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The past is always present in the Canadian Maritimes

Sail among islands of unsurpassed beauty and discover living history from Vikings to European explorers on this near circumnavigation of Newfoundland aboard National Geographic Explorer. Delve into the tales of Viking exploration at L’Anse aux Meadows, the only widely accepted site of trans-Atlantic Viking establishment. Revel in wild landscapes of sweeping dunes, wind- and wave-carved cliffs, and sandstone hills. Experience the disparate cultures that make these small outlying islands their homes and see how their lives are inextricably tied to the seas through trade and fisheries. Discover unlimited natural beauty, wonder, and wildlife throughout.

Canada

The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland

Special Offers

Duration

10 days

Sep

From

$10,450

Prices are per person

Special Offers (1)

Highlights

Canada

The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland

Duration

10 days

Sep

From

$10,450

Top Highlights

Discover charming coastal villages and small islands, including the historic French settlements at St. Pierre et Miquelon
Explore two UNESCO sites: Gros Morne National Park and the 11th-century Viking site at L’Anse aux Meadows
Hike along the dunes and sandstone cliffs of Iles de la Madeleine and discover the Acadian culture
Experience the bounty of the region in its famous cuisine including Cape Breton mussels, fresh seafood, and much more

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Special Offers

FREE BAR TAB AND CREW TIPS INCLUDED

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Expedition Highlights

In 1960 a local fisherman told archaeologist Helge Ingstad about a mystifying series of grassy mounds near the shores of Epaves Bay on the Newfoundland coast. What he discovered changed the understanding of Norse history—the ancient Viking settlement of L’Anse aux Meadows. Explore the site yourself and discover so much more on an expedition that delves into the history of not only Vikings but colonial ambition, remote island culture, and people who live by the bounty of the sea and land at rugged outposts. Explore rare geological features of breathtaking beauty on Zodiac cruises, on nature hikes, and by kayak, and walk the beaches and discover the carved dunes and sandstone cliffs of tiny islands.

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Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

1.800.397.3348

1.800.397.3348

Life Aboard

Throughout your expedition in Canada, National Geographic Explorer provides an atmosphere of casual comfort as well as intellectual stimulation and sociability. After an active session of exploring, it’s always rewarding to return to Explorer—to relax, reflect, and rejuvenate.

Savoring the Seafood of a Storied Region

This region has a rich fishing and marine history, much of which infuses itself into the world-famous mussels, cod tongue, and smoked herring which the locals pride themselves on.

Discover

Discover

Absolutely astounding! We were continuously engaged and learned so much.

Lynne F.

Expedition Leader

Veteran expedition leaders are the orchestrators of your experience. Many have advanced degrees and have conducted research or taught for years. They have achieved expedition leader status because they possess the skills, the experience, and the depth of knowledge necessary to continually craft the best expedition possible for our guests.

Naturalist

Our naturalists, passionate about the geographies they explore (and return to regularly), illuminate each facet through their enthusiasm and knowledge. Our guests consistently cite the expertise and engaging company of our staff as key reasons to repeatedly travel with us.

Historian

Our historians will share the stories, tumults, and triumphs of the people and places we explore. Their colorful personalities and passion for history, from the minutiae to the big picture, make them engaging travel tour guides and companions.

National Geographic Photographer

Travel and shoot with a bona fide National Geographic photographer. These top pros are at your side and at your service—providing advice, tips, and slideshows. Access to photographers of this caliber will help you improve your skills and ensure you’ll go home with incredible photos.

Certified Photo Instructor

Every Canada expedition also offers an exclusive service—a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor. This naturalist is specially trained to help you become a better, more confident photographer—and to help you understand the movements of wildlife so you can create top shots.

Video Chronicler

Video chroniclers accompany every expedition and shoot vivid HD footage—with no recycled footage ever—to provide you with a professionally edited and completely authentic memento of your expedition. Working during the day and editing into the night, they have your DVD ready for preview prior to—and available to purchase at—disembarkation.

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Daily Expedition Reports

Daily Expedition Reports

9/15/2022

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National Geographic Explorer

L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland

Our visit today was a special one. I’m calling it: Visiting with Vikings. Not only did we visit several places with recreated Norse dwellings, including interacting with local actors portraying realistic Norsemen and women, but we also had the distinct pleasure of visiting the remnants of the past, involving real, historical Vikings. L’Anse aux Meadows is famous in archaeology as the only site with evidence that confirms what so many thought to be true–Vikings really did make it all the way across the Atlantic to North America. What a treat for our guests to enjoy the festivities and the rich history of some of the most interesting historical communities on Earth.

