Newfoundland Rambles
10 day, moderate
quickwater Inn based canoeing and hiking trip.
Remote rugged
coastline, breathtaking hikes,
and wonderful river choices hold us
spellbound throughout our stay
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
settle in for three days at the Burgeo Haven Bed & Breakfast. Indeed
a haven as our innkeepers, Martine and Dorim make us comfortable with their jesting wit,
friendly nature and good cooking. 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 experienced by close friends.
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,
sea cucumbers and much more. The beaches here are a well kept secret
and the perfect place for picnics and wandering the dunes. After our
day of paddling we return to Burgeo Haven to enjoy a glowing sunset,
good food, conversation of the day's adventure and the anticipation
of the day to come.
The
Grandy's River is on the agenda today. It promises to enchant us and
give us a glimpse of the magic of this province. Usually we 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 begin to understand
how our lives are connected to the sea.
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. The river is a lively run with long stretches of swifts and meandering sections through pine laden canyons. At day’s end we settle into the Marble Mountain Inn.
 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 a UNESCO World Heritage
site in 1987 Gros Morne easily meets the criteria as an area of exceptional
beauty, geological significance and natural history.
The end of the day finds us at the Fisherman’s Inn in Woody Point. Located in the heart of the park it provides the perfect location to explore all that the park has to offer. 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 at 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 last. Just outside Gros Morne this remote
river is the exclamation point on an already magical trip. As we gather
for our farewell dinner we will reflect on our stay, and, perhaps, make
plans to return soon to this magical province.
Newfoundland Sampler Itinerary
Where and when to go...and how to get there
Trip Logistics
Newfoundland is described as an island of the sea, and nowhere else does the sea center so intimately into the lives of the people. This is why we have chosen to begin our journey in the small outport of Burgeo on the southern coast of the Province.
This trip meets and disbands at the Deer Lake airport. When making your travel plans please note that we meet on Day 1 at the Deer Lake airport at 12:00 noon and return to the airport on Day 10 at 10:00 am. If you would like to extend your stay in Newfoundland we will be happy to help you with pre or post trip extensions.
You will be met upon arrival in Deer Lake, where we will load up and begin our journey to Burgeo. Along the way we begin to settle into the pace of the province and the Burgeo road provides an excellent introduction to the geological beginning of the area.
If you are driving to Newfoundland, we will meet you at the Burgeo Haven Bed & Breakfast on Day 1, or we can plan to meet you in Deer Lake. Please call our office to visit about the options. After arriving by car ferry in Port aux Basque it is about a 3 ½ hour drive to Burgeo. The coastal ferry (no cars) from Port aux Basque to Burgeo is also an option although the logistics are a bit more difficult. If you would like more details please contact us.
Day
1,2,3, and 4
We meet at the Deer Lake airport mid afternoon and begin our journey
to the small outport of Burgeo. As we journey towards the coast we begin
to capture the spirit of Newfoundland's people and places. The remote
outport of Burgeo provides us a unique opportunity to experience life
on the "Rock."
A warm welcome will be waiting us when we arrive at Burgeo Haven B&B.
Our innkeepers immediately make us feel like one of the family. We will
enjoy a traditional Newfoundland dinner as we settle into our surroundings.
Burgeo Haven Bed & Breakfast, Ph 709.886.2544
For the next several days we will explore Burgeo by canoe and foot. Coastal paddling allows us to explore the area off shore, discovering the areas various islands, rock outcroppings and white sand beaches. The white sand beaches are well kept secrets and many consider them to be the Caribbean of the north. The perfect place for a picnic lunch and wandering the dunes.
The Grandy’s river will be a highlight one day. A true mountain stream, the Grandy's offers a combination of quick water and quiet water as we paddle down toward the sea. We may take time to walk across the peat bogs to a breathtaking waterfall and enjoy a cool, refreshing swim. The day is filled with spectacular scenery, a chance to see a variety of birds and if one is lucky moose and caribou feeding on the hills.
