Home - Travel Destinations - A 6‑Day Road Trip to L’Anse aux Meadows: A UNESCO Treasure Awaits
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
We link to affiliated partners at no extra cost to you.
Home - Travel Destinations - A 6‑Day Road Trip to L’Anse aux Meadows: A UNESCO Treasure Awaits
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
We link to affiliated partners at no extra cost to you.
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. 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!
A UNESCO Treasure
So here’s the fun part: this windswept corner of Newfoundland is the real deal — the only confirmed place in North America where Vikings set foot more than a thousand years ago. How incredible is that? It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason, a rare archaeological treasure that rewrites what we thought we knew about early exploration. And as if that weren’t impressive enough, L’Anse aux Meadows was also among the first dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites (in fact, in the 4th spot) ever inscribed when the list began. Talk about historic bragging rights.
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!
The place is usually open from morning to late afternoon during the summer, so plan your trip accordingly.
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.
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!
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.
Start early and head to Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO site. 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.
Where to stay: Spend the night — Norris Point makes a perfect base for tomorrow’s adventures.
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.
Where to stay: Stay in your Gros Morne base. It’s so much easier (and lovelier) not to pack up between days — three nights in Gros Morne gives you the breathing room this landscape deserves.
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.
Where to stay: Settle in for the night in Rocky Harbour. It’s the ideal halfway point before the long, scenic drive north tomorrow.
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!
Where to stay: Stay near L’Anse aux Meadows tonight — Hay Cove, St. Lunaire‑Griquet, and Raleigh all offer cozy cabins and friendly B&Bs just minutes from the site.
Distance: ~1.2 km from L’Anse aux Meadows
This is the highest‑rated nearby stay, with warm hospitality, comfortable rooms, and a home‑cooked breakfast. Perched right over the harbour — perfect if you want that “local Newfoundland” feel.
Distance: ~3.1 km
Beautifully furnished, super cozy, and equipped with everything you need. Guests rave about the homely feel and responsive host. Great for couples or families wanting privacy.
Distance: ~8 km
Clean, updated cabins with friendly staff. A good mid‑range option if you want space and a quiet setting near nature.
Spend a full day exploring the historic site, walking through the Viking buildings, and diving into their history at the interpretive center.
Where to stay: Keep the same accommodation site if you want a slower pace, and stay a day or two.
If you have more time, consider extending your stay in the area or starting your return journey, maybe making stops at places you missed on the way up.
Vrbo has over 2 million vacation homes for less than the cost of traditional hotel accommodation.
St. Anthony Airport (IATA code: YAY) serves St. Anthony, Newfoundland. Several airlines operate flights to St. Anthony Airport from destinations in Newfoundland and Labrador, including St. John’s, as well as from other Canadian cities such as 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.
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!