Hey there, adventurers! Donny Love here, back with another wild escapade from Adventures Unknown! This time, I’ve traded my usual gear for something more rugged—think fur capes, heavy boots, and a splash of Viking swagger—as I set out to conquer the legendary Viking Trail in Newfoundland and Labrador. If you’ve ever dreamed of walking in the footsteps of Norse explorers while feasting your eyes on epic landscapes, this adventure is calling your name. So, grab your imaginary horned helmet (we know Vikings didn’t actually wear them… but let’s dream big), and let’s dive into ancient history, larger-than-life nature, and a little modern-day fun.
Imagine this: over 500 kilometers of coastal highway winding its way from Deer Lake to the northern tip of Newfoundland at L’Anse aux Meadows. Along the way, you’ll pass through Gros Morne National Park (spoiler: it’s breathtaking), charming little fishing villages, and even Iceberg Alley, where massive frozen giants drift down from Greenland. But the Viking Trail is so much more than a scenic road trip—it’s a time machine. You’re literally following the path of Norse explorers who landed here over a thousand years ago. How cool is that? Channel your inner Leif Erikson and let’s roll.
On this trail, every turn feels like a new chapter in an epic saga. You’ll start by marveling at glacial-carved valleys and move to cozy harbors where fishing boats bob in the waves. And keep your eyes peeled—this is moose country! Spotting one of these majestic creatures is practically a rite of passage here.
Let’s kick things off with the trail’s crown jewel: L’Anse aux Meadows. This UNESCO World Heritage Site isn’t just the only confirmed Viking settlement in North America—it’s a portal back to the year 1000 AD. As soon as I stepped onto this windswept terrain, I felt like I’d been dropped into the pages of a Viking saga. The salty breeze, the cries of seabirds, and the sheer magnitude of knowing I was standing where Norse adventurers stood over a millennium ago… It was pure magic.
At the heart of L’Anse aux Meadows are the remains of Viking longhouses, workshops, and even a boat-repair facility. Walking through these ancient structures was like stepping into a history book. I could almost hear the clanging of iron tools and the murmur of Norse settlers planning their next voyage. One of the guides explained that this was Vinland, the Vikings’ basecamp in the New World. Seeing the sod walls and wooden beams up close made their survival here feel all the more impressive.
And because I can’t resist a hands-on experience, I tried my hand at re-creating the Vikings’ ingenious woodworking techniques. Turns out, carving intricate wooden pegs is no small feat. While my work wouldn’t have held up a Viking longhouse, it gave me a fresh appreciation for their craftsmanship.
Before diving into the site itself, I swung by the Interpretive Centre. If you’re into artifacts (and who isn’t?), this place is packed with treasures: iron rivets, tools, and even weapons dug up during excavations. The exhibits are super interactive, with life-sized ship models and videos that bring Viking history to life. I geeked out over the Norse sagas, the epic stories that documented their daring voyages across the Atlantic. Pro tip: take your time here. It’s the perfect primer before heading into the settlement.
The highlight for me? A replica Viking helmet I got to try on—minus the horns, of course. Pair that with my best “Valhalla awaits!” battle cry, and I was practically a Viking chieftain… well, in my head, anyway.
Standing on the shore where this all happened I felt a deep connection to history. The shipwrecks of the SS Saganaga, SS Lord Strathcona, SS Rosecastle and PLM 27 lie on the ocean floor, silent sentinels of a tumultuous time. They’re more than just rusting hulls; they’re memorials to the men who gave their lives to keep Newfoundland’s iron ore flowing to the Allied cause.
Now, here’s where things got really fun. The guided tours at L’Anse aux Meadows are led by local experts who know their Viking stuff. They painted a vivid picture of what life was like here: building with sod and timber, braving harsh winters, and trading with Indigenous peoples. My favorite part? The reconstructed longhouses, where reenactors dressed in full Viking garb spun wool, forged tools, and cooked hearty stews. I even got to try making nails at the blacksmith’s forge. Let’s just say I’ll stick to writing blogs. But the experience? Priceless.
The reenactors didn’t just demonstrate Viking life—they lived it. One of them invited me to join a game of “Hnefatafl,” a Viking board game. Let’s just say strategy games aren’t my forte, but losing to a Viking feels like an honor in itself.