Upon returning to Burgeo in the afternoons we will have time to wander the crooked streets around town. Town can be a bustling place, but folks are never too busy to stop and visit, and answer any questions we might have.
Suppers at Burgeo Haven are always a delight with friendly conversation and stories of the day. The skies are filled with stars and the salt air rises from the harbor as we relax on the deck, enjoying a summer's evening.
Day
5:
This morning we say good bye to our hosts and journey deeper into the interior of the province. Our river for today will be the Lloyd's River. The Beothuks used this river in their seasonal migrations. Spending their summers on the coast fishing, the Beothuks would follow the river inland during the fall and winter, hunting caribou in the interior forests and barrens.
We will put in near the end of Lloyd’s Lake. Giving us a bit of quiet water to warm up before heading down river. The Lloyd's is a lively run with long stretches of swifts and meandering sections through deep, forested canyons. We usually have the river to ourselves, allowing us to enjoy our surroundings at our own pace, watching for wildlife and enjoying a relaxing riverside lunch.
Our take-out is at the top of Red Indian Lake, where, after loading our gear, we are off to Corner Brook and Marble Mountain Inn. It is easy to linger at the inn overlooking the Humber river, visiting and hearing stories of yesteryear as well as today.
Marble Mountain Inn, phone 1.877.497.5673
Note – Dinner is not included today.
Day
6:
We will enjoy one more day in the Marble Mountain area. Today we can choose to paddle a section of the Humber river. Our put in is right by the inn so we can get started whenever we are ready. The water is gentle and we can ride the current past open countryside and splendid scenery.
A hike on Marble Mountain may also be on the agenda for today. A secluded waterfall and forested paths make a wonderful setting and a great way to spend the afternoon.
Whatever our choices for the day we return to Marble Mountain Inn in the late afternoon to relax before enjoying another evening meal.
Marble Mountain Inn, phone 1.877.497.5673 Note – Dinner is not included today.
Day
7,8, and 9
All too soon we are bidding our hosts farewell as we continue with a day of choices before ending in Rocky Harbour at the Fisherman’s Landing Inn. As we travel west toward Gros Morne we may decide to paddle another inland river, or perhaps leave the canoes on the van and hike one of the many trails that the Gros Morne National Park has to offer.
Whatever we choose, late afternoon will find us settling into the Fisherman’s Landing in the small coastal village of Rocky Harbour, located in the heart of Gros Morne, for the next two evenings. Our hosts are happy to tell us about the area and any special events that may be going on. Evenings are a special time with local fare to enjoy, and, if we are lucky, a bit of local music as well.
We have two full days to explore and enjoy the Gros Morne national park and the outlying area. We will be sure to enjoy one day on the Humber River, located just outside the park boundaries. A well known salmon river that we may share with local anglers. We have some choices on put-ins depending on our mood and the type of water we are looking to paddle.
The Upper Humber is less traveled and provides some wonderful quick water paddling. Open, barren lands are a beautiful contrast to the Spruce and White Birch trees that cover the Humber River Valley. Thick alders, rhododendron and crackerberry lend color and diversity to the area's vegetation.
Hiking choices abound during our stay. Green Gardens is a wonderful hike, which offers a wide diversification of geology, vegetation, and environmental zones. Our pace is leisurely, allowing us time to absorb our surroundings and to stop and smell the flowers. Other hikes include Western Brook pond, Trout Pond and for the true adventurer a hike to the summit of Gros Morne.
Other activities in the park, which we may want to take advantage of, are interpretive boat trips on either Western Brook or Trout Pond. The visitor’s center is also worth a visit, providing general information, history, and various programs to better acquaint us with the area.
At days end we return to Fisherman’s Landing. As we gather in the evening we will share stories of our journey, and perhaps, make plans to return to this magical province.
