Puffins, Pelagics, and Whales in Historic Newfoundland
Puffins, Pelagics, and Whales
in Newfoundland
Join us
July 10-18, 2026
Puffins, Pelagics, and Whales in Historic Newfoundland
9 Days - 8 Nights
July 10-18, 2026
$5790 pp / double occupancy (ex flights)
$500 Single Supplement
Newfoundland is home to spectacular breeding colonies of (otherwise, almost impossible to see) pelagic seabirds. Colorful, centuries-old fishing villages dot the coastline, and Humpback, Minke, and 19 other whale and dolphin species feed in the surrounding coastal waters. Come explore!
Limited to 9 Guests
10% of your ticket cost is a tax-deductible donation in your name to the
Grassland Bird Trust
Professional, passionate (birds and history!) guides.
Comfortable vehicle and all lodging and most meals included.
The Experience
★ Discover the Largest (breeding!) Puffin Colony in North America, plus hundreds of thousands of other pelagic species, that are usually very difficult to see, including: Leach’s Storm Petrel [V], Black-legged Kittiwakes [V], Common Murres, Northern Gannets, and more.
★ Look for Whales! Minke, Humpback, Sperm, and Fin whales migrate to Newfoundland’s waters to feed on the Capalan (small fish similar to smelt). Dolphins and porpoises join them!
★ Step back in time, steeped in history and lore, Newfoundland have some of North America’s oldest cities, and we will be exploring them.
★ Explore With People Who Share Your Passion(s!) If you are a birder lover who is also curious about the rest of the natural world, and the unique cultures and history that surround it, this is the tour for you. After all, you can't help but bond with folks while in a Zodiac surrounded by whales!
★ Make a Difference: 10% of your trip cost helps preserve vital grassland habitat in New York for endangered Arctic breeding birds.
The Highlights
Northern Gannet flies over the colony at Cape St Mary’s. Image ©Jared Clark
Introducing
Newfoundland, By Land and Sea
Atlantic Puffin and Razorbill, both in breeding plumage Image: ©Jared & Susan Clarke
They say there is no such thing as the wrong direction in Newfoundland. We think you’ll agree! The friendliest people, extraordinary land and seascapes, fantastic wildlife – and the sunsets aren’t bad either!
Over 20,000 kilometers (18,020 miles!) of rugged coastline provides a haven for some of the most amazing avian species on earth. 35 million seabirds, including hundreds of thousands of pelagics, breed on Labrador and Newfoundland’s rocky cliffs. Never seen a Puffin? Over 500,000 Atlantic Puffins gather at Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, plus Gannets, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Common Murres, Razorbills, and more. Raptors and songbirds also call this home, as do moose and fox.
We won’t stop with Newfoundland’s land and sky when there is a wild and wonderful ocean migration highway to discover. 10,000 whales, including Humpback, Minke, Fin, Sperm, Pilot, and even the giant of giants, Blue, pass through yearly to feed in the rich waters. In all the excitement, we could easily forget the dolphins and porpoises, White-beaked, White-sided, and Harbor – but we won’t.
The best time to witness these marvels is between May and September. Our July trip falls precisely in the middle – and we will take full advantage.
Don’t be surprised if it feels as though time has stopped in some of Newfoundland’s colorful towns and little fishing villages, including St John’s, reportedly, the oldest city in North America, where our adventure begins. Our professional bird guide, Jared, has a second passion: history. He is excited to share his secrets about both.
Join us to experience the magic of Newfoundland; it is unforgettable.
Historic St Johns, Newfoundland. One of North America’s oldest cities Image by ©Paul McKinnon
Detailed Itinerary
Your Itinerary for Historic Newfoundland’s Birds and Whales
Day 1 (Wednesday, July 10, 2026)
Arrival in St. John’s
Welcome to Newfoundland! We arrive at St. John’s today – one of the oldest cities in North America, and certainly the most easterly. We will meet this evening for a group dinner and introductions.
