L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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L'Anse aux Meadows is a truly remarkable place, offering a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in human history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the only confirmed Norse settlement in North America, providing irrefutable evidence of Viking exploration in the Western Hemisphere centuries before Columbus. We highly recommend the interpretive tour with a Canda Parks. It is free and very informative. Check the board for times when you arrive. They offered in English and another in French when we were there. The site’s discovery is a fascinating story in itself. It was a local farmer, George Decker, who first noticed unusual sod structures while clearing land in the 1960s. His curiosity sparked a series of archaeological excavations that would rewrite history. The reconstructed Viking village is an immersive experience. Visitors are encouraged to touch and explore the replica buildings, gaining a firsthand understanding of Viking life. The attention to detail is impressive, from the sod roofs to the interior layout. Costumed interpreters bring the site to life with their knowledge and enthusiasm. The visitor center is a treasure trove of information. Artifacts recovered from the site are on display, providing tangible evidence of Viking presence. The center also offers interactive exhibits and informative films, making the site accessible to visitors of all ages. While dogs are generally welcome in most parts of Newfoundland, they are discouraged from entering the visitor center at L'Anse aux Meadows to protect the delicate artifacts. BUT they can pass through the visitors center to go out to the historical site. Purchasing a Parks Canada annual pass at L'Anse aux Meadows offers a unique perk. Any day pass receipts from other national parks or historic sites can be applied towards the annual pass, making it a cost-effective option for frequent visitors. L'Anse aux Meadows is more than just a historical site; it's a place where the past comes alive. It's a reminder of human ingenuity, courage, and the enduring spirit of exploration.
Derek Anderson
00
I've wanted to travel here since I was a child growing up in Florida in the 70s and 80s and first read of the Norse and exploration of the North American continent. During a college course in nautical archaeology I decided that at some point in my life I would make the trip. It happened in 2012 after convincing my wife and daughter to go. We landed in Deer Lake and traveled north up the beautiful western peninsula. My wife gave me such a look, when, while changing planes in Toronto, the customs agent asked: "where to?" and I replied "Deer Lake" to which she replied, "where is that?". When I responded "Newfoundland" while staring into my wife's eyes, smirk on her face (as if to say, "where are you taking us!?"), the customs agent said that, well of course it is in Newfoundland and that's why she hadn't heard of it---no one goes there. I thrilled at that response, just my kind of place. And L'Anse aux Meadows was indeed at the edge of what seemed the end of the world. It lived up to all my expectations. We arrived on a cold summer day with it raining or misting, giving a good impression of why the Norse might have been challenged holding on to the site. The park, museum and recreated village are indeed amazing and well worth the trip if you are truly a lover of history, archaeology and beautiful, if remote, places.
Davis D. Janowski
80
Yet again, we'll done Parks Canada! Fascinating history, knowledgeable guides, informative visitors centre, and well maintained paths and trails. Really enjoyed the path, takes at least an hour if you take your time and take photos. You could probably do it in 30 minutes if you walk quickly. You can see bakeapples along the way, as well as partridgeberries and Pitcher plants. Beautiful vistas and a nice rocky beach. At least half the path is boardwalk and there are numerous info boards along the way. In the Visitors Centre there is a small gift shop, and a short video in a small theater we found actually very interesting and nicely summarized how the Norse people arrived here. It's a a hundred meters from the parking lot to the centre but they have a free wheelchair you can borrow. The Viking recreated village is even further, but again if you have a handicap parking pass you can park much closer by taking another (restricted) access road (zoom in on Google maps). There is an off-road wheelchair by the washrooms you can borrow.
Jonathan James
30
We had an amazing guide who grew up in the area and had been a part of excavations. He was well spoken, knowledgeable and just the right kind of opinionated. (Defend the oppressed, save the planet, feed the hungry! ) I particularly appreciated his stressing the archeological importance of preserving the site for future generations and better technology. Once on site there were women weaving and answering questions wearing historical apron dresses with the large broaches, beads and other period decoration/tools. In the big house they had a storyteller telling stories of Norse gods, the Faeries, and the Brown Man of the bog also dressed in period attire and surrounded by replica Norse material culture. As you can guess, I reveled in recreationst environment and may see about applying in future years to put my strange knowledge of Nalbinding and Morris games to better use! Such a great visit! (For the medieval recreationist and archeologist in me!)
Paige
20
L'Anse aux Meadows embodies a very interesting piece of history, when the Norse settled here and used this place as a base for exploration of North America approximately a thousand years ago. The visitor's center contains various exhibits and displays about Norse culture and Norse activity in North America. I particularly liked listening to the saga. There are some guided tours and our guide was kind enough to brave the elements with us (we came in early June) to show us the actual site of the settlement as well as guide us to the recreation of the settlement. The coolest part about this historic site is exploring the rebuilt viking settlement, which has many buildings which one can enter. The staff (dressed like the ancient Norse) provided commentary and demonstrations of the Norse lifestyle (and yes, you can dress like a viking).
Andy Z
70
Do not miss this site. It is worth visiting just because it’s so well done both exhibit-wise indoors, the guided tour and the exterior re-creations. There is nothing that was done poorly here. We went and were so impressed with wha we experienced. The guided tour is an easy walk but done outdoors to the sites so be dressed appropriately. Our tour guide is another local (the best kind of guides!) who grew up in the area, remembers playing among the ruins and participated in the discovery of the archeological dig. While waiting, the indoor exhibits give a thorough explanation outlining the history, the dig and the relevance to world history today. There is a more extensive trail I do believe but we didn’t do it. Not much to say except try to go and take the guided walking tour!
Deborah Kuo
00
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Address
1 Norstead Road, L'Anse aux Meadows Road, NL A0K 2X0, Canada
Map
Phone
+1 709-623-2608
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Website
pc.gc.ca
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Reviews
Overview
4.8
(506 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
scenic
family friendly
accessibility
Description
L'Anse aux Meadows is an archaeological site, first excavated in the 1960s, of a Norse settlement dating to approximately 1,000 years ago. The site is located on the northernmost tip of the island of Newfoundland in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador near St. Anthony.
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