Fisherman’s Landing inn, phone 1.866.458.2711
Note – Dinner is not included on these days
Day 10:
We plan a morning transfer back to the Deer Lake airport by 10:00 am. Once at the airport we will say our final good byes and begin our journey home whether it is by plane, car or coastal ferry.
Trip Pricing
Trip prices include lodging, all meals (except where noted in the trip notes), guide service and accompanying support van. Trips generally meet mid to late afternoon of the first day, and disband mid to late afternoon of the last day.
Prices listed in our printed material or website is subject to change because the trip dates and prices have often been published a year in advance. Between that time and the time of the trip’s actual departure, we are occasionally faced with cost increases or currency fluctuations that we cannot absorb. We make every effort to keep our prices the same as published.
Final Payments
Your balance is due 60 days prior to the departure date and can be paid by credit card or personal check. Please refer to your confirmation letter and invoice for the exact amount due. BattenKill Canoe, Ltd. reserves the right to regard reservations for these tours as canceled when the payment balance is not received when due.
Incidental trip charges such as small trip surcharge, currency exchange surcharge, and single room surcharge, if applicable, will be invoiced 30 days prior to the trip.
Emergency Contact
For emergency contact during the trip please contact our office in Arlington at 802.362.2800. They will contact the trip guides as quickly as possible, or you may call the inns directly. Trip guides generally carry cell phones as well. Please contact our Vermont office for the cell phone number. But please remember cell phone service may be limited.
What’s Included in your trip
Services of BattenKill Canoe Ltd for pre-departure information and guide services to help you get the most out of your vacation.
Fully escorted, exclusive BattenKill Canoe Ltd tour of Newfoundland.
All van transportation within Newfoundland.
Pick up and return to Deer Lake airport at scheduled times.
Lodging accommodations and meals (except where noted in the trip notes).
Riverside or trailside picnic lunches.
All canoe and paddling equipment.
What’s Not Included
Round trip transportation from your hometown to Deer Lake Newfoundland.
In country transfers if they differ from our scheduled pick up times.
Meals noted in the trip notes.
Lunches that we opt to have in a restaurant, café or deli
Departure taxes and other government fees.
Items of personal nature such as phone calls, beverages, laundry.
Costs of delays including delays due to bad weather, canceled or delayed flights or delays on other modes of transport, sickness or other situations for which BattenKill Canoe Ltd or its agents cannot make provisions.
Optional entrance fees to museums, parks, and regional attractions (approx $50).
Travel Documents
A US passport valid beyond your anticipated date of return to the US. Holders of foreign passports must check with the Canadian embassy for details. Our office may be able to assist you.
What
to Bring to Newfoundland
__wide
brimmed sun hat
__rain hat or hood on raincoat
__good quality rain jacket & pants (no ponchos)
__heavy shirt or sweater (wool or pile)
__medium weight shirt or sweater
__comfortable hiking clothes
__light cotton t shirts
__warm polypro, pile or wool pants
__light cotton or nylon pants
__shorts
__bathing suit
__river shoes (sandals, sneakers or booties)
__polypro underwear
__socks (cotton or wool or polypro)
__comfortable walking/hiking shoes
__light weight gloves
__personal toiletries
__bandana
__sun screen & lip balm
__insect repellant
__sunglasses with securing strap
__personal first aid kit
__flashlight (extra batteries & bulb)
__pocket knife
__water bottle
__day pack
-
Optional
items:
__camera & film
__book
__notebook and pen
__walking stick
This is a suggested list, we anticipate that you will have your own
idea of what is "necessary". By all means follow your instincts.
If you have any questions on what to bring or space restrictions, or
any other questions, please give us a call. 802.362.2800
Trip Notes Supplement
General
Information
If you have any questions or need special arrangements please call our
office. Regular office hours are 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Friday
in season. We are open Saturday and Sunday for day trip rentals, but
our office staff is limited on weekends. We are generally closed Saturday
through Tuesday November through April, although you may catch us in
by chance other times.
