At 52 years old, I was one of the younger passengers circumnavigating Newfoundland onboard Adventure Canada’s Ocean Endeavour. But after three days of hiking and kayaking through three UNESCO World Heritage sites with guides from the ship, I had an unexpected revelation — I was tired.
“We are endeavoring to exhaust you every day,” said Scott McDougall, expedition leader and director of sustainability and regenerative travel for Adventure Canada. “Of course, you can opt out, but if you opt in to the day’s programs, we’re trying to send you to bed exhausted.”
Most of Adventure Canada’s itineraries focus on the Canadian Arctic, but every season also comes with opportunities to get to know the rarely visited coastal communities of Newfoundland. During our 12-day sailing, we visited the First Nations community of Miawpukek and swam in waterfalls surrounded by fall foliage in Cox’s Cove.
During a visit to the seaside community of Conche, after a day filled with active excursions — including a coastal hike with optional rope-assisted descent into a secluded cove, and a visit to the remnants of an aircraft that safely crash landed in 1942 — the community hosted a fish fry for the ship’s nearly 200 passengers. In between passing paper plates loaded with pan-fried cod, mashed potatoes and cole slaw, residents sang, danced and recited poetry.
The seaside community of Conche provided a warm welcome to Ocean Endeavour.
Credit: 2024 Jenny Wong“We take great pride in choosing the places we visit on our expeditions,” said Cedar Swan, CEO of Adventure Canada. “Of great importance is how a place may relate to, and help our guests learn about, both legacy and topical issues in a global and regional context.”
On my sailing, a notable number of Ocean Endeavour’s expedition team members also called Newfoundland home, allowing them to offer guests recommendations only locals could provide. A few days before arriving at Red Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, cultural educator and musician Tony Oxford spoke about a favorite spot in the area for fish and chips. Whalers Restaurant was closed for the season; however, Oxford reached out to its owners, convincing them to reopen for the day that Ocean Endeavour was in port.
Onboard Ocean Endeavour
Adventure Canada does not own Ocean Endeavour. The ship sails this region June through mid-October, and then it sails in Antarctica with tour operator Intrepid.
Built in 1982, Ocean Endeavour’s last refurbishment took place in 2018. I stayed in a Category 6 Comfort Twin cabin on deck 4. It featured two twin-size beds, a loveseat sofa, a full-size mirror, two portholes and two full bathrooms. The ship does not have any cabins with balconies. Electricity in staterooms is 220 volts (with two circular prongs), so American guests will need to pack converters. There are no USB ports in the cabins.
Adventure Canada’s itineraries offer a chance to explore Newfoundland’s natural beauty.
Credit: 2024 Brian WelshAt the onboard Polaris Restaurant, breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, while dinner is plated. Adventure Canada’s Taste of Place culinary program strives to infuse local ingredients into menus. Offerings include moose bourguignon and pan-seared cod, with Newfoundland berry pudding.
Adventure Canada’s 2024 schedule kicks off in June with a pair of 12-day Newfoundland Circumnavigation itineraries.
