EXPLORE & TRAIN

Tour and Learn in Safety and Comfort

Tempted by the thought of a kayaking vacation but uncertain of your skill level? 

This is your tour.

We often get enquiries from people interested in joining our tours who are nervous of their ability to keep up with the group and handle the sea conditions. With this in mind we have designed this adventure to both entertain and train. 

Your kayaking adventure starts in very sheltered water for a few days...

and then gradually increases in the level of challenge 

until you are playing with whales in the open sea.

This tour features kayaking sessions which are short and cover moderate distances. 

If you are looking for an endurance expedition, this isn't the tour for you.

In addition to improving your kayaking skills our goal is to guide you through Newfoundland's best scenery, including whales and icebergs.  Beach fires, mussel boils, great meals and local crafts are always a priority for us. Relaxed wandering along the coasts, hills and islands in search of animals and berries will also serve to rejuvenate

your psyche. Each day the activities are paced to ensure you enjoy the scenery, our unique culture, great food and, finally, comfy beds.

In addition to memories and photos, this tour can result in your achieving CRCA Level 1 or BCU Star 2 certification so you can prove how great a kayaker you have become.

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 your gear fitting. After a long day travelling, 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 favourite wine or specialty coffee. 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.  Learn how to tip and exit in comfort. 

Dry off and then down the river (don’t worry, it’s gentle). 

You'll 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. 

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. Our lighthouse inn overlooks "iceberg alley" 

where the paths of whales and icebergs cross.

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 and the real world. 

We hope you can come back to join us again 

on another journey.

GOODBYE FOR NOW!

Looking for something a little more advanced?  Try our Paddle & Stroll Tour.

YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:

ACCOMMODATIONS:           Marble Inn (3 nights), Cape Anguille Lighthouse Inn (1 night), 

                                            Round Harbour Outport Inn (1 night), Quirpon Lighthouse Inn (2 nights)

GEAR:                                  NDK, P&H or Necky kayaks, Lendal Paddles, skirt and PFD

MEALS:                                7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 suppers

TRANSPORTATION:             All ground transportation including airport shuttles 

SITE & PARK PASSES

GUIDES

FLOAT PLANE FLIGHT

PER PERSON PRICE:            $2650.00 Canadian based on double occupancy / $3050.00 single occupancy

                                             Taxes are extra but can be partially refunded for U.S. guests.

2005 DATES:                         June 26 - July 3

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. 

MARBLE INN is our new 4-star adventure centre with a heated indoor pool, leisure facilities and kayaking at your doorstep.  

CAPE ANGUILLE LIGHTHOUSE INN is located in the heart of a lush, rural valley with opportunities for incredible birdwatching and for exploring this gentle landscape.  

QUIRPON LIGHTHOUSE INN is our own restored lightkeeper's home on a remote, uninhabited island. Elegant, comfortable and absolutely relaxing.  

ROUND HARBOUR OUTPORT INN sits in the most beautiful tiny fishing village we have seen. This historic home truly captures the feel of a simpler life.        

Home | Contact us at info@explorenewfoundland.com