L'Anse aux MeadowsAbout L'Anse aux Meadows
L’Anse aux Meadows is a Norse archaeological site at the northern tip of Newfoundland, Canada, where remains of Viking-age buildings were uncovered in the 1960s. It is the earliest confirmed European site in North America outside Greenland and is recognised for its archaeological importance.
Visitors can see the excavated foundations and reconstructed turf longhouses and learn about Norse maritime activity and seasonal use of the site. A visitor centre presents artefacts, interpretations and displays about the excavation and Norse seafaring.
The site was excavated by archaeologists Helge Ingstad and Anne Stine Ingstad between 1960 and 1961, who identified construction techniques and artefacts consistent with Norse Greenlandic settlements of around AD 1000. Subsequent research has reinforced the dating and significance of the site.
Geographically the site sits on the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland near the township bearing the same name; the nearest larger service centre is St. Anthony to the south, and access is by road and local visitor services.
- Discovery and dating: Archaeological excavations in 1960 and 1961 led by Helge Ingstad and Anne Stine Ingstad established the site as evidence of Norse presence in North America around 1000 CE.
- World Heritage: The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for being the earliest known Norse settlement in the Americas and for its clear archaeological context.
What to See#
- Excavated Norse settlement: The excavated Norse village site where turf longhouses, workshops and iron-working areas were uncovered during 1960s excavations; the archaeology dates to circa 1000 CE.
- Visitor centre and reconstructions: A visitor centre and reconstructed turf buildings that interpret the site and display finds from the archaeological excavations for public education.
Best Time to Visit L'Anse aux Meadows
Best from late spring through early autumn when the visitor centre is open and guided programming operates.
Weather & Climate near L'Anse aux Meadows
L'Anse aux Meadows's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -14°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1086 mm/year), wettest in August, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -14° - -5° | -18° | 86 mm | overcast | 94% | 6.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.2h |
| February | Poor | -14° - -6° | -19° | 78 mm | overcast | 94% | 6.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.8h |
| March | Poor | -10° - -2° | -13° | 82 mm | overcast | 91% | 6.3 m/s | 0.5 low | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | -4° - 3° | -6° | 70 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.9 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.7h |
| May | Poor | 1° - 8° | 0° | 73 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 15.4h |
| June | Acceptable | 4° - 13° | 6° | 98 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.3 m/s | 1.3 high | 16.3h |
| July | Good | 9° - 18° | 13° | 95 mm | overcast | 89% | 4.8 m/s | 1.3 high | 15.9h |
| August | Good | 9° - 18° | 14° | 103 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.4h |
| September | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 7° | 101 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | 2° - 8° | 1° | 102 mm | overcast | 87% | 6.0 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.5h |
| November | Poor | -3° - 3° | -6° | 100 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |
| December | Poor | -10° - -2° | -13° | 98 mm | overcast | 91% | 6.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
How to Get to L'Anse aux Meadows
L’Anse aux Meadows is accessed by road from the town of St. Anthony (about 45-60 minutes drive). The site is on the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland and Labrador; check Parks Canada for seasonal visitor centre shuttle information.
Tips for Visiting L'Anse aux Meadows
- Visit the L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site early in the morning to avoid busier midday periods.
- Plan a stop at the visitor centre to watch the orientation film and to get context before walking the reconstructed Norse turf buildings.
- Dress for coastal weather - it's exposed and windy even on sunny days.