Saint Anthony Newfoundland Cruise Port Guide 🛳️

Saint Anthony is a small port town on Newfoundland’s northern peninsula, known as the gateway to Iceberg Alley. The town features the Grenfell Historic Properties museum, Viking settlement ruins at L’Anse aux Meadows nearby, and opportunities for iceberg and whale watching. It offers authentic outport culture, hiking trails, and access to Labrador Strait attractions.

Quick Port Facts

Fact	Detail
Port Authority	St. Anthony Port Authority
Cruise Terminals	Terminal J/K (Viking), Terminal V (Virgin Voyages)
Distance to Town	Walking distance (5-10 minutes)
Currency	Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Emergency Number	911
Port Operations Contact	709-454-3456

Want to know more about other cruise ports across Canada? Check out our comprehensive guides to help you plan shore excursions throughout your Canadian voyage.

Saint Anthony Map

The cruise dock sits directly adjacent to Saint Anthony Harbour on Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula, with the compact town center spreading out immediately behind the waterfront. Terminal assignments vary by cruise line – Viking uses Terminals J and K, while Virgin Voyages operates from dedicated Terminal V.

Can You Walk to Town from the Port?

Yes, Saint Anthony is genuinely walkable from the cruise terminals. The town center starts practically at the dock gates, making this one of the easier Canadian ports for independent exploration.

Town center access: 5-10 minute flat walk from either terminal to the main commercial area with shops, cafés, and the Grenfell Interpretation Centre
Grenfell Historic Properties: About 10-15 minutes on foot from the port, following signposted routes through the residential streets
Tea House Hill trailhead: Roughly 15 minutes walking from the dock to reach the start of this popular heritage trail, then another 20 minutes uphill to the lookout points
Fishing Point Park trails: Accessible within 10-15 minutes from the terminals, with easy coastal paths suitable for most fitness levels
Terrain note: The immediate town area is flat and paved, though heritage trails like Tea House Hill involve moderate uphill sections with uneven footing

How to Get Around from Saint Anthony & Shore Transportation

For attractions within town limits, your feet will do the job perfectly well. The challenge comes when you want to reach L’Anse aux Meadows or other regional highlights that require wheels.

Taxis and Private Transfers

Availability: Taxis wait at the terminal exit areas during cruise calls, though the number of vehicles is limited in this small community
Town trips: Short rides to anywhere in Saint Anthony cost roughly CAD 10-15, useful if you’re pressed for time or mobility is a concern
L’Anse aux Meadows transfers: Expect to pay CAD 150-200 for a return trip with waiting time, or arrange a half-day hire through your ship’s excursion desk or a local operator
Booking tip: If you’re planning a private taxi excursion to distant sites, arrange this before you dock rather than hoping to find a driver on the day

Cruise Line Shore Excursions

Reliability: The safest option for reaching L’Anse aux Meadows and other out-of-town attractions, with guaranteed ship return
Typical offerings: Viking settlement tours, whale watching trips, Santana Trail hikes, and combined heritage/nature excursions
Booking window: Popular excursions sell out quickly for this port – book as soon as your cruise opens reservations
Honest assessment: Ship excursions cost significantly more than DIY options but remove all logistical stress in a remote location with limited transport infrastructure

Walking

Town exploration: Everything in Saint Anthony proper is within a comfortable 20-minute radius of the dock
Trail access: Tea House Hill and Fishing Point Park paths are walkable from the port, offering coastal views and heritage interpretation without wheels
Not walkable: L’Anse aux Meadows (45 minutes by car), Norstead Viking village, and whale watching points along the coast – these absolutely require transportation

What to See Within Walking Distance from the Port

The immediate Saint Anthony area packs genuine heritage value and natural scenery into a compact footprint. You can fill several hours without leaving town or hiring transport.

