Make the Most of Gros Morne National Park
When planning your trip, we recommend you check your local public health guidelines and call ahead before booking attractions and experiences as they may be operating on adjusted schedules that are subject to change.
Freelance lifestyle writer Parm Parmar, creator of the blog Planet Blue Adventure, takes us to Newfoundland. Connect with her on Twitter and Instagram.
Western Newfoundland is home to Gros Morne National Park, a stunning piece of land representing Canada's most pristine beauty. It’s geology at it's finest -- this park has been attracting nature-lovers and scientists for decades. Gros Morne gives you a firsthand view of how our planet has evolved as you stand upon what once was the bottom of an ocean. Here’s how to make the most of your visit, even with some restrictions this summer.
1) Base Yourself in Rocky Harbour
Rocky Harbour is the largest town in Gros Morne National Park. It was founded in the early 1800s and has flourished into a tourist destination. It’s full of places to sleep, eat, shop and gaze at fishing boats.
2) Visit Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse
Built in 1897, this lighthouse features exhibits that explain the area's history and how people once made their living from the sea. Take a walk along the trail to get a better view of the rocky coastline.
3) Take a Tour of the Tablelands
Geologists from around the world have made their way to the Tablelands to study this wonder of nature, where you can walk upon the Earth's mantle, exposed by continental drift millions of years ago. Parks Canada’s experts lead insightful tours for visitors, or you can make your own way around with a full-day hike.
4) Visit Western Brook Pond
[Pictured, top.] Take a walk through a fragile terrain of coastal bogs and low-forested limestone ridges, and spot wild animals along the route. It’s a pleasant 40-minute walk from the parking lot -- a six-kilometre round trip (20-minute drive from Rocky Harbour) -- to the boat-tour departure area run by Bon Tours. Bon Tours recommends connecting them before booking a tour, as they are taking precautionary measures this season to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
5) Plan Ahead if You’re Renting a Car
Reserve your rental before your visit. A limited number of rental vehicles are available at Deer Lake Regional Airport during the peak June-August touring season.
Though Gros Morne National Park is often overlooked among Canada's great national parks, the range of activities and life that is blooming in this beautiful landscape is something you need to experience. Canada's extraordinary sea life, history and natural wonders are represented beautifully in Gros Morne National Park.