Trip prices include lodging, all meals (except when noted) guide services
and accompanying support van. Trips generally meet mid to late afternoon
of the first day, and disband mid to late afternoon of the last day.
We may be compelled to increase or decrease trip prices on trips due
to matters beyond our control, such as currency exchange, airfare, taxes
or price increases. Gratuities for BattenKill guides and other staff
are appreciated, but are left entirely to your discretion.
Reservations
and Confirmation
Often it is easier to call our office to check for availability and
to make reservations. We request a deposit of $100.00 per person for
the two to four day trips, $250.00 for five to six day trips, and $350.00
per person for longer trips. Immediate confirmation is possible using
your credit card for the deposit. On receipt of your deposit we prepare
a complete confirmation packet, including a full itinerary,
personal equipment list, meeting location with directions, and application
for short term trip cancellation insurance. Your confirmation letter
will outline the balance which is due at the trip meeting for domestic
trips, and 60 days prior for Canadian and other International trips.
We strongly recommend that you obtain this cancellation insurance, which
reimburses you for nonrefundable costs and deposits should you have
to cancel your trip due to a personal emergency.
Final
Payments
Final payment is due 60 days prior to the departure date and can be
paid by credit card (MC, Visa, Amex or Discover), or personal check.
Please refer to your confirmation letter for amount due.
Cancellation
and Refunds
Notification must be received by BATTENKILL CANOE LTD. (BCL) in writing.
If you must cancel, but wish to reschedule for another trip, we will
do our best to accommodate you. If you must cancel more than 60 days
prior to departure, a refund of 50% of the per person deposit, OR a
100% credit valid for another trip. There are no refunds or reschedules
possible with less than 60days notice or for leaving a trip early or
arriving late.
Tips
and Gratuities
Gratuities for the inn and food portion of your trip are paid by BCL.
Gratuities for BATTENKILL guides are appreciated, but are left to your
discretion. As a general guideline, a tip of approximately 10% of the
trip price is generally average for attentive guiding. However if you
are note satisfied with your guide service, please outline your feelings
on your evaluation so that the office will be able to address your concerns
with the guide staff.
Each
year the guide staff of BATTENKILL CANOE pledge to pool a portion of
their tips and donate them to an outreach program. Over the past several
years these outreach programs have included a scholarship program for
a high school student in the remote village of Yorkin in Talamanca,
Costa Rica, supporting the Ninos in la Calle program (alternative education
program for the street kids) in Somotillo Nicaragua, financial and educational
support to the BattenKill Watershed Council and an annual donation to
the Vermont ACLU.
If
you would like to find out more about these projects or have suggestions
for other projects your guides would be happy to visit with you. This
is just one of the ways we are able to reach out to the greater community
and practice socially responsible travel.
Airline
Reservations
Our airline desk is able to assist you in making our airline reservations,
and we are pleased to do so. We can book with all the major carriers
and would be happy to assist you with your travel plans.
Non-Performance
We almost always follow through with our entire trip schedule. However,
we must reserve the right to cancel a trip or to make changes to the
itinerary if necessary due to weather and/or water conditions, insufficient
reservations or other factors outside of our control. Although it is
unlikely, if we must cancel your trip, you may choose between: 1. A
100% refund of all monies paid, or 2. A 150% credit of your original
deposit for a future trip with BATTENKILL. This constitutes full settlement,
and BATTENKILL can not be held responsible for other costs incurred.
Guaranteed
Dates & Small Trip Charge
Since you plan your vacation around our trip, it is our responsibility
to run every trip scheduled if four or more persons are on the roster.
A number of fixed costs make it more expensive to operate a trip with
six members than one with 12. We budget our trips with a nearly full
sign up, to enable us to price them at the lowest possible cost.
We will still run your trip if four or more guests are on the roster.
However, we will be obliged to add a small trip surcharge if there is
a low sign up of between four (4) and seven (7) participants. The small
trip surcharge is ten (10) percent of the published price.
