Come spring, acclaimed authors Margaret Atwood and Graeme Gibson will join Adventure Canada’s Newfoundland and Wild Labrador voyage. Scheduled for June 19–July 2, 2014 aboard the Sea Adventurer, the expedition explores Newfoundland during prime birding and wildlife-viewing season. Departing from the island of St. Pierre, the ship follows Newfoundland’s rugged coastline and visits the dramatic fjords of Gros Morne National Park before calling at historic Port au Choix and the UNESCO World Heritage site of L’Anse aux Meadows.
The journey continues into Labrador, where passengers will have the opportunity to explore Torngat Mountains National Park alongside Atwood and Gibson. The park is renowned for its rich wildlife, including black and polar bears, whales, seals and a wide variety of bird species. As co-chairs of BirdLife International’s Rare Bird Club, Atwood and Gibson will share their expertise on the region’s avian life and lead informal discussions and observation sessions focused on birding and conservation.
The cruise price covers all onboard meals, park and entry fees, access to the expedition team and specialists, educational programs, and pre-departure materials. The itinerary is designed to combine comfortable shipboard accommodations with guided shore excursions that highlight natural history, local culture and the area’s unique ecology. Rates start at $3,595 per person.
Highlights of the voyage include extended opportunities for wildlife viewing during peak season, guided explorations of Gros Morne’s fjords and coastal features, visits to archaeological and historic sites such as Port au Choix, and time ashore at L’Anse aux Meadows to learn about Norse settlement in North America. The Labrador portion features dramatic mountain scenery, tundra landscapes and chances to encounter marine mammals and shorebirds in their natural habitats.
Passengers can expect engaging onboard programming led by naturalists and local experts, along with talks and special events featuring Atwood and Gibson. The combination of expert-led interpretation, carefully timed shore landings and comfortable expedition cruising makes this voyage appealing to travelers interested in wildlife, birding and cultural history.
For those planning to attend, advance booking is recommended due to limited space on expedition voyages. Travelers should come prepared for variable coastal weather and rugged shore excursions; typical recommendations include layered clothing, waterproof outerwear and sturdy footwear suitable for uneven terrain.
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