Welcome to St. Anthony

Not all visitors to St. Anthony come on two legs though. Located along the northern portion of Iceberg Alley, iceberg and whale seasons run a lot longer than in other parts of the province. In fact, the Iceberg Festival starts on the first Friday in June to celebrate the annual arrival of these floating ice castles. The festival features music, food, Viking history, culture, and great hospitality. And maybe a whale or two – keep your eyes peeled!

To see them, you can either stroll along the water's edge or actually take to the high seas. Numerous tour operators in the area are waiting to welcome you aboard. They all have extensive knowledge of the area and know just where to catch the best glimpse of fin, minke, and orca whales, along with colonies of various seabirds. Some operators feature onboard biologists for that extra bit of info, while others may journey to visit abandoned communities. Taking to the water gives you a chance to truly explore the rugged coastline and hear tales of shipwrecks and fortunes lost against the beautiful backdrop of the sea and the sky.

Back in St. Anthony, you can continue to spot bergs and whales at Fishing Point Municipal Park where an extensive network of trails provides fantastic vantage points. Before heading out though, be sure to check out all that the point has to offer. Here, you'll find the Fishing Point Emporium and Interpretation Centre, the Fishing Point Lighthouse, as well as the Light Keepers Cafe. This lovely establishment is located in the building that was once the home of the lighthouse keepers. It offers panoramic views of the ocean and serves the best fish cakes in Atlantic Canada, according to The Globe and Mail. And you'll need the fuel, there's lots more to see.

Fishing Point Municipal Park serves as a trail head for four paths ranging in degree of difficulty, the Santana Trail being the most difficult. 476 steps will take you to the top, where an exhilarating view of rugged ocean coastline is waiting. For a less challenging, but no less impressive hike, try the Iceberg Alley, Cartier's View, or Whale Watchers trails. Cartier's View is wheelchair accessible and all three offer spectacular views from easy trails.

In St. Anthony proper you'll find the Tea House Hill Walking Trail, located just behind the Grenfell House Museum. This uphill trail of moderate difficulty takes about twenty minutes to walk and is adorned with numerous interpretive plaques. It leads to the foundation of the historical Tea House and three lookouts provide beautiful views of the harbour, St. Anthony and the surrounding forests.

While hiking, be sure to keep an eye out for the mighty moose. St. Anthony has the highest concentration of these majestic creatures in the world, and they can often be found grazing in the area.

A doctor and medical missionary, Sir Wilfred Grenfell brought modern medicine to northern Newfoundland and coastal Labrador in the 1890s. He opened his first of many hospitals in Battle Harbour, Labrador in 1893, along with orphanages, nursing stations, and co-operatives. A great speaker and author, he made his base in St. Anthony and, for his years of service on this coast, was knighted in 1906. The Sir Wilfred Thomason Grenfell Historical Society was formed in 1978, and you can explore his legacy at any of the Grenfell Historic Properties including Grenfell House at the base of Tea House Trail.

For centuries, old Norse sagas have entertained Icelanders with stories of their ancestors’ travels to a place called Vínland. No one knew exactly where this might be until archaeological excavations uncovered evidence of ironworking, boat repair, exploration, spinning, and a small cloak pin found at L'Anse aux Meadows. This 11th-century Norse site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Site – the only Norse settlement in North America, and just a day trip away from St. Anthony. Visit the Viking encampment and try your hand at blacksmithing or weaving, and hear the heroic and tragic tales of Thor, Loki, and Eric the Red.

By now, you've no doubt worked up an appetite. Make your next stop nearby Leifsburdir and take part in the Great Viking Feast. Join a Viking crew for an evening of fun, feuds, and food that the Norse themselves may have enjoyed.