Welcome dinner
Accommodation: Murray Premises Hotel
Newfoundland is steeped in history and we will explore it. Signal Hill, St Johns Image: ©Louis Henault
Day 2: (Thursday, July 11 )
Seabirds and Songbirds in Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
Boreal Chickadee at St.Johns, Newfoundland. Image: ©Jared & Susan Clarke, Bird the Rock
We begin our adventure with a morning birding in a variety of songbird habitats, searching out gems such as Boreal Chickadee, Fox Sparrow, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, and numerous species of warbler – among many others.
In the afternoon, we take a boat tour of Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, which is home to nearly 5 million seabirds – including North America’s largest Atlantic Puffin colony, thousands of Common Murre, Black-legged Kittiwake, and Razorbill.
And of course, we may also encounter whales. Prepare to be awed! We will end our day at Signal Hill National Historic Site, offering panoramic views over both the city and the ocean that has sustained it for centuries.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Murray Premises Hotel
The Lighthouse at St. Spear Image: Ggw1962
Day 3 (Friday, July 12)
Cape Spear and St. John’s Highlights
This morning, we are bound for North America’s most easterly point of land at Cape Spear National Historic Site.
Here we will scan for whales and pelagic birds, learn about the history of this unique location, and probably take some “selfies” with nothing but the vast North Atlantic behind us.
Heading back to St. John’s, we will dedicate some time to some “urban birding” and chasing down any “special” birds that might be around the city (including any lingering visitors from Europe). This afternoon, we make our way to our evening’s destination on the edge of the Northeast Avalon Wilderness Preserve.
Pine Grosbeak Image: ©Jared & Susan Clarke, Bird the Rock
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Salmonier Valley (The WILDS Resort)
Day 4 (Saturday, July 13)
Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve
Today we will visit the majestic Northern Gannet colony at Cape St Mary’s , where 30,000 of these beautiful birds nest atop a towering sea stack and nearby cliffs. We will also enjoy the thousands of other seabirds at this site, including Black-legged Kittiwake, Common Murre, and the world’s southernmost breeding Thick-billed Murre. We will look for Horned Lark, American Pipit, and other songbirds along the beautiful coastline, as well as other wildlife and unique wildflowers.
Other wildlife, such as Moose and Woodland Caribou, may be spotted along the way. Several short stops will be made during our drive to stretch our legs and look for boreal songbirds.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Plate Cove West (Round Da Bay Inn)
Northern Gannets breed on Cape St. Mary’s at Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Image: ©Jared & Susan Clarke, Bird the Rock
Day 5 (Sunday, July 14)
Bonavista & Elliston
The Dungeon! Image: ©Kristen Cooney
The Bonavista Peninsula is known not only for its natural beauty, but also for its many historic settlements and the key roles it played in the island’s fishing economy. We will visit the lighthouse and rugged headlands of Cape Bonavista, keeping an eye out for seabirds such as Black Guillemot along the cliff edge, whales and icebergs on the wide-open ocean, and unique plants that hug the windswept coastline. At the very tip of the peninsula is what seems to be a lovely grassy bluff - but be aware, step too close to the edge and you might end up in “The Dungeon.” This intriguing geological formation illustrates how the area’s characteristic sea stacks are formed over thousands of years. The Dungeon Provincial Park, is part of the Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark.
Nearby Elliston is not only rustic and beautiful, but it also boasts one of the most accessible Atlantic Puffin colonies in North America. The colony is only a stone’s throw from the “mainland” and puffins sometimes fly over and land near their human observers – making it a favourite haunt for nature photographers. Elliston is also known for its abundance of historic “root cellars” carved into the rolling hills. These cellars, some 130+, were integral to survival during the harsh winters here, before the advent of electricity - and still used today, they can be seen throughout the town, including along the trail to the puffin site.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Plate Cove West (Round Da Bay Inn)
The town of Trinity, Newfoundland Image: ©Tom Eagan
A Whale’s tale! Humpback off the coast of Newfoundland. Image: ©Jared & Susan Clarke, Bird the Rock
Day 6: (Monday, July 15)
Trinity
This morning, we will visit the colourful town of Trinity – a historic and charming fishing village that has maintained more character than most over the years. We will take a stroll through time as we walk the narrow roads and laneways, visiting old churches and shops along the way.
