helicopter tours gros morne national park

With a passion for sustainable tourism experiences, we combine award winning hiking, culture and culinary experiences to curate tailor-made multi-day vacations and interactive day excursions.

Award winning tours, recipient of the 2020 tourism innovator of the year,  newfoundland labrador tourism.

our Sustainable Tourism promise

We focus on local, authentic adventures. We are committed to making a low impact on the environment and local culture, while helping to generate future employment for local people. We buy local products and hire locals guides while returning profits to help grow the region. 

No two people are ever the same, so no two trips are ever the same. We customize each tour to your needs and desires. Our guides listen and pay attention to what interests you and will tailor the experience to your needs. Every tour is delivered in a safe, interactive way to learn, explore and experience the true essence of place.

Our tours are flexible and deposits fully refundable* on our week long tours! Never been on an organized tour before? No problem! We work with, singles, couples, families and small groups to offer adjustable trip plans and customize your experiences based on your interests.

always  flexible

Customized and safe experiences.

Land & Sea Vacation

Hiking adventure.

Fill your 7 days in Gros Morne with walking adventures, cultural immersion, fine dining experiences and evenings to remember. Explore the best hiking trails at your own pace with an experienced local guide. Dine ocean-side at fine dining restaurants in the various communities. Enjoy world class evening entertainment with Newfoundland charm.

This 7 day guided hiking tour is customized for small numbers and ideal for guests looking for an all-inclusive active vacation. From walking isolated volcanic coastline, to the summit of Gros Morne Mountain, you get all the best hikes. Relax comfortably in your choice of accommodations. We include a local guide to help curate your story.

Bucket List Trip

This is YOUR 3 or 4 day Bucket List  featuring the best experiences based on your interests. We build a custom tour featuring private guided hikes, food tours, boat tours and more. You choose the level of accommodations and we look after all the little details. Your local guide will make sure you experience the best Gros Morne National Park has to offer. 

Day Adventures and Evening Experiences 

Evening Food Tour

Finer Things Food Tour

Cultural Day Tour

Cultural Explorer Tour

Day Hiking Tour

Off the Beaten Track

Featuring 3 of Gros Morne's top rated restaurants in Rocky Harbour and Norris Point. Enjoy the freshest local seafood, smell the garden grown herbs and savour the sweetness of handpicked berries during this 3 course meal. 

Custom Picnics

Gros Morne Private Picnic

From a romantic day with a loved one, a family day at the beach or, an adventurous day on top of Gros Morne Mountain we have you covered! Everything we offer is as local as possible and is always ethically sourced!  

A full day exploring a specific community in the park. We learn about life in the community, walk the local scenic trails and learn the history. We dine at a local cafe and visit an artist studio along with a demonstration.

Seaside Food Tour

Featuring 3 of the top restaurants in historic Woody Point and dine seaside with a uniquely Newfoundland menu. This 3 course progressive meal focuses on fresh, local and sustainable ingredients complemented with local stories. 

Explore for geological wonders or search for the mighty moose. We take you into the most spectacular vistas overlooking the park. We feature active and soft adventures. Don't forget your camera!

Guided Day Tour

Bucket List Day Tour

Maximize your time in Gros Morne and  do all of the best activities that would be on any visitors bucket list. Your guide will curate your choice of hikes, boat tours and food adventures to guarantee you get the most out of your day.

Nature Retreat

Winter tours.

Nature has an incredible power to heal us; mentally, emotionally, spiritually & physically. With this week-long retreat you will stay on a farm & learn about the healing power of food, be guided through indigenous healing traditions and experience the art of forest therapy, just to start. In the solitude of Gros Morne, immersed in nature, void of distraction, your life will be Transformed. 

With an average of 30 feet of snow and ideal winter temperatures for outdoor experiences, Gros Morne National Park and surrounding areas are a haven for winter adventures. Build your winter package from the activities below, along with your choice of room options at Gros Morne Inn, culinary adventures and you have the recipe for a memorable winter vacation.

Platinum Tour

Want to know more about this package? Reach out to us for details. This package features high end accommodations , helicopter tours of the area, private chef dinning paired with fine wine and spirits .  Privately  guided with  luxurious  touches every step of the way.

