Canada, Newfoundland: Viking Trail Bike Tour
Eight nights; six days of spectacular bicycle touring on the Viking Trail in Gros Morne National Park and L’Anse aux Meadows.
“I still think of all the bike trips we have ever done around the world the Viking Trail was the best.” - Cliff G.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Long oceanside rides with prevalent tailwinds.
- Spontaneous moose encounters on the roadside – not guaranteed, but common.
- Fjord exploration by boat, with waterfalls from the clifftops (optional extra).
- Good chances of whale and/or iceberg sightings.
- Newfoundland fishing culture and friendly, generous locals.
- L’Anse aux Meadows historical site – the first Viking settlement in North America.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gros Morne National Park. See Earth’s mantel exposed, and see evidence of plate tectonics.
- A night on a spectacular island, at a lighthouse.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.
There are some long rides which often include steep ascents and descents. Relaxed riders may choose shorter options, but will require some van support. Advanced cyclists will enjoy the challenge. One day is over 100 miles, but is helped with wide, not so hilly roads, and usually a tailwind.
Daily Distance:
- 1: Arrival.
- 2: Deer Lake to Bonne Bay ~63km (+871m / -856m).
- 3: Bonne Bay to Tablelands ~38km (+871m / -856m); hike Tablelands Trail ~11km (+736m / -735m), and/or Lookout Trail ~6km (+330m / 330m).
- 4: Bonne Bay to Cow Head ~65km (+597m / -676m); hike Cow Head ~3km.
- 5: Cow Head to Port au Choix ~120km (+826m / -827m); hike Port au Choix ~9km.
- 6: Port au Choix to L’Anse aux Meadows, up to ~210km (+1318m / -1288m).
- 7: Visit L'Anse aux Meadows; Zodiac Boat Trip to Quirpon Island.
- 8: Transfer to Deer Lake, ~5 hrs.
- 9: Independent Departure.
(Click image to enlarge)
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Deer Lake, Deer Lake Motel, day one. You will meet your guides here or another pre-determined location at 09:00 on the morning of day two.
Finish: Deer Lake, Deer Lake Motel, ~09:00, day nine.
Meal inclusions: Listed for guided trips only, please see dates & pricing section for accurate inclusions per support level.
Please contact us to arrange alternate meeting and departure plans, if necessary.
DAY 1:
Arrival.
Your room will be waiting for you at the Deer Lake Motel, 4km from the airport. This is simple, clean lodging with a restaurant, well situated at the very beginning of the Viking Trail. Your guides/driver will meet you here tomorrow morning.
Deer Lake Motel; or Deer lake Horizon Hotel, Deer Lake.DAY 2:
Deer Lake to Bonne Bay ~63km (+871m / -856m).
From Deer Lake, bike past the Newfoundland insectarium and the Wiltondale Pioneer Village en route to lunch near the entrance to Gros Morne National Park. Spend the afternoon riding the hilly and exhilarating approach to the shore of Bonne Bay.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Bonne Bay Inn, Bonne Bay; or Gros Morne Inn (optional upgrade), Shoal Brook.DAY 3:
Bonne Bay to Tablelands ~38km (+871m / -856m); hike Tablelands Trail ~11km (+736m / -735m), and/or Lookout Trail ~6km (+330m / 330m).
Today’s ride takes you to Trout River for lunch overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. On the way, stop at the Discovery Centre to learn about the fascinating geographical history of the Tablelands. You can stop to take a steep one-hour hike up Partridgeberry Hill along the Lookout Trail, or continue to the geological curiosity of the Tablelands themselves – an exposed section of the earth’s mantle, of particular fascination to geologists, and a unique phenomenon earning this park its UNESCO designation. After an afternoon exploring the Tablelands, return to Bonne Bay.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner.
Same lodging.DAY 4:
Bonne Bay to Cow Head ~65km (+597m / -676m); hike Cow Head ~3km.
Start with a water taxi across Bonne Bay, or a van transfer to Norris Point if you prefer. From there, ride north through Rocky Harbour and Gros Morne National Park. Depending on the preference of your group, join an optional three-hour boat trip up the fjord called Western Brook Pond. Finish at Cow Head - a fishing village with a lighthouse, and a short coastal hike that reveals an abundance of fossils and a record of marine life through the ages.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Sea Breeze B&B, Shallow Bay Motel (Cow Head), or Rooms at Woody Point (Woody Point).DAY 5:
Cow Head to Port au Choix ~120km (+826m / -827m); hike Port au Choix ~9km.
Ride north to the coastal road to Port-aux-Choix to see the burial grounds and history of the extinct Paleo-Eskimo peoples. The hike from Port-aux-Choix National Historic Site takes you to the lighthouse, and teaches you about the Maritime Archaic people who lived here 6000 years ago. You will also have a chance to learn the process used to prepare seal skins, using ancient tools (stretchers, scrapers, and end blades).
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Jeannie's Sunrise B&B; or Sea Echo Motel, Port au Choix.DAY 6:
Port au Choix to L’Anse aux Meadows, up to ~210km (+1318m / -1288m).
A very long ride today, assisted (we hope!) by the prevailing tailwind and the wide flat road leading you north. Most cyclists will accept a boost or two from the van while others will be determined to complete a metric or imperial century or their own goal. Either way, following an evening of fresh local cuisine, you’ll rest well tonight at your lodge in its fabulous wilderness setting near the L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site. This scenic retreat is well out of the way; be prepared to enjoy comfort in the northern wilderness!
