An ideal spot for a few days of exoticism that\u2019s not too far from home, we\u2019ve created this incredible outdoor itinerary that\u2019ll take you to Newfoundland. St John’s and Fogo Island, in particular, provide ample opportunity to explore the rugged wilderness and see amazing wildlife. Picture humpback whales surfacing beside floating glaciers; historic forts perched atop craggy headlands; winding coastline trails where Atlantic waves break upon powder-white cliffs. This is Newfoundland \u2013 Canada\u2019s wonderful secret.<\/p>\n
Although it is the largest city in Newfoundland, St. John’s still manages to project peaceful, small-town vibes. A short flight from Toronto will lead you to this picturesque coastal paradise and once your feet are on the ground the bustle of the metropolis you just left will seem a million miles away. Your private driver will transport you to your picture perfect home from home at Mallard Cottage, where you’ll spend your first two nights. After freshening up and unpacking, strap on the walking boots because the rest of your day will be spent getting to grips with the magnificent outdoor spaces on offer here.<\/p>\n
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The best way to start your coastal adventure is with a hearty hike up to the famous Signal Hill national and historical site. You\u2019ll be chauffeured to the bottom of the incline, just in view of the iconic Cabot Tower, where you\u2019ll begin the climb\u00a0to this incredible vantage point. You won\u2019t have to keep your eyes peeled as you ascend\u00a0because the rich soil, deep green fields and azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean will be all around. Arriving at the top a little out-of-breath, memories of the slight hardship of your hike will instantly dissolve as the spectacular panorama on offer envelops you; turn back to face the way you\u2019ve just travelled to see\u00a0St. John’s perched elegantly by the water, or face out towards the breath-taking, seemingly infinite deep hues of the Atlantic.<\/p>\n
Tonight, it\u2019s all about sampling the fresh and flavorsome cuisine that you\u2019d expect to find in a coastal town. We\u2019ve reserved a table for you at the jewel in St. John’s culinary crown; Raymonds Restaurant. Raymonds is one of Canada\u2019s finest restaurants and it\u2019s not just the food that impresses; as soon as your driver drops you, off the classical architecture on display will prepare you for the class and elegance that waits inside. Head Chef Timothy Charles and manager and sommelier Jeremy Bonia pool their talents to create some of the freshest seafood dishes, accompanied by some of the crispest and palatable wines from across the world. You can dine a la carte, but we\u2019d suggest trying the five course dining experience expertly matched with suitable wines.<\/p>\n
If you overindulged (and how could you not?) then don\u2019t worry about it; the winding trails you\u2019ll be traversing today will help to level the score. St. John’s\u2019 famous east coast trail boasts 24 wilderness paths covering over 200 kilometres of scenic coastline. Our on-hand experts will help you to plan your perfect route across the valleys, cliffs and dunes of the coast. Wander along and be mesmerised by beautiful vistas, rolling waves and the sight of flitting caribou and soaring sea-birds.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve arranged for your picturesque walk to end at the foot of the dramatic Cape Spear Lighthouse. This remote lighthouse stands as a fascinating symbol of civilisation amongst the raw and rugged wilderness you\u2019ve spent the afternoon traversing. Atop the craggy headland you\u2019ll have another chance to gaze across the expansive waters of the Atlantic Ocean as icebergs float by and humpback whales surface for air and dive back to mysterious depths.<\/p>\n
As the sun rises over the Atlantic once more, you\u2019ll be hopping aboard your private helicopter for your transfer over to the mesmeric Fogo Island. This flight, though brief, once again provides you with the chance to see all types of sea-birds and marine life, so be sure to gaze out of the window every now and then. before landing at your chic residence for the next four nights. We know it might be hard to pry yourself away from the dramatic Atlantic views offered by your room\u2019s floor-to-ceiling windows, but we think our local expert guide is up to the task. You\u2019ll be thoroughly versed in local traditions and stories during this outing and you\u2019ll be shown the lay of the (is)land and taken to explore the area\u2019s local landmarks, historic sights and natural wonders.<\/p>\n
You may be well acquainted with the land now, but today you\u2019ll be heading off-shore for dramatic iceberg viewing in the aptly named iceberg alley. There are few places in the world that can match the drama of these seascapes; you\u2019re sure to be stunned as ancient glaciers drift along right next to your boat as the waves of the Atlantic envelop these giant natural formations. Sufficiently awed, you\u2019ll have plenty of time to discuss such wonders over the luxury champagne picnic lunch we\u2019ve laid on for you at Little Fogo Island. You\u2019ll have time to wander up to the historic St. Anne\u2019s Church \u2013 a restored Canadian heritage site \u2013 before heading back to your boutique bolt-hole.<\/p>\n
After feasting on a world-class dinner prepared by resident executive chef Timothy Charles head up to the roof top where wood-fired saunas promise some well-deserved R&R and the chance for reflection.<\/p>\n
The waves will be breaking gently and the sun will slowly fill your Fogo Island hideaway; stirred from you slumber, gorge on another specially prepared breakfast before heading out to explore Todd Sanders\u2019 dramatic architectural features. As well as designing the striking Fogo Island Inn, Todd was also commissioned to create four\u00a0artist studios that are dotted around Fogo Island\u2019s impressive landscape. The contrast of the clean, angular studios against the wild, untamed seascapes and wilderness is\u00a0a sight to behold.<\/p>\n
From architectural to alcoholic blends; your next experience is a private cocktail lesson that will teach you how to mix up some concoctions that are artistic in their own right. Using locally sourced ingredients and infusions you\u2019ll be taught how to craft cocktail classics and be given the tools to create your own signature sipper.<\/p>\n
After another exquisite meal, laid on by Chef Charles, you\u2019re invited to attend your own private screening of \u201cFogo Process\u201d in the state-of-the-art onsite digital cinema. Though you may not readily associate \u2018cinema\u2019 with intrepid exploration, \u201cFogo Process\u201d will shed light on the lands you’ve been journeying across and the stories and history presented helps to breathe life into these wild, wonderful lands. You\u2019ll be back, we\u2019re sure of it \u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
An ideal spot for a few days of exoticism that\u2019s not too far from home, we\u2019ve created this incredible outdoor itinerary that\u2019ll take you to Newfoundland. St John’s and Fogo Island, in particular, provide ample opportunity to explore the rugged wilderness and see amazing wildlife. Picture humpback whales surfacing beside floating glaciers; historic forts perched […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":101010,"featured_media":175680,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1456],"tags":[],"country":["Canada"],"class_list":["post-184897","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized-us","country-canada","month-april","month-august","month-july","month-june","month-march","month-may","month-october","month-september","type-experience","feeling-contentment","feeling-freedom","need-to-discover","what-culture","who-couple","who-family","who-honeymoon","who-solo","who-with-friends"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n