KTA Hiking Trip on the West Coast of Newfoundland
July 8-18, 2024

Daily Itinerary (Subject to change)

July 8: 9:30 am departure from Philadelphia International Airport.  Arrive in Deer Lake, Newfoundland 5:01 pm.

July 9: Stuckless Pond, 6.5 mile loop hike rated moderate. From Deer Lake, we head north to Gros Morne National Park. Our first hike is a great introduction to the Newfoundland wilds, crossing the Lomond River on a suspension bridge before circling secluded Stuckless Pond. We travel on to our accommodations at Woody Point on beautiful Bonne Bay. After a rest, we will visit the Gros Morne Discovery Centre, an outstanding place to learn about the geology, flora, fauna and early inhabitants of Gros Morne. For the adventurous and energetic, an optional Lookout Trail hike (challenging) climbs 1100 feet from the Centre to spectacular panoramic views of Bonne Bay and the Tablelands. Meals included: B, L.

July 10: Trout River Pond Trail, 9 miles, rated moderate. Our hike skirts the north side of Trout River Pond through shaded boreal forest before vegetation dwindles to scrub and the serpentine barrens of the Tablelands. This is one of only two places on the planet where the earth’s mantle is exposed through the crust. The trail provides magnificent views of the “Narrows” where two lakes meet, and of the glacial-carved valley of Trout River Inner Pond. Accommodations in Woody Point. Meals included: B, L.

July 11:  Green Gardens Trail, 6 miles, rated challenging. The hike begins in the serpentine Tablelands barrens and descends 800 feet through boreal forest to the sea coast. Here, we explore a wonderful array of sea stacks, coves, and beaches topped off with lush cliff-top meadows. After our hike, we head for the opposite side of Bonne Bay and our accommodations in Rocky Harbour. Several short hikes are available from our accommodations. Meals included: B, L.

July 12: Baker’s Brook Falls Trail, 6 miles, rated moderate. Our path leads past scenic Little Pond through balsam fir forest to Baker’s Brook Falls, a series of powerful cascades over limestone ridges. Summer wildflowers grow in profusion and the area is prime moose habitat. Rocky Harbor accommodations. Meals included: L.

July 13: Gros Morne Mountain, 10.5 mile loop with a 2600 foot climb, rated very challenging. For experienced and fit hikers only, this rugged hike is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Canada, offering stunning views of the Long Range Mountains and the Ten Mile Pond Gorge. The first 3 miles of trail wind through boreal forest to the base of the mountain. At the trail intersection, we begin the steep, rocky ascent to the top with its arctic-alpine landscape. For those not wishing to climb the peak, continue straight another 1.5 miles (with 800 foot climb) to the primitive campsite at Ferry Gulch and meet up with the summiters on their descent. Rocky Harbor accommodations. Meals included: L.

July 14: Western Brook Pond Trail, 3.75 miles, easy. This easy walk leads to Western Brook Pond where a boat tour takes us up the spectacular 10 mile fjord replete with 2000 foot waterfalls and billion-year-old sheer cliffs. When we return to our bus, we begin our journey up the Northern Peninsula, stopping at Arches Provincial Park to stretch our legs. Motel accommodations near Plum Point. No meals included.

July 15: Our bus delivers us to L’Anse aux Meadows, site of the Viking encampment dating back more than 1000 years. The Visitor’s Center provides detailed information, artifacts and interactive displays about the settlement. Re-enactors portray the day-to-day lives of these Viking visitors in reconstructed longhouses and other structures. We will also hike the 2-mile Birchy Nuddick Trail which winds around the historic site. Our next stop is dockside in the village of Quirpon where we meet the zodiac raft that ferries us across the channel to Quirpon Island. This barren tundra island has been described as one of the 5 most remote and harsh places in the world to visit and stay. It is also ruggedly beautiful and offers comfortable accommodations in the former lighthouse keeper’s house. Delicious home-cooked meals are served. This is a world apart…no WIFI, no TV, but lots of hiking opportunities and chances to see icebergs, whales, and the resident fox family.  Meals included: B, L, D.

July 16: Join us on an organized hike around the island or explore the island on your own. We will also have a zodiac raft tour, weather permitting, to look for whales and icebergs. Meals included: B, L, D.

July 17: After breakfast, the zodiac returns us to the mainland. Our waiting bus transports us back to Deer Lake with stops along the way. Meals included: B.

July 18: 1:15 pm departure  from Deer Lake. Arrive in Philadelphia 8:49 pm. Meals included: B.
 
Daily itinerary subject to change.