Just a stone’s throw away from L’Anse aux Meadows is Norstead Viking Village, a recreated Viking port that takes history to the next level. Ever dreamed of boarding a Viking ship? I got to step aboard the Snorri, a replica of the ship that retraced Leif Erikson’s route from Greenland. It was awe-inspiring to imagine navigating the North Atlantic in this beast.
Then, it was time to unleash my inner Viking with some hands-on activities. Pottery? Check. Wool spinning? Check. Axe-throwing? Oh, you better believe it. Turns out, I’ve got a knack for chucking axes. Who knew? I wrapped up the day with a bowl of Viking-style porridge by the fire, feeling like I’d truly earned my spot in the longhouse.
Norstead isn’t just a museum—it’s an immersive journey. I even learned how to write my name in runes, Viking-style. Let me tell you, carving letters into stone is no joke. By the end, my hands were sore, but the satisfaction of seeing my name etched in history? Totally worth it.
Next, I cruised over to St. Anthony, where nature takes center stage. If you’re visiting in spring or early summer, you’re in for a treat: Iceberg Alley. I arrived just in time for the Iceberg Festival, where the locals celebrate with live music, comedy shows, and heaping plates of traditional Newfoundland fare like moose burgers and cod tongues.
But the real stars of the show? The icebergs. I hopped on a boat tour to get up close to these towering frozen marvels, and I wasn’t disappointed. Along the way, we spotted humpback whales breaching in the distance. Talk about a two-for-one deal. Pro tip: don’t forget your camera—this is bucket-list stuff.
On shore, I even tried my hand at “iceberg harvesting”—scooping up chunks of ancient ice to taste the purest water on Earth. Let’s just say that crisp, cold sip felt like a toast to the Arctic.
Next stop: the picturesque town of Raleigh and the Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve. This place is an absolute stunner, with dramatic cliffs and rare plant species that make you feel like you’re on another planet. After a brisk morning hike, I treated myself to crispy cod tongues at the Burnt Cape Café. Crunchy, savory, and oh-so-delicious. When in Newfoundland, right?
And for those who love a bit of mystery, locals shared tales of ghostly lights seen along the cliffs at night. Known as the “Burnt Cape Lanterns,” they’re said to be the spirits of lost sailors guiding others to safety. I didn’t see any… but it gave me goosebumps just imagining it.
Heading further south, I stopped at Port au Choix, a town rich in Indigenous history. The national historic site here showcases artifacts from Newfoundland’s earliest inhabitants, including the Maritime Archaic, Groswater, and Dorset cultures. Seeing tools and ceremonial objects from thousands of years ago gave me a deep appreciation for the history of this land. I stayed at a cozy B&B called A Wave From It All and fueled up with a hearty breakfast at the Anchor Café before hitting the road again.
In true Donny fashion, I couldn’t resist joining a workshop on traditional Indigenous crafts. Let’s just say my attempt at making a seal-skin pouch was… well, unique. But hey, it’s the effort that counts, right?
Last but certainly not least: Gros Morne National Park. This place is otherworldly. The Tablelands, where the Earth’s mantle is exposed, look like something out of a sci-fi movie. I hiked the trails, marveling at the alien-like landscape, before heading to Western Brook Pond for a boat tour. Picture this: towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and a freshwater fjord that’ll leave you speechless.
For a bit of adventure, I joined a kayaking tour along the fjords. Gliding through the still waters with cliffs towering above me was an almost meditative experience. The silence, broken only by the call of seabirds, made me feel like I was in another world.
But that’s not all Gros Morne has to offer. I spent an afternoon at Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse, learning about the park’s maritime history and watching the waves crash against the rocky shore. The view from the top was absolutely breathtaking. Later, I tackled the Gros Morne Mountain hike, a challenging but rewarding trek that brought me face-to-face with some of the most incredible vistas I’ve ever seen.
When evening rolled around, I joined a group of fellow adventurers for a stargazing session. With zero light pollution, the night sky came alive with a blanket of stars. We even caught a glimpse of the Milky Way. Talk about ending the day on a high note.
From the ancient Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows to the jaw-dropping landscapes of Gros Morne, the Viking Trail has it all. Whether you’re throwing axes, spotting whales, or simply soaking in the history, this adventure is guaranteed to leave you awestruck.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, unleash your inner Viking, and hit the road. And hey, when you make the trip, don’t forget to tell me your favorite part in the comments below. Until next time, adventurers… skål!
Cheers,
Donny Love
Adventures Unknown