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Valhalla Lodge, St. Lunaire-Griquet; or Viking Village B&B, Hay Cove.DAY 7:
Visit L'Anse aux Meadows; Zodiac Boat Trip to Quirpon Island.
Arise early this morning to visit the profoundly stirring site of L'Anse aux Meadows, where Vikings landed more than five centuries before Columbus. Believed to be Leif Eriksson's Vinland of the Norse sagas, this is the site of the birth of the first European descendant in the New World: "Snorri". The archaeological and historical significance of L’Anse aux Meadows has earned it recognition by the United Nations as a World Heritage Site; it does not disappoint. You will hear sagas of ancient times and hardy people who sailed forbidding seas to inhabit this wild and beautiful place. You can also visit Norstead, and experience life in a Viking port of trade in a setting described as one of Canada's top ten local experiences. After lunch, a 90 minute boat trip* will take you through iceberg alley to Quirpon Island Lighthouse. You will learn about the shipwrecks, history, and natural attractions, often sighting whales and icebergs. Your destination is a private island with fantastic coastal trails, wide views, and an exceptional lighthouse lodge. You may even find ruins of unexcavated Viking sod houses. Overall, this is a magical experience, often considered the highlight of this trip. *Please note a 25 pound luggage restriction for today's boat trip to the island.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner.
Quirpon Lighthouse Inn, Quirpon Island.DAY 8:
Transfer to Deer Lake, ~5 hrs.
Following breakfast, board your boat to return to mainland for a transfer back to Deer Lake, arriving by about 17:00. Finish the day with a return to Deer Lake in time for an independent dinner. Your guides/driver will normally say farewell before dinner this evening.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Deer Lake Motel; or Deer lake Horizon Hotel, Deer Lake.DAY 9:
Independent Departure.
Deer Lake airport is ~4km from your hotel. Transfers are available through the front desk.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SELECT A DATE BELOW TO RESERVE, OR START A NEW DATE
2026 DATES:
2027 DATES:
Don't see what you want?
(Inclusions & pricing are listed below)
PRICING
Our tour costs are ALL IN, including fees & taxes.
Guided: C 6695 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 9 days, 8 nights, 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners, van and guide support, entrance fees to Gros Morne National Park, L’Anse aux Meadows and Port aux Choix National Historic Sites, Quirpon boat tour, hybrid bicycle rental, luggage handling, maps, route instructions, 15% sales tax.
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 6295 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 9 days, 8 nights, 8 breakfasts, inn to inn luggage transfers, all ground transportation as outlined including an afternoon pick up on day 6, emergency on call support, Quirpon boat tour, hybrid bicycle rental, maps, route instructions, 15% sales tax.
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: Add C 1695
Tour cost excludes airfare and travel to and from the starting point, costs for activities listed as optional, bar and beverage bills, meals not shown as included, gratuities for your driver and/or guides.
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid: Included
Flat bars. Trek FX3 or similar, with rear rack/trunk bag. Lowstep frames available by request.
Change to Road/Gravel: C 150
Drop bars. Trek Domane AL 5 Disc, or similar, with rear rack/trunk bag.
Change to E-bike: C 300
Flat bars. Trek Verve+ 2 or similar, with rear rack/trunk bag. Lowstep frames available by request.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided departure, this usually involves a surcharge depending on the details. Those who prefer to travel self-guided typically need only two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and we can sometimes offer reduced rates for larger groups. Please get in touch for more information.
BEST TIMES
The best time to enjoy this tour is mid-June to mid-October.
- Spring daytimes warm up to an average of 11°C (52 °F) by June. Note that seasonal businesses may still be closed, or on off-season hours, until late June.
- Summer, mid June to mid September, is normally 15 to 20 °C (60 to 70 °F). Freshwater and saltwater swimming is encouraged.
- Autumn, mid September to mid October, daytimes 10 to 15 °C range (50 to 60°F). Nights can be chilly, but rarely down to freezing.
GET TO THE START
If you fly: Fly to Deer Lake Regional Airport (YDF), connecting from an international airport - St. John’s (YYT), Halifax (YHZ), or Toronto (YYZ).
If you drive: Access the province by Marine Atlantic ferries, which operate between North Sydney, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. These superferries carry hundreds of vehicles and passengers to two entry points. There is a year-round, daily service between North Sydney, Nova Scotia and Port aux Basques, in southwestern Newfoundland, and a June to September service operating three days per week between North Sydney and Argentia, Newfoundland (which is a 90-minute drive from the capital city of St. John's). Please view Marine Atlantic’s website for schedule times, or to reserve your crossing at: www.marineatlantic.ca/en, or call 800-341-7981.
AFTER THE FINISH
Depart from Deer Lake Airport (YDF) after breakfast, or rent a car to drive to St John's, or take the ferry (Marine Atlantic) from Port Aux Basques, NL to North Sydney, NS. Consider joining the Cabot Trail Bike Tour
MORE READING
This is a fabulous trip, well suited to intrepid explorers with lots of energy for the hills, distances, and sheer joy of hiking and traveling through such an undeveloped and exciting landscape. You will encounter people whose unabashed friendliness is truly extraordinary.
Begin in Gros Morne National Park, where the incomparable landscape and unique natural history have earned it a place on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. The coastal hikes here are superb, and the final night in a lighthouse, from where whale and iceberg sightings are common, is the jewel on top of a week of breathtaking exploration.