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Newfoundland's Viking Trail circuit: Route Guide

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The fjord walls of Western Brook Pond in Gros Morne
Photo: Aconcagua · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Drive the full Route 430 circuit from Gros Morne's exposed mantle rock to the Indigenous archaeology of Port au Choix and the only authenticated Norse site in North America. The final southbound leg is a long, sparse-coast road day; wildlife, icebergs and smooth weather remain possibilities rather than promises.

Newfoundland's Viking Trail circuit is a 940 km loop (self-drive). It works best as a 6-day trip; the plan below is the 6-day version for July, built from 65 verified places, with planned transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

6
days
940km
distance
8
Stops
65
curated stops

Plan your own version → 6-day plan · best time to go

The route

Deer Lake→ 80 kmGros Morne South→ 95 kmGros Morne North→ 155 kmPort au Choix→ 200 kmSt. Anthony→ 50 kmL'Anse aux Meadows→ 255 kmViking Trail southbound→ 105 kmDeer Lake return

What you'll see

Roy Whalen Museum and Valley Crafts
You'll see antiques and local artifacts in this engaging museum.
Deer Lake
Lookout Trail
Allow 2–3 hours for the 5.8 km loop from the Discovery Centre and check trail and weather conditions before setting out.
Gros Morne South
Norris Point
Discover heritage buildings and vibrant marine life at the aquarium.
Gros Morne North
Port au Choix National Historic Site
Allow at least two hours for the visitor centre, archaeology and coastal setting; check the exact 2026 operating calendar.
Port au Choix
Grenfell House Museum
Explore the stately home of Sir Wilfred Grenfell.
St. Anthony
L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
Allow at least three hours for the authenticated Norse site, visitor centre, reconstructed sod buildings and public trails.
L'Anse aux Meadows
The Arches Provincial Park
Use this shore-side rock formation as a short rest and viewpoint stop on the long return drive; check current roadside access.
Viking Trail southbound
St. Paul's United Church
You'll see the simple wooden architecture of a 1955 church.
Deer Lake

Choose your length

6-day plan10 stops · 18.5 h transit1.7 stops/day · 3.1 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: June, July, August, September

The staffed Parks Canada sites that define this circuit operate daily through these full months in 2026. Confirm exact hours, park bulletins, road conditions and lodging before departure.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

Similar journeys

Plan your own version →