L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland and Labrador

L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland and Labrador

Canada

Walk through North America's only authenticated Viking settlement and experience 1000-year-old Norse history brought vividly to life.

Currency Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Language English, French
Time Zone NDT (UTC-2:30) / NST (UTC-3:30)
Best Time to Visit Jun–Sep
Typical Duration 14-25 nights
Price Range $5,269–$79,198 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

Being home to the only confirmed Norse settlement in North America (UNESCO World Heritage Site), offering Arctic exploration and cultural immersion in remote Newfoundland.

Cruises that visit L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland and Labrador

Build Your Day in L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland and Labrador

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site Our trip to l'Anse aux Meadows was a highlight of our Newfoundland travels. Historical place · ★ 4.8 · 1k Temporarily closed
Norstead I’d say it’s a must stop when you are visiting L’Anse aux Meadows. Historical place · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Thu
The Norseman Restaurant at Harbour Front L’Anse aux Meadows This is a must stop for lunch or dinner when visiting L'Anse Aux Meadows. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 3:30 PM Tue
Skipper Hot's Pub Perfect place to grab a bite or drink after touring l’Anse aux Meadows 🇨🇦 Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closes soon · 8 PM
L'Anse aux Meadows Visitor Centre The site tours by Parks Canada staff are highly recommended. Visitor center · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Meeting of Two Worlds At first did not notice the wolf ! Sculpture · ★ 4.7 · 0k
The Lookout Historical landmark · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland and Labrador

About L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland and Labrador

L'Anse aux Meadows stands as one of Canada's most intriguing cruise destinations, attracting seven major cruise lines including Viking Ocean Cruises, Seabourn, Quark Expeditions, and PONANT EXPLORATIONS. While primarily a port of call rather than an embarkation point, this remote Newfoundland location serves as a fascinating waypoint on 70 upcoming cruises, with most itineraries spanning 14 nights. Passengers typically combine visits here with voyages to Iceland, Greenland, and the Canadian Maritimes, exploring destinations like Reykjavík, Kangerlussuaq Havn, and Halifax during their journeys.

The port welcomes the most visitors during the brief Arctic summer season from June through September, with a secondary surge in December as expedition cruises take advantage of winter conditions. Ashore, cruise passengers discover one of North America's most significant archaeological sites and step back over a thousand years of history. The dramatic coastal landscape and remote Nordic setting create an unforgettable experience that appeals to culturally curious travelers seeking authentic exploration beyond traditional cruise destinations.
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Reasons to Visit

1

Walk Through Viking History

Explore L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage location showcasing authentic Norse settlements from around 1000 AD. Tour reconstructed Viking turf-roofed buildings and museums displaying artifacts that prove Europeans reached North America centuries before Columbus. This remarkable archaeological site offers guided tours explaining the Vikings' brief but significant presence in Vinland.

2

Taste Traditional Newfoundland Cuisine

Sample authentic local flavors at nearby restaurants serving traditional Newfoundland dishes like fish and chips, cod tongues, and seal meat preparations. Fresh seafood dominates menus, reflecting centuries of fishing heritage. Don't miss locally-made partridgeberry jam and traditional breweries offering craft beers inspired by Viking and maritime traditions.

3

Hike Dramatic Coastal Landscapes

Trek along rugged coastal trails featuring windswept tundra, dramatic cliffs, and pristine Arctic vistas. The surrounding Gros Morne region offers accessible hiking paths with breathtaking views of Iceberg Alley and the North Atlantic. Birdwatchers spot puffins, eagles, and arctic species while enjoying some of Canada's most unspoiled natural scenery.

4

Browse Local Artisan Markets

Discover handcrafted Inuit and indigenous art, traditional wool sweaters, and locally-made crafts at community markets and small shops. Authentic souvenirs include carved soapstone figures, traditional mittens, and artwork depicting Viking heritage and Arctic wildlife. Support local artisans while finding unique pieces unavailable elsewhere.

5

Experience Arctic Wildlife Viewing

Join guided boat tours or shore excursions to spot icebergs, whales, and seals in their natural habitat. Summer months offer excellent opportunities to see humpback and minke whales, plus the dramatic icebergs that drift down from Greenland. Local guides share knowledge about Arctic ecosystems and indigenous Inuit culture thriving in this remote region.

Cruise Lines at L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland and Labrador

Cruises Departing From L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland and Labrador

Cruises Visiting L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland and Labrador

Ship Schedule at L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland and Labrador

L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland and Labrador Location

Other Cruise Ports in Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

What is special about L'Anse aux Meadows?

It is the site of the first Norse settlement in North America.

Where is L'Anse aux Meadows located?

It is at the northern tip of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

What can visitors do there?

Explore the Norse village site, visit the interpretive center, and enjoy wildlife.

When was the Viking site rediscovered?

The site was rediscovered in 1960 and later recognized as a World Heritage Site.