An adventurous Zodiac tour will take us through the narrow harbour entrance and into Trinity Bay in search of seabirds, whales, and maybe even icebergs along the stunning coastlines. (NOTE: The boat operator will provide full flotation suits for everyone (See image in gallery above). A good waterproof bag or drybag for camera gear etc. is recommended.)
Later this afternoon, we make our way to our next destination in Terra Nova National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Charlottetown, Terra Nova National Park (Clode Sound Motel)
Day 7, (Tuesday, July 16)
Terra Nova National Park
We will spend today exploring a variety of coastal and upland habitats in and around Terra Nova National Park, including sheltered bays, steep cliffs, and rich boreal forests. We will be looking primarily for boreal bird species, including eastern Palm Warblers, Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpeckers, and Canada Jay. Around the many bogs and wetlands, we will search for wildflowers and listen for the unique songs of Rusty Blackbird and Olive-sided Flycatcher, among many other birds.
Mammals: Snowshoe Hare and Moose are fairly common in the park.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Charlottetown, Terra Nova National Park (Clode Sound Motel)
Day 8, (Wednesday, July 17)
Terra Nova National Park
This morning, we will continue to explore the bountiful forests, wetlands, and coastal estuaries of Terra Nova National Park.
Later today, we will return to St. John’s for some last-minute urban adventure and a farewell dinner at one of our guide’s favourite restaurants.
We will make sure to end early enough for the music-lovers in our group to enjoy some of the famous live entertainment of downtown St. John’s (Optional)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodations: St. John’s (Murray Premises Hotel)
Day 9 (Thursday, July 18)
Departures from St. John’s
Our Newfoundland adventure ends today, and participants can depart anytime. For those extending their stay, we can provide a fun list of things to do & see around the city on your own.
Meals: Breakfast
Sunset at Cape St Mary’s Image: ©Jared and Susan Clarke
Birding in the boreal forests of Newfoundland Image: ©Jared & Susan Clarke, Bird the Rock
Accommodations
Murray Premises Hotel. St Johns
The Murray Premises Hotel is located in a National Historic Site on the St. John’s harbourfront, with rooms radiating character through exposed 19th-century wooden beams, original masonry walls, and luxurious touches. Explore like a local with boutique shops, restaurants, and attractions only a few steps away. Whether navigating the pubs of George Street, attending an event at Mary Browns Centre, or attending a conference at the St. John’s Convention Centre, the Murray Premises Hotel is your perfect home while away. Each room is unique and has an electric fireplace. WIFI
3 Nights (First two nights and final night)
The Wilds Resort
The Wilds Resort is aptly named, perched overlooking the Salmonier River valley, on the Irish Loop, Newfoundland and Labrador. You are spoiled for choice with the varied availability of accommodation. With stunning views, friendly staff, free wireless internet throughout the resort, great dining, nature trails, and a heated outdoor pool, The Wilds Resort is the premier place to call home when you visit the area.
All guest rooms have been recently renovated and come equipped with free wifi, air conditioning, laminate flooring, and coffee stations.
1 Night
Round Da Bay Inn, Plate Cove West
There are only 16 rooms in this quaint family-owned Inn, each one has a different theme and a private bathroom.
The home cooking at Bella’s restaurant is a local favorite.
2 Nights
Clode Sound Motel
Come and experience a taste of Newfoundland and warm hospitality in the heart of Terra Nova National Park.
It's easy to see why Clode Sound Motel has been a favorite Newfoundland vacation destination for four generations. The relaxed atmosphere on beautiful Clode Sound, Bonavista Bay, brings our guests back time and time again. A perennial vacation favorite for spring, summer, and fall! Our spacious, sheltered grounds and cozy setting are highlighted by beautifully landscaped flower gardens.
