Gros Morne National Park Newfoundland: 1st Time Visitor Guide
If you’re dreaming of a wild, rugged escape with towering fjords, ancient mountains, and one-of-a-kind coastal views, Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland should be at the top of your list. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a rare chance to walk on the Earth’s mantle, cruise through glacier-carved fjords, and explore one of the most geologically fascinating landscapes in North America. Whether you’re hiking the Tablelands, spotting moose in the forest, or kayaking along a peaceful fjord, Gros Morne is a bucket list destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Overview
Located on the west coast of Newfoundland, Gros Morne National Park covers over 1,800 square kilometers of breathtaking terrain, ranging from alpine plateaus to sea cliffs, freshwater fjords, and coastal bogs. It’s named after Gros Morne Mountain, the second-highest peak in Newfoundland and a highlight for any hiker. The park is renowned for its dramatic natural beauty, its rich cultural history, and its exceptional hiking and sightseeing opportunities.
Photos
How to Get There
By Air: The nearest major airport is Deer Lake Regional Airport (YDF), located about 30 minutes from the southern edge of the park. Flights are available from major Canadian cities like Toronto, Halifax, and Montreal however for most travelers, St. Johns Airport is a much more convenient option.
By Car: From Deer Lake, take Route 430 (The Viking Trail) north toward Gros Morne. If you’re coming via the Marine Atlantic ferry from North Sydney, Nova Scotia to Port aux Basques, the drive is about 3.5 hours.
By Ferry: Marine Atlantic ferries connect Nova Scotia to Newfoundland. Port aux Basques is the closest port, and a great option if you’re bringing your own vehicle.
Best Times to Visit
Late June to mid-September is the best time to visit Gros Morne for hiking, wildlife watching, and boat tours. During this time, the trails are mostly snow-free, and services are fully operational.
- Spring (May–early June): Snow may linger at higher elevations, but fewer crowds and some early wildflowers.
- Fall (September–October): Crisp air, beautiful foliage, and fewer bugs.
- Winter: Great for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, but some access roads and trails may be closed.
10 Best Things to Do
These are the most popular things to do in the park, but I also highly recommend this TripAdvisor page on Gros Morne to see even more options:
- Explore the Tablelands – Explore a lava formed desert. Tablelands is absolutely incredible.
- Hike Gros Morne Mountain – Challenging but incredibly rewarding with panoramic views.
- Boat Tour through Western Brook Pond – See towering fjords from the water (check boat tour). This is the most popular attraction in the park.
- Visit the Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse – A scenic spot with cultural exhibits and ocean views.
- Tour the Broom Point Fishing Exhibit – Learn about the park’s fishing heritage.
- Kayak Bonne Bay – The area of Bonne Bay provides many attractions and paddling through crystal-clear waters surrounded by forested cliffs is one of the top ones (check kayak rental info).
- Discover Green Gardens – A coastal hike with sea stacks, cliffs, and wildflower meadows.
- Visit Woody Point – A quaint town with shops, restaurants, and a scenic harbor.
- Take a Cultural Walk in Norris Point – Home to the Bonne Bay Marine Station and local arts.
- Go Wildlife Watching – Spot moose, caribou, whales, and eagles throughout the park.
- Watch the high/low tides – This is a huge attraction in the area.
Best Hikes (Beginner to Advanced)
Beginner:
- Tablelands Trail (4 km round trip) – Easy interpretive walk through otherworldly geology.
- Lookout Trail (5 km round trip) – Moderate incline with panoramic views over Bonne Bay.
- Berry Hill Trail (1.5 km loop) – Short, family-friendly trail through forest and hilltop views.
Intermediate:
- Green Gardens Trail (9–12 km round trip) – Coastal beauty, sea cliffs, and ocean views.
- Snug Harbour Trail (8 km round trip) – Secluded hike leading to a pebble beach and fjord views.
Advanced:
- Gros Morne Mountain Trail (17 km loop) – Challenging day hike with steep elevation gain and epic summit views.
- Western Brook Pond Backcountry (multi-day) – For experienced backpackers only; backcountry permits required.
Packing List
For the majority of things below, you can get them on my Amazon gear store:
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Windbreaker or rain jacket (weather changes fast)
- Layers for warmth (even in summer)
- Hat and gloves (for summit hikes)
- Insect repellent (black flies can be aggressive)
- Binoculars (for wildlife and whale watching)
- Camera with zoom lens
- Reusable water bottle and snacks
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- National park pass
Where to Stay
Inside or Near the Park: Check hotel deals
Tip: Book early if you’re visiting in peak season (July–August), especially for boat tours and accommodations near Western Brook Pond.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Weather is unpredictable. Always check forecasts and dress in layers.
- Wildlife is abundant. Keep a safe distance from moose, bears, and other animals.
- Backcountry permits are required for certain remote hikes and camping zones.
- Cell service is limited in remote areas, download maps or carry a GPS device.
- Pack out what you pack in. Respect the park’s fragile ecosystems.
- Visitor centers in Rocky Harbour and Woody Point are great for maps, updates, and guided hikes.
