport site. In 1936, the construction of the airport base began and during the Second World War, as many as 10,000 Canadian, British and American military populated the town of Gander. Today, Gander has molded its own cultural, economical, and educational systems ensuring the quality of life with recreational activities, health care, transportation, and communications.

St. Anthony

St. Anthony is one of Canada's easternmost points and packs in a milennium of Newfoundland history. Nearby are Gros Morne National Park and L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Park, as well as an old Basque whaling site and a museum that celebrates the life of Wilfred Grenfell—"the doctor who went out into the cold." A recreated Viking settlement features longboats and sod huts, authentically replicating an ancient town built by hardy Norsemen.

Port au Choix

Port au Choix, on the west side of Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula, has been populated for thousands of years. The rich waters off this coast have supported many different groups of people, including those who live here today. The remains of four ancient cultures have been found at Port au Choix to date: Maritime Archaic Indian, Dorset and Groswater Paleoeskimo, and Recent Indians. Archaeologists searched many years for a site such as this one, which sheds new light on our understanding of native peoples in this part of the world.

Port aux Basques

The first rocky outport on the south western tip of Newfoundland, the ferry’s landing town, Channel-Port-aux-Basques is built on the rocky shores with traditional winding roads through the small wooden houses. Very much still a fishing community, Port-aux-Basques is the terminal for the Nova Scotia to Newfoundland ferry operated by Marine Atlantic. This is the furthest point along the Trans Canada Highway from St. John’s which is across the rocky, forested interior of Newfoundland.

Halifax (Nova Scotia)

Halifax is Atlantic Canada’s center of business, research and education. Strong emphasis is placed on cultural diversity, historic restorations and the preservation of heritage and culture. The Halifax Citadel Fortress dominates downtown Halifax. Take a stroll along the waterfront past restored buildings and warehouses of Historic Properties, or a walk in delightful Public Gardens, the oldest Victorian gardens in North America. Halifax’s sister city of Dartmouth lies on the opposite shore and is reached via the oldest saltwater ferry in North America. The spectacular view of Halifax harbor makes the trip worthwhile. Housed in former Dominion Building, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia features Nova Scotia folk art and maritime artists. A two-hour walk will easily show you the major highlights of historic and scenic Halifax. Visit Historic Properties, St. Paul’s Church and Province House, the latter two being the oldest buildings in the city. Granite Springs is rated one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in Atlantic Canada.