Driving the Viking Trail: A 6-Day Western Newfoundland and Labrador Road Trip

This six-day Western Newfoundland and Labrador road trip follows the legendary Viking Trail to three remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites — Gros Morne National Park, Red Bay’s Basque whaling station, and the Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows. Along the way, travellers encounter rare geological formations, drifting icebergs, remarkable wildlife encounters, dramatic coastal landscapes and stories that stretch from ancient oceans to Norse explorers.

A Journey through Gros Morne, Icebergs, and Viking History Along the Viking Trail

The colourful coastal villages and windswept, rugged landscapes of Western Newfoundland and Labrador beckon exploration. This part of Canada feels unlike anywhere else in the world.

Western Newfoundland occupies the island’s dramatic west coast along the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where the Viking Trail winds north past fjord-like bays, fishing villages and ancient geological landscapes.

My inquiring mind wanted to compare these extraordinary places — lands shaped over hundreds of millions of years — while learning about the rural culture of the people who call this remarkable coastline home.

I arrived in Western Newfoundland and Labrador with both purpose and curiosity, driven by a lifelong fascination with Norse explorers and a personal connection to my Norwegian roots. My goal was to compare these Canadian wonders with places I had visited in Norway.

I wanted to walk on the exposed piece of the Earth’s mantle at Gros Morne National Park and examine how it differed from the rare geological formations I saw on Leka Island in Norway. I hoped to see the Basque chalupa, the oldest known whaling boat in North America, and compare its craftsmanship with Norway’s long maritime traditions. And I wanted to stand at the 1,000-year-old Viking settlement of L’Anse aux Meadows and reflect on how this site connects to Norse exploration across the North Atlantic.

My fascination with Vinland began long ago. In Grade 6, I completed a social studies project on Viking voyages and the legendary journeys of Erik the Red and his son Leif Eriksson. Decades later, I finally found myself travelling the same North Atlantic routes those explorers once crossed.

Best Time to Visit for a Western Newfoundland and Labrador Road Trip

The best time to visit “The Rock,” as Newfoundland is affectionately known, is from May through October when temperatures are mild and wildlife is active.

July and August bring the warmest weather and the largest number of visitors. Many tourism businesses operate seasonally, and some close during the winter months.

I travelled in mid-June hoping to see icebergs, whales, puffins and moose. This is one of the most exciting times of year along Newfoundland’s northern coast because Iceberg Alley often sees hundreds of massive icebergs drifting south from Greenland.

Autumn offers another spectacular season for a road trip as forests across the island turn vibrant shades of red, orange and gold.

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Beginning the Journey Along the Viking Trail

This route balances manageable driving distances with access to some of the most remarkable heritage sites in Atlantic Canada.

The journey begins in Deer Lake, the gateway to Gros Morne National Park, and gradually unfolds northward along the legendary Viking Trail, a scenic highway that traces Newfoundland’s rugged western coastline.

Over six days the route explores the extraordinary geology of Gros Morne National Park, crosses the Strait of Belle Isle into Labrador to visit the Basque whaling station at Red Bay, and continues north to L’Anse aux Meadows, the oldest known European settlement in North America.

I flew into Deer Lake Airport to begin our road trip adventure. The moment I saw the road sign for the Viking Trail, my excitement grew — especially when the next sign warned drivers to “Be Moose Alert.”

Dramatic coastline, quiet fishing villages and long stretches of open road define this unforgettable drive.
Plan the trip carefully and consider booking accommodations, tours and popular restaurants in advance during peak travel season. Looking at the map and the highlighted attractions along the route will help determine how many nights to spend in each location based on your travel style.

Day 1 – Deer Lake to Cow Head – 195 km | 2 hr 35 min without stops

Highlights:

• Gros Morne Discovery Centre
• Bonne Bay
• Tablelands Mantle Walk
• Gros Morne Theatre Festival

Today offers the first taste of the Viking Trail.
Stop in Woody Point at the Gros Morne Discovery Centre to gain an overview of the park’s extraordinary geological story.
Continue to Bonne Bay for lunch before heading toward one of the most unusual landscapes on Earth — the Tablelands.
Spend the evening in Cow Head enjoying traditional Newfoundland hospitality, local seafood and perhaps an evening of storytelling and music at the Gros Morne Theatre Festival.

Where to Stay: Shallow Bay Motel and Cabins is located directly on the waterfront in Cow Head.

Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne National Park, Parks Canada Discovery Centre

Start your visit at the Parks Canada Discovery Centre. It’s time to be fully immersed.

Here, visitors learn about the long-lost ancient ocean of Iapetus and the formation of the supercontinent Rodinia. Over millions of years these continents split apart and reformed through the movement of tectonic plates, revealing a geological story written in stone in the fragments of the ocean floor exposed.

The centre also highlights the traditions of the Miawpukek First Nation of Conne River, a Mi’kmaw community on Newfoundland’s south coast.

A display about the ancient, long-lost ocean at the Gros Morne National Park Parks Canada Discovery Centre. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

The map of Gros Morne National Park at the Canada Discovery Centre shows how massive the park is, with key points of interest marked. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Lunch stop at the historic Merchant Warehouse, Bonne Bay

Fuel up before heading to the Tablelands at the historic Merchant Warehouse. This retro-styled restaurant, housed in a restored warehouse, sits directly over the water and serves great pub comfort food. The waterfront patio provides impressive views of stunning Bonne Bay.

After lunch, take time to wander through the small community of Woody Point with its colourful houses, charming shops and cozy inns.

Views from the Merchant Warehouse of Bonne Bay, Newfoundland. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Bonne Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Shrimp, Fish and Chips at the Merchant Warehouse in Bonne Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Walking on the Earth’s Mantle at Tablelands

I was in complete awe at Tablelands as I walked on a piece of the Earth’s mantle, the layer usually hidden deep beneath the crust. The surreal, Mars-like terrain is covered in rusty orange peridotite rocks. Nowhere else in the world, aside from Leka, Norway, have I seen this rare geological exposure.

