Gros Morne National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring dramatic fjords, pristine forests, and distinctive geology with the iconic Gros Morne mountain as its centerpiece. It offers world-class hiking, boating, and some of Canada's most spectacular coastal scenery.

Things to do

• Gros Morne Mountain Hike — A challenging 16 km round-trip trek to the 806 m summit offering panoramic views of Ten Mile Bay and the Long Range Mountains.
• Western Brook Pond Fjord Tour — A guided boat tour through a freshwater fjord surrounded by 600 m cliffs, accessible via a 3 km boardwalk trail through boreal forest.
• Tablelands Geological Walk — A unique 4 km trail across exposed peridotite rock formations that are part of the Earth's mantle, making it a globally significant geological site.
• Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse — An iconic 1897 lighthouse on a scenic headland with interpretive exhibits about local maritime history and coastal ecology.
• Sally's Cove Beach and Village — A picturesque coastal settlement offering easy coastal walks, beach access, and views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
• Snug Harbour Sea Kayaking — Paddling opportunities through protected coastal waters with views of dramatic headlands and potential wildlife sightings including seals and seabirds.
• Baker's Brook Falls — A 2.5 km trail to a 40 m cascading waterfall nestled in a lush valley with old-growth forest.

Food to try

• Fresh Atlantic Salmon — Locally caught salmon prepared simply grilled or pan-seared, showcasing the pristine waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
• Newfoundland Fish and Chips — Crispy battered cod or halibut served with hand-cut fries and traditional tartar sauce, a regional staple found in park lodges.
• Moose Stew — A hearty local specialty featuring locally hunted moose meat with root vegetables and rich gravy, reflecting the region's hunting heritage.
• Berry Preserves and Desserts — Bakeapple, blueberry, and lingonberry jams and pies made from wild berries foraged in the park's boreal forest.
• Seafood Chowder — A creamy soup combining local fish, mussels, and clams with potatoes, reflecting the area's rich maritime traditions.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Wilderness Protocols — Always stay on marked trails, carry bear spray in backcountry areas, and inform staff of your hiking plans due to the remote wilderness setting.
• Learn Gros Morne's Geology — Engage with the park's UNESCO designation by visiting interpretation centers and guided talks that explain the exposed mantle rocks and fjord formation unique to this landscape.
• Support Local Communities — Stay in locally-owned accommodations and eat at family-run restaurants in villages like Rocky Harbour and Lobster Cove to support the regional economy that sustains the park's gateway communities.
• Check Weather and Seasonal Access — Many trails and boat tours operate seasonally (June to September primarily), and Newfoundland weather changes rapidly, so verify conditions and bring layered clothing.