The last province to join the Canadian Confederation, this island has a unique heritage and history – with fishing “outports”, incredibly hospitable communities and historic sites. The expedition is a circumnavigation and additionally explores part of Labrador and St. Pierre (part of France). Take in the beautiful untouched landscapes and coastline, learn about the local culture and history – including the early Viking settlement and the Schooner fishery.

Embark M/V Polar Star in vibrant St John’s, North America’s oldest city. It is here at Signal Hill that Guglielmo Marconi sent the first wireless transatlantic signal to England in 1901. Late afternoon, we set sail from the city’s beautiful naturally sheltered harbor to begin our journey “round the rugged rock”.

The Italian explorer, Giovanni (John) Cabot made landfall in Bonavista in 1497 after crossing the Atlantic from Bristol. Visit the fine replica of his ship, the Matthew and Ryan’s Premises a restored Merchant’s premises that tells the story of the 500 year old fishery in Newfoundland. Also near Bonavista is the unique and historic lighthouse at Cape Bonavista.

At the northern tip of Newfoundland is St. Anthony, home to Sir Wilfred Grenfell, a philanthropic physician and missionary. The afternoon is spent at L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO world heritage site and only authenticated Viking settlement in North America as well as the reconstructed Viking village site of Norstead. It is an excellent insight into the early life of Viking explorers.

The preserved community of Battle Harbour provides an insight into the bygone days of the Labrador Schooner Fishery. The 16th Century Basque whalers settled Red Bay which today houses an excellent interpretive centre.

Gros Morne National Park is both beautiful and geologically significant. Beyond the natural scenery and fantastic hiking, it is most noted for the Tablelands, a 600-meter high plateau that forms one of the world’s best examples of ancient rock exposed from the earth’s interior. The Park is also home to 239 species of birds as well as mammals including moose, caribou, Black bear and Arctic hare.

Experience the isolation of an “outport” village in Ramea where the local inhabitants welcome us with an afternoon tea, a chance to “kiss the cod” and some time for a stroll in the village or nearby hills.

St. Pierre is a tiny piece of Europe, nestled just south of Newfoundland, and this is a unique opportunity to visit this nugget of French culture. While here, explore the charming community and perhaps sample some French specialties. If time permits, Zodiac cruise across the bay to explore a reconstructed early settlers’ community.

Returning to Canadian waters, the ship heads to Cape St. Mary’s a provincial ecological reserve most noted for its large populations of northern bird species including the spectacular gannet.

Our circumnavigation is complete as we sail back into St. John’s.