Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne National Park is a natural treasure trove offering a diverse range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. With its dramatic landscapes, rich geological history, and charming coastal towns, this park is a must-visit for any traveler to Newfoundland. Day One: Southern Exploration -Morning: Begin your journey at the Western Brook Discovery Centre. This state-of-the-art facility provides an excellent introduction to the park's geology, wildlife, and history. Immerse yourself in interactive exhibits and informative displays. - Afternoon: Book a Western Brook Fjord boat tour. This is an absolute must-do to experience the fjord's towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene beauty. The tour typically lasts several hours, providing ample time to appreciate the natural wonder. Optional Activities: - Visit the nearby Woody Point to explore charming shops and indulge in fresh seafood. - Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Green Point Geological Site to witness firsthand the region's geological history. Day Two: Northern Discoveries - Morning: Embark on the iconic Tablelands hike. This otherworldly landscape, a remnant of the Earth's mantle, is a geological marvel. The hike is relatively easy and offers stunning panoramic views. Remember to bring your camera to capture the unique rock formations. - Afternoon: Drive to the charming town of Norris Point for lunch and explore the local shops. Consider taking a boat tour of Bonne Bay to experience the park's coastal beauty from a different perspective. Park Highlights and Tips - Dog-friendly: Gros Morne National Park is largely dog-friendly, allowing you to explore with your furry companion. However, there are restrictions in certain areas, such as the Tablelands. - Hiking: The park offers a variety of hiking trails to suit all fitness levels. Some popular options include the Tablelands Trail, the Burnt Hill Trail, and the trails around Bonne Bay. - Wildlife: Keep an eye out for moose, black bears, and various bird species. - Photography: The park's stunning landscapes provide endless opportunities for photography. - Park Passes: Purchase a park pass at the entrance to gain access to all park facilities. - Accommodation: There are various accommodation options within and around the park, from campgrounds to hotels. - Best Time to Visit: The park is beautiful in all seasons, but the summer months offer the longest daylight hours for exploring. Additional Day: Extending Your Adventure If you have an extra day, consider these options: Explore the Long Range Mountains, the park's northernmost region, for challenging hikes and remote wilderness experiences. Visit the Bonne Bay Marine Station to learn about marine life and ecosystems. Take a kayaking or canoeing tour to explore the park's waterways from a different perspective. By following this itinerary, you can experience the best of Gros Morne National Park and create unforgettable memories. Remember to pack accordingly for the weather, bring essential hiking gear, and respect the park's natural environment.

One of the most beautiful places in the world. As an American who laments how crowded, overused and stressed many of our a national parks are, it was astounding to spend a week at Gros Morne in 2012. Even at the height of Canadian tourist season it was empty compared to any of the most popular US national parks. And the landscape is spectacular. From the Tablelands to Western Brook Pond the landscape is varied and at times other-worldly. A World Heritage site and one of the few places on Earth that the mantle rises to the planet's surface, the Tablelands more resemble Mars, with its reddish tinted rocks and soil than what you would expect of a lush green North Atlantic province (and a drive down the main highway distinctly shows the contrast, green on one side as far as the eye can see and red on the other). Western Brook Pond feels of another world too. A beautiful wooded, then boggy set of landscapes unfold before you during the multi-kilometer hike to the pond's shore, where tour boats take you into this very remote fjord now closed to the sea. Towering cliffs surround you with abundant waterfalls descending every few hundred meters, with thick forest covering any land not too steep for them. At the eastern end a floating dock beckons the backpacker who has pre-registered to hike out the 38 miles through a seemingly impossible gorge trail. These are a mere few highlights. The people of Western Newfoundland are warm and welcoming and there is good lodging to be had as well as plenty of hiking, camping, and wilderness backpacking opportunities. This all describes the brief warm months. Winter here is evidently an entirely different matter.

This is a UNESCO World Heritage site that demonstrates evidence of continental drift. As such, there are a broad variety of terrains and drastically different landscapes. There are tons of beautiful hikes and other outdoor activities available. The drive in was gorgeous and it only gets better from there. If planning a trip, I'd plan around closures (such as the Gros Morne summit being closed to protect wildlife in May and June this year). Even if certain parts of the park is closed, there are still plenty of things to do. I'd start every visit at the Discovery Center, where you can learn about the different geographical features of the park.

I could spend only half a day. But I really needed much more. Comparing landscapes in AB, there are different ways you can go through the mountain and enjoy something! Camping, swimming, hiking, biking and maybe fishing @ some points, are the different things you can do in different zones. Even just driving is still great! There were some spots right beside the lakes with beautiful coast to stop by and get wet! Regarding wildlife, you may see caribou, porcupine, raccoon, coyote which can be a unique experience. Strongly recommended!

You have to visit to experience the untouched beauty of this magnificent national park situated on western coast of Newfoundland. Pictures and video just cannot do justice to its unparalleled beauty. You get the mountains,ocean,beach,sandbanks,fjords,culture, beautiful sunset and sunrises all rolled in one when you visit the national park. I say it's one of those places you should consider as a bucket list when exploring Canada.