Things to do in Gros Morne National Park for First Time Visitors

Things to do in Gros Morne National Park for First Time Visitors. Nestled along the western coast of Newfoundland, Gros Morne National Park stands as a majestic testament to the power of nature and the richness of cultural heritage. This natural wonder is packed with towering cliffs, dramatic fjord valleys, serene glacial lakes, inviting sandy beaches, and expansive highland plateaus.

Tablelands:

One such marvel is The Tablelands, a truly unique area where the Earth’s mantle has been thrust to the surface. This part of the park results from ancient tectonic plate collisions and presents a landscape unlike any other.

The rusty orange colour against the surrounding mountain, coupled with the rocks, river, and vegetation, often makes you feel like you are on another planet.

Western Brook Pond:

Another sight is Western Brook Pond. This freshwater fjord is framed by towering cliffs and graced by cascading waterfalls. The most highly recommended site to take in is embarking on a boat tour. When the boat glides through the still waters, passengers are surrounded by sheer cliff walls reaching up to 600 meters (nearly 2000 feet), with waterfalls plummeting from heights of 2000 feet, sometimes turning to mist before reaching the pond below.

Hike to the peak of Gros Morne Mountain:

This is a challenging hike up to the park’s highest point. The path takes hikers through a remarkable transition of terrains, from lush lowlands to rugged alpine environments.

The Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse is a must-see.

A combination of history and natural beauty may be found at Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse. This lighthouse is perched on a point with a view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Explore the lighthouse museum, which displays Atlantic life and local history. The neighbourhood is also ideal for picnics and strolls along the shore.

Gros Morne offers a variety of other hiking experiences.

• The Green Gardens Trail provides stunning coastal views and a mix of moderate to rugged terrain.
• The Lookout Trail offers moderate difficulty and rewards hikers with panoramic vistas of Bonne Bay.
• The Baker’s Brook Falls Trail is a moderate hike leading to a beautiful waterfall.

Gros Morne Discovery Centre:

The centre is a great place to start when exploring the park. The park’s distinctive natural and cultural heritage contains fascinating displays and information.

Drives & Viewpoints

The Viking Trail: Driving through Gros Morne National Park is a must-do activity for tourists since several picturesque paths provide access to stunning views. The Viking Trail is a scenic route that runs straight through Gros Morne and along the northern Newfoundland peninsula shore.

The Tablelands Drive:

The Tablelands Scenic Drive is another well-known scenic drive that offers direct access to the surreal scenery in the Tablelands. It connects the quaint communities of Woody Point and Trout River. The dramatic colour contrast between the amber tones of the Tablelands and the verdant hills around them is quite mesmerizing as you travel this path.

Adventures on Bonne Bay:

Within Gros Morne National Park, Bonne Bay is a breathtaking body of water that provides an excellent backdrop for a range of water sports. Exciting kayaking and leisurely boat tours provide distinctive viewpoints of the park’s striking scenery.

Bonne Bay boat tours allow relaxing and taking in the view. From the Norris Point Waterfront, BonTours offers a two-hour Bonne Bay Tour. Watch for possible animal sightings, such as seagulls, bald eagles, moose, and whales. BonTours also provides a Marine Discovery Tour (Wednesdays at 2 pm) for individuals interested in marine life in July and August. In partnership with the Bonne Bay Marine Station, this informative trip highlights the biology of the bay, involves plankton samples, and ends with a visit to the public aquarium at the station.

To deliver individualized experiences on the water, Wild Gros Morne also offers family-friendly excursions and private charters with adjustable lengths. Kayaking is recommended for anyone seeking a more active approach to seeing Bonne Bay. Wild Gros Morne provides a variety of rental kayaks for all levels, private trips, and guided kayak tours, including picturesque morning cruises.

Beyond the Scenery:

The Bonne Bay Marine Station, run by Memorial University, is a centre for marine research and provides educational programs and public excursions to help people understand the aquatic environment in the area.

An insight into the historic inshore fishery that supported local families for many years may be gained at the restored Broom Point Fishing Premises.

The seven communities are nestled within and near the park. Cow Head, St. Paul’s, Sally’s Cove, Rocky Harbour, Norris Point, Trout River, and Woody Point have unique histories and characters. Exploring these communities can reveal local cultural gems, such as the Gros Morne Theatre Festival in Cow Head and the Writers at Woody Point Festival & Woody Point Heritage Theatre.

Planning Your Perfect Trip:

While the park is beautiful throughout the year, fall offers particularly spectacular colours for hiking enthusiasts. Keep in mind the operating seasons for key attractions: the Western Brook Pond tour runs from mid-May to mid-October, the Gros Morne Mountain summit is typically open from late June to late October, the Discovery Centre welcomes visitors from mid-May to mid-October, and L’Anse aux Meadows is open from June to October. Purchasing a Gros Morne National Park pass is necessary to access the park and its attractions. Don’t forget rain gear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, ample water (at least 3 litres per person for the Gros Morne Mountain hike) and snacks for longer excursions. Binoculars and a lightweight jacket are valuable items to pack on a hike. Plan for a minimum stay of two to three days, with extended stays of three to ten days or more recommended for those wishing to delve deeper into the park’s offerings.