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:

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, finishing in the tiny fishing village of Woody Point.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 3:

Bonne Bay to Tablelands ~38km (+871m / -856m); hike Tablelands ~11km (+736m / -735m).

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, Dinner.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 a well-earned independent dinner. Your guides/driver will normally say farewell before dinner this evening.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.

DAY 9:

Independent Departure.

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

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.