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BY SUSAN MACCALLUM-WHITCOMB
Western Newfoundland's
Top Activities
LOOKOUT TRAIL, GROS MORNE NATIONAL PARK (LEFT) AND NORSTEAD, L'ANSE AUX
MEADOWS (RIGHT) • GO WESTERN NL/TOM COCHRANE PHOTO
Rural Newfoundland is typically a
place of small pleasures, where
Instagrammable experiences are as
rare as fresh bakeapples in February.
So the western shore—stretching 683
km (424 mi.) from Port aux Basques
to St. Anthony—stands out.
For starters, it boasts two signature attrac-
tions that are ripe for exploring: one a
superlative national park, the other a
haunting heritage site. Plus it provides
ample opportunities for both exciting
outdoor adventures and genuine cultural
interactions (www.newfoundland
labrador.com/top-destinations/
western-region).
MARVEL AT GROS MORNE
Although the province is famously
photogenic, the one-of-a-kind vistas in Gros
Morne National Park are beyond compare
(www.parkscanada.gc.ca/grosmorne).
This ruggedly beautiful locale is a natural
wonder almost 500 million years in the
making. The Tablelands, which helped earn
Gros Morne a UNESCO designation in 1987,
were created eons ago by a massive tectonic
upheaval. The mountainous, red-hued land-
scape is one of the few places where you can
actually walk on the earth's mantle.
Stunning Western Brook Pond—a
freshwater fjord formed during the last ice
age—is equally compelling. Explore the park
on tours organized by Wild Gros Morne
(www.wildgrosmorne.com).
FOLLOW THE VIKING TRAIL
Western Newfoundland's fascinating human
history comes into focus as you drive along
the Viking Trail, a route which begins just
below Gros Morne and extends the length of
the Great Northern Peninsula before
crossing into Labrador (www.viking
trail.org). Remains of three ancient In-
digenous cultures can be seen at the Port au
Choix National Historic Site (www.parks
canada.gc.ca/portauchoix), while evidence
of the first Europeans to arrive in North
America lies further north at L'Anse aux
Meadows (www.parkscanada.gc.ca/
meadows).
The Viking settlement Leif Eriksson
erected here has been recognized by
UNESCO. It includes a complex of evocative
sod huts and artefacts used a millennium
ago. Continue on to nearby Norstead to
experience a meticulously recreated Viking
port of trade populated by faux Norse folk
(www.norstead.com).
ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS
If it's fresh air fun you're after, head for the
area around Corner Brook (www.corner
brook.com). The Bay of Islands is a magnet
for whale watchers and boaters. Cod, squid,
and more can all be caught here. This pro-
vince is home to most of North America's
Atlantic salmon rivers, a disproportionate
number of which are located in the western
region.
Back on dry land, warm-weather activities
in the vicinity include hiking, mountain
biking and caving. Golfing at Humber Valley
Resort's 18-hole championship course is
another option (www.humbervalley.com).
In winter, popular Marble Mountain prom-
ises skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling,
snowshoeing, and zip-lining (www.ski
marble.com; www.marbleziptours.com).
FEEL LIKE A LOCAL
Today's travellers crave cultural experiences,
and the region delivers in this regard as well.
Small group outings, like beach boil-ups and
lighthouse picnics offer a unique perspec-
tive. There are plenty of chances for
informal interactions. Annual events are a
great way to meet locals en masse. Many
focus on food—the Cow Head Lobster
Festival and the Deer Lake Strawberry
Festival are two peak-season favourites.
The annual Gros Morne Theatre Festival or
Norris Point's beloved Trails Tales Tunes
Festival are held each year within Gros
Morne National Park.
Such a rich range of activities makes
Western Newfoundland almost impossible
to resist.
GETTING THERE
Board a Marine Atlantic ferry
(www.marineatlantic.ca) from North
Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Port aux Basques at
the Island's southwest tip (www.portaux
basques.ca). This historic town is a fine
place to stop before or after the six to eight-
hour crossing. If you're arriving via Québec
or Labrador, take the ferry between Blanc
Sablon and St. Barbe instead (www.gov.nl.ca/
tw/ferryservices/schedules). If you'd
rather fly, land at Deer Lake Regional
Airport (www.deerlakeairport.com). The
titular town (www.deerlake.ca), 35 minutes
north of Corner Brook and 35 minutes south
of Gros Morne National Park, marks the
start of the Viking Trail.