We have attractive, comfortable rooms, each with its own entry, bathroom, and kitchenette. Patio decks and WIFI complement this convenient setting. The Family restaurant and bakery are local favorites!
2 Nights
What to Expect
What to Expect on Your Tour
Birding at Cape Race on the Newfoundland coast Image: ©Jared & Susan Clarke, Bird the Rock
Included
✓ Airport Transfers arriving and departing
✓ Accommodations based on double occupancy (single occupancy available with supplemental cost)
✓ 8 x Breakfast at hotels or boxed breakfast, depending on activity. 8 x Lunches may be boxed or other
✓ 8 x Dinner
✓ 2 x on water experience
✓ All entrance fees and permits
✓ Full-time Professional Naturalist Guide, bird specialist
✓ Tour Leader
Excluded
x International Flights
x Gratuities / tips
x Laundry
x Single Supplement
x Alcoholic beverages
x Phone calls or wifi fees
x Visa Fees if applicable
x Hotel incidentals and items of a personal nature
x Comprehensive Travel Insurance
x Activities or services not included in the itinerary
Is this Trip Right For Me?
Theme: Sea and Land birding, Whales, and Culture in Historic Labrador and Newfoundland
Trip Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Trip Type: Birding and culture, some light hiking and walking over uneven terrain, on-water experiences (small boat and Zodiak)
Max: 8 guests + Professional Bird Guide + Destination: Wildlife leader
Service Level: Moderate, family-owned accommodations.
Activity level: Moderate
Best For: Adults able to walk up to 2 miles on uneven terrain with some moderate elevation gain, and interested in birds or birding. A daily bird list will be kept. Photographers are welcome, but please note: There should be ample time for photography; however, this is not a “photography” tour.
Age Requirements: 18+ years
A contemplative Atlantic Puffin at its breeding site in Newfoundland. Image: ©Kristen Cooney
Travel Notes
► Activity Level: Moderate. Driving, walking, and hiking up to 2 miles on uneven terrain.
► Weather and Temperature Changes: Daytime temperatures: 71° - 87°F Evening Temperatures: 50° - 61°Ï
► Health: Travel.gov (US) No vaccines necessary or other health warnings
► Visa Requirement: For US citizens: Valid Passport. 6-month Validity and 1 open page. Permanent US Residents and citizens of other countries, please see here
❖ Additional Resource for Health and Visa Questions: Passport Health USA
Please Note: Destination: Wildlife is not connected in any way, nor does it endorse or indemnify information on the site.
► Drinking water: The drinking water in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, is generally safe. Please see for more information.
Water is becoming a scarce commodity in much of the world. Please be aware that you may be charged for drinking water in lodges and other public places. Although the fee remains reasonable, it is a good reminder of how precious clean drinking water is to all life.
Please bring a refillable personal container for daytime use.
► Single-Use Plastics: The policy at Destination: Wildlife is to ban or limit Single-Use Plastics on our tours, as much as possible.
That includes beverage bottles, plastic bags, containers, single-use straws, etc. There will be clean drinking water available in the vehicle. Please bring your own refillable water container.
► Group Size: 8 guests, including your host from Destination: Wildlife, and a professional guide (bird specialist)
► Packing: Pack as lightly as possible in one soft-sided bag plus your carry-on. A packing list will be provided.
► Recommended Equipment: binoculars, camera, short lens, long lens, personal, reusable water bottle or canteen, insect repellent, and sunscreen. A walking stick can be useful. Rain gear is highly recommended.
► Travel insurance: ** Travel insurance is mandatory ** for all international travel. Ask us about the best policy for your needs.
Travel Insurance
For all Destination: Wildlife tours, guests must have a minimum level of travel insurance coverage for medical emergencies. We highly recommend comprehensive travel protection for your tour. If you decide against Travel insurance, you must sign a waiver of release before departure. Travel insurance may cover you for cancellation due to illness, lost bags, missed flights, and other unexpected occurrences. Please see our General Terms and Conditions, including Cancellation Policy
Important note: Most travel insurance does not cover preexisting conditions unless purchased within 14 days (of the initial deposit and 7 days for some carriers). A pre-existing condition can be anything from an allergy to a back problem to a heart issue. We highly recommend purchasing your travel insurance immediately after making a deposit. Additionally, if your job, business, or the condition of a family member may cause you to cancel after your deposit, ask about specific plans to help protect your investment.
