Day-time summer temperatures can range from 10 to 25 °C (50 to 75 °F), while nights may go a few degrees lower. The weather is quite changeable, so be prepared. It is not unusual for people to wear T-shirts and shorts while viewing 15-storey-tall icebergs.
In season, late June to early August – our visiting groups always see humpback whales. Often, other whale species – minke, dolphin, fin – are also seen. If luck is with you while on your whale watching excursion in Trinity Bay you may see the elusive Sperm whale!
We have been studying and watching whales since 1979, but there is always the possibility that climatic or oceanographic changes could cause a redistribution of these animals. Although we can’t make any promises when it comes to nature, we can say, over the years, she has been good to our guests by providing regular, spectacular whale viewings.
Newfoundland does not have any snakes, other reptiles, skunks, poison ivy, poison oak, or ragweed. The risk of Lyme disease on the island of Newfoundland is extremely low but does potentially exist due to the path of migratory birds. Common sense will prevent most problems.
Occasionally groups will see black bears. Your guide will advise you on the best way to avoid these powerful animals, but common sense is still your most important asset.
Mushroom lovers please note: Newfoundland has a wonderful and diverse mushroom fauna, but the indicators of safe mushrooms in Europe usually denote hazardous North American species. To be safe it is best to avoid picking them.
As with any wild place, there is a diversity of insect life. We spend most of our time in coastal areas where there are very few pests. Even when we go inland the flies are seldom a serious problem. We should point out, however, that you should prepare for flies on the in-land stops of the Labrador portion of the Viking Trail Experience.
Although we do travel near some cliffs, you will not be required to walk close to a cliff edge at any point. We visit a spectacular gannet stack, which we also use for land-based whale watching. If you are prone to seasickness, you can still fully participate in our holidays. We have the flexibility to avoid rough seas, and usually the waters are so calm that seasickness is not an issue.
We will accommodate food allergies/requests as best we can and will work with the restaurants and hotels to provide you with the best options available.
Medical concerns would of course be your own responsibility to manage, however, we would appreciate being made aware of any issues you may have.
With regards to mobility issues, although we promote gentle adventures, there will be some walking and light hiking required:
We are unable to accommodate walkers/scooters in the vehicles we travel in, so if you travel with either, our holidays may not be suitable for you.
St. John’s people have a long tradition of welcoming visitors and providing world-famous hospitality. There is very little crime, but guests should always follow the basic rules of travel safety.
Wildland Tours has been offering holidays for animal lovers since 1984. Wildland Tours sponsors a local environmental education scholarship and contributes to worthwhile causes. All of the company’s activities incorporate recycling and conservation measures. The company and its staff have received local and national honors for their environmental leadership, including the Governor General’s Award for Conservation. This national honor recognized owner and founder, the late David Snow for his participation in numerous environmental protection campaigns as well as his efforts as an environmental journalist.
Wildland Tours also received the provincial award from the Canadian Parks Service recognizing our pioneering efforts in developing sustainable tourism.
Wildland Tours’ offerings in Newfoundland and Labrador have been described as some of the most archaeologically, paleontologically, and geologically diverse vacations in the world. From the 3.6 to 3.9 billion year old Torngat Mountains; thousands of 565-585 million year old fossils depicting the oldest, complex, multi-cellular life forms on earth (the pieces of the puzzle that Charles Darwin was searching for); the new world’s oldest burial mound (older than the pyramids!); to the only authenticated Viking site in North America… it’s an adventurer’s paradise here!
Walk on the exposed earth’s crust; cruise on land-locked, freshwater fjords; examine priceless artifacts from active indigenous and English colonial dig sites. The Colony of Avalon, established by Lord Baltimore (Sir George Calvert) in 1621 is known as the best preserved early English colonial site in North America. Their interpretation centre hosts a treasure trove of thousands of exquisitely displayed artifacts such as their most recent find… a rare 520 year old silver coin called a King Henry’s VII half groat.
Our amazing parks, national historic sites, national parks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and UNESCO Global Geo Park offer vivid, life-changing experiences to those who wish to sense, to touch, and to explore the pulse of the earth. The cascading mountains, wildlife, geology, fossils, unique foods, and culture all work to enhance your understanding of how the early peoples lived and more recent folk thrive in this unique maritime landscape.
During your tour with us all of the tips for restaurant meals, site visits, hotels, and boat crews are included although many guests do enjoy providing a special thank you to on-site guides and boat crews or whenever they receive exceptional personal service. When you are eating on your own the typical gratuity ranges from 10%–20% depending upon the service and your personal preferences. Tipping for tour directors (our leaders) and drivers, while customary, is not included in the cost of your tour.
Tipping should be from each individual tour member according to his or her own preference, and not in the form of a group collection. Drivers and tour directors are usually tipped at the end of the tour. Although this is a sensitive subject and is of course an individual decision, the following amounts are recognized industry guidelines and are provided for information purposes only. Naturally, if the service you have received has been outstanding, this should be reflected in tipping amounts. Professional tour directors: $7 to $10 per person per day. Drivers: $5 to $7 per person per day. Driver/Guides: $8 to $12 per person per day.
A 20% deposit is due upon booking. Full payment is required 60 days prior to your holiday’s start date. If you decide to cancel anytime PRIOR TO the 60 days, your deposit and any payments made are 100% refundable. If you must cancel anytime BETWEEN 60 days and 7 days prior to your holiday departure date, you will receive an 80% refund. If you must cancel 6 days prior to and up to or on your departure date, you will receive a 50% refund. If after 60 days you must cancel, your 20% deposit will be applied to your future holiday booking with Wildland Tours.
For all our vacation programs, Wildland Tours uses fully-insured, certified, and government inspected vehicles, vessels, and accommodations. Small groups use mini-vans or 15 passenger vans with driver/guide. Larger groups typically use a 20-passenger mini coach complete with guide plus driver. In addition to ensuring annually that all our transportation and accommodation providers meet or exceed required regulations and insurance standards, Wildland Tours carries a $5 million liability insurance policy.
The order of events may be rearranged to accommodate Newfoundland and Labrador's changeable weather.
Unless there are major environmental catastrophes (worse than El Niño!) we can guarantee you will see puffins, gannets, and many other seabirds. Other attractions such as whales, seals, and caribou have always been seen by our participants in our week-long programs between mid-June and early August; but we cannot predict oceanographic or climatic variations that may prevent you from viewing them.
Wildland Tours (Wildlands and Oceans Limited) acts only as a packaging agent for the hotels, airlines, restaurants, boats, and buses used in our tour programs. Our trips usually feature parks, ecological reserves, and other wild but accessible destinations administered by the Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada. Our company is committed to taking every reasonable precaution in order to ensure the safety and comfort of clients as they participate in wildlife watching activities; however, we must limit our liability to a refund only and will not accept responsibility for any loss or damage.
