Newfoundland & Labrador: Gros Morne & the Northern Peninsula

Fantastic trip. Learned so much about a place I knew nothing about. I’ve done quite a few RS tours and Tony was the very best Group Leader I have ever experienced. He is so knowledgeable, well organized, and just delightful to be around. His storytelling style is brilliant and when he mixes in the musical component it all becomes magical. I liked the agenda and pace of activities. Highlights were Battle Harbour, the Viking archeological site and the fjord boat trip. The hotels were not particularly memorable but seemed to be the best available at each location. Same with restaurants. Dinners were all at 6. I would have preferred some of them to have been at 7 or 7:30 to allow the possibility of socializing more with fellow guests before dinner. In my experience very few RS travelers are interested in a post dinner informal gathering. Minor point.The other comment I would make is that a couple of the “local experts” were very young high school or college girls who added very little to our knowledge base. Tony filled in what we missed out on before and after in each case so we eventually got all the necessary information but the young girls were nothing close to experts. But overall an outstanding tour.

This is a not to be missed experience.

This is an excellent overview of a remote and little known region. Our group leader was outstanding! I can highly recommend this tour.

The trip was everything we could have hoped for and fully exposed us to Newfoundland and Labrador. Tony Oxford really was the life of the party and his local knowledge, experience, and songs really made the experience unforgettable.

If you are interested in exploring a remote and unspoilt part of Canada with a beautiful coastline, this is for you. Learn about the Atlantic Fishing Industry, geological history of the area, and political background of Newfoundland/Labrador.

Great trip- and all meals included- YAY!

This is a fun and educational trip to a part of the world that is unique. The local leader, Tony, goes above and beyond to help you learn about Newfoundland and Labrador, the people, the history and its beauty from a local's perspective. The area is stunning.

For a beyond-all-expectations experience, this is it. My knowledge and appreciation for Newfoundland and Labrador, its history, its geology and its kind and generous people was elevated way beyond anything I could have imagined. Our group leader, Tony, went over the top with group singalongs, personal stories and an enjoyment of his 'job' that resulted in a sense of caring and camaraderie among all of us. Even the two or three long bus rides were made enjoyable by a stop or two to break up the distances and, as always, explore a new aspect of the place and its people. Gotta try the bakeapple berry ice cream and the many ways to prepare cod. Before we went on this trip, many of my friends asked “Why? Where is that anyway?” Go on this trip and find out!

Joan and Tony Oxford were wonderful! We were able to learn about the history and culture of the province from people who experienced it firsthand - what a great opportunity! They made us feel welcome and like family. We also had a wonderful group of participants.

This trip was fantastic! A combo of geology, beautiful scenery, the social history of hard working people who adjusted to a touch physical and economic environment, led by Tony and Joan Oxford, two wonderful guides who are passionate about their country. Tony and Joan also play musical instruments and sing, so there was never a dull moment. Our bus drivers were also wonderful, keeping us safe as we traversed north western Newfoundland and southern Labrador. Twenty two RS, a nice group. For this tour, I strongly suggest that participants read NL history before the trip. I did and it provided good context for the varied sights.

I thoroughly enjoyed this interesting program! It was great to learn about another culture, its history and practices.

What an adventure! Newfoundland and Labrador contain such a variety of amazing sites of geological and historical importance, and we were able to visit many. And, in addition to seeing important sites like the Tablelands in Gros Morne and L'anse aux Meadows, we saw an iceberg, whales, caribou, and tons of gorgeous wildflowers and fish. Being able to stay in the historic homes in Battle Harber was a highlight. The leader, Tony, is a professional musician, and every day was filled with music. His personal insights into Newfoundland's history and current issues based on a lifetime of experience in that province were interesting and important. Those who suffer from motion sickness do need to be aware that the seas can be rough and roads winding and bumpy, so it is essential to bring motion sickness medications. I highly recommend The Patch. Participants also need to bring protection from black flies. Hats with mosquito netting were quite helpful to many.

Excellent variety and gained insight into the culture of Newfoundland/Labrador. Tony Oxford was the best Road Scholar guide we ever had. An unforgettable experience.

This was a bucket list item for my wife and I. We were thrilled with the entire trip. The scenery was unbelievable. It was liked we stepped back in time. Tony, one of our leaders, is an accomplished musician and a native New Fanlandian. He taught us ethnic songs and a word or phrase of the day, every day and quizzed us every day. We sang his songs on the Ferry Rides and we all sang along. I overheard a lady from a different tour group tell someone in her group that they must have gotten on the wrong bus. That's how we felt about the whole trip.

I went into this trip not knowing much at all about Newfoundland and Labrador. The reading list provided several very interesting reading opportunities, and the trip itself was beyond all expectations.

The Newfoundland-Labrador trip I’ll be of interest to all who want a better understanding of our northern cousins and will offer a world perspective that is often untold in the States.

So much history and scenery on one trip! Norma was an excellent leader who ensured we understood the historical events that shaped this region. As a native Newfoundlander she shared local stories which brought insight to what we were seeing. The scenery was spectacular. Yes there are some long bus rides, but enjoy the view. You are seeing so much varied terrain. The two nights in Battle Harbour were a highlight. Be sure and try all the Newfoundland food options. I learned a new way to cook cod, Bake Apple ice cream is delicious, but Screech bread pudding was the best.

Newfoundland and Labrador are full of history, spectacular scenery, unique geology, and warm and welcoming people. The 10-day Road Scholar trip is an ideal way to discover this very special place. You will want to go back again to see more!

