Embarking on the Viking Trail motorcycle route in Newfoundland is akin to traversing a timeless tapestry woven with threads of ancient history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. This exhilarating journey invites riders to indulge in the wild north of Canada, reflecting the rugged spirit of the Vikings who once roamed these shores. As the wheels roll across the varied terrains, each stop along the way unveils a story, beckoning adventurers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the untamed landscape. Here are ten remarkable locations that encapsulate the essence of the Viking Trail, complete with relevant details to enhance your journey.
1. St. Anthony
Address: 112A Main Street, St. Anthony, NL A0K 4S0
Contact: +1 709-454-3102
Website: www.townofstanthony.com
Your odyssey begins in St. Anthony, a quaint coastal town steeped in history. Clutching the rocky shoreline, this picturesque haven serves as a gateway to the Viking settlements of L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site invites exploration, its reconstructed Norse structures echoing the echoes of long-gone mariners. Enjoy a meandering ride along the coast, where the Atlantic gently caresses the land, offering glimpses of icebergs floating like poetic dreams in the distance.
2. L’Anse aux Meadows
Address: L’Anse aux Meadows, NL A0K 2X0
Contact: +1 709-623-2608
Website: www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/nl/meadows
At L’Anse aux Meadows, history opens its arms wide, welcoming you to the first known European settlement in North America. Here, the Viking spirit thrives, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of Leif Erikson. The interpretive center elucidates the lives of these intrepid adventurers, while the reconstructed sod huts impart a tactile connection to the past. The windsweep whispers tales of discovery, urging motorcyclists to explore this unforgettable location.
3. Gros Morne National Park
Address: 1 Discovery Rd, Woody Point, NL A0K 1P0
Contact: +1 709-243-2150
Website: www.parkscanada.gc.ca/grosmorne
As you navigate further along the trail, Gros Morne National Park unfolds like a majestic painting, its dramatic cliffs and serene fjords beckoning adventurers to delve deeper into nature’s grandeur. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts an amalgam of geological marvels and rich biodiversity. Let your motorcycle hug the winding roads, and stop to absorb the sweeping vistas—the Table Mountain lifts your spirit while the Forests cradle your thoughts.
4. Rocky Harbour
Address: 1-3 Main St, Rocky Harbour, NL A0K 4N0
Contact: +1 709-458-2200
Website: www.rockyharbour.com
Rocky Harbour is a charming locale where the mountains conjoin with the sea, creating a harmonious blend of rugged terrain and serene waters. The bustling community ambiance will rejuvenate your senses as you savor local cuisine at delightful eateries. Channeling the Viking ethos, relish fresh catches from the ocean and toast with locals who share stories of this captivating land. The hospitality here is as warm as a jersey on a cold night.
5. Deer Lake
Address: 10 Stuckless Drive, Deer Lake, NL A8A 1X0
Contact: +1 709-635-2024
Website: www.deerlake.ca
Continuing your journey, Deer Lake radiates the tranquility of pristine wilderness. This stunning area is home to astonishing lakes, dense forests, and panoramic views. Perfect for those looking to take a break from riding, here you can engage in outdoor activities such as fishing or hiking. The fresh air fills your lungs with rejuvenation, igniting a hunger for adventure, echoing the Viking spirit of exploration.
6. Corner Brook
Address: 5 Park St, Corner Brook, NL A2H 1A1
Contact: +1 709-634-5093
Website: www.cornerbrook.com
Your next stop is Corner Brook, a vibrant city nestled in the heart of Newfoundland. Known for its historic charm and artistic culture, this locale is a confluence of nature and city life. Visit the Corner Brook Museum and Archives, where relics of the past whisper tales of the land. The artistic murals splashed against city walls depict the creative spirit, resonating with Viking exploration’s fervor for narrative and artistry.
7. Bay of Islands
Address: 130 Main St, Lark Harbour, NL A0L 1P0
Contact: +1 709-646-3300
Website: www.bayofislands.ca
The Bay of Islands enchants with its stunning vistas that capture the essence of tranquility. The vibrant waters teeming with marine life offer a serene reprieve. As you rev your motorcycle along the scenic routes, the gentle sway of the coastal breeze rekindles your adventurous spirit. Engage with the surrounding wilderness through hiking or kayaking, embracing the freedom that echoes the Vikings’ conquests.
8. Cow Head
Address: 80 Main Rd, Cow Head, NL A0K 2A0
Contact: +1 709-216-1073
Website: www.cowhead.ca
In Cow Head, the rich cultural heritage envelops visitors, offering a glimpse into the unique traditions that define the area. Home to the Cow Head Heritage Theatre, you can immerse yourself in local performances that capture the spirit of Newfoundland. Nestled against the coastline, the breathtaking views provide the perfect backdrop for introspection and renewal, allowing riders to ponder the journeys of those who traveled these paths millennia ago.
9. Norris Point
Address: 1 Main St, Norris Point, NL A0K 3V0
Contact: +1 709-458-2030
Website: www.norrispoint.com
Norris Point echoes with the harmony between land and sea, where the waves sing to the mountains. Offering a seamless intersection of adventure and relaxation, the scenic beauty invites exploration. Whether you choose to hike the awe-inspiring Gros Morne or lounge on tranquil shores, this location epitomizes the duality of exploration and rest—an invitation reminiscent of Viking bravery tempered with the wisdom of home.
10. Twillingate
Address: 37 Main St, Twillingate, NL A0G 4M0
Contact: +1 709-884-2562
Website: www.twillingatetravel.com
Finally, Twillingate, renowned as the Iceberg Capital of the World, showcases an awe-inspiring spectacle that must not be missed. Witness colossal ice forms drifting majestically by the shores, a reminder that nature is both fierce and beautiful. As you ride into this coastal vista, you will find a myriad of festivals, offering a vibrant cultural tapestry through food, music, and local art—an appropriate finale to a remarkable journey that ignites the spirit of the Viking Trail.
Your voyage along the Viking Trail beckons, calling upon the ancient echoes of exploration that continue to resonate within its landscapes. Each stop along this breathtaking route reveals a new facet of Newfoundland’s wild north, perpetuating the cyclical connection between the wilderness and human adventure. So pack your bags, mount your motorcycle, and prepare to write your own story against this captivating canvas of history and nature.
