COME to be FROM AWAY

19-28 June 2026 | 10 Days

We are currently taking reservations. Secure your spot(s) now.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves, pack your sketchbooks, paints, and sense of adventure – and join artist Eleanor Lowden and photographer Pete Ryan for an immersive 10-day workshop. This is not a sit-and-listen event, but a hands-on journey that explores the rugged charm and hidden corners of Newfoundland and Labrador's breathtaking coastline.

More than just a workshop, this is a transformative journey into the heart of a place steeped in stories, weathered beauty, and raw inspiration. Together, we'll seek out the forgotten, the weathered, and the soon-to-be-lost gems of this magical coast, and you'll return home with a new perspective and a wealth of inspiration.

Featured Artist: Meet Eleanor Lowden.

Eleanor Lowden has been a professional artist for the past 30 years. Eleanor finds beauty in the everyday and turns it into colourful, layered works full of charm and detail. Known for her bold, bright, and soft greys, as well as playful patterns, her paintings invite you to enjoy them from afar and get lost in the details up close. Eleanor is a member of the Ontario Society of Artists, and she is represented in galleries across Canada.

With Eleanor Lowden, you'll be actively involved in sketching and painting on location, learning how to choose compelling angles, build intense compositions, and create a harmonious palette that brings your subject to life. Eleanor will guide you through her creative process – from on-site sketching to the thoughtful finishing work she completes in her studio.

Featured Photographer: Meet Pete Ryan.

Pete Ryan, the organizer of the event, has a deep connection to the area, shaped by his extensive travels throughout the province, including the Torngat Mountains in northern Labrador. His passion for this region, developed over 20 years of exploration, drives the event. A career photographer, his work is featured by National Geographic and archived in the National Geographic Image Collection, which serves as a visual testament to his inspiration.

Start your day with Pete, capturing the allure of hidden gems while mastering key photography concepts. His objective is to refine your ability to discern the beauty in the intricate details of our daily lives. Amidst the multitude of captivating scenes, we will focus on the challenge of identifying what is both intriguing and visually appealing. Throughout our exploration, his personal touch will be a constant presence, offering insights, guidance, and immediate feedback. He conducts his workshops in the same manner as he approaches his personal shoots, ensuring each participant feels valued and their skills are nurtured.

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The Itinerary

Our Itinerary is a journey through history, taking us through three UNESCO World Heritage Sites! Gros Morne National Park, L'Anse aux Meadows, and Red Bay. With travel to centuries-old outports, some dating to the 1700s, you'll soon fall in love with Newfoundland and Labrador.

Our rendezvous will be at the historic Tuckamore Lodge. Our days in the northern Newfoundland wilderness will be spent exploring former habitations at the Grey Islands and nearby communities that are essentially a ghost of what they once were. Travelling further north while still on the Great Northern Peninsula, we'll circle by L'Anse aux Meadows and Norstead ending our day closely examining beached shipwrecks. On Day 3, we'll ferry across the Strait of Belle Isle to Blanc Sablon, Quebec, where we'll wander through several curious landscapes before heading to Red Bay, notably the site of a 16th-century Basque whaling station, where you'll have the opportunity to learn about the history of whaling stations and of their significance in the region. Then it's off to Battle Harbour, a private island like no other! This historic 1770s-era port was once the economic and social hub of the southeastern Labrador coast, but it fell into decline and was abandoned in the 1960s. Today, it is a testament to a bygone era, with its dramatic ocean vistas and craggy rock outcrops providing a stunning backdrop for the small wooden church and houses that dot the landscape.

These settlements, or outports, found across the province, were established in the early 20th century, some since the early 1700s. Upon joining Confederation (1949), hundreds of outports were isolated from each other and the rest of the province. During the Resettlement period of the 1960s-70s, people abandoned their homes, taking their belongings but leaving enough behind to provide us with rudimentary sketches of their lives. The houses, the schools, and the stores stand empty. With time, the elements of nature have created "art" for the inspired onlooker, which can be found nestled in the cracked and peeling paint, forming new wall tapestries and door patterns.

Let it be known. These abandoned buildings are more than just empty structures. They are living, breathing testaments to a Newfoundland culture and way of life that no longer exists. The fact that there has been no restoration perhaps explains why these outports are such potent symbols and, for many, such frightening ones—they have no successors. Factor in the desolation and ruggedness of the Labrador landscape—and seascape—that is overwhelming and, as such, inspires fear yet makes these places one of the most marvelous you'll ever see! This is a unique opportunity to witness these structures in their raw, unaltered state, an experience that will inspire and challenge you.

Our days beyond Battle Harbour return us to the island of Newfoundland, where we'll visit another coastal resettlement before exploring the fascinating landscapes of Gros Morne National Park. From Gros Morne to Deer Lake is a short drive to catch returning flights home or to the Trans-Canada Highway, where you can embark on a journey to discover the diverse and exciting options the Province has to offer.

So where should you start, and what should you do? The fact that you're reading this right now is the key to making the results you've always hoped for. So congratulations. It's time to register.

Rendezvous: Main Brook, NL.

How to Get There: If arriving by air, the nearest airport from which you can conveniently return a rental car is Deer Lake Airport (airport code: YDF). The cost of a rental car is available by looking online at what is currently being offered at YDF. For airfare, as of July 24, 2025, the one-way cost offered by Air Canada is $200 from Toronto (YYZ). Main Brook is due north of Deer Lake.

