Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne National Park Visit Newfoundland & Labrador
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UNESCO World Heritage Site
Western Newfoundland · Canada

Gros Morne
National Park

Where the Earth’s ancient mantle meets the surface, fjords carved by glaciers descend into still water, and the sheer scale of everything reminds you how small and how lucky you are.

🏔️ 1805 km² of wilderness
🥾 100+ km of trails
🦌 Moose · Caribou · Eagles
🚤 Boat tours from May–Oct
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1987
UNESCO Designated
1805km²
Park Area
100+
km of Trails
600m
Fjord Cliff Height
806m
Gros Morne Summit
7
Communities in the Park
Gros Morne National Park landscape
#1 Western NL
Destination
About the Park

A Geological Wonder Like Nowhere Else on Earth

Gros Morne National Park, located on the western coast of Newfoundland, is one of Canada’s most spectacular natural treasures. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it was recognized not just for its breathtaking scenery, but for its extraordinary geological significance this is one of the very few places on the planet where the Earth’s deep mantle has been pushed to the surface.

The park spans 1805 square kilometres of fjords, mountain ranges, coastal lowlands, and boreal forest. It holds the second-highest peak in Newfoundland, pristine freshwater fjords, ancient geological formations, and a rich tapestry of wildlife. Seven communities call the park home, each with its own heritage, culture, and warm Newfoundland welcome.

Whether you arrive to hike Gros Morne Mountain, glide through Western Brook Pond Fjord by boat, or simply stand at the edge of the Tablelands feeling like you’ve stepped onto another planet this park will leave you transformed.

UNESCO Site Hiking Boat Tours Wildlife Geology Kayaking Camping Photography
Must-See Attractions

The Icons of Gros Morne

From planet-like plateaus to glacier-carved fjords these are the places every visitor needs to experience.

Western Brook Pond Fjord
🚤 Boat Tour · Fjord
Western Brook Pond Fjord
A landlocked freshwater fjord framed by sheer cliffs rising 600 metres from still water one of the most dramatic landscapes in North America. Waterfalls plummet from the plateau, sometimes turning to mist before they reach the surface. The BonTours boat glides you deep into the gorge for a perspective you simply cannot get on foot. Open mid-May to mid-October.
Explore Western Brook Pond
The Tablelands
🪨 Geology · Hiking
The Tablelands
This rust-orange plateau is one of the world’s rare exposures of the Earth’s mantle ancient rock from deep beneath the ocean floor, thrust to the surface by tectonic collisions 500 million years ago. Walking here feels like hiking on Mars.
Learn More
Gros Morne Mountain
🥾 Hiking · Summit
Gros Morne Mountain
A challenging 17 km loop through boreal forest to a dramatic rocky plateau at 806 m. The panoramic summit views across the fjords and Long Range Mountains are among the best in eastern Canada. Allow 6–8 hours and start early.
Hiking Guide
Bonne Bay
🛶 Kayaking · Wildlife
Bonne Bay
A spectacular marine fjord at the heart of the park. Take a 2-hour BonTours boat tour from Norris Point, spot bald eagles, moose and the occasional whale, or rent a kayak and explore the glassy inlets at your own pace.
Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse
🔦 Lighthouse · Heritage
Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse
Perched on a dramatic headland above the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this historic lighthouse offers sweeping coastal views, picnic spots, and a small museum exploring the rich seafaring heritage of Western Newfoundland.
Green Gardens Trail
🥾 Hiking · Coastal
Green Gardens Trail
A moderately challenging coastal hike that descends through meadows of wildflowers to dramatic sea stacks and sea caves. One of the most scenic and diverse trails in the park especially beautiful in late summer.
Gros Morne panorama
The Long Range Mountains
Western Brook Pond
Western Brook Pond Fjord
The Tablelands
The Tablelands
Gros Morne trail
Mountain Trails
Autumn in Gros Morne
Autumn Colours
Activities

Things To Do in Gros Morne

From dawn summit hikes to sunset boat tours the park rewards every kind of adventurer.

