Top 6 Things to do in Gros Morne National Park
If you are headed to Newfoundland, there is one stop you will not want to miss, Gros Mourne National park. This breathtaking park is a must-see when visiting the province – full of rugged beauty, fascinating wildlife watching opportunities, and endless exploration possibilities. With its lush forests and craggy fjords, Gros Morne National Park will dazzle even the most experienced travelers with its stunning landscapes. We've compiled a list of the absolute best things to do and see during your visit. So get ready to have a fantastic experience!
Where to stay
The most important decision you will make is where to stay. Gros Morne is huge! It takes almost 2 hours to drive from one end to the other. We recommend staying near the middle of the park to reduce your time on the road. There are plenty of campgrounds, cottages, and cabins to choose from. Finding a spot around the East Arm would be ideal.
Park Pass
To enter the park, you will need to purchase a park pass. Choose from individual, family, or annual passes. We chose the Discovery Pass. It provides admission to more than 80 Canadian national parks and historic sites. It is valid for one year from the date of purchase. We were planning to visit the Cabot Trail and a few other spots, so it was our cheapest option.
Our trip to Gros Morne
When to visit Gros Morne
June to August: Summer is the peak tourist season. The weather is generally pleasant, with average temperatures in the mid-60s F. This is the best time for outdoor activities such as hiking and boat tours. This is also when the park is the most crowded. Accommodations fill up quickly, so book early.
May and September: The shoulder seasons are a great time to visit Gros Morne. The crowds are smaller compared to the summer. If you are a fan of fall foliage, this is an excellent time to visit, as it is stunning. In May, you can catch the blooming wildflowers. The weather is still mild, and you can get a great deal on lodging.
December to March: Winter is much quieter, with very few tourists. It is cold in the park, and the ground is usually covered in snow. Temperatures average the high 30s F. If you are a fan of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling, this might be the right time of year for you.
Best things to do in gros morne
This park is absolutely breathtaking and there are tons of things to check out. Below are some of our favorites!
1. hike the earth’s mantle
As you drive up to the trailhead, you notice the deep rust color of the mountains and the lack of vegetation. That is because the rocks that form these mountains are unlike the others. These mountains were once in the center of the Earth as part of the Earth’s mantle. About 500 million years ago, two continents collided, and the mountains thrust up out of the center of the Earth. The rocks that form these mountains are toxic to many plants and trees, which is why it is barren.
There are only a few places in the world where you can walk on the center of the Earth! It is a rare opportunity that should not be missed! Below are a few other locations to walk on the Earth’s mantle. There may be more out there, but here is what I found.
Macquarie Island, Australia
Del Puerto Canyon, California
Hajar Mountains, Saudi Arabia
Mantle Rock Nature Preserve, Kentucky
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Planning a bucket list trip to Newfoundland?? Let us help! Our complete Newfoundland Travel Guide makes planning a breeze!
2. hop aboard the Western Brook pond Boat Tour
This boat tour is one of the most popular activities in the park for good reason. It takes you into the fjord carved by glaciers millions of years ago. The clear waters of this pond hold Atlantic Salmon, Brook Trout, and Arctic Char. The magnificent scenery includes cascading waterfalls, sheer cliffs, glacial valleys, alpine plateaus, and, if you are lucky, wildlife sightings.
Our tour included rain and fog but still provided the most majestic views we've ever seen. Once we witness Norway's fjords, I'll let you know how they compare! :)
It was totally worth fighting the elements. We even caught a glimpse of a moose along the pond's edge.
3. take the ultimate hike
If you hope to capture the epic Gros Morne picture all over the internet, it won’t be easy! Photos like the one above are taken from the top of the fjord towering Western Brook Pond. We could not do this hike thanks to bad weather and lack of time. But if and when we return to Gros Morne, it will be on the top of the to-do list!
To reach the most Instagrammable spot in Gros Morne, be prepared for 12 hour day! Your day starts with an easy hike to the Western Brook high-speed boat. The boat will drop you off at a dock deep into the fjord. That is when the real work begins. Your next hike is almost 8 miles through rugged terrain. It includes an elevation gain of over 1,400 feet and wading through water up to your knees. The cost for this hike starts at $350 per person. Yes, PER PERSON! You will find all the details for the guided hike HERE.
If you love adventure, you can also opt for an overnight hike.
4. explore the SS Ethie Shipwreck
In 1919 a ship was caught in bad weather after leaving the port of Cow Head and crashed into the rocky shore. Thankfully all 92 souls were saved, including an infant carried to shore in a mailbag. But the crazy part is the ship was left just offshore to slowly be taken by the sea. You will find pieces of the ship thrown up and down the beach. Seeing the enormous pieces of iron and wood planks that remain even after 100 years of being beaten by the salty sea was unbelievable.
5. hike some more
There are many popular hikes throughout the park. Below are a few hikes you might want to consider.
Bakers Brook Falls Hike: 6.2. mile moderate hike, you will find a beautiful cascading waterfall waiting for you at the end.
Eastern Point Trail: 2.4 mile moderate hike, up quite a few stairs to look over the town and the ocean. The view is worth the stairs!
Lookout Trails: 3.2 mile moderate hike. The end of the trail will provide spectacular views of Bonnie Bay. So worth it!
6. Visit Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse
The kerosene lighthouse began operation in 1898, flashing every 2.5 seconds. You can tour the lighthouse and explore the grounds. There are a few short trails that will lead you around the lighthouse with views of the ocean. You can also head to the beach to find critters in the tide pools.
Gros Morne is a Must See!
It might not be the most accessible park, but it's absolutely worth it! We loved our time in Gros Morne! With great hikes, fascinating geology, beautiful photo opportunities, and plenty of engaging cultural experiences, Gros Morne Park has something special in store for everyone – so why not pack up your bags and head out?
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About the Author: Meet Stacy! Stacy and her husband, Phil, are a wanderlust couple who have been roaming the great USA for an epic 5 years! They ditched the daily grind to embark on thrilling adventures and inspire fellow dreamers to chase their travel dreams. Curious about how they do it? Check out their awesome youtube channel, Today is Someday, where they're spilling all the secrets to living a life on the move. Get ready to pack your bags and join them on this incredible journey.