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Historical Interpreter: Gordon Slade is recognized as a Canadian leader for his innovative expertise in the sustainable economic development of some of the world's most unique and economically significant regions. In 2005, Gordon was awarded the Order of Canada and, later in 2020, the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador in recognition of his achievements in spearheading the preservation of Newfoundland and Labrador's heritage.

We are a certified Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Operator: https://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/plan-and-book/tours/36379168

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Experience Level: All skill levels are welcome.

Ground Transportation: We travel in a vehicle convoy. Why the convoy? Having your vehicle allows you the freedom to return at a later time rather than be forced to stay with the group. This method not only gives you the freedom to plan your schedule but also significantly lowers the price of the tour, making it a financially savvy choice. However, if you wish to travel with the tour group, please contact the Organizer asap. There is an additional cost—limited space.

Group Size: Twelve (12) people.

Group Rate: If you have a group of four or more people who wish to register simultaneously, please ask the Organizer for a group rate.

Daily Routine: Soft adventure—walkabout. Our itinerary is subject to change depending on the weather. We'll start our days early to capture the morning's mood and continue throughout the day to observe the big picture and vignettes of landscapes and seascapes, viewing wildlife and when other opportunities present themselves.

Trip Details: Once registration and payment are complete, we shall email registrants a detailed information packet. The packet includes a more precise itinerary, artist accessories/supplies and camera gear suggestions, and a clothing checklist.

FAQ:

* What is included in the Artist Tour?

The cost of the Artist Tour event is a valuable investment. For this particular tour, the cost includes the tour and accommodation. Accommodation is made possible at the best available inns along our route. Private accommodation for one person or double occupancy is available, while quantities last. Double occupancy is available should another person of the same sex request this option or if the people are known to each other. Consider registering with a friend. Booking early ensures you will be staying with the group.

The Battle Harbour segment is a private island within a National Historic Site, the only N.H.S. location in Canada where you can stay overnight. Please register for this tour as soon as possible, as rooms can become in short supply if you book past October.

The cost does not include transportation to/from the tour event (flights or car rental), travel insurance, food, optional personal activities, artist accessories, painting supplies, or any photographic gear.

Transportation:

Air Transportation: For folks arriving by air, the closest international airport is Deer Lake, NL (airport code is YDF).

Ground transportation: Rental car availability can be booked at Deer Lake Airport. It's crucial to act fast, as the province is known to have a notoriously short supply of rental cars unless booked in advance. Don't miss out on this opportunity, book your rental car now!

Fitness Level:

Soft adventure. You must be reasonably fit, healthy, and accustomed to walking. You must also be willing to rise most mornings between six and seven o'clock (6h00 and 7h00), depending on the weather and opportunities announced the preceding evening. We'll drive to each location and then walk to the best position for photography. You will be on your feet for at least five hours per day. Sturdy and comfortable footwear is recommended. Reach out if you have limitations.

What if I need to cancel?

If you cancel this tour event, the following applies: the ticket fees associated with this tour are non-refundable. The ticket is, however, fully transferrable should you find someone who would enjoy attending this same tour. For those who choose the "Reserve a Spot" option, the remaining balance must be paid by the due dates; otherwise, booking cancellation will occur, and any fees already paid will be non-refundable.

For either type of registration booking, should there be a waitlist for this tour, we can help you sell your ticket, but the sale is up to you to negotiate and finalize.

We highly recommend all participants purchase travel insurance.

Terms and Conditions:

Registration: The amount specified per person for this tour event is due when you register. Your space is not reserved until we receive your full payment.

Audit Policy: Only paid participants will be admitted during the tour.

Age Restriction: This tour is recommended for adults over 19. An adult must accompany any minors under 19. Both adults and minors must pay for each respective spot within the tour event.

Liability Waiver: By participating in this tour event, you assume all risk and responsibility for any damages or personal injury that may occur for any reason. By attending this tour event, you agree to waive the leadership team, including organizers, event organizers, and tour event instructors, from any liability or injury, loss, or damage to personal properties associated with the activities or location of this tour event. As our guest, you must comply with our safety rules, be cautioned to heed all warnings and release us from all responsibility for any loss, injury, or damage you may suffer. A general waiver will be presented for review and signing upon arrival.

Cancellation, Refund & Delay Policy: Despite what the Eventbrite Refund Policy may indicate, the ticket fees associated with this tour event are non-refundable. The ticket is, however, fully transferrable should you find someone who would enjoy attending this same tour. Credit cannot be applied to another tour event.

All tour schedules and plans are subject to change at our discretion, dependent upon weather alerts, health and safety considerations, or any other factor related or unrelated to photographic opportunities as we see fit. We are not responsible for any other costs that participants may have incurred, including but not limited to travel, car rental, lodging, insurance, optional personal activities, photographic purchases, and rentals.

No refunds will be given for delays or cancellations due to inclement weather, transportation, or other events beyond our control, either before, during, or after your workshop. We are not responsible for any additional costs you may incur due to delays or cancellations.

Refunds will be issued should the event be cancelled by the Organizer.

We highly recommend that all participants purchase their travel insurance.