Plan a CruiseAs cruise ships cannot dock directly in Saint Anthony, passengers will be tendered ashore. This community, with a local population of 3,100 and a regional population of 25,000, serves as the central hub for the Great Northern Peninsula. Saint Anthony is renowned for its spectacular natural beauty, featuring a rugged ocean coastline, and is a prime location to witness majestic whales and immense icebergs. The northern tip of Newfoundland offers the most accessible region for high numbers of iceberg sightings, particularly from late spring to mid-summer when these massive formations are commonly seen along the coast, sometimes even floating directly into the harbors. Be aware that 90% of an iceberg's mass is submerged, and they can weigh millions of tonnes, with the tallest ever recorded reaching 550 feet.
Getting Around from the Port
Upon tendering ashore, you'll find that key attractions like L’Anse aux Meadows are not within walking distance. For independent exploration of the area's main sights, you will need to arrange transportation, such as a taxi or an organized tour. To reach the L’Anse aux Meadows Viking settlement, which is approximately 20 miles north of Saint Anthony, the drive takes about 30 minutes. The route involves navigating rolling hills and a narrow two-lane road. No specific public transit options or car rental details are provided for the port area, so pre-booking tours or local taxi services is advisable for destinations outside town.
Attractions and Activities
- Whale and Iceberg Watching Boat Tours: Experience the rugged beauty of Northern Newfoundland's coast, with opportunities to view whales and immense icebergs up close. These tours provide a unique perspective from the water. Important Tip: It's recommended to wait until you arrive in port before booking these excursions, as local weather conditions like fog or rain can impact visibility and tour availability.
- L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site: Journey about 20 miles north (a 30-minute drive over rolling hills and a narrow two-lane road) to visit the only authenticated Viking settlement site in North America. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a glimpse into the ancient history of Norse exploration.
Dining & Shopping
Specific restaurants or local specialty dishes near the tender landing are not detailed in the provided information. For dining, it's customary to tip 10-15% of the bill in restaurants. Tipping is also generally expected for service providers such as bell hops, concierges, room cleaners, cab drivers, hairdressers, hotel attendants, and bar staff. Information regarding specific shops, markets, or local souvenirs directly at the tender landing is not available.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). ATMs are widely available in grocery stores, malls, and other public locations, and most are connected to international networks like Cirrus, Plus, Star, and Maestro. While you can obtain cash advances using major credit cards at ATMs, be aware that this method typically incurs a service fee and immediate interest charges, making it more expensive. English is the predominant language spoken in Saint Anthony, aligning with the majority of Canada where English is the main language (59.3%). French is also an official language in Canada (23.2%), but it is less commonly spoken in Newfoundland compared to provinces like Quebec and New Brunswick.