Preferred local tour operator for:

Going Awesome Places

Detailed itineraries + travel guides

3 Day Gros Morne National Park Itinerary (with Map)

Last Updated September 17, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » 3 Day Gros Morne National Park Itinerary (with Map)

In Western Newfoundland is a world-renowned park of epic proportions. It tells the tale of tectonic plates, continental drift, and evolution of ancient mountains. Gros Morne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the few places where you can see earth’s mantle up-close but there’s so much more to one of the best kept secrets in Canada.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through all of the small and large details you’ll need to plan your very own 3 day Gros Morne National Park itinerary!

What You’ll Get Out of This Itinerary

• Day-by-day breakdown that covers how to plan a 3 day itinerary focused on the highlights of Gros Morne National Park.
• Important summaries of major attractions and activities so you don’t need to open 20 tabs.
• Insightful tips that you won’t find elsewhere.
• Interactive Google Map of all locations on the itinerary.
• Access to get the itinerary spreadsheet.

In This Article

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Who This Gros Morne National Park Itinerary Is For

If you’ve read our other itineraries, you know that we have a style of travel that mixes adventure with quality accommodations and food. We also are strong believers of experiences over simply sightseeing.

• Want to see and do the best – In many ways, this is a trip designed to help check off all of the top bucket list items in Gros Morne National Parks.
• Love day hikes – You’re an adventurer and want to go out to explore the landscape on foot but not necessarily the hardcore multi-day treks.
• For all types of mobility – If you’re looking for easier adventure, we’ll share alternatives.
• Interested in more than just sights – You’re a traveler that wants to go deeper and want to learn more whether that’s through educational tours, shows, and culinary experiences.

📚 Gros Morne National Park Mini Guide 📚

📍 Trip Planning Map

🏨 Best Hotels – Bonne Bay Inn • Neddies Harbour Inn • Ocean View Hotel • Gros Morne Cabins • The Tides Inn • More awesome Gros Morne hotels

🏠 Vacation Rentals – Browse top rentals in Gros Morne

🍴 Where To Eat – Oceans Room Restaurant , The Black Spruce , Galliott Studio & Café , Fisherman’s Landing Restaurant

🥾 Best Hikes – The Tablelands , Green Gardens Trail , Eastern Point Trail , Burnt Hill Trail

🎟️ Best Places To Visit – Woody Point , Trout River , Jenniex House

⭐️ Must Do Activities – Beach Boil Up , Discover Mekapisk , Zodiac Boat Tour , Western Brook Pond Boat Tour

Itinerary Day 0 – Arriving in Deer Lake

Before we get into the first day, it’s worth explaining the logistics of getting to Gros Morne National Park.

For some that’ll be spending more time in Newfoundland and Labrador, a road trip is the perfect way to get around so Gros Morne National Park will simply be part of a larger itinerary. In this case, you can simply insert these 3 days into your trip plans.

For others that want to start in Western Newfoundland, it is certainly possible thanks to Deer Lake Regional Airport or airport code YDF .

This is a small local airport but has a surprising amount of connections to other parts of Canada, making it incredibly useful if you want to for instance just do a trip to Western Newfoundland. You could also use this as a starting point or end point of a trip throughout the province to eliminate the need to circle back to St. John’s.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Time: The standard hours of operation of Deer Lake Airport are 5:00AM – 1:00AM.

Airlines: The following are a list of airlines that service Deer Lake.

• Flair Airlines
• PAL Airlines

Cities: These are the cities that fly in and out of Deer Lake.

• St. John’s
• Blanc Sablon
• Seasonally, Sunwing also flies directly to Varadero and Punta Cana

Schedule: You can check the schedule of Arrivals and Departures for YDF .

