Arrive in Newfoundland and immediately try your gear and get yourself in the vacation mood with a gentle evening paddle through the Humber Valley (as we tentatively test those seldom used muscles).

 DAY 2: 

Head North hugging the coast on the Viking Trail. Peer into landlocked fjords left as slashes in the cliffs when the last ice age ended. Visit towns which have hosted civilizations for thousands of years and learn how little we differ from our ancient forebearers. Up north, gaze across the Strait at the coast of Labrador where a 12 year old child was lovingly laid to rest in North America's oldest grave - 8,000 years ago.

We first get our paddles wet in the historic fishing community of Quirpon. Keep an eye to the crystal water as you leave for ancient French cannons still resting on the bottom, silently guarding the french history of this coast. Along the cliffs and coves of Quirpon Island expect visitors as this is the playground of dolphins and a dozen species of whales. History again comes to life as we land in the last sheltered cove on the island. Here the remains of sod huts thousands of years old remain undisturbed. Feel the ageless connection with ancient humans as you stand in their huts overlooking the cove and imagine the tiny beach coming to life as it was eons ago. Our destination for the day lies a short hike along cliff tops at the Northern extremity of this deserted island. We stay in sight of the sea as the altitude will bring distant icebergs into view. 

The contrast of the rugged beauty of the island and the cozy luxury of Quirpon Lighthouse Inn will bring back your childhood feelings of laying by the fire as a storm raged outside. Imperceptibly your priorities in life shift as you become part of the primal connection between humans and the remote reaches of the sea.

DAY 3: 

An abandoned fishing village near the lighthouse is our destination today. Discover why L'Anse aux Pigeon thrived as an outpost a century ago. Learn of the tragic but romantic mass murder and suicide that changed the mood of the entire town and inevitably lead to its demise. Joining us on our expedition are massive Humpback whales whose size is emphasized as you bob in your tiny craft at their eye level. With a little luck we will visit the even more massive natural displays - the icebergs.

We meet these "vast cathedrals of ice" as they push inexorably south from Greenland into the shipping lanes and discover that they have personalities as individual as the wildlife. On sunny days they appear lit from inside with lights that change from blue to brown and blindingly white. On dull days other senses and the imagination take over as they seem to grow in size. The chilling effect they create in both the air and the water surrounding them spreads to your mind and you feel a timeless empathy for sailors who have dreaded these giants for centuries.

DAY 4: 

When Europeans first arrived in North America they did so from the sea in fast Viking ships. Today we retrace the final leg of their incredible feat which in audacity is comparable to our journey to the moon. We too will approach the UNESCO World Heritage Site of L'Anse aux Meadows and Norstead from the sea. As we paddle in one question will fill your mind - Why here? Be sure to ask the resident Vikings who work here today. Join them in their huts for lunch and sample cuisine from ten centuries ago. While they are welcoming of friends visiting from the sea, those who have goods to bargain with are most eagerly greeted at this trading village. 

DAY 5:

Bored of the whales yet? Humpbacks the size of busses jumping in the air becoming routine? Today we hop in a float plane for a true Newfoundland adventure. Having seen the scenery from the land and water, the aerial view is bound to take you to an entirely new level of awe. Our float plane takes us south along the  uninhabited coast of the Great Northern Peninsula over bays, bergs and, hopefully, more whales. Round Harbour is the quintessential fishing village where the modern world has yet to leave its print. Not even roads have made it around the side of the harbour where our traditional outport houses are perched overlooking fishing stages.

DAY 6:

We have done some work to the traditional path leading to an absolute treasure of a community - 'Indian Burial Place'. When I first hiked in I refused to take pictures because I wanted guests to have the same feeling as I did entering the community without any warning of the beauty. It really is remarkable - a deserted community with homes collapsing, doors swinging open, horses wandering through houses but furniture still in place and clothing in the closets. Poignant.

DAY 7: 

Gros Morne National Park! We walk into Western Brook fjord where 2000 foot vertical faces slowly open to reveal the purest lake in the world. This trip is guaranteed to give you a memory to savour later when you return to reality.  This trip brings you to the most  breathtaking views in the park. 

Fjords at your feet and moose and caribou as hiking companions - what could be better?

 DAY 8: 

Let's spend the morning stretching our legs along the ancient earth's mantle that has made this park a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The otherworldly landscape evokes images of the moon more than earth but this geological quirk has its own charms - just ask the thousands of moose who call it home. After a farewell lunch - sorry, but you have to leave sometime. Needless to say we are happy if you want to stay and explore Newfoundland with us for a few days more but to those that must rejoin the real world - please stay in touch.