Grenfell Interpretation Centre: The core story of Sir Wilfred Grenfell’s medical mission work and its lasting impact on northern Newfoundland, told through artifacts, photographs, and interpretive displays. Located in the town center, roughly 10 minutes from the dock on flat pavement. Allow 45 minutes to an hour for a thorough visit.
Tea House Hill Walking Trail: A 20-minute uphill walk from the Grenfell House Museum area leads to the foundations of the original Grenfell Tea House and several elevated lookout points with harbour views. The trail surface is uneven in places, so wear proper walking shoes with good traction. Total loop time including stops for photos: 45 minutes to an hour.
Fishing Point Park and Whale Watchers Trail: Easy coastal paths with ocean vistas, potential whale sightings in season, and interpretive signage about local ecology. The Whale Watchers Trail is a gentle 0.8km return walk with minimal elevation change. About 10-15 minutes to reach the park entrance from the cruise terminals, then as much time as you fancy on the trails. Bring compact binoculars if you’re hoping to spot whales or icebergs offshore.
Harbour waterfront: A simple stroll along the working harbour lets you watch fishing boats, spot seabirds, and soak up the authentic outport atmosphere. No specific attractions here, just a pleasant way to fill time between other activities or while waiting to reboard.

Must See Attractions in Saint Anthony for a One Day Cruise Visit

With a typical port call of six to eight hours, you need to choose between in-town heritage walks or venturing further afield to the Viking settlement. Both are worthwhile, but combining them requires careful timing.

L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site

What it is: The only authenticated Norse settlement in North America, dating to around 1000 CE. The site includes archaeological remains, reconstructed sod buildings, and interpretation of Viking exploration.
Why it matters: This is genuinely significant history – Leif Erikson’s crew landed here roughly 500 years before Columbus. The setting on a windswept coastal meadow adds atmosphere you won’t find in a museum.
Time needed: 45 minutes driving each way from Saint Anthony, plus 90 minutes to two hours on site. Budget at least four hours total including travel.
Practical tips: Entry fees apply (check Parks Canada rates). The site is exposed to weather – bring windproof layers even on warm days. If your ship offers a dedicated excursion, that’s your easiest route here. Independent visitors can arrange private taxi transfers, but confirm the return pickup time in writing and have a backup contact number.

Grenfell Historic Properties

What it is: A cluster of heritage buildings including the Grenfell House Museum and related structures that tell the story of Dr. Wilfred Grenfell’s medical and social mission to northern Newfoundland.
Why it matters: Grenfell’s work transformed healthcare access in remote Newfoundland and Labrador. The museum provides genuine insight into early 20th-century outport life and the challenges of delivering medical care in isolated communities.
Time needed: One to 90 minutes depending on your interest level. The main museum takes about 45 minutes to see properly.
Practical tips: Modest admission fee. The museum is walkable from the dock in 10-15 minutes. Staff are knowledgeable locals who can answer questions about the region’s history. Combine this with Tea House Hill for a half-day heritage circuit.

Tea House Hill Lookout and Trail

What it is: A heritage walking trail that climbs to the site of Grenfell’s original Tea House, with panoramic views over Saint Anthony Harbour and the surrounding coastline.
Why it matters: The lookout points offer the best photo opportunities in town, and the interpretive plaques provide context about Grenfell’s social enterprises. It’s a manageable hike that rewards you with genuine scenery.
Time needed: 20 minutes uphill from the trailhead to the main lookout, plus time to explore and photograph. Budget 45 minutes to an hour for the full experience.
Practical tips: The trail surface is natural and uneven – wear proper walking shoes, not sandals or deck shoes. The climb is moderate but continuous, so assess your fitness honestly. Free to access, open year-round in daylight hours.

Fishing Point Park Coastal Trails

What it is: A network of easy shoreline paths with coastal cliff views, seabird colonies, and potential whale sightings during migration periods.
Why it matters: If your timing coincides with iceberg or whale season, this is one of the best shore-accessible viewing points on the peninsula. Even without wildlife, the scenery justifies a stroll.
Time needed: The main loop trails take 30-45 minutes at a relaxed pace. You could easily spend longer if you’re birding or hoping to spot marine life.
Practical tips: Free access, trails are clearly marked and mostly level. Bring binoculars if you have them. The exposed coastal position means windproof clothing is wise even on calm days in harbour.