🥾
Hiking & Trails
Over 100 km of marked trails ranging from easy waterside strolls to the demanding 17 km Gros Morne Mountain loop. The Baker’s Brook Falls and Lookout Hill trails are great for beginners.
All LevelsDay HikesMulti-Day
🚤
Western Brook Boat Tour
BonTours operates daily boat tours through the Western Brook Pond Fjord from mid-May to mid-October. Book ahead this sells out weeks in advance during July and August.
Boat TourFjordBook Ahead
🛶
Kayaking Bonne Bay
Paddle through calm marine fjord waters surrounded by mountain reflections. Wild Gros Morne offers guided tours, morning cruises, and kayak rentals for all skill levels.
GuidedRentalsBeginner Friendly
🦌
Wildlife Watching
Newfoundland has one of the highest densities of moose in the world. Caribou roam the alpine plateau. Bald eagles and osprey patrol the fjords. Dawn and dusk are prime viewing times.
MooseCaribouEagles
🚗
Scenic Drives
Drive the Viking Trail through the heart of the park. The Tablelands Scenic Drive between Woody Point and Trout River is one of the most dramatic short drives in Canada.
Viking TrailSelf-DrivePhoto Stops
⛺
Camping
Parks Canada operates multiple campgrounds inside the park from full-service sites at Berry Hill to more remote backcountry options. Book through the Parks Canada reservation system.
Parks CanadaBackcountryBook Early
🎭
Gros Morne Theatre Festival
Theatre Newfoundland Labrador performs original works rooted in NL culture each summer in Cow Head. An extraordinary combination of world-class theatre and breathtaking natural surroundings.
SummerCultureCow Head
🔬
Discovery Centre
The park’s Discovery Centre in Rocky Harbour is the perfect starting point. Fascinating geological exhibits, cultural heritage displays, and expert staff who can help plan your visit.
Free EntryRocky HarbourYear-Round
🎣
Fishing the Humber River
The Humber River near Corner Brook is renowned for Atlantic Salmon and Brook Trout fishing. Join a guided fly-fishing excursion for an authentic Western NL outdoor experience.
GuidedSalmonPermits Required
Plan Your Visit

When to Visit Gros Morne

The park is extraordinary year-round, but each season offers a completely different experience.

Spring
May — June

The park awakens. Waterfalls are at full roar, wildflowers bloom, and icebergs drift offshore. Cooler temps make for ideal hiking.

  • Boat tours open mid-May
  • Icebergs visible offshore
  • Fewer crowds
Summer
July — August

Peak season with all attractions fully open, long daylight hours, warm days and the full range of wildlife. Book accommodation and tours well in advance.

  • All trails & tours open
  • Theatre Festival in Cow Head
  • Writers at Woody Point
🔥 Most Popular
Autumn
September — October

The park transforms into an explosion of crimson, amber and gold. Fewer crowds, crisp air, and some of the best photography light of the year.

  • Fall foliage is spectacular
  • Moose rutting season
  • Most tours still running
📸 Best for Photography
Winter
November — April

A quieter, wilder experience. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on park trails. Marble Mountain ski resort is just 45 minutes away in Corner Brook.

  • Snowshoeing & skiing
  • Very few crowds
  • Lowest prices
Local Communities

Seven Villages Inside the Park

Each community within Gros Morne has its own character, cuisine, and stories don’t just pass through.

Rocky Harbour
Rocky Harbour
Park hub · Discovery Centre · Dining
Norris Point
Norris Point
BonTours · Marine Station · Views
Woody Point
Woody Point
Writers Festival · Heritage Theatre
Trout River
Trout River
Tablelands Gateway · Seafood
Cow Head
Cow Head
Theatre Festival · Sandy Beaches
Getting There

How to Reach Gros Morne

A rental car is essential the park’s landscapes are spread over a wide area, and the drive itself is spectacular.

