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Newfoundland and Labrador · Canada
At the northern tip of Newfoundland, the only confirmed Viking site in North America, a World Heritage Site, and a coast where icebergs pass in spring.
In the photo: Norse archaeological remains at L'Anse aux Meadows.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Get to know the place
L'Anse aux Meadows is at the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland, at the end of Route 430, the Viking Trail. There, in the 1960s, Norwegian researchers Helge and Anne Stine Ingstad found the remains of a Viking occupation from around the year 1000—the first evidence of European presence in the Americas five centuries before Columbus.
The site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978, preserves the traces of sod houses, with reconstructed replicas built alongside, where interpreters reenact Norse life. Nearby, Norstead recreates a Viking trading port, with a ship and workshops.
St. Anthony, the main town on the peninsula, is the base for visits. It holds the legacy of Dr. Wilfred Grenfell, who established hospitals and schools for coastal communities in the early 20th century, and Fishing Point, from where you can see icebergs that usually pass between May and June. Whales come close to the shore in summer.
The drive from Deer Lake or Gros Morne takes several hours, along the Gulf of St. Lawrence coast, with views of Labrador on clear days.
This destination brings together 1 city: St. Anthony.
One destination, many paths
Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.
Boundaries: Statistics Canada (Statistics Canada Open Licence) / geoBoundaries. Adapted by Cidade Turismo.
✈ St. Anthony Airport (YAY), in Seal Cove · 45 km to St. Anthony
✈ Deer Lake Regional Airport (YDF), in Deer Lake · 435 km to St. Anthony
St. Anthony Airport (YAY) receives regional flights. Most visitors arrive by car via Deer Lake Airport (YDF), about 435 km from St. Anthony, or from Gros Morne along Route 430.
The local experience
Remains of a Viking occupation from around the year 1000 at Newfoundland’s northern tip, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a visitor centre and reconstructed sod houses.
Recreation of a Viking trading port near L'Anse aux Meadows, with turf houses, workshops, a church and a replica of a Norse ship.
A headland at the entrance of St. Anthony harbour, with a lighthouse, stairs up the cliffs and views over the Atlantic, where icebergs often pass in May and June.
A complex in St. Anthony about physician Wilfred Grenfell, with his house museum, an interpretation centre and the handicraft shop started by the mission.
Before you go
A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.
From June to September, when the historic site and Norstead are open; the site usually operates from June 1 to early October. Icebergs typically pass from May to June, and whales appear from June to August. In winter, the site is closed.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Two days: one for the L'Anse aux Meadows site and Norstead, another for St. Anthony, including Fishing Point and Grenfell’s legacy.
St. Anthony has most of the accommodations and services in the area. Inns and rental homes in the small communities near the site, such as L'Anse aux Meadows and St. Lunaire-Griquet, make the visit more relaxed.
Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.
Get your questions answered
Yes. The L'Anse aux Meadows site contains remains of Norse structures from around the year 1000—the first confirmed evidence of European presence in the Americas.
The historic site usually opens from June 1 to early October. Check the dates for the year.
Two days, covering the site, Norstead and St. Anthony. Add driving time from Gros Morne or Deer Lake.
Yes. There is no public transportation between St. Anthony, the site and the surrounding communities.
Newfoundland Time: UTC−3:30, and UTC−2:30 from March to November.
