Western Newfoundland is a unique region of the province. The area has incredible beauty and amazing attractions. Learn more about Western Newfoundland.
What's Special about Western Newfoundland?
Western Newfoundland is an impressive region. Extending from Channel-Port-aux-Basques in south-western Newfoundland to the Great Northern Peninsula, this striking area has a rugged appeal. Western Newfoundland has thousands of miles of coastline as well as magnificent mountains and fantastic fiords. This unique part of Newfoundland is special on many levels.
What's Special about Western Newfoundland?
. Intense Southwest
Western Newfoundland is referred to as the 'Intense Southwest' because it has more sunshine than any other part of Newfoundland. Yet this area also has the heaviest rainfall and the most wind within the province. Western Newfoundland is an 'intense' location.
There is, however, a degree of moderation in this area. It can have long periods of calm weather - even in late winter. The ice in the Gulf of St; Lawrence moderates the winter weather. Overall, Western Newfoundland lives up to its name of the 'Intense Southwest." Maybe its distinct and forceful presence is part of its appeal especially to adventure lovers!
. Gros Morne Park
In 1987, Gros Morne Park, the second largest national park in Atlantic Canada, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its unique geological features and incredible beauty, Gros Morne Park was well-deserving of that special recognition.
Gros Morne National Park offers leisurely hiking trails as well as challenging routes with difficult terrain. Due to the tectonic upheaval in this area, rock formations have been thrown from the earth's core. Many visitors like to climb to the top of Gros Morne to see the spectacular mountains and amazing fiords.
. L'Anse aux Meadows
LAnse aux Meadows is an archaeological site on the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula. Since 1977, the location has been a National Historic Site. In 1978, the site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
L'Anse aux Meadows is the first authentic Norse site to be found in North America. In 1960, the Norwegian explorer and writer, Helge Ingstad, and his wife, archaeologist Anne Stine Ingstad, made the discovery. It is believed that the Vikings occupied this site between 990-1050 AD.