Website: Deer Lake Regional Airport

• How many luggage carousels are there? There is only one luggage carousel at the airport.
• Are luggage carousels open to the public? Yes, as a small airport, the luggage carousel is accessible by both passengers and everyone else.
• Is there a visitor centre at the airport? Yes, there is a Visitor Information Centre in the terminal where there is staff on hand to help you with questions and also plenty of maps and pamphlets to grab. They are generally open from 8AM – 10PM.
• If you are from Toronto and coming to Deer Lake during the off season, you might notice that the flight schedule is not ideal as the main flight coming in lands past midnight. If that’s the case, you might be better off connecting in Montreal or Halifax. Alternatively, you can fly Flair or WestJet.

After you land, to get around, you’ll likely need a car rental. There are 5 major car rental agencies on-site which makes this step quite easy.

Car rental companies: These are the 5 car rental companies that are in the terminal.

Hours: The hours of operation for each car rental company is different so make sure to check each company’s details in the links above.

• Are one-way rentals allowed? Yes, you are allowed to rent one-way. For instance, a common rental is to pick up a car in Deer Lake and drop it off in St. John’s, or vice versa.
• If you’re renting a car, make sure you get the best prices by knowing the promotions and deals for Avis , Budget , Enterprise , National , and Hertz .

Since this is largely a day to get situated in Newfoundland, there isn’t much on the program for Day 0 other than to pick up a few extra supplies if you need it, and rest up.

For the accommodations, we recommend the Holiday Inn Express Deer Lake which is an 8 minute drive and is the only large-chain property here which is handy for those that want to collect IHG Rewards Club points .

If you have time, you can walk down the road towards Deer Lake Beach but we suggest that you get your rest because the first day is a big one.

Day 0 Summary

Where you’ll eat:

• Lunch – Off The Hook Fish & Chips – If you’re craving fish & chips, this’ll certainly hit the spot.
• Dinner – Deer Lake Big Stop – Connected to the Irving gas station that serves up hearty portions of diner-style food including hamburgers, turkey, poutine, fried chicken, and more.

Where you’ll stay:

• Holiday Inn Express Deer Lake ( Booking / Expedia / IHG ) – Conveniently stay in Deer Lake with everything you expect in a Holiday Inn Express. The rooms are spacious, come with a kitchenette, breakfast is included, and has a large slide in their pool.

Itinerary Day 1 – Green Gardens, Tablelands, and Boil Up

In one day, you’ll experience the very best of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gros Morne National Park. From geological wonders, stunning vistas, local food, and musical traditions, talk about getting off on the right foot!

Start things off with breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express Deer Lake and start making your way into the legendary park in Western Newfoundland.

Is there a main gate? Unlike Banff National Park , there isn’t an official arch or toll gate for Gros Morne National Park. This means admission in the park is on an honor system. The reason for this is because is because there are enclave communities in the park so this allows its residents to move freely.

Looking for an official sign? On our trip planning map are 2 signs marked for the southern entrances to the park. There are also park signs at the Discovery Centre and Visitor Centre .

Drive through a truly stunning part of the park, get a glimpse of The Tablelands which you’ll come back to, and head to one of the best hikes in Gros Morne.

Hiking Green Gardens Trail

The Green Gardens Trail is easily regarded as the best day-hike in Gros Morne National Park . This trail was also recently refurbished so it’s in amazing shape and easy to navigate.

Unlike many other hikes where you start with an ascent, you start 230 m above sea level, passing through alpine rock gardens. Soon, the landscape changes and you descend into a valley of black spruce and tuckamore trees.

When you emerge from the boreal forest, you’ll be greeted by grassy meadows, sea stacks, rock pillars, and a jagged coastline. You’ll be tempted to stop and soak in the views but there’s more to see!

From Old Man Cove , you’ll be able to follow a path towards Steve’s Cove where you’ll pass by a campsite, the iconic Parks Canada red chairs, and also wooden stairs down to the beach.

Oh and if you bump into sheep grazing here, this is totally normal! They hang out by the cliffs in the summer time and slurp on seaweed too.

Not a big fan of a 4 hour hike with big elevation changes? Don’t worry, you can skip this and spend more time in the next few spots at your leisure.

Hiking map:

We had trouble finding an updated official map for Green Gardens Trail without the previous Wallace Brook extension. This is the map that’s currently on the trail that shows you how far you can go.

Distance: 9.5 km (5.9 miles) out and back.