Norstead Viking Village and Port

What it is: A living history interpretation of a Viking-era trading port, located near L’Anse aux Meadows. Costumed interpreters demonstrate crafts, storytelling, and daily life.
Why it matters: This adds context and entertainment value to the archaeological remains at L’Anse aux Meadows. If you’re traveling with kids or appreciate hands-on history, Norstead is more engaging than ruins alone.
Time needed: One to 90 minutes on site, plus the same 45-minute drive each way from Saint Anthony. Often combined with L’Anse aux Meadows on full-day excursions.
Practical tips: Admission charged separately from the national historic site. Check opening days before you go – this is a seasonal operation. Not accessible without wheels, so factor this into your transport planning.

Port Day Itinerary: Things to Do in 8 Hours

Here’s a realistic schedule that fits a typical 8am-4pm port day, assuming you’re staying in Saint Anthony rather than attempting the drive to L’Anse aux Meadows.

8:00-8:30 | Disembark and walk to Grenfell Interpretation Centre: Head straight out after ship formalities clear. The morning light is excellent for the walk through town, and you’ll beat any tour groups arriving later. Stop at Tim Hortons on the way if you need a caffeine top-up.
8:30-9:45 | Grenfell Interpretation Centre: Spend an hour exploring the museum exhibits about the Grenfell Mission, northern Newfoundland medical history, and the social enterprises that supported the region. Staff can answer questions and point you toward other local heritage sites. The gift shop stocks locally made crafts if you’re shopping for meaningful souvenirs.
9:45-10:45 | Tea House Hill trail and lookout: Walk from the Grenfell area to the Tea House Hill trailhead, then climb to the main lookout points. Take your time on the uphill sections and stop at the interpretive plaques. The harbour views from the top are worth the effort, and you’ll likely spot icebergs offshore if you’re visiting between May and July.
10:45-11:15 | Return downhill and walk to Fishing Point Park: Head back toward the harbour and make your way to the coastal park trails. This gives your legs a break after the hill climb while still covering new ground.
11:15-12:15 | Fishing Point Park trails: Wander the Whale Watchers Trail and adjacent coastal paths. Bring binoculars if you have them – whale sightings are common during peak season, and the seabird colonies are active. The exposed coastal setting offers dramatic photo opportunities.
12:15-13:15 | Lunch at Lightkeeper’s Café or central town options: Walk back toward the commercial area and choose between the Lightkeeper’s Café near the Grenfell properties for proper sit-down seafood, or grab a faster bite at Jungle Jim’s, Flavor Crisp, or Mary Brown’s if you’re short on time. The fish and chips at Lightkeeper’s are genuinely excellent, and the seafood chowder tastes homemade.
13:15-14:30 | Browse town shops and waterfront: Spend the early afternoon poking around local shops for Labradorite jewelry, hand-knit woolens, and other regional crafts. The harbour area is pleasant for a relaxed stroll while you digest lunch. Pop into any shops that catch your eye – prices are reasonable and you’re supporting local artisans.
14:30-15:30 | Buffer time and final photos: Allow an hour for last-minute exploration, a coffee stop, or simply sitting somewhere scenic to soak up the atmosphere. This buffer ensures you won’t be stressed about missing the ship if anything runs slightly over time.
15:30 | Head back to the ship: Walk back to the terminal with plenty of margin before all-aboard time. The walk takes only 10 minutes from the town center, but you want buffer time for security and any queues at the gangway.

This timing works comfortably without rushing, covering the best of what’s accessible on foot in Saint Anthony. If you’re visiting Corner Brook on the same itinerary, you’ll appreciate the contrast between this small outport and Newfoundland’s larger port cities.

Where to Eat Near the Port

Saint Anthony’s dining scene is limited but authentic. Don’t expect fine dining or extensive menus – this is a working fishing community where food is honest and portions are generous.

Lightkeeper’s Café (near Grenfell Historic Properties): The best sit-down option for cruise passengers, serving excellent fish and chips, seafood chowder, and other Newfoundland specialties. Main courses run CAD 15-25. The chowder is thick, creamy, and tastes homemade rather than institutional. Allow 45 minutes for full table service.
Jungle Jim’s Eatery: Fast casual spot in the commercial area with burgers, sandwiches, and basic hot meals. Useful if you’re grabbing a quick lunch between activities. Expect CAD 12-18 for a filling meal.
Mary Brown’s Chicken & Taters: Regional chain serving fried chicken, taters (seasoned fried potato wedges), and simple sides. This is fast food but beloved by Newfoundlanders. Combo meals around CAD 10-15.
Flavor Crisp Chicken: Similar concept to Mary Brown’s, offering fried chicken and simple sides. Good for a quick, filling meal without fuss. Budget CAD 10-15.
Tim Hortons: Canadian coffee and doughnut chain with a location convenient to the port area. Useful for breakfast before shore activities or a coffee break during the day. CAD 5-10 for coffee and a snack.
Pizza Delight: Regional pizza chain with a Saint Anthony location. Reliable if you’re feeding kids or want something familiar. Pizzas from CAD 15 for basic sizes.
Food safety note: Tap water is safe to drink throughout Saint Anthony. Food hygiene standards follow Canadian regulations, so you can eat confidently anywhere in town.

