Canada, Newfoundland: Viking Trail Bike Tour

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.

DAY 2:

Bike into Gros Morne National Park. Long: ~63km/Short: ~34km.

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, finishing in the tiny fishing village of Woody Point.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 3:

Riding the Tablelands, plus hiking options. ~36km.

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 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 or enjoying the Green Gardens hike, return to Woody Point for dinner overlooking Bonne Bay.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 4:

Bike to Portland Creek via Cow Head. Long: ~101km/Short: ~58km.

Start with a water taxi across Bonne Bay, or a van transfer to Norris Point if you prefer. The long option makes this a hilly ride to the other side of the bay. From there, ride north through Rocky Harbour and Gros Morne National Park. North of the park, stop 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. Continue past Parson’s Pond to your waterfront inn or cabins – a genuine Newfoundland retreat!

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 5:

The long ride north. Up to ~280km (for most, this ride is vehicle assisted).

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 the entire ride. 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.

DAY 6:

Anse aux Meadows, Zodiac boat trip and Quirpon Island ~10km.

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.

DAY 7:

Transfer to Port aux Choix ~2 ½ hours, Hike ~3-8km. Transfer ~2hrs.

After breakfast, board your boat to return to mainland. There is a transfer from there to Hawke’s Bay, from where we detour along the coastal road to Port-aux-Choix to see the burial grounds and history of the extinct Paleoeskimo peoples. The hike from Port-aux-Choix National Historic Site takes you to the lighthouse, and teaches you about the Maritime Archaic people – now extinct – 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 endblades). Finish the day with a transfer to your comfy lodge in time for an excellent dinner.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 8:

Hike Gros Morne Mountain ~17km. Optional alternative boat tour on Western Brook Pond available, or independent ~76km bike ride for those who prefer not to hike or boat.

Following breakfast, Hike to the top of Gros Morne Mountain where caribou are sometimes seen roaming the Long Range Mountains. This is a difficult eight-hour hike rewarded (weather permitting) by phenomenal views over Ten-Mile Pond, the Long Range Mountains, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The alternative activity today – not always available without advance choice – is a very scenic afternoon boat trip up the fjord at Western Brook Pond (in Newfoundland, even the largest lakes are usually called ponds). Finish the day with a return to Deer Lake in time for a well-earned independent dinner. Your guides/driver will normally say farewell before dinner this evening.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.

DAY 9:

Departure.

Deer Lake airport is ~4km from your hotel. Transfers are available through the front desk.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.