Southern Labrador Whale Study Adventure

  Canada

• All Other Areas in Canada: 
Deer Lake,  St. John's

Dates: Please Contact Us for more information.

Description: Join a Wildland Tours naturalist on our quest to study and catalogue the humpbacks and orcas of northern Newfoundland and southern Labrador. The area is incredibly rich with wildlife but is one of North America's least studied marine areas. Enjoy comfortable nights, wild days, and some of our planet's most dramatic landscapes as we count humpbacks and pioneer the study of eastern North America's orcas.

In 2004 we saw over 10,000 white sided dolphins plus fin whales, minkes, and white beaked dolphins in addition to the humpbacks and two groups of orcas. The 2005 expedition was equally rich and rewarding as we documented a new group of orcas and recorded their underwater vocalizations as they harassed a group of humpbacks.

This expedition combines research and exploration along one of our planet's richest and least known coastlines.

Highlights: Members of the world's largest humpback whale gathering; L'Anse aux Meadows (a UNESCO world heritage site) and home to North America's only authenticated Norse settlement around the year 1000; Red Bay (the World's largest centre of whaling in the 1560s to the early 17th century); Gros Morne (a UNESCO World Heritage site); thousands of dolphins (typically seen on these trips); Battle Harbour (the former Capital of Labrador - Battle Harbour is only a tiny spot on the world map but it has received world recognition from Conservation International and the National Geographic Traveler magazine in the first World Legacy Awards. Battle Harbour Historic Trust received Honourable Mention in the Heritage Tourism category and was the only North American destination recognized by the Awards. The World Legacy Awards were established by Conservation International and National Geographic Traveler magazine to recognize leading examples in the tourism industry that are helping to protect the planet's cultural and natural heritage.)

The humpbacks and the settings in Newfoundland and Labrador are all amazing but the holiday highlight, when we find them, is the region's orcas. Also known as killer whales, these have been celebrated in the region's native art for over 3000 years, but have had almost no research effort put into studying how many there are or how they live. Our research on these Northern Whale Study Expeditions is working to change this. We currently have a developmental regional catalogue of six recognizable families. We hope that our 2006 expeditions will enable us to expand and improve on this.

Cost in US$: USD 4,690 per person, double; USD 5,400 (s) tax inclusive

Not Included Transportation to and/or from Newfoundland

Notes All appropriate Canadian taxes are included in the prices. Our maximum group size is 12. Meals are a highlight and feature such Newfoundland and Labrador specialties as partridgeberry tarts and bakeapple pies. All of the accommodations are best available in the region, and feature good quality local dining and comfortable rooms with their own washroom facilities

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Canada Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of Up to 12

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Wildland Tours and Learning Vacations's Mission Statement: Wildland Tours and Learning Vacations Mission Statement: To tell the world about the natural wonders of Newfoundland and Labrador, thereby enhancing the protection of these wild lands and the ocean. We accomplish this by inviting travelers from around the world to experience the whales, seabirds, and other wildlife of this place. We are committed to providing quality life experiences for visitors and we strive to maintain excellent customer service while providing respectful, sustainable, educational, and enjoyable excursions. We work to support research into the region's wildlife populations and eco-regions; and we are committed to the establishment and expansion of parks and protected areas in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Year Founded: 1984