In the morning we went on a boat tour from St. Anthony and then we drove out to the National Historic Site of L’Anse aux Meadows.  This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the earliest evidence of Europeans in North America with remnants of a 11th century Viking settlement.

The information centre included some impressive displays but the site was still partially under constructions back in 2010 and I’ve heard they added some amazing things, including picnic areas and additional structures. The UNESCO website says:

this exceptional archaeological site consists of eight timber-framed turf structures built in the same style as those found in Norse Greenland and Iceland from the same period. The buildings include three dwellings, one forge and four workshops, on a narrow terrace overlooking a peat bog and small brook near the shore of Epaves Bay in the Straight of Belle Isle.

We listened to some of the stories and discoveries made about the Norse settlers that came to Vinland and their viking encampment. We then explored the turf structures and watch as actors portrayed Leif Erickson and his fellow explorers. Actors were demonstrating blacksmith techniques, weaving and pottery making.

After we visited the settlement we hiked the 5 kilometre trail through a variety of different landscapes. We spent almost 4 hours at the site and during that time we saw a family of sea otters and 4 moose. Fog was rolling in from the ocean, off in the distance, which made for some cool photographic shots.

If you are visiting the site, please also check out the Viking Port of Trade, known as Norstead. It’s a short drive away and is also very interesting.