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5 Exciting Things To Do In Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne National Park is situated in western Newfoundland, Canada. The Gros Morne National Park was created in 1973 and has a 1,805-square-kilometer footprint. It is named after the 2,644-foot mountain summit in Newfoundland which is the highest point in the province.

The park is renowned for its breathtaking natural splendor, which includes fjords, mountains, woods, and a coastline.

Gros Morne National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its distinctive geological characteristics and contribution to the understanding of plate tectonics.

There are many things to do in Gros Morne National Park, depending on your interests and the amount of time you have to explore.

Gros Morne National Park
Photo by kengoru from depositphotos

Here Are the 5 Exciting Things to Do in Gros Morne National Park:

1. Tablelands

A distinctive geological feature in Gros Morne National Park, the Tablelands draw tourists from all over the world. It is a desolate landscape of exposed mantle rock, which is normally located far below the Earth’s surface.

Peridotite, a form of rock with a high iron and magnesium content and a great resistance to erosion and weathering makes up the majority of the rock.

The Tablelands are a piece of the Earth’s mantle that was pushed to the surface by tectonic action over 500 million years ago. The park’s surroundings, which are actually covered in trees and plants, are very different from the rugged environment.

The Tablelands Trail, which is roughly 4 kilometres long and takes 1-2 hours to complete, is a great way for visitors to learn about the Tablelands.

Hikers can learn about the region’s geology and the unusual plants that have adapted to live in severe conditions as they travel along the trail.

You may travel across the planet’s mantle, which is often located deep below the crust, on guided tours to learn more about the incredibly unusual geology of the area.

This sector of the Gros Morne National Park is host to bears, moose, caribou, as well as an arctic hare, all of which are regularly spotted while you are wandering.

The Tablelands are significant both geologically and culturally for the local Indigenous peoples. It is utilized in customary rites and is thought to be a location of mystical significance.

 The Tablelands are a must-see for anybody interested in geology and natural history. It provides a rare look into Earth’s geological past and is proof of the extraordinary forces that have sculpted our world.

Gros Morne National Park
Photo by Wirestock from depositphotos

2. Hiking

There is a vast network of hiking paths in Gros Morne National Park, ranging from quick strolls to multi-day backpacking excursions. Some of the popular trails are:

2.1 Trout River Pond Trail

The Trout River Pond Trail is a popular hiking trail in Gros Morne National Park, located on the west coast of Newfoundland, Canada.

This picturesque trail, which is about 14 km long and follows the shores of Trout River Pond, provides breathtaking views of the mountains and forest in the area.

The hike is classed as moderately challenging and takes 3–4 hours to complete. Since the path is a loop, hikers can choose to begin at either end of the trailhead, which is close to the Berry Hill or Trout River campgrounds.

Hikers will come across a variety of landscapes throughout the trail, including rocky coastline stretches, wooded parts, and boardwalks over wetland areas.

Throughout the walk, there are a number of viewpoint sites that provide expansive views of the pond and the mountains in the distance.

The opportunity to see wildlife on the Trout River Pond Trail is one of its delights. Many species of animals can be seen in the area, including moose, caribou, black bears, and bald eagles.

Visitors should refrain from feeding or approaching wildlife and maintain a safe distance from it.

2.2 Green Gardens

Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, is home to the beautiful hiking trail known as Green Gardens. Due to its breathtaking coastline landscape, varied plant life, and distinctive geological features, this trail is a favourite with hikers.

Depending on the hiking pace and degree of fitness, the 9 km long Green Gardens trail can be finished in 4-5 hours. The walk descends to a pebble beach with towering cliffs and crystal-clear water from the parking area at the end of Route 431.

The trail’s first segment leads hikers through a woodland with a slight climb. You will be welcomed with a breathtaking view of the coastline as soon as you leave the forest, and you will then start to drop to the beach below.

You’ll pass a small waterfall and a breathtaking vista of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence as you descend the slope.

As you get to the beach, you can stroll down the sand and observe the interesting geological structures. You’ll discover tidal pools rich with marine life, sea stacks, and natural arches. A variety of seabirds, including Atlantic puffins, call the area home.

The variety of plant life along the Green Gardens trail is one of its best features. Spruce, fir, and birch are among the coniferous and deciduous trees you’ll observe as you walk through the trail’s forested area.

As soon as you get to the coast, you’ll start to see several types of coastal vegetation, such as beach peas, wild roses, and northern pitcher plants.

 2.3 Gros Morne Mountain Trail

Gros Morne National Park
Photo by benkrut from depositphotos

The Gros Morne Mountain Trail is a challenging and rewarding hiking trail located in Gros Morne National Park. Depending on hiking speed and fitness level, the 17-kilometre trek can be completed in 6 to 8 hours.

One of the most well-liked paths in the park, the Gros Morne Mountain Trail offers breathtaking panoramas of the surroundings.

The trail leads hikers to the top of Gros Morne Mountain, the second-highest mountain in Newfoundland and Labrador at 2,644 feet above sea level.

The walk begins near the Berry Hill Campsite and gradually ascends through a woodland. You will catch sights of the surrounding area as you climb, including the Long Range Mountains and the neighbouring Ten Mile Pond.

The trail gets steeper and more difficult once you leave the forest, with numerous portions requiring scrambling over rocky ground. The hardest section of the trail is the last ascent to the summit, which is a scrambling-skill-required steep and rocky climb.