Final Thoughts
Gros Morne National Park is one of the most unique and breathtaking places in Canada. With its dramatic landscapes, vibrant culture, and endless opportunities for adventure, it offers something unforgettable for every type of traveler. Whether you’re scaling mountains, strolling quiet beaches, or learning about local traditions, your first visit to Gros Morne won’t be your last.
We’re going at the end of May! Can’t wait! Please note: The drive from St John’s is more like 8 hours. Other flight option is Deer Lake, which is less than 1 hour drive away.
The best time to catch Iceberg Season is late May through early June (the reason we’re going) but you’ll have to go to St Anthony, which is about a 5 hour drive north.
Thanks Margo, I know for certain you can see the icebergs near St. Johns as well, probably not during May-June so St. Anthony’s would be the only option then. Hope you have an awesome trip to this place!
I really enjoyed your post, very informative! Only yesterday, my husband and I decided to take our camper van (we live on the Jersey Shore) to Nova Scotia and then up to Gros Morne NP sometime in Aug so was delighted to find your blog and read your highlights/opinion.
We did a 9 month, 16,000 mile tour of much of the western US in 2020-2021, seeing some of the most stunning scenery ever, which made especially appreciate your comparison to some of those sites to keep our expectations at bay. We had missed Banff because of the border closing and I can’t get hubby to travel across the country again (we returned to the west this past Jan for a shorter 3 month excursion) so driving to NL seemed like a more doable option while still visiting new territory.
I was ‘kinda’ looking forward to the ferry but after reading your experience, I’m now not sure since our camper van is our lodging therefore have no choice but to take it across with us. I think we will now look more into the cabins.
Am so glad I found you while Googling Bay of Fundy! Signed up for your newsletter and will certainly be checking out much more of your blog. Great content!
Hi Sandy, thank you very much! Regarding your trip to Gros Morne, I’d just pay for a cabin and do the overnight thing if you can to give you more time to explore the area. Really glad you got to see the western US and I have so many places that I’ve seen there and recommend you check out too so if you have any questions about that, feel free to let me know! Hope your future trips are just as awesome if not more than before and that you get to see Banff and the Canadian Rockies, as they are truly something and perfect for exploring in a camper van!
Another very interesting place I think you would enjoy checking out is the North Shore in Minnesota and South Shore of Wisconsin and Michigan. Amazing places which are also great for such trips!
We brought our camper across on the ferry and it was wonderful. We sailed during the day and enjoyed the spectacular weather on deck. We packed a backpack to bring with us during the sail that included all the drinks and snacks we wanted. The reclining seats were comfortable. The room was a bit stuffy, but I really didn’t spend my time in the seats since it was a nice day on deck.
Hi Melinda, I wish I had a similar experience when I was on the ferry to New Foundland. My experience was completely different, in a bad way, but I now know to either rent a room on the ferry or take a plane to St. Johns instead.
I’m just a NL citizen, and not involved in the tourism industry at all. I do love Gros Morne and have spent a lot of time there. Glad that you enjoyed your trip, and most of your troubles with the vacation were due to quick planning.
The government’s tourism sites should be a good starting place for planning a well-organized fulfilling vacation. The ferry is annoying, but like you said, a night crossing is most advisable.
There are several airports in Newfoundland, the one in Deer Lake being only 35 km from Gros Morne Park. Not sure what post-pandemic tourism will look like, but most attractions at Gros Morne are outdoor activities, so there shouldn’t be many problems. There are hiking trails to meet a wide variety of abilities, and a wide variety of cultural experiences (Woody Point Writer’s festival, Theatre at Cow Head, boat tours, etc).
Hi Darryl, I know I rushed to see Gros Morne NP when I went and I certainly made a number of mistakes, but overall, I enjoyed the experience and want to thank you for suggesting the things you did.
Hi! Wow, this park sounds amazing! Thanks for allowing us to see your vacation through pictures.
I really love the Tablelands where there’s a desert on one side and green mountains on the other the point where the two worlds collide. Just amazing to think about. I know I want to go there now, and I never even knew this place existed before. Do you know how warm does it get in the summer?
I’d say it can get pretty hot there Lynda. Judging by the green nature there, I am certain that spot gets a lot of sun and I wouldn’t be surprised if temperatures there hit over 80 degrees in the summer. But it IS very cold there too, especially at night. Like I said, I went in September of 2018 and at night, it was literally freezing there.
Reading about your trip and seeing your gorgeous pictures made me put Gros Morne on my bucket list. Especially if I’d have a chance to see the northern lights there.
It seems to me you are a very active and sportive person. Do you think it would be enjoyable too for someone who has less stamina? I wonder if there are possibilities for people who can’t hike for hours, but who love recreational walks in nature.
Sometimes the best views and most beautiful places can only be reached after long hikes. How fit would I need to be to enjoy Gros Morne National Park?
Most of the scenic spots in Gros Morne are right off the road and you can honestly do most of the scenic hikes without issues. For Western Brook Pond, which is the most popular spot, you will have to walk a few kilometers to reach the boating area, but from there, they’ll take you across the gorge and you won’t have to do much from there but enjoy the sights 🙂
That sounds awesome! Thanks for sharing your experience and letting me know that Gros Morne is definitely an option for me. I better start working on that bucket list of mine, fast 🙂
You are very welcome Bianca 🙂