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1655 S 3rd St. W, Ste 1
Missoula MT, 59801 USA

Ship:  MV Akademik Ioffe AC

Itinerary:  Newfoundland Circumnavigation 2008

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  Newfoundland Circumnavigation Itinerary Map

 cabins & deck plans  |  additional itineraries |  cancellation policy

Beginning in St. John's, we sail through the infamous narrows commencing what will be an unforgettable circumnavigation of the island. Since 1995, we have sought treasures along the rugged coastline to bring you the very best of Newfoundland and Labrador. Encircled by vibrant fall colours, a land steeped in history and beauty awaits as we are welcomed by gracious and fun-loving Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Kitchen parties, private concerts, visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, rich estuaries & other natural gems are just the beginning!

Day 1 : St. John\'s / Embark

We join midday before boarding our vessel, the Akademik Ioffe.

Day 2 : Seldom, Fogo Island & Change Islands

Fogo Island supports 11 communities, and a landmark proclaimed by the Flat Earth Society as one of the four corners of the Earth. We spend time experiencing island life in the town of Seldom before heading further north.

Day 3 : L\'Anse aux Meadows / Raleigh and the Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve

L\'Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the only authenticated Viking site in North America. Located at the tip of Newfoundland\'s Great Northern Peninsula, it is widely regarded as one of the most important archaeological sites globally.

On the west coast of the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland lies a barren-looking limestone landscape so unique in its conditions, over 300 species of plants make this habitat home. This is the place to experience an old growth forest you can step over! The Nature Conservancy of Canada\'s Atlantic Office, working closely with the province and the town of Raleigh, established Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve in 2000.

Day 4 : Plum Point & Bird Cove

A breathtaking peninsula with a panoramic view of the Strait of Belle Isle, Bird Cove was once a series of small islands settled by nearly all past occupants of Newfoundland over a 5000-year period. With Adventure Canada\'s Director of Archaeology, we visit Archaic and Recent Indian, ancient Paleoeskimo, as well as historic French and Basque sites. We\'ll be greeted by locals and respected elders, who will explain how they are building the community\'s future with these sites.

Day 5 : Gros Morne National Park and Woody Point

It has been said, \"Gros Morne is to geology what the Galapagos are to biology.\" Spectacular scenery - Precambrian cliffs, deep inland fjords and volcanic \"pillow\" rocks formed as lava cooled underwater - is just one of the reasons we stop here year after year. Highlights on this day include time spent exploring the Tablelands, a 600-metre high plateau that forms one of the world\'s best examples of ancient rock exposed from the earth\'s interior, and exploring the fjord by ship. We will partake in some local entertainment and dancing before the day is through.

Day 6 : Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands drains one of Newfoundland\'s major rivers and is also a sub-basin of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. We spend the morning cruising one of the bay\'s dramatic arms and are witness to one of Newfoundland\'s haunting tales, that of the resettlement program as we visit an abandoned community. In the afternoon we will enjoy the hospitality of the welcoming folks of Cox\'s Cove, home to our very own musician Tony Oxford.

Day 7 : The Codroy Valley

The Grand Codroy Estuary is another area where the Nature Conservancy of Canada is working to protect critical habitat, as it is one of Newfoundland\'s finest estuarine wetlands with inter-tidal sandbars, mudflats and islands. The Codroy Estuary is considered one of, and perhaps the most, important areas in the province for migratory birds. The Estuary is home to nesting Black Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks, and Green-winged Teals, and is one of the only known areas on the island where Bald Eagles, Merlin, and Osprey are commonly found.

Day 8 : The South Coast

The last of the true outport communities are found here amid dramatic rock strewn cliffs and wild ocean. Though fewer in number now than at the peak of the cod fishery, the friendly residents are no less hospitable. We are treated to music and a dance at an authentic Newfoundland \"Kitchen Party.\"

Day 9 : Miquelon

Saint-Pierre and Miquelon is an integral part of the French Republic, they are the last remnant of France\'s once large possessions on this continent. The island of Miquelon was formed by the joining of three islands by sand dunes and Quaternary deposits. Miquelon has a lagoon called Grand Barachois, where seals and other wildlife can be found.

Day 10 : Placentia and Cape St. Mary\'s / Disembark / Return Home

After breakfast, we disembark the Akademik Ioffe at Placentia and make our way to Cape St. Mary\'s Ecological Reserve. During the breeding season, it is home to more than 24,000 gannets, 20,000 black-legged kittiwake, 20,000 common murre and 2,000 thick-billed murre. We may also see razorbills, black guillemots and double-crested and great cormorants. It is one of the only places in North America you can see the birds from land, as close as 10 metres away.

Ship Description: MV Akademik Ioffe AC

Widely regarded as the finest expedition ship operating in Polar waters, the Akademik Ioffe offers a high level of comfort - in her appointment, stability and strength.

As a working scientific research vessel, the Akademik Ioffe forms the ideal platform from which to travel the Arctic. Including all the equipments needed for exploring, from Zodiac landing craft to kayaks and camping gear, even snowshoes.

The Akademik Ioffe is a well-equipped, ice-rated ship capable of carrying 110 passengers. In terms of stability and speed, she is 'state of the art' and, while not luxurious, she's very comfortable and kept in top condition.

All cabins have an outside view, with portholes or a window, and are comfortably furnished. Most of them have semi-private (one bathroom between two cabins) or private facilities. On-board facilities include a spacious top deck, where you can enjoy spectacular views, and a refreshing sauna and plunge pool - a great place to relax after your shore excursions during your travels. There is also a well-stocked library, a comfortable lounge and a friendly bar. Other facilities include an exercise room, gift shop and laundry.