✈️
Via Deer Lake Airport (Closest)
1
Fly into Deer Lake Regional Airport (YDF) direct flights from Toronto, Montreal & Halifax.
2
Pick up your rental car at the airport.
3
Drive ~45 minutes north on Highway 430 (The Viking Trail) into Rocky Harbour.
🚗
Via St. John’s (YYT)
1
Fly into St. John’s International Airport. Pick up a rental car.
2
Drive ~7 hours west on the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH-1) a scenic road trip in itself.
3
Turn north at Deer Lake onto Highway 430 for 45 min to Rocky Harbour.
⛴️
Via Marine Atlantic Ferry
1
Board the Marine Atlantic Ferry from North Sydney, NS to Port aux Basques, NL.
2
Drive ~3.5 hours north on the Trans-Canada and Highway 430 to the park.

🎟️ Park Entry Pass Required

All visitors to Gros Morne National Park require a valid Parks Canada Discovery Pass. Daily and annual passes are available at park entrances and the Discovery Centre in Rocky Harbour. An annual pass covers all of Canada’s national parks and pays for itself in just two visits.

🚗 Rent a Car — It’s Essential

The park spans a huge area. A car lets you stop at viewpoints, explore communities, and adjust your itinerary based on weather. Book in advance vehicles sell out in peak season.

📅 Minimum Stay: 3 Days

Plan for at least 3 days to experience Western Brook Pond, the Tablelands, and one full mountain hike. 5–7 days lets you explore surrounding communities and quieter trails too.

📶 Cell Service is Limited

Download offline maps before you arrive. Rogers has the best rural coverage in Western NL. The Discovery Centre has WiFi and helpful staff to orient you.

🌧️ Pack for Any Weather

Western NL weather changes rapidly. Rain gear, layers, sturdy footwear and at least 3 litres of water per person for mountain hikes are non-negotiable essentials.

Insider Knowledge

Tips for Your Gros Morne Visit

Advice from people who’ve explored every trail, community and hidden corner of the park.

1

Book the Western Brook Boat Tour First

This sells out weeks ahead in July & August. It’s the single unmissable experience in the park. Go to bontours.ca the moment your dates are confirmed.

2

Start the Gros Morne Mountain Hike at Dawn

The 17 km loop takes 6–8 hours. An early start beats the afternoon fog that often rolls in, and you’ll have the summit views to yourself.

3

Drive to Trout River for Dinner

The Seaside Restaurant in Trout River serves the freshest seafood in Western NL local crab, cod tongues, and chowder with a view of the Tablelands. Worth every km.

4

Visit the Tablelands at Sunrise

The amber light hits the rust-coloured peridotite at sunrise and creates a scene that looks like a painting. Park at the Tablelands trailhead on Hwy 431 and walk 10 minutes in.

5

Stay in Rocky Harbour or Norris Point

These two communities have the best range of accommodation, restaurants, and access to the park’s main attractions. Stay at least one night in each if your schedule allows.

6

Buy a Gros Morne National Park Guide

Our expert-crafted digital guide covers every trail, community, viewpoint, and restaurant in the park. Available in our shop it pays for itself on the first day.

7

Consider September Over July

Fall colours, lower prices, fewer crowds, and moose are especially active during the rut. The boat tours still run until mid-October. September might be the secret best month.

8

Slow Down at Woody Point

This tiny Heritage District community is one of the most charming spots in NL. Walk the boardwalk, visit Woody Point Heritage Theatre, and watch the sunset over Bonne Bay from the wharf.

Read More

Gros Morne Travel Guides

Dive deeper with our locally written articles, trail guides, and trip planning resources.

First Timer’s Guide
Things to Do in Gros Morne for First-Time Visitors
Everything you need to know before your first trip from the Tablelands to Western Brook Pond and beyond.
Natural Wonder
Exploring the Best Views of Western Brook Pond Fjord
How to get there, when to go, boat tour tips, and the photography spots most visitors never find.
Seasonal Guide
Return to Newfoundland Hidden Autumn Magic
Why September and October are the secret best months to visit Gros Morne and Western Newfoundland.

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