Shopping: What to Buy & Where to Go

Shopping in Saint Anthony is modest but offers genuine local crafts rather than mass-produced cruise souvenirs. Manage your expectations – this isn’t a shopping destination, but you can find meaningful purchases if you take time to browse.

Labradorite jewelry: Semi-precious stone with distinctive blue-green flash, mined in Labrador. Look for locally made pieces at gift shops near the Grenfell Centre and in the town commercial area. Prices vary by size and setting, from CAD 30 for simple pendants to several hundred for larger statement pieces.
Hand-knit woolens: Traditional Newfoundland knitting patterns in locally produced wool. Mittens, hats, and scarves are portable souvenirs that actually prove useful back home. Expect CAD 40-80 for quality handmade items.
Local crafts and artwork: Small shops stock work by regional artisans including pottery, woodcarving, and prints of coastal scenes. Quality and prices vary, but genuine handmade items start around CAD 20-30 for small pieces.
Grenfell Mission crafts: The gift shop at the Grenfell Interpretation Centre sells items supporting the ongoing mission work, including reproduction heritage textiles and books about the region’s history.
Shop hours: Most businesses open around 9am or 10am and close by 5pm or 6pm. This is a small community without late-night shopping districts. Sunday hours are limited, with many shops closed entirely.
Public holidays: Canadian statutory holidays affect shop hours. If your port call coincides with a holiday, confirm opening times before planning shopping time into your itinerary.
Haggling: Not practiced or expected in Saint Anthony. Prices are fixed and reasonable for the quality you’re getting.

Safety Tips

Saint Anthony is genuinely safe for cruise passengers. Crime targeting tourists is essentially nonexistent in this small community where everyone knows everyone. The main safety concerns are weather-related rather than human-caused.

Weather preparedness: Coastal Newfoundland weather shifts quickly. Bring windproof and waterproof layers even if the morning looks calm, and wear proper footwear for walking on uneven terrain. Fog can roll in rapidly, reducing visibility on coastal trails.
Trail safety: Stick to marked paths at Fishing Point Park and Tea House Hill. Coastal cliffs are genuinely dangerous if you wander too close to edges, especially in wind or fog. Mobile phone coverage can be spotty on remote sections of trail.
Transportation scams: Not a significant issue here, but confirm pricing with taxi drivers before setting off, especially for longer trips to L’Anse aux Meadows. Get the agreed fare in writing if possible, and have a backup contact number for the driver if you’re arranging a return pickup.
Unlicensed tour operators: Stick with cruise line excursions or established local operators recommended by your ship. If someone approaches you at the dock offering a private tour at an unusually low price, politely decline and verify with the ship’s shore excursion desk before committing.
Wildlife encounters: Moose are common on Newfoundland roads and can be genuinely dangerous in vehicle collisions. If you’re driving independently or in a taxi to L’Anse aux Meadows, stay alert for animals on the roadway, especially at dawn and dusk.

Emergency Contacts

Police (RCMP): 911 or 709-454-3543 (24-hour emergency line)
Ambulance: 911 or 709-454-3344 (St. Anthony Ambulance)
Fire Department: 911 or 709-454-8333
Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital: 709-454-3333 (emergency department open 24/7)
Port Operations: 709-454-3456
Poison Information Centre: 1-866-727-1110 (Canada-wide)
Newfoundland and Labrador Health Line: 1-888-709-2929 (non-urgent health guidance)

Save your cruise ship’s emergency contact number before going ashore. In a genuine emergency, dial 911 first, then notify your ship’s crew immediately so they can coordinate with port authorities.