Daily Expedition Reports

9/14/2022

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National Geographic Explorer

Red Bay, Labrador, and Newfoundland

Today, we fell in love with Red Bay. This fishing community of about 140 residents is set in a secluded inlet on the east coast of Labrador. The community cemented itself in our hearts with its beautiful scenery, extremely well-documented historical interpretive centers, enticing Basque whaling history, delicious fried cod / fish’n’chips lunch, and, perhaps, most of all, its incredibly warm hospitality. For a place that so many guests had never heard of before today, Red Bay might be one of our new favorite sites in the Canadian Maritimes. Red Bay has a notable history dating back to the 1500s as a seasonal Basque whaling station. UNESCO designated this location as a World Heritage Site in 2013 for its remarkably complete and well-preserved examples of the European whaling tradition starting in the 1530s, including the remains of trypots (pots for rendering whale blubber), living quarters, cemeteries, and wharves. Red Bay is also home to the remains from shipwrecked whaling vessels. Earlier in the week, we learned from undersea archeologist Clara Fuquen about the wreck of the galleon, San Juan, and the associated rowing vessel for pursuing the whales, called a “chalupa.” When the San Juan was uncovered near Saddle Island, just off the coast of Red Bay, archaeologists also recovered a wonderfully intact chalupa, which is now on display in a new Parks Canada Interpretation Centre. Using a local boat, we transferred in small groups to Saddle Island, now an idyllic, offshore isle with a well-maintained trail and Parks Canada historical interpretation. In the Basque era, this was the site of the main whaling operations, and it has been the focus of extensive research and past archeological digs. Across the water in the main town, we visited a 400-year-old whale skeleton with displays about the protection of Bowhead and North Atlantic right whales. Undoubtedly, there are many more whale bones in Red Bay and the harbor, and there are even whale bones washed ashore along a local hiking trail. The whaling story is a grim one, but the oil allowed Europe to develop and flourish. Fortunately, with hunting moratoria in place, some species of whales have made a miraculous comeback. This couldn’t have been more evident than by our encounter with two humpback whales just after leaving the Red Bay anchorage. The sea water was so clear that we were able to watch the white pectoral fins of these graceful creatures as they hunted small fish. It was the perfect way to spend a spectacular day!

Daily Expedition Reports

9/13/2022

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National Geographic Explorer

Gros Morne National Park, Western Newfoundland

What a day! We spent the whole day at Gros Morne National Park, one of the most exciting natural places on Newfoundland Island. Our guests and staff were offered different options. One party hiked to a high hill along a path across the boreal forest. There were impressive views of Bonne Bay, a true fjord reminiscent of the Ice Ages. The path made its way across the forest of conifers and maple trees, dense stands of at least four species of ferns, and a multitude of herbs and bushes with flowers and berries. Some of us were very fortunate to observe songbirds, among which there were pine grosbeaks and crossbills. Once on the top of a hill, the boggy area revealed thousands of hidden pitcher plants, which are carnivorous, with their flowers on tall stalks to prevent pollinators from being confused with prey insects. Another party enjoyed a different hike that took guests and Natural History staff to perhaps the highest attraction of the Gros Morne: the foothills of the serpentine barrens, which are beautiful, ancient rocks that represent the Earth’s mantle. Again, everybody enjoyed the magnificent scenery of landscapes, carnivorous plants (pitchers and butterworts), and information from our staff and local guides. In the afternoon, we enjoyed time to explore a local marine research centre and a historic lighthouse by ourselves or with guides. The day was sunny and warm with a delightful breeze from the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Daily Expedition Reports

9/12/2022

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National Geographic Explorer

Bay of Isles, Newfoundland

This morning saw us approaching the Bay of Isles along the coast from the south for an expedition day. The presence of pillow basalts in the passing cliffs made for a perfect setting for a presentation by Dana Johnston, one of our geological specialists, who explained how pillow-shaped structures formed in lava that cooled quickly due to its extrusion underwater. Dana also pointed out other extraordinary features in the rocks around the Bay of Isles. First, we explored the North Arm by ship, experiencing close-up views of the stunning geology of this area. Then we ventured into Middle Arm, a long snaking finger of sea to a sheltered spot that is surrounded by steep cliffs of folded carbonate rocks (limestones) and forest running down to the shoreline. This led us to Goose Arm. This remote area is only accessible by sea or by rough tracks from Corner Brook. The shore is dotted with cabins and clearings left over from logging and herring fishing in earlier times. The cabins are used as summer cottages today. After lunch, the conditions were ideal for exploring the area by Zodiac and by kayak. We were delighted with excellent views of an adult bald eagle sitting in a tree, unperturbed by its admirers. We also observed a pair of belted kingfishers cruising along the shore in search of food, and afterwards we enjoyed the treat of a special ‘tea’ on the sun deck with hot dogs and beer. The final presentation of the day was by naturalist Karen Copland on the special history and customs of Newfoundland.

Daily Expedition Reports

9/11/2022

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National Geographic Explorer

Iles De La Madeleine, Quebec

Our luck with the weather continues, and we woke to a spectacular day in this beautiful archipelago made up of small islands connected by narrow sand isthmuses. Most people’s first language here is French, although English is predominant in one community. Guests split into two groups. One group hiked along a trail atop sea cliffs consisting of striking brick-red sandstone. The other group enjoyed a bus tour of some of the island’s highlights.

It is fascinating to call at each island and see how their lives are inextricably tied to the seas through trade and fisheries—and it is just as fascinating to explore the ancient human history of the only confirmed Viking settlement in North America.

Sven-Olof Lindblad

1.800.397.3348

1.800.397.3348

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Canadian Maritimes & Newfoundland 2021-22

Canada

Canadian Maritimes & Newfoundland 2021-22

Where The Past Is Always Present | Extension: Fogo Island Inn

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