EXPLORE & TRAIN

A Kayak Training Holiday

 

 

DAY 1: SUNDAY

WELCOME TO WESTERN NEWFOUNDLAND!

Arrive for an evening social at Explore Newfoundland's Adventure Centre with a welcoming meal, a chat about what to expect and gear fitting. After a long day traveling, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to unwind at Marble Inn’s new leisure spa. Take a dip in a therapeutic salt water pool, relax in the sauna, soak in the hot tub overlooking Marble Mountain Ski Resort, or simply ease into a comfy deck chair and savour a glass of your favorite wine as you are surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature. For those who crave after dinner activity, Steady Brook Falls is only a short hike away and our evening river rafting trips are always popular.

DAY 2: MONDAY

YOUR TRAINING BEGINS. 

Today you’ll learn how to tip and exit in comfort. Dry off and then it’s down the river (don’t worry, it’s gentle) as you get pointers on strokes, handling the kayak and safe paddling.

DAY 3: TUESDAY

AND WE’RE OFF! 

Our destination? It’s the Codroy Valley and Cape Anguille Lighthouse Inn to paddle a sheltered estuary which offers Newfoundland’s best bird watching. This is THE place in the province for sighting rare and unusual birds.After supper, play a game of golf at St. Andrews Na Creige Golf Course amid magnificent views of the Long Range Mountains. As the sun sets over the ocean, relax around a beach fire.

DAY 4: WEDNESDAY

Open water at Cape Anguille. Play in small waves along the white sandy beach or tour the base of cliffs where eagles perch and waterfalls drop hundreds of feet into the water. After the paddling is done for the day we wander the hills overlooking this idyllic rural landscape before heading back to the Adventure Centre.

DAY 5: THURSDAY

 

Time to head to the northeast and the epitome of Newfoundland outports. Settled in the mid 1800s, the tiny community of Round Harbour sits in a cove filled with traditional houses, fishing stages and an ancient church.

DAY 6: FRIDAY

A float plane takes you to the next jewel in your visit – 

Quirpon Lighthouse Inn

Our remote island in the homeland of whales and icebergs is the goal. After a short paddle across the harbour to the near end of the island we hike along the cliff tops where hawks nest, sea otters play and whales cruise in search of capelin. 

DAY 7: SATURDAY

Quirpon Island. Today we visit the whales and search for bergs in the sheltered cove of L’Anse aux Pigeon. Little remains of this community made famous by the mass murder and suicide which triggered its demise but the beauty remains and the kittiwakes, eider ducks and gannets are happy in their solitude.

DAY 8: SUNDAY

As our last stop, we visit the Viking site at L’Anse aux Meadows where these determined explorers built a community 500 years before Columbus set sail.

All too soon, we are homeward bound. It’s back to Deer Lake airport and the real world. We hope you can come back to join us again on another journey.

 GOODBYE FOR NOW!

 

 

Sound a little too extreme? Try our 'Explore and Train' tour.

 

OUR QUALITY GUARANTEE

We have chosen the location which offers the longest season for icebergs and whales. In fact, we are so confident of them we are guaranteeing them in our tours. We have scheduled our tours in the earlier part of the season to maximize the chance of befriending a berg. No bergs? No whales? $100 cash in your hand.

Meals are an event where you will sample local cuisine from berries picked at the lighthouse to fish caught in our cove. One night you will also enjoy theatre based on local stories. On other nights local artists or writers may drop by to chat about their craft.

Our gear is the best available. 

Our training is world class.

Our guides are internationally certified by the BCU, the International Rescue Association, Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid. We are Canada's only Nordkapp Trust Centre, one of eight in the world. These kayaking centres must offer excellent equipment, guides and instructors as well as a unique kayaking experience. Our kayaking destination features amazing paddling but it is exposed to the elements. Nature is in control and our itinerary may have to be modified as safety is our priority. Luckily our guides are also instructors and stormy days can be an opportunity to play close to shore and learn some new skills. We like to think that our guests will not only enjoy themselves but go home having grown as paddlers. Rest assured that every effort will be made to match the paddling level to your personal skills. Many participants are uncertain of their skill level before they arrive. For this reason we have increased the safety level by using double kayaks for those that aren't certified as BCU Star 3 or CRCA Level 1 paddlers. We are happy to offer our clients certification in either of these programs prior to the tour.  

We have found that the larger the group, the more impersonal the tour. We cap our tour at 6 people each to ensure a small group and individual attention.   

With our aim to deliver unforgettable experiences through the day and quality accommodations at night to ensure comfort no matter what the weather. Our accommodations are a treat in themselves. 

 

Home | Contact us at info@explorenewfoundland.com