Essential Items for Your Day in Saint Anthony

Northern Newfoundland’s unpredictable coastal weather and varied terrain require thoughtful packing even for a short port day. Here are the essentials that will make your visit more comfortable:

Weather protection: A packable rain jacket is non-negotiable – coastal fog and rain showers appear without warning. Layer it over merino wool base layers for women or merino wool base layers for men for warmth that regulates temperature during uphill trail climbs.
Footwear: Tea House Hill’s uneven surfaces and Fishing Point Park’s coastal paths demand proper walking shoes for women or walking shoes for men with good traction and ankle support. Skip the sandals and deck shoes entirely.
Wildlife viewing: Compact travel binoculars are essential for whale watching from Fishing Point Park and iceberg spotting from harbour lookouts during spring and early summer.
Sun protection: The northern sun is deceptively strong even on cool days. Bring sunglasses for women or sunglasses for men, plus a packable sun hat for extended time on exposed coastal trails.
Valuables security: Keep passports, ship cards, and cash secure in an RFID blocking travel wallet or hidden money belt while exploring town on foot.
Day pack: A lightweight foldable backpack carries layers, water bottles, and purchases without bulk. If rain threatens, protect electronics in a waterproof phone pouch.
Photography: Coastal trails and harbour views deserve better than phone photos struggling in bright conditions – polarized sunglasses help with glare, and keeping your phone dry in a waterproof phone case protects your device in unexpected weather.

Currency, ATMs & Money Matters

Saint Anthony uses the Canadian dollar exclusively. US dollars might be accepted at some tourist-facing businesses but at poor exchange rates – convert to local currency for better value.

Local currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD). As of typical exchange rates, expect roughly 1.35 CAD to 1 USD, though rates fluctuate.
ATM locations: Limited ATMs in the town center, typically at bank branches or major retail locations. Withdrawal fees apply, often CAD 3-5 per transaction plus your home bank’s foreign ATM fee. Draw enough cash to cover your day rather than making multiple small withdrawals.
Card acceptance: Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted at restaurants and shops in the central area. Smaller businesses may prefer cash, and some fast casual spots have minimum card transaction amounts.
Exchange options: No dedicated currency exchange services in Saint Anthony. Your best option is to use an ATM for local currency or exchange money before arriving at this port – larger Canadian cities have better rates and options.
Cash needs: Budget CAD 80-120 per person for a day covering lunch, snacks, a few beverages, and small purchases. Bring a bit more if you’re shopping for crafts or hiring a taxi for longer trips.
Bank notification: Alert your card issuers before traveling to Canada to avoid fraud blocks on your cards. This matters more in remote locations like Saint Anthony where you may have limited alternatives if your card is declined.
Tipping: Standard Canadian practice applies – 15-20% at sit-down restaurants, round up for taxi fares, CAD 1-2 per drink at casual spots. Tipping is expected but not mandatory for counter service at fast casual restaurants.

Weather by Month

Season/Months	Temperature Range	Conditions	What to Pack
Late Spring/Early Summer (May-June)	8-15°C (46-59°F)	Peak iceberg season with the highest chance of seeing bergs drift past the harbour. Cool temperatures, frequent wind, and possibility of fog. Occasional rain showers. This is prime cruise season for the region.	Waterproof jacket, warm layers (fleece or wool), windproof outer shell, comfortable waterproof walking shoes, hat and gloves for early morning or windy conditions
Mid-Summer (July-August)	12-20°C (54-68°F)	Warmest and driest period, though still cooler than most cruise destinations. Longer daylight hours and best weather for hiking coastal trails. Iceberg sightings become less common by late July. Whale watching reaches peak activity.	Light layers, long-sleeve shirts, light waterproof jacket, sun protection (the northern sun is stronger than you expect), comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses
Early Fall (September)	8-14°C (46-57°F)	Shoulder season with fewer cruise calls. Weather becomes more unpredictable with increasing chance of storms. Fall colours appear in inland areas. Cooler temperatures but still manageable for shore activities.	Warm layers, waterproof jacket and trousers, warm hat, gloves, insulated jacket for wind chill, waterproof hiking boots
Winter (October-April)	-8 to 5°C (18-41°F)	No cruise season. Harsh winter weather with snow, ice, and severe wind chill. The harbour can ice over. Not a period for tourism visits.	N/A – cruise ships do not call during this period

If you’re new to cruising in northern regions, Saint Anthony’s weather will surprise you with how cool it stays even in summer. Pack as if you’re visiting Scotland in spring rather than the Caribbean.