Please contact us if you need assistance.
Terms and Conditions
Your deposit holds your spot. We strongly recommend Travel insurance.
Due to the nature of our tours, no refunds are available once a tour has started or for any package, accommodation, meals, or other services included. We understand that sometimes, even the most eagerly anticipated plans may need to be canceled. We strongly recommend that every traveler purchase travel insurance. General Terms and Conditions, Including Cancellation Policy
Cancellation: More than 120 Days
Forfeiture of 10% of trip fees, including extensions, plus any specified donations to the sponsor, and any non-refundable train/airfare or other expenses. *
Cancellation 120 to 90 Days
Forfeiture of 50% of trip fees, including extensions, plus any specified donations to the sponsor, and any non-refundable train/airfare or other expenses.*
Cancellation 90 Days or Less
Forfeiture of 100% of trip fees, including extensions, plus any specified donations to the sponsor, and any non-refundable train/airfare or other expenses.*
*Where another guest fills the space, a portion of your fees may be eligible for an additional partial refund, subject to Destination: Wildlife's sole and exclusive discretion.
Making a Difference
How Your Trip Makes A Difference
Birding Newfoundlands rocky and stories coastline is unforgettable. Image: ©Jared Clark
How Your Trip Helps Biodiversity and People in Newfoundland and Labrador
In Their Own Words: from Hospitality in Labrador and Newfoundland
Once a province very reliant on the fishery, the people of Newfoundland and Labrador have had to find new ways to succeed and to diversify. Tourism employs more than 20,000 people in this province, and many of them live in rural communities. From your favourite restaurants to historic sites and exciting attractions, the tourism industry may very well be the largest employer in your town.
Note from Roberta, co-founder, Destination: Wildlife: Historically, Labrador and Newfoundland’s economy centered on the fishing industry as the primary source of income for most families and the center of life and culture. Unfortunately, after years of extreme overfishing, including by international players, the cod populations crashed in 1995. Other species, hake, flounder, and haddock, followed, causing the industry to die with them. As the fishing industry diminished, the tourism blossomed. Tourism now contributes $1.14 billion annually to the local economy - and most is nature-related tourism in one form or another.
The government considers their nature to be a “brand pillar” of Labrador and Newfoundland. They have a vested interest in keeping the 2,700 businesses employing over 20,000 people, that cater to visitors, viable - and that means active preservation of the natural environment. Much of the overseeing is done by volunteers. Conservation of ecosystems on land and water, the wildlife, plants, marine mammals, birds, etc., is of paramount importance to the economic health and well-being of Labrador and Newfoundland’s people and ecology, and vital for the health and well-being of biodiversity and life on Earth.
Our visit brings economic value to healthy ecosystems through employing a Newfoundlander as guide (and he employs others for his business), staying in locally-owned (not international corporate) lodging, eating, and buying fuel and supplies from local businesses, and paying entry fees that help support national and ecologically important areas. And we spread the word.
How Your Trip Helps The Grassland Bird Trust
Destination: Wildlife will donate 10% of your (double occupancy) tour cost in your name to the Grassland Bird Trust
In Their Own Words:
Grassland Bird Trust (GBT) partners with landowners, government agencies, and other organizations and stakeholders to ensure the recovery of endangered and threatened grassland bird species while expanding economic benefits for local communities.
The Work
Grassland Bird Trust (GBT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit land trust conserving critical habitat for endangered, threatened, and rapidly declining grassland birds.