In search of life beyond Earth, Canadian Space Agency scientists have studied the iron-rich Tablelands to better understand how microscopic life forms might survive in the extreme environment of Mars.

The park offers a two-hour guided walk along the Tablelands Trail to view the land normally found beneath Earth’s crust.

Tablelands Gros Morne Historic National Park Newfoundland and Labrador. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

A knowledgeable Parks Canada guide discusses the Earth’s crust at Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Newfoundland and Labrador. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Pick up a piece of the rusty rocks scattered around, but don’t take it. This rock is called peridotite. Notice how heavy it is. It is comprised of iron, nickel, chromium, cobalt and magnesium. When it is freshly broken, it is dark green inside. After exposure to air, it quickly transforms, crumbling and turning rusty brown as the iron oxidizes.

Look at the image above. The scale pattern on the peridotite is called serpentinite. Few plants can grow in this environment, as these rocks are poisonous to many plants.

In mid-June, plants that have adapted to the environment begin to bloom in the barren landscape. Some of these plants grow far up in the Arctic.

Tablelands Walk the Mantel Trail at Gros Mourne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Evening in Cow Head

Gros Morne Theatre Festival – June to mid-September

After a day of exploring the rugged beauty of Gros Morne, there’s no better way to wrap things up than with dinner at the Shallow Bay Family Restaurant, followed by an evening performance of storytelling, music, and laughter at the Gros Morne Theatre Festival at the Nurse Myra Bennett Centre for Performing Arts. The restaurant is part of the Shallow Bay Motel and Cabins complex, conveniently located right across the road from the main festival venue in Cow Head. Most performances begin at 8:00 p.m., so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy a relaxed meal before settling in for the show.

I caught Neddy Norris Night, a heartwarming and humorous celebration of traditional Newfoundland music, featuring the talented local musician Stephanie Payne. It felt like being invited into a community kitchen party, full of foot-stomping tunes, cheeky stories, and a whole lot of heart. Another must-see is Newfoundland Rocks: A Cow Head Shed Party, which brings a vibrant mix of traditional tunes with island charm to the stage. Be sure to check the full schedule before your visit.

Dinner at Shallow Bay Family Restaurant

The Shallow Bay Family Restaurant offers more than just a convenient pre-show meal; it serves hearty Newfoundland fare with front-row views of stunning Shallow Bay and “The Head.” Their lobster dinner is a local favourite, served fresh and generously portioned, often with classic sides like coleslaw and homemade rolls. Whether you’re watching the sun dip behind the bay or gearing up for an evening at the Gros Morne Theatre Festival, it’s the perfect place to savour the flavours and the scenery of Cow Head.

The shoreline from Shallow Bay Motel and Cabins in Cow Head, Newfoundland. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Views from the shoreline of Shallow Bay Motel and Cabins in Cow Head, Newfoundland. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Lobster served at the Shallow Bay Family Restaurant in Cow Head, Newfoundland and Labrador. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Western Newfoundland

How many days do you need in Western Newfoundland?

A six-day itinerary allows travellers to experience Gros Morne National Park, cross the Strait of Belle Isle into Labrador, explore Red Bay’s Basque whaling history, view icebergs along the northern coast, and visit the Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows. Linger a few days longer to take full advantage of exploring deeper.

When is the best time to see icebergs in Newfoundland?

Iceberg season typically runs from late May to early July when massive glaciers drift south from Greenland along Iceberg Alley.

Is the Viking Trail worth driving?

The Viking Trail is considered one of the most scenic drives in Canada, connecting Gros Morne National Park, coastal fishing communities, and the historic Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows.

Can you see whales in Western Newfoundland?

Yes. Humpback whales, minke whales and other species are frequently spotted along the northern coast between June and August.

How to get to Western Newfoundland and Labrador

Western Newfoundland is easily reached by air, road or ferry.

The most convenient option is to fly into Deer Lake Regional Airport, the main gateway to Gros Morne National Park and the Viking Trail. Many travellers connect through St. John’s or Halifax before continuing to Deer Lake.

Visitors can also fly into St. John’s International Airport and drive across the island to Deer Lake, a scenic journey of about 6 hours and 40 minutes (636 km).

Other transportation options to consider:

• Adventurous travellers can also drive 27 hr (2,154 km) from Quebec City through Labrador on the Labrador Coastal Drive, then take the Labrador Marine Ferry across the Strait of Belle 1.5 hours from Blanc Sablon, QC to St. Barbe, before continuing along Newfoundland’s Viking Trail.
• Depart from Nova Scotia on the seven-hour Marine Atlantic Ferry from North Sydney, Nova Scotia to Port Aux Basques, Newfoundland, then drive 2 hr 52 min (266.5 km) to Deer Lake.

Continue Exploring Newfoundland and Labrador

This road trip itinerary only scratches the surface of what this remarkable province offers. For deeper explorations of the landscapes and history featured along this journey, continue with these guides.

• Driving the Trans-Labrador Highway and Visiting Red Bay
• L’Anse aux Meadows: Where Vikings Reached North America
• Iceberg Alley Newfoundland: Where to See 10,000-Year-Old Icebergs
• Western Brook Pond Fjord Boat Tour in Gros Morne National Park
• Best Things to Do in Gros Morne National Park

Inspired to explore Western Newfoundland and Labrador?

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Search accommodations along the Viking Trail in Cow Head, Rocky Harbour, St. Anthony and Deer Lake to begin planning your trip.

Wendy Nordvik-Carr was a guest of Newfoundland and Labrador, who did not review this story.