Common Questions & FAQ

Is Saint Anthony a tender port or dock port?

Saint Anthony is a dock port where cruise ships tie up alongside at dedicated terminals. You’ll walk directly off the ship onto the pier without needing tender boats. Terminal assignments vary by cruise line – Viking uses Terminals J and K, while Virgin Voyages operates from Terminal V. Check your cruise documents for your specific terminal.

Can you see icebergs from Saint Anthony and when is the best time?

Yes, Saint Anthony sits on Iceberg Alley and offers excellent berg viewing between late April and late June, with May and early June being peak season. Icebergs drift south from Greenland on the Labrador Current, and many pass close enough to shore for clear viewing from Fishing Point Park or even the harbour itself. Later in summer the bergs diminish significantly as they melt in warmer waters.

How long does it take to visit L’Anse aux Meadows from Saint Anthony port?

Budget at least four hours total – 45 minutes driving each way plus 90 minutes to two hours at the Viking site itself. If you want to include Norstead Viking Village on the same trip, add another hour. This makes L’Anse aux Meadows a half-day commitment that takes up most of a typical port call. Shore excursions are the most practical option unless you arrange a private taxi transfer in advance.

Are there public toilets near Saint Anthony cruise port?

Yes, the cruise terminals have accessible restrooms in the passenger facilities area. Once you’re in town, public toilets are available at the Grenfell Interpretation Centre, some restaurants and cafés, and at Fishing Point Park facilities. Small-town Newfoundland is generally accommodating – if you need facilities urgently, any shop or café will usually help.

What’s the mobile phone and WiFi situation in Saint Anthony?

Major Canadian carriers provide coverage in Saint Anthony town itself, though signal strength can be patchy on remote coastal trails or on the drive to L’Anse aux Meadows. The cruise terminals offer free WiFi in passenger areas, as do many cafés in town. International roaming charges can be expensive – check your phone plan before using data, or rely on WiFi hotspots.

Can you swim or kayak in Saint Anthony Harbour?

Technically possible but not recommended for cruise passengers on a time-limited port call. Water temperatures remain very cold even in summer (typically 8-12°C), and weather conditions can change rapidly. If you’re keen on water activities, ask about organized kayaking excursions through your ship – these include proper equipment and safety oversight.

Is Saint Anthony worth visiting or should I stay on the ship?

If you have even mild interest in Viking history, iceberg viewing, or authentic Newfoundland outport culture, definitely go ashore. L’Anse aux Meadows is genuinely significant and unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere. Even if you skip the Viking site and stay in town, the Grenfell heritage story and coastal scenery justify a few hours of exploration. Staying on the ship makes sense only if mobility is severely limited or weather is truly atrocious. For more ideas on making the most of your port days, check out our cruise tips section.

Personal Experience

I wasn’t sure what to expect when our cruise docked in Saint Anthony, but this little fishing village completely won me over. The main draw here is L’Anse aux Meadows, the only authenticated Viking settlement in North America, and it’s absolutely worth the hour-long drive through stunning coastal scenery. If you’re visiting between late spring and early summer, keep your eyes peeled for icebergs drifting past the harbor – they’re genuinely breathtaking up close. The town itself is small enough to walk around, though you might want to grab a taxi or join a shore excursion if you’re heading to the Viking site or hoping to spot whales at the lighthouse.

For food, don’t miss the Lightkeeper’s Café near the Grenfell Historic Properties – their fish and chips are fantastic, and the seafood chowder tastes like it came straight from a local kitchen. The Grenfell Interpretation Centre is right in town and gives you a real sense of the area’s medical missionary history, plus it’s an easy walk from the port. Most locals are incredibly friendly and happy to point you toward the best spots or share stories about life in northern Newfoundland. Just dress in layers because the weather can shift quickly, and comfortable walking shoes are a must if you’re planning to explore any of the historic sites or coastal trails.