Western Brook Pond Gorge, Western

Western Newfoundland – Gros Morne National Park and Viking Trail

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Western Newfoundland stretches 750 kilometres from Channel-Port aux Basques on the southwest corner, to the Viking site of L’Anse aux Meadows at the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula. With ancient mountains, fjords, icebergs, whales, thousands of miles of coastline, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the International Appalachian Trail, this wild and rugged region sports abundant breathing room and diverse natural heritage.

Starting Location Sidney, NS / End Location: Sidney, NS

  • Product ID CAEC-05YQY
  • Destination/Regions Canada, The Atlantic Provinces
  • Travel Season Spring/Summer
  • Duration 5 Days 4 Nights
All about Western Newfoundland – Gros Morne National Park and Viking Trail.

Gros Morne National Park and Viking Trail



About the Western Region

The land found here has a unique geological history dating back 1.25 billion years, not to mention a human history spanning 4,500 years. Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 1,805 square kilometres, includes the towering Long Range Mountains and the Tablelands. The park offers more than 100 kilometres of hiking trails, many passing through fascinating rock formations thrown up from the earth’s core due to tectonic activity.

Visit the first European settlement of the new world at L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site. This Viking village, the area’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site, features a reconstructed complex of sod huts that offers a glimpse into the life of Nordic visitors a thousand years ago.

Here in the wild west of the far east of North America, you’ll find scenery to take your breath away. It’s a place of mountains and of conservation areas like the Codroy Valley International Wetlands, where you can watch wildlife like moose, caribou, and migratory birds. It’s a place where you can plan boat trips, go kayaking, hiking, and even visit secluded sandy beaches. It’s also full of culture, so be sure to make time for some theatre, music, and art along the way.



Itinerary Overview


DAY 1: Rocky Harbour, NL
DAY 2: Gros Morne National Park, NL
DAY 3: Gros Morne National Park, NL
DAY 4: St. Anthony, NL
DAY 5: Sidney, NS



Mobility Requirements


Touring the Maritimes requires a certain level of activity and physical fitness to enjoy the diverse landscape of the region. While the specific requirements for location varies, in general, you must be able to:

  • Climb stairs with ease and at times without handrails.
  • Walk up and down moderate to steep inclines.
  • Walk on uneven surfaces.
  • Walk distances of at least 1km at a reasonable pace.
  • Walk and stand for up to 2 hours.
  • Manage your own luggage if luggage handling is not available.

Availble Travel Dates


Ideal Travelling season would be from June to September, subject to hotel availability


  1. Day 1 Rocky Harbour

    Take the 11:15pm Night crossing from North Sydney, Nova Scotia and arrive at Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador at 7:30am.

    After disembarking from the ferry, depart for Gros Morne National Park (approx. 3.5hrs)

    Visit Parks Canada Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse: Rocky Harbour Built in 1897 this lighthouse features interpretive exhibits about the communities of the National Park and how people made their living from the sea for more than 4000 years. Short paths through elfin forest led to spectacular viewpoints over the Gulf of St. Lawrence and stairs wind down to the shore.

    Overnight in Rocky Harbour

  2. Day 2 Gros Morne National Park

    Discover Gros Morne National Park, which mother nature took over 485 million years to create a place unlike any other on earth. A UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 1,805 square kilometres, the park is a never-ending series of wonders and delights, and a demonstration of the spectacularly raw and enigmatic beauty of the physical world.

    Touring options for today:
    -Parks Canada, state-of-the-art Discovery Centre
    -Explore the Tablelands, Gros Morne National Park (UNESCO Heritage Site)
    -Bonne Bay Marine Station, located waterfront in Norris Point
    -SS Ethie Shipwreck Site, located north of Norris Point along Route #430 Viking Trail
    -Broom Point Heritage Site, located north of Norris Point along Route #430 Viking Trail
    -Western Brook Fjord Boat Tour, A Canadian Signature Experience
    -St. Mary’s Botanical Gardens, Cow Head
    -Bonne Bay Boat Tour, located waterfront in Norris Point

    overnight in Gros Morne

  3. Day 3 L’Anse aux Meadows and St. Anthony

    Today, we will be depart for L’Anse aux Meadows and St. Anthony (approx. 3.5 hr drive)

    Suggested Activity:

    L’Anse Aux Meadows, A UNESCO World Heritage Site is 1,000 years old and is the only known Viking site in North America and the earliest evidence on Europeans in the Western hemisphere and ranks as one of the world’s most significant archaeological properties. It is a place of many firsts; the first cultural site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the site of the first iron production in North America, the first meeting of Europeans and Aboriginal people and according to the Sagas it is also the place where the first European baby was born on North American soil.

    overnight in St. Anthony

  4. Day 4 Northland Discovery

    Northland Discovery Boat Tour

    Explore this northern corridor of Iceberg Alley, which has consistently more icebergs than any other location in Newfoundland. When these 10,000 year old massive ice mountains appear, the beauty of these shimmering mountains of ice will rejuvenate your soul. The St. Anthony coast is one of the best places in the world for viewing humpbacks and Atlantic white-beaked dolphins. Sightings of minke, fin and killer whales are also common. When the whales arrive, savor the sounds of their acoustical blows or watch them breach nearby.

    overnight in St. Anthony

  5. Day 5 route #430 Viking Trail

    Depart for Marine Atlantic Ferry, Port aux Basques (approx. 8 hr drive).

    Touring suggestion along route #430 Viking Trail:

    The Arches Provincial Park, located north of Norris Point along Route #430 Viking Trail
    View this unique rock formation eroded by 100’s of years of sea wave action. A great photo opportunity not to miss!

    Board 11:45 pm Marine Atlantic Ferry at Port aux Basques to Nova Scotia.

    overnight on Marine Atlantic Ferry, Arrive in North Sydney, Nova Scotia