L’anse aux Meadows is full of firsts, as it is Where the World Came Full Circle more than 1,000 years ago. It is home to L’anse aux Meadows World UNESCO Heritage Site managed by Parks Canada and Norstead Viking Village and Port of Trade, a statue of Leif Erikson, fine dining restaurant, art gallery, craft shop and numerous walking trails. I wrote earlier about Birchy Nuddick Trail, but did not realize L’anse aux Meadows was also home to a one eyed sea monster until this past summer when exploring Lacey’s Trail to Round Head and return.
A trail head exists on Route 436 before you get to L’anse aux Meadows. There is a parking area on the opposite side of the road. This route if one goes to the cave and around and returns the same route is 3.6 KM. If you take the route around the head and go past Norstead and finish via highway back to your vehicle it would be closer to 5 KM.
The walk along the shoreline is part of the Iceberg Trail. An easy trail in the beginning that showcases the beauty of the coastline, flowers and marine life. We got a lovely glimpse of several saltwater ducks, mussel shells, limestone and unique geological formations (reminds me a little of the Devil’s Footprints in Keels). After the stairs keep to the shoreline to get to the “One Eyed Sea Monster” at the face of Round Head. You can climb up and venture inside. It makes for some beautiful photo opportunities as you are casting silhouettes against the light.
Enjoy icebergs in season, views of Belle Isle and Labrador in the background. You can also visit the Norstead Viking Village and Port of Trade (you can also begin your hike here at the ticket office or pay after your visit). Another gem of a trail on the Great Northern Peninsula!
For a listing of more than 80 trails and lookouts click here.
Live Rural NL –
Christopher Mitchelmore
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