Hikers are rewarded with stunning panoramas of the surrounding area, which include the Long Range Mountains and Ten Mile Pond, at the peak.

It’s a perfect place to stop for a breather, has a snack, and take in the surrounding natural beauty because the view from the summit is simply breathtaking. The same trail returns to the campground on the way down from the summit, with some steep sections that call for caution.

3. Camping

The ability to fully immerse oneself in the park’s natural splendour makes camping a popular activity in Gros Morne National Park.

The Gros Morne National Park has a number of campgrounds, ranging from undeveloped wilderness sites to fully equipped RV campsites.

Green Point Campground, Berry Hill Campground, Lomond Campground, and Trout River Campground are among the park’s more popular campgrounds. Visitors should pick the campground that best meets their needs because each one has a different set of features.

3.1 Green Point Campground

Green Point Campground is the largest campground in the Gros Morne National Park. It provides fully serviced RV sites, tent sites, and oTENTiks, which are canvas tent cabins that give a distinctive camping experience. It is situated close to the park’s visitor center.

In addition, Green Point offers a beach, hiking paths, and educational activities. Green Point Campsite is open all year long with fewer amenities during the off-season.

3.2 Berry Hill Campground

The Gros Morne Mountain Trail’s trailhead is next to Berry Hill Campsite, a smaller campground with 69 sites. Your starting point for touring Gros Morne is Berry Hill.

The largest and most convenient campground in the Gros Morne National Park has everything that you require to arrange your temporary home.

You may experience nature while sitting by the campfire or exploring the woods and lowlands on the 3 hiking routes that go directly from Berry Hill. Campground, either you set up camp or lease a cabin with vistas of Gros Morne Mountain.

The campground has everything you could possibly desire or need right outside your door. Berry Hill, which lies in the Park’s core, is adjacent to Norris Point and Rocky Harbour, allowing you accessibility to their eateries, shops, and events.

Tent sites, basic and electrical RV sites, and a few oTENTiks are available. There are hiking paths, a playground, and educational events at Berry Hill.

3.3 Lomond Campground

There are 33 basic campsites at Lomond Campground, which is close to Cow Head. It is a quieter campsite and a wonderful option for people who prefer a more secluded camping experience.

Enjoy a bonfire while taking in the expansive night sky that rises above Killdevil Mountain. Relish the sounds of birds as well as the wildflowers as you stroll trails through Gros Morne’s tallest forest.

Grab your watercraft and experience kayaking, boating, or paddling from the campground’s pier and watercraft launch to the east arm of Bonne Bay. Lomond has access to interpretative programs and hiking trails.

gros morne
Photo by Butlerstockphotography1 from depositphotos

3.4  Trout River Campground

Trout River Campground is situated on the south side of Trout River Pond and provides 38 sites, including tent sites, basic and electrical RV sites, and a few oTENTiks.

For solitude and wind shelter, campsites are tucked among the trees. The Trout River Pond and the Tablelands, which offer classic views and top-notch hiking opportunities, are also easily accessible from the campground.

Relax by the campfire at dusk or take in the clear, starry sky. Trout River Pond Trail and informative events are available at the campground.

4. Try skiing

Due to its location in a coastal area of Newfoundland and Labrador where snowfall can be erratic, Gros Morne National Park is not often thought of as a skiing destination. However, there are some options for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the park throughout the winter.

With its coastal mountains covered in thick snowfall, treeless alpine highlands, lowland forests and breathtaking views, Gros Morne National Park has all you need for fantastic snowshoeing and backcountry skiing adventures.

Adventures can range from quick side trips down the road to multi-day expeditions that involve camping or staying overnight in one of the park’s two backcountry ski lodges.

Snowshoers and skiers are allowed to plan and follow their own paths in Gros Morne National Park since there are no designated backcountry trails.

The slopes near Bonne Bay, the region around Southeast Hills, the Tablelands, and the highland of the Long Range Mountains all have the best and most dependable winter conditions.

These locations offer some of the most picturesque and diverse backcountry terrains in the region, are readily available, and receive the highest snowfall totals.

The backcountry can be difficult and possibly harmful to explore during the wintertime, so tourists must be prepared with the right gear and a thorough understanding of the local geography and weather patterns.

5. Cultural Experiences

The Gros Morne National Park gives tourists the chance to acquire knowledge about the area’s natural and cultural legacy through a diversity of interpretive events. These activities, which are offered by Parks Canada staff, comprise led cultural demonstrations, hikes, and talks about the geology and history of the park.

The Discovery Centre is a tourist center in Woody Point that provides displays and interactive exhibits that highlight the park’s cultural and natural history. The facility also has a theatre where movies about the park, as well as its inhabitants, are shown.

The park contains a number of historic structures that offer a window into the local cultural heritage. They include the Merchant’s Warehouse, constructed in the 1920s and now used as an educational center, and the Woody Point Lighthouse, constructed in 1919 and now a museum.

During the year, the park holds a number of cultural festivals to honour the local cuisine, music, and traditions. These celebrations consist of the Trails, Stories and Music Festival, the Writers at Woody Point Festival, and the Gros Morne Summer Music Festival.

The numerous cultural opportunities provided by Gros Morne National Park enable visitors to gain knowledge about the background and customs of the area. There is something for everyone to enjoy, whether they are into music, food, or Indigenous culture.

In the End

These were the 5 exciting things to do in Gros Morne National Park.

Gros Morne National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts who want to experience some of Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes. All nature and adventure lovers must visit this place at least once in their life!

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