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Cycling the Viking Trail
as featured in the TV show Treks in a Wild
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Although Newfoundland and Labrador didn't become
part of Canada until 1949, this area has a rich and colourful
history. The rugged coastline of this island is shaped by
the wind and the sea, so too is the character of its people.
This is the place where Europeans first set foot in North
America, a thousand years ago. They were the Norse Vikings
and their first landing spot was at L'Anse Aux Meadows,
on the northern tip of the Island. Today this is one of the
world's most culturally significant historic sites, made a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1972.
Highlights
- Climbing the high peaks of Gros Morne National Park
for stunning views of fjords
- Eating thousand year old ice from an iceberg
- Learning about the Vikings, who established the first
European settlement in North America a thousand years ago |
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Bradley Cooper's journey route
(as featured in Treks in a Wild World)
Bradley Cooper's Viking Trail journey starts in Deer Lake,
Newfoundland. Following Route 430, also known as the
Viking Trail, Bradley heads all the way north along
the coast between mountains and sea. From here he makes a
stop at Gros Morne National Park. We'll be stopping
off for a day to hike to the top of the mountains for a stunning
view. From there we'll keep following the coast, finally ending
the journey with a 100-mile-in one day ride to Gunner's
Cove, where we'll be visiting L'Anse Aux Meadows,
the original landing spot of the Vikings, nearly a thousand
years ago. |
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Travellers Tips
- Small family owned-hotels and bed & breakfast accommodations
are available all along the Viking Trail route on Route 430.
Summertime is high season, so it's best to book ahead (see
further information for some suggestions).
Newfoundland has very unpredictable weather. Like any island
climate, It rains often, but can be bright and sunny. You
have to be prepared for the elements; wear a safety helmet,
cycling tights and a waterproof jacket.
- The best bike to use is a hybrid, a cross between a mountain
bike and a racing bike, perfect for roads, but rugged enough
to deal with steep hills and strong winds. You can also do
some off-roading on this one as well. |
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Did you know?
L'Anse Aux Meadows is the end of the Viking Trail.
This spot is believed to be where Leif Eiriksson founded
a colony around 1000 AD. Eiriksson had grown up hearing a
story told by Herjolfsson, who was blown off course on a voyage
to Greenland in 986 and reported seeing three lands, believed
to be Newfoundland, south and north Labrador. Eiriksson decided
to see for himself. He stayed for a year before returning
to Greenland, calling it 'Vinland'. The site was first discovered
in 1960.
- Gros Morne National Park is one of Newfoundland's
premiere spots for hiking, birdwatching and outdoor adventure.
As you hike up to the top of Gros Morne Mountain, rock ptarmigans
are very common. There are some times of the year that the
trails may be closed due to the birds' feeding or mating periods.
- E.Annie Proulx's Pulitzer Prize winning novel "The
Shipping News" was set in Newfoundland. |
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