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“We’re seeing more and more cyclists getting off in Deer Lake and cycling the Northern Peninsula,” Flynn said. “There’s absolutely nothing like getting off the Trans-canada and spending some time in those small coastal towns.”
How to get there The town of Deer Lake is the gateway to the Viking Trail. There are daily direct flights from Toronto, Halifax and St. John’s to Deer Lake. If you’re planning to bike the whole route, you can catch a flight from St. Anthony back to Deer Lake. When to go May to August are the best months to visit. Where to eat If you’re in or near Gros Morne, try The Cat Stop in Norris Point ( facebook.com/thecatstop), or Seaside in Trout River ( seasiderestaurant.ca). Farther north, Northern Delight (Saint Lunaire-griquet, 709-623-2220) has some killer fish and chips. Where to stay In Deer Lake, stay at the Driftwood Inn ( driftwoodinn.ca), the city’s first hotel. Accommodation along the route ranges from charming upscale inns, such as Neddie’s Habour Inn ( theinn.ca) and the Tides Inn, to simpler spots. There are also campsites along the way. What to do off the bike Make the 14-km trek up and over Gros Morne for fantastic views. Take a guided tour through the Tablelands to learn more about the unique geology of the area. Hike the Green Gardens Trail. You can also hop on a whale-watching tour. Let yourself be transported If you want to tackle the entire length of the Viking Trail, Freewheeling Adventures ( freewheeling.ca) and Pedal and Sea Adventures ( pedalandseaadventures.com) offer weeklong supported cycling tours with a mix of cycling and hiking.