St. Anthony Port Guide

The premier attraction is L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, located roughly 45 minutes from port, where visitors can explore reconstructed 11th-century Viking sod buildings.

In town, the Grenfell Historic Properties tells the inspiring story of Dr. Wilfred Grenfell and his medical mission to northern coastal communities.

For sweeping ocean vistas and potential whale or iceberg sightings, take a short trip to Fishing Point Park and hike the stairs up Tea House Hill.

About 45 kilometers (30 miles) north lies the ancient Norse settlement area surrounding L'Anse aux Meadows, reachable in under an hour by vehicle or excursion coach.

Nearby St. Lunaire-Griquet, just a 25-minute drive away, offers scenic boat tours through calm bays notorious for drift ice and humpback whales.

Exploring Pistolet Bay Provincial Park, located 30 minutes south, provides serene walking trails through native boreal forest and coastal marshlands.

Cruise ships visiting St. Anthony usually anchor offshore in the harbor and transport passengers ashore via tender boats to the main town dock.

The tender pier drops passengers right near downtown, placing local shops, small eateries, and visitor information within easy walking distance.

Basic amenities like restrooms, local volunteer guides, and shore excursion pick-up points are located right at the pier terminal.

The local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). While some tourist-oriented vendors may accept US Dollars at a convenience exchange rate, change is almost always given in Canadian currency.

Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted across local shops, museums, and restaurants throughout town.

ATMs are available at local banks near the downtown waterfront area for those needing physical cash.

St. Anthony is an exceptionally safe and welcoming community with virtually no violent crime against tourists.

Visitors can freely explore the town independently on foot without concern, though appropriate footwear and weather gear are essential when hiking coastal trails.

Caution should be taken along rocky cliff edges near Fishing Point Park, as weather conditions and ocean winds can change rapidly.

Cruises typically visit St. Anthony between June and September, when daily temperatures average between 10°C and 20°C (50°F to 68°F).

Coastal winds and fog are common, so temperatures can feel significantly cooler near the water.

Passengers should dress in versatile layers and pack a windproof, waterproof jacket alongside sturdy walking shoes.

Public transportation and ride-sharing services like Uber are not available in this small remote port.

Most cruise lines offer organized shore excursion buses for destinations further afield, such as L'Anse aux Meadows Excursion.

Local taxis are limited and must be booked in advance, though much of downtown is easily walkable from the tender dock, and boat charters like Northland Discovery Boat Tours operate nearby.

Shopping in town is relaxed and highlights handmade craft items and authentic local culture.

Popular souvenirs include Grenfell embroidered parkas and crafts from the Grenfell Handicrafts shop, as well as local berry jams made from bakeapples and partridgeberries.

Prices are fixed and duty-free shopping is generally not available, but sales tax rebates may apply for certain international visitors.