Duration: 3-5 hours

Hours: Open all-year round. Trail does not have a gate controlling open and closing times.

Difficulty: Moderate

Location: Trailhead is along Route 431 and 13 km from Woody Point.

Parking: There are 9 official spots at the parking lot located at the trailhead. That said, it fills up quickly and larger cars, RVs, and cars with trailers will start parking on the sides.

Price: Free to hike with a valid National Park entry pass or Discovery Pass .

Website: Green Gardens Trail

• What facilities are available along the trail? There’s a bench, picnic table, and outhouse at the trailhead. There’s also another outhouse at the campsite.
• Are dog allowed? Dogs are allowed but they must be kept on a leash .
• Is the trail family-friendly? Yes, this is great for families but with the gravel and dirt paths, strollers aren’t suitable.
• Are there campsites available? Parks Canada calls has 4 primitive campsites with tent pads, outhouse toilet, bear-proof food locker, and picnic table. There is a nightly fee per camper. To stay here, you need to register with park staff at the Visitor Centre, Discovery Centre, or Park Entrance Kiosk, you can call 709-458-2417 , or e-mail [email protected] .
• Are trekking poles necessary? There are some steep sections and remember that you’re starting by going downhill and uphill on the way back. If you want more stability, we recommend these carbon fiber hiking poles that pack to a small size.
• Can you hike to Wallace Brook? No, since 2017 the section from Steve’s Cove to Wallace Brook and the entire Wallace Brook trail has been closed due to safety.
• To track your hike and have an offline trail map on your phone, make sure to download AllTrails ahead of time and subscribe to their AllTrails+ (you get the first week free with our link). Other alternatives are Gaia GPS and Wikiloc .
• Crucial for this hike are a good pair of hiking boots such as the Merrell Moab 3 , Arc’teryx Aerios (waterproof), or Altra Lone Peak trail running shoes.
• Makes sure you pack enough water with you and bring snacks/meal in your day pack . We recommend at least 1.5L of water. A backpack with a hydration bladder is a great choice for a hike of this length. If it might rain, make sure to pack a rain jacket .
• It’s also a good idea to pack a first aid kit in case.
• The parking lot never gets jam packed but it will be close to capacity around 11AM.
• Try to start this hike early in the morning so that you have time to fit in a few extras such as a visit to Trout River, Eastern Point Trail, and the Discovery Centre.
• For safety, stay on the trail. A big part of the trail renovation was to avoid getting close to the cliff edges, many of which are undercut.
• If you’d prefer to do a guided hike where a packed lunch is included, Tour Gros Mo r ne is a recommended operator.

After your hike, stop by the Gros Morne Discovery Centre . This is a great spot to get further orientated about the National Park. Inside, you’ll find various exhibits to enrich your knowledge about the geology, plant life, wildlife, and stories of the Indigenous.

Visiting Trout River

Adjacent to Green Gardens Trail is the small fishing town of Trout River , a living and breathing enclave community inside the National Park with a population of 500.

In 2014, a blue whale washed up along the shore here.  This provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to research the largest of the whale family. Eventually, it made its way to the Royal Ontario Museum and is now displayed in one of their exhibits.

Take your time to walk around a town that very much feels like an active fishing community. They also have a great pebble beach that looks out to Trout River Bay.

If you have time and energy, we highly suggest you do the hidden gem, Eastern Point Trail . From the aerial shot above, the trail follows the bottom coastline. To put things in perspective, the Green Gardens Trail takes you out to where you see that sea stack.

From the end of the main road, take the short flight of stairs up and follow the top of the cliff towards the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This provides awe-inspiring vantage points of the town below and the rugged coastline.

Distance: 2.5 km (5.1 miles) out and back.

Duration: 1-1.5 hours

Hours: Open all-year round.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Location: Take Route 431 into Trout River and drive all the way to the end of the road.

Parking: There is a large gravel lot before the bridge that leads to the trailhead. There won’t be any issues finding a spot.

Price: Free and doesn’t require a National Park entry pass or Discovery Pass since this is within the Trout River community.