We’re working with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and other major partners to protect critical habitat for endangered and at-risk grassland birds across New York State. We’ve conserved over 250 acres of prime (grassland) habitat since our founding in 2010. GBT owns and manages 78 acres at our Alfred Z. Solomon (AZS) Grassland Bird Viewing Area in Fort Edward. All are located in the heart of the Washington County Grasslands IBA. This area supports 10 of 11 of New York’s most imperiled grassland bird species. It is critical to the survival of Short-eared Owls in New York State!
GBT is a proud member of the Land Trust Alliance. The GBT hosts bird walks and other educational programs and events, including an annual Raptor Fest.
Note From Destination: Wildlife
Like many local non-profit organizations, the Grassland Bird Trust is doing work with a positive impact that belies its small size and far exceeds expectations. The folks who run it - without compensation - work tirelessly to maintain and preserve the healthy grassland they have been purchased and more that they’ve been given oversight. This is not an easy or straightforward task. Their budget is tiny, their work is huge - and your help is very welcome.
Learn more about: The Grassland Bird Trust Our Partner, The Grassland Bird Trust
Reviews
Reviews for Destination: Wildlife
Read more reviews for Destination: Wildlife’s Unforgettable Journeys that Do Good!
Liz G, New York State
Southern Spain Birding and Culture, 2025
The GBT [Grassland Bird Trust] trips are a sparkling jewel that lights up our year. Each day was totally different and totally wonderful. Nacho was amazing -full of knowledge, tireless, sensitive to individuals’ needs and skills. I constantly marveled at his vocabulary. He totally understood our humor, and I felt he liked our group a lot. I feel we get very personal attention with Destination Wildlife, and the group size is terrific.
Isabella, K, Illinois
Winter Wolf Watching and Learning in Yellowstone, 2025
On a scale of 1 to 10
10, I’ve already been bragging to everyone.
What was your favorite part of the trip?
..my heart’s/soul’s desire was to visually experience a Wolf in the wild, simply being Wolf, and this trip afforded me that.
Is there anything Destination: Wildlife could have done to improve your experience?
For me, the trip, as a whole, was perfect. From the L&C in Bozeman (best beds ever!!) and all points in between. I can find no fault. I must say, the people that made up the group, less included, were the best 💖 What a fortunate stroke of serendipity as a group’s makeup can easily make or break a trip.
Cara was magnificent, I couldn't imagine a better guide!! How fortunate we were! Exceeded expectations.
Roberta R., New York
Southern Colombia Birding and Culture, 2024
Exceed - Roger was amazing… talented, professional, passionate about his work, skilled, kind, helpful in every way, and a good sense of humor.
Cathy H., Maryland
Southern Colombia Birding and Culture, 2024
It was a 10+. Communication was great. I feel taken care of on your trips.
Kathy R., New York
Birding and Safari in Namibia, 2023
We were so impressed with Destination Wildlife's meticulous organizational skills as well as the wonderful choice of lodges. Marc (the guide) more than exceeded our expectations. What was your favorite part of the trip? Seeing new birds for the first time with all of our new friends on the trip.
John C., Connecticut
Birding and Safari in Namibia, 2023
[What was your favorite moment?] I am at a loss, as the whole trip was filled with so many memorable moments. One just has to go and see, and they’ll understand. The guides were more than expected and so knowledgeable in so many other areas. Roberta, Les, and Destination Wildlife met my expectations 100%. The whole experience for me was a 10.
Kate S, New York state
Birding in Costa Rica
10, it was an amazing trip (Please rate from 1- worst to 10 – best)
Liz and Alan G, New York state:
Birding Costa Rica and Private Sail Cruise 2021
We are in awe of the care that you took to make our trip successful. The attention to detail and your ready availability when things didn’t go as planned. Your excitement as our trip progressed and the supervision to the very end to make sure everything turned out alright. Thank you for all that you do. Liz & Alan
Noreen Q, New York State
Exploring Women’s Winter Wolf Trek
The trip was fabulous and couldn't have been much better. My one suggestion is around the Zoom call. I was impressed that you did a Zoom call rather than just sending a gear list - it is an example of how much personal attention you devoted to us.