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Let's Talk L'Anse aux Meadows: A Viking Adventure!

Ever heard of L’Anse aux Meadows? It’s this super cool spot in Newfoundland, Canada, where you can step right into Viking history! The name means “Meadows Cove” in English.

Why It's So Special

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

So, here’s the scoop: this place is the real deal—it’s the only place in North America where we’ve found evidence of Vikings hanging out more than 1,000 years ago. That’s wild, right? It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it pretty important historically.

What’s Waiting for You

When you visit, you’ll find all sorts of fascinating stuff. There are actual Viking remains! Like, buildings they lived in, a forge where they made things, and even tools they used every day. Imagine walking through those ancient buildings—it’s like time traveling!

Hours

The place is usually open from morning to late afternoon during the summer, so plan your trip accordingly.

Must-See Things

Once you’re there, check out the reconstructed Viking buildings. You can peek into how these Norse folks lived and worked—it’s pretty mind-blowing! Plus, there’s an interpretive center where they show off all these cool artifacts, giving you a closer look at how they lived back then.

Let's Talk L'Anse aux Meadows, UNESCO World Heritage Site min
Let's Talk L'Anse aux Meadows A Viking Adventure! min

Fun Fact: Who Owns It?

Parks Canada takes care of this treasure trove. They’re in charge of keeping it safe and making sure people like us can soak in all that Viking history!

You’ve Gotta Visit!

Seriously, if you’re into history or just love a good adventure, L’Anse aux Meadows is the place to be. It’s like stepping into a Viking saga—seeing how they explored and settled way before most folks even knew this part of the world existed. Totally worth the trip!

How do you get there?

The drive is an adventure in itself, covering around 680 kilometers (about 423 miles) if you take the direct route. However, if you’re up for some exploration along the way (which I highly recommend), you might want to plan for a week-long trip.

Starting from St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, is a great kick-off point for this adventure. From there, embark on an epic road trip along the Viking Trail (Route 430) that leads you to L’Anse aux Meadows.

Here’s a suggested route to L’Anse aux Meadows

Day 1: St. John’s to Gros Morne National Park

Start early and head to Gros Morne National Park. It’s about 6-7 hours of driving, but the stunning landscapes and charming towns along the way are totally worth it. Spend the night in or around the park to rest up for more exploring.

Day 2-3: Explore Gros Morne National Park

Take a couple of days to explore Gros Morne. Hike the trails, boat through Western Brook Pond, and soak in the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Starting from St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, is a great kick-off point for this adventure. From there, embark on an epic road trip along the Viking Trail (Route 430) that leads you to L’Anse aux Meadows.

Travel Tip(s)

St. Anthony Airport (IATA code: YAY) serves St. Anthony, Newfoundland. Several airlines operate flights to St. Anthony Airport from destinations within Newfoundland and Labrador, such as St. John’s, as well as from other Canadian cities like Halifax. Airlines like Air Canada and PAL Airlines provide scheduled flights to and from St. Anthony Airport.

The distance from St. Anthony Airport to L’Anse Aux Meadows is about 54 min (71.5 km) via NL-430 N and NL-436.

Day 4: Gros Morne to Rocky Harbour

Make your way to Rocky Harbour, a picturesque town near Gros Morne. It’s only about an hour’s drive, but take your time to enjoy the scenery and maybe stop at little towns along the way.

Day 5: Rocky Harbour to L’Anse aux Meadows

Finally, set off from Rocky Harbour to L’Anse aux Meadows. It’s roughly a 4-5 hour drive, but again, consider stopping at interesting spots or viewpoints along the Viking Trail. Take in the sights and breathe in that crisp Newfoundland air!

Day 6: Explore L’Anse aux Meadows

Spend a full day exploring the historic site, walking through the Viking buildings, and diving into their history at the interpretive center.

Day 7: Return Journey or Further Exploration

If you have more time, consider extending your stay in the area or start your return journey, maybe making stops at places you missed on the way up.

This road trip isn’t just about reaching your destination; it’s about enjoying the journey and discovering the beauty of Newfoundland along the way. So pack some snacks, crank up your favorite tunes, and get ready for an incredible adventure!

The best available hotels & places to stay for your road trip to L'Anse aux Meadows

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