Newfoundland is a land of magnificent contrasts with its rugged coasts, majestic fiords, sparkling rivers, and open valleys. The people are warm and friendly and quick to share their homeland. From the coastal village of Burgeo to the awe-inspiring landscape of Gros Morne National Park our trip takes us deep into the heart of this enchanting province.

Lt. Col. William Wood described Newfoundland as an island of the sea. Nowhere else in North American does the sea enter so intimately into the lives of the people. We begin our journey in Burgeo, a small fishing community on the southern coast. We begin by exploring the coastline of Burgeo. With miles of coastline mixed with islands and rock outcroppings there is plenty to discover. Waters are crystal clear and from our vantage point we experience up close the magical world of sea life just below us including starfish, seacucumbers and much more.

The Grandy’s River is on the agenda for tomorrow. It is a great salmon stream and promises great paddling. Our journey continues to the Lloyds River. The Beothuks -- the indigenous people of Newfoundland, used this river in their seasonal migrations. Spring and summer was spent on the coast hunting seals, whales and other sea mammals. As fall arrived family groups moved to the interior forests and barrens where caribou became a staple food throughout the winter. We follow their route from just outside Burgeo to Red Indian Lake. The river is a lively run with long stretches of swifts and meandering sections through pine-laden canyons.

We leave the land of Beothuks to travel to one of the truly remarkable places in the world - Gros Morne National Park. Its awe-inspiring scenery embraces the dramatic transition from the sea’s edge to the towering rock walls of deep, land locked fiords. Proclaimed an UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 Gros Morne easily meets the criteria as an area of exceptional beauty, geological significance and natural history. At an interpretive center we will learn how this area came to be so special and marvel at nature’s work. There are wide arrays of trails to enjoy and discover the park close up.

As we gather for our farewell dinner we will reflect on our stay and start making plans to return to this magical province

Newfoundland...because of it's unique history, unspoiled beauty and culture. Called the "Rock" by those who live there, Newfoundland's history is easily seen in its fishing villages. From the coastal village of Burgeo to the awe-inspiring landscape of Gros Morne National Park our trip takes us deep into the heart of this enchanted province.

Newfoundland is a land of magnificent natural beauty, with its rugged coasts, majestic fiords, sparkling rivers and open valleys. The people are warm and friendly and quick to share their homeland.

Lt. Col. William Wood described Newfoundland as an island of the sea. Nowhere else in North American does the sea enter so intimately into the lives of the people. We begin our journey by taking the coastal ferry from Port aux Basque to the outport of Burgeo. A small fishing community on the southern coast, Burgeo is a picture postcard village where we immediately feel welcomed. We settle in for three days at the Burgeo Haven Bed & Breakfast. Indeed a haven as innkeepers The living room with large picture windows overlooking the harbor is the focal point of this comfortable home. As we gather around the table for meals we fall into the friendly banter usually only experienced by close friends.

The Grandy's river is on the agenda for tomorrow. It promises to enchant us and give us a glimpse of the magic of this province. We may take time to walk across the peat bogs to a breathtaking waterfall and swim in the cool waters. Upon returning to Burgeo Haven we will have time to wander through the crooked streets of the village and watch the fisherman return home after a day of fishing at sea.

We continue to explore Burgeo on day three, but this time from offshore. We will spend the day paddling along the coast and exploring the areas various islands and rock outcroppings. A well kept secret in Burgeo are the long white beaches hidden among the rocks what many call the Caribbean of the north. Here we will have time to roam the dunes and take in our surroundings.

The next morning we are off and our journey continues on the Lloyd river. The indigenous people of Newfoundland, the Beothuks, used this river in their seasonal migrations. Spring and summer was spent on the coast hunting seals, whales and other sea mammals. As fall arrived family groups moved to the interior forests and barrens where caribou became a staple food throughout the winter. We follow their route from just outside Burgeo to Red Indian Lake. Our put-in is appropriately on King George IV Lake, and the river is a lively run with long stretches of swifts and meandering sections through pine laden canyons. We will camp overnight at an isolated riverside campsite giving us a chance to fully appreciate all that encompasses us.

We leave the land of Beothuks to travel to one of the truly remarkable places in the world -- Gros Morne National Park. Its awe-inspiring scenery embraces the dramatic transition from the sea edge to the towering rock walls of deep, land locked fiords. Proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 Gros Morne easily meets the criteria as an area of exceptional beauty, geological significance and natural history.

We spend two days in the park exploring, and hiking. There are a wide array of trails to enjoy and discover the park close up. At an interpretive center we will learn how this area came to be so special and marvel in nature's work. We may paddle along some of the coastal streams or hike along the beach to a remote lighthouse.

We save the Humber river for our last days. Just outside Gros Morne this remote river is the exclamation point on an already magical trip. As we gather for our farewell dinner in Deer Lake we take time to reflect on our stay here and perhaps make plans to return soon to this magical province.

Newfoundland is a land of magnificent contrasts with its rugged coasts, majestic fiords, sparkling rivers, and open valleys. The people are warm and friendly, and quick to share their homeland. From the coastal village of Burgeo to the awe inspiring landscape of Gros Morne National Park our trip takes us deep into the heart of this enchanting province.

Lt. Col. William Wood described Newfoundland as an island of the sea. Nowhere else in North American does the sea enter so intimately into the lives of the people. We begin our journey in Burgeo, a small fishing community on the southern coast.

WE stay at three great Inns, Visit their web site for more details.