The leader and group gelled very quickly. Many will be friends for life. The education I received con not be measured but will have a special place my heart and memory

This program is outstanding. Much of the positive experience was enhanced by the leader, Tony Dixon, and the bus driver. They have a wide knowledge of the area, and our driver was calm, capable, and friendly. We were fortunate with the weather as I suspect some of what we did may have been less fun in the rain, but overall it was a great learning experience, beautiful scenery, and a new understanding of the area. We ate a lot of fish (other food was available), rode quite a bit on the bus but long stretches were broken up by special stops-and the distances between places is extensive. Great trip!

Program #19794 (Newfoundland & Labrador: Gros Morne & the Northern Peninsula was a fantastic experience. We saw a surely unique part of the world. The program offered an excellent mix of: outdoor and indoor activity; and historical, cultural and environmental (including geological) information. The arrangements, accommodations and program leadership were outstanding, far exceeding expectations.

This tour helped me to have a greater appreciation for the history of peoples in another province of Canada other than my own. I came away with greater empathy and understanding and once again in awe of this great land that we live in.

Tony Oxford absolutely makes this experience a wonderfully memorable one. Here's the kind of difference Tony makes: while other group leaders might say something like "Some students would get up early to set lobster traps before going to school", Tony can say "I would get up early to set lobster traps before going to school." He brings an authenticity to the program that few could match.

Fabulous experience. Guide/instructor Tony Oxford's deep cultural/historic knowledge and his songs/story-telling enhance the trip. Restored fishing village of Battle Harbour not to be missed. L'anse aux Meadows Norse site is truly moving; the geology at Gros Morne is remarkable. Beware only (for some) the biting black flies of the northern summer! Take adequate bug spray, anti-itch cream, face net.

You should go on this trip while Tony Oxford is still leading it. He not only knows everyone in the province and all its history, but he'll play and sing for you! The history of this province is not well taught in our schools, but is nevertheless important to Americans and helps tie a lot of things together.

A trip to Labrador and Newfoundland is a step back in time to ancient history and archeology. It is a breath- taking landscape with friendly people and magnificent vistas. We enjoyed every minute of our tour!

Amazing landscapes, heartbreaking and heroic history, the best fish and chips I ever ate. Tony Oxford is an inspired leader: enthusiastic, organized, welcoming, knowledgeable. Do come prepared to spend many hours on the comfortable bus, though.

The Gros Morne National Park and Labrador trip is one of the very best trips I have ever taken in my life...and I have done tons of trips. Wonderful leader, beautiful land, interesting history, great group. I cannot say enough about how good this trip was. You need to check it out.

There is so much natural beauty in Newfoundland and Labrador and there was so much to learn! We learned geology, early history of Newfoundland and Labrador, and about more current issues for this province. This was a great trip! Tony Oxford was our leader and he did an excellent job. He is a lifelong resident of Newfoundland, and it was clear he enjoyed sharing his knowledge of the province with us all. The most strenuous day was the walk on the Western Brook Trail to the Fjord Cruise. The trail was in excellent condition. There were a few rolling hills, and the trail surface was perfectly packed fines. The trail was wide enough to walk 3 people abreast at all times. The pace was very relaxed, and indeed was a walk - not really a hike. I highly recommend this trip.

This is a very interesting program of an area and era in history that is interesting. Walking was on pavement or gravel pathways and was easy walks with a few hills. The leader was very knowledgeable and was entertaining and friendly and very receptive to requests.

Newfoundland and Labrador are stunning - wild and unspoiled. Though lots of bus time (we covered a lot of ground), every stop was beautiful, full of history and fascinating. Our group leader Tony Oxford was superb. He shared his extensive knowledge of the areas' history, culture, geography, language, customs and music.

In just ten days time we visited UNESCO world heritage sites, floated by ice bergs, saw one of them break into pieces, ate local fish every day, tried the delicacy cod tongue, saw the earth's mantle, visited an ancient Norse site, stayed in historic buildings, hiked up to Marconi's Station where Commander Perry let the world know of his exploration of the North Pole, visited museums and lighthouses, met a local artist and much more all presented by our more than capable leader Tony Oxford through talks and songs. Newfoundland is his home and he led us to love our US neighbor, too.

What a wonderful trip! The beauty and diversity of the land, and the history and culture of its people were so much enhanced by our local guide, Tony Oxford. He is a Newfoundlander through and through, and by sharing his stories and his songs-he made us feel "right at home"!

Tony Oxford, the Trip Leader, brought the Newfoundland/Labrador experience vividly to life for us. This was certainly on of the best of the 7+ Elderhostel/Road Scholar trips we've taken.

The best trip for learning about NL: its history, people, land. NL is a beautiful place with so many different natural and historical sites to visit. We experienced time on land and on the water. The friendliness of the people endeared me to them. Learning the songs of the islanders was fun and informative.

THe programs offered through Road Scholar have been life enriching and very forward thinking. I so appreciate this concise ,up to date educational experience and the wonderful people who participate in such.

A wonderful experience. We saw and learned so much about this little know yet near-by region. World Heritage sites, incredible scenery, historic accommodations, land locked fiords icebergs, whales and even a polar bear. Our host had an incredible depth of knowledge on history, music, food, geology and more. We really enjoyed meeting and talking with the wonderful, friendly, resourceful people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

This program was very unique. Tony Oxford, our leader, was extremely informative and provided us with a delightful musical journey throughout the tour using the songs from the Newfoundland & Labrador province. I knew almost nothing about this province before the tour and left with an amazing impression of the very hardworking people, the history of the cod industry, resettlement and the pure natural beauty of the region. Icebergs were plentiful but sadly no whales made an appearance for our group. I guess that means another trip to this fabulous region!