If you make your reservations 6 months prior to departure, you will
qualify for our Earlybird Discount which guarantees your departure regardless
of the number of people on the roster.
Value Vouchers
In the event that
we discount a trip on which you are booked, we will automatically extend
to you a courtesy voucher representing the value of the promotional
discount. You may apply the discount certificate to any future BattenKill
trip. You may combine discounts, however the maximum is 20% off any
one trip.
Accommodations
& Meals
Our standard accommodation is two per room, generally with a private
bath. Usually singles and triples are available. BCL provides three
meals per day, beginning with dinner on the first evening and ending
with lunch on the last day (except where noted).
On our Voyageurs we provide top quality tents along with all other group
camping gear. You are requested to bring only a sleeping bag and pad,
as well as your personal gear. If you choose not to bring your own sleeping
bag, you may rent one of ours which includes a cotton liner and foam
pad.
Solo
Travelers
If you're traveling alone and would like to assure yourself of a private
room, there is a single supplement surcharge of $45.00 per evening.
Singles willing to share will be matched with a roommate. If unavailable,
a forced single supplement of 50 percent of the full supplement will
be charged.
Bringing
the Kids
We believe that sharing an adventure with your kids or grandkids
is a life-enhancing experience. Children twelve years of age or older
are welcomed on all trips. Special arrangements must be made for all
children 7-12. Regular discount is 25% off the trip price for folks
under 18 years old.
Guest
Responsibility
You must understand that river trips involve some risk. Guests are responsible
for: choosing a trip that suits their abilities, level of fitness and
state of health; arriving at the trip start with the clothing and gear
recommended in the confirmation packet; respecting the laws and customs
of the countries visited; following environmental guidelines and regulations
while on the trip in accordance with guides direction; and respecting
the rights and privacy of other trip members. You will be asked to sign
a Hold Harmless and Release of Liability form prior to your trip.
BATTENKILL CANOE reserves the right to substitute lodges, leaders and
to alter the itinerary when deemed necessary or advisable. BCL shall
not be liable, directly or indirectly for any delay, cancellation, mishap,
inconvenience, expense, personal injury or death, or damage of property
for any reason whatsoever, including acts of God. BATTENKILL reserves
the right to decline to accept, retain, or ask to leave any person whose
actions or deportment impede trip operation, or rights, welfare and
enjoyment of other trip members. No refund is possible under these circumstances.
Payment of deposit, and release of credit card number represents your
acceptance of these terms and conditions. All disputes shall be settled
by binding arbitration in Bennington County Vermont.
About
BattenKill Trip Guides
We are proud of the folks who lead our trips, and help make an extra
special adventure for you. Each recognizes, welcomes and encourages
the varying skills and interests of each guest.
On the first evening of our get-together, we will conduct a simple orientation
of the trip to come, and go over safety regulations. You will be asked
to sign a liability of release form, and we will collect your final
payment then.
A
Word About Equipment
Canoe rental is included in your trip price. You are welcome to bring
along your own canoe if you would like, just let us know. We furnish
premium canoes, paddles and PFD's (life jackets). We feature canoes
by Mad River, Dagger, Old Town and others. If you have a particular
canoe you would like to demo, please give us a call and we will attempt
to have one available.
What
Happens if it Rains
It does rain, so rain gear is a must. So are dry clothes, which can
be stored in the waterproof bag that we furnish. If it's raining hard,
we don't all have to go canoeing. The nice thing about Vermont is that
there are plenty of other things to do...visit museums or go antiquing...spend
some time in a general store. Or, we can just have another cup of coffee
and wait till the rain abates. Whatever makes sense, we'll do.
And
So On...
Also, enclosed is our suggested personal equipment checklist. Little
things like lip balm, sun blocks and dry socks make a big difference,
so check it over carefully.
Contact
Us
BattenKill Canoe, Ltd.
800.421.5268 or 802.362.2800 fax--802.362.0159
©2002 BattenKill Canoe, Ltd.. All rights reserved
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