Newfoundland Northern Peninsula

Stretching like a rugged finger into the Labrador Sea, Newfoundland’s Northern Peninsula is a land of ancient mountains, deep fjords, and windswept coastlines. This is where you’ll find the island’s most dramatic scenery, from the Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows to the towering cliffs of Gros Morne National Park. The peninsula is also rich in Indigenous history and offers intimate encounters with icebergs and whales. Whether you’re hiking the Long Range Traverse or exploring fishing villages, this region rewards travellers with a raw, untamed beauty.

Highlights & What to See

• Gros Morne National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage site with fjords, tablelands, and the challenging Gros Morne Mountain hike. Don’t miss the Western Brook Pond boat tour.
• L’Anse aux Meadows – The only confirmed Viking settlement in North America, with reconstructed turf huts and a fascinating interpretation centre.
• St. Anthony – A historic fishing town and base for iceberg-watching and whale tours; visit the Grenfell Interpretation Centre.
• Port au Choix – An archaeological site revealing 6,000 years of Indigenous habitation, with a museum and coastal trails.
• The Viking Trail – The scenic drive (Route 430) that connects Gros Morne to L’Anse aux Meadows, with pull-offs for icebergs, seabird colonies, and coastal views.
• Burgeo Islands – A wild archipelago accessible by boat from Burgeo, known for pristine beaches and hiking.

Suggested Time to Spend

To fully experience the Northern Peninsula, plan at least 5–7 days. Spend 2–3 days exploring Gros Morne National Park, including a day for the Western Brook Pond boat tour and a half-day hike. Then drive the Viking Trail north, allowing 2 days for stops at Port au Choix, St. Anthony, and L’Anse aux Meadows. If you’re short on time, focus on Gros Morne and L’Anse aux Meadows over a long weekend, but you’ll miss the quieter coastal gems.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Twillingate – Known as the “Iceberg Capital of the World,” a 4-hour drive southeast, great for boat tours and hiking.
• Fogo Island – An artist-friendly island with modern architecture and traditional outport culture, accessible by ferry from Farewell.
• Bonne Bay – A scenic inlet near Gros Morne with kayaking, whale-watching, and the town of Woody Point.
• Labrador Straits – Take a ferry from St. Barbe to Blanc-Sablon, Quebec, to explore the rugged coast of southern Labrador (requires extra time).
• Corner Brook – A lively city with the Marble Mountain ski resort and the Humber River, about 1.5 hours south of Gros Morne.

Please check official sources for current details.