Website: No official page

• What facilities are available along the trail? There are no facilities along the way including washrooms or outhouses.
• Is the trail family-friendly? Yes, this is great for families but you will need to very careful to not get close to the edge because cliffs are undercut.
• Are there campsites available? No, there are no campsites in this area.
• Are trekking poles necessary? The main stairs up have a railing and most of the path is loose gravel so you likely won’t need your hiking poles.
• Similar to Green Gardens, make sure you have your Merrell Moab 3 , Arc’teryx Aerios or Altra Lone Peak trail running shoes for this hike.
• While this is not a long hike, make sure you have a water bottle with you.

As you drive through this area, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including moose ! This one we saw right by the Tablelands and you can see that it’s shedding its winter coat.

CAMERA TIP: This photograph was captured from the side of the road at a distance of over 900mm focal length. We use the OM System OM-1 Mark 2 with 150-400mm lens which is fantastic travel and wildlife.

Discover A Geological Wonder At The Tablelands

This is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Gros Morne National Park, the Tablelands is an extraordinary treat for visitors because it’s your chance to see Earth turned inside out.

In fact, the Tablelands is in rarefied air as there are only 3 places in the world where Earth’s mantle is exposed like this – New Guinea, Oman, and Canada’s own Gros Morne National Park. The Tablelands is the only one that’s as easily accessible as this.

From the parking lot, there’s flat gravel path that skirts the base of the mountain and opens up to the glacially carved valley. This transitions to a wooden boardwalk that leads you to a viewing platform.

As you walk through this alien-like rust colored landscape, also pay attention to the resilient plants that have managed to survive including the official flower of the province, the carnivorous pitcher plant .

If you’re interested in learning more about the theory of tectonic plates, how this formation was created, and what peridotite is, we can’t recommend enough Parks Canada’s Walk Upon the Earth’s Mantle 2 hour guided tour .

Distance: 4 km (2.49 miles) out and back.

Duration: 1-2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Location: Parking lot is along Route 431 and 5 km from Woody Point.

Parking: This is a new parking lot and has plenty of spots available for cars, vans, tour buses, RVs, and cars with trailers.

Price: Free to hike with a valid park pass or Discovery Pass .

Website: The Tablelands

• What facilities are available along the trail? There is a single outhouse in the parking lot and none along the trail itself. You’ll see a few benches along the way and at the very end of the offical trail is a wooden platform with a seating area.
• Is the trail family-friendly? Yes, this is very friendly for families. Strollers may have some challenge on the hard-packed gravel.
• Are there campsites available? No, there are no campsites available at the Tablelands.
• Are trekking poles necessary? Since this is a relatively flat trail, hiking sticks aren’t necessary.
• Are you allowed to take the rocks with you? In line with the principle of Leave No Trace , be a responsible and respectful traveler by not disturbing the land and that includes taking rocks with you.
• Do you have to stay on the trail? Uniquely, we learned that you’re actually lowed to hike anywhere in The Tablelands. This means that you don’t have to stay on the trail. This is what allows visitors to continue hiking up to the top of the Tablelands.
• What language is the Parks Canada tour of the Tablelands? The tour is offered in English and French. During the off-season some are combined and during peak season, these are separate tours.
• Alongside good hiking shoes , have a great day pack , collapsible water bottle , and a mid-layer in case it gets chilly.
• Make sure to time your visit with the Parks Canada program “Tablelands: Walk Upon the Earth’s Mantle”, a 2 hour tour, and usually occurs on most days during peak season and less frequent during shoulder season (June and September). A heads up that this doesn’t run in the off-season.
• When planning your itinerary, try to choose a day where the guided walk is operating and since this is typically at 10AM, you can opt to do this first and Green Gardens Trail in the afternoon.
• Similar to Green Gardens Trail, it gets busy in the late morning to early afternoon.
• If you are hiking the Tablelands on your own, don’t be afraid to go off-trail if there’s something you’d like to check out. Of course, be careful where you step, especially with the many alpine plants and moss that are easy to miss. Watch you step as well.

Beach Boil Up Jamming

Also called a “mug-up”, a Newfoundland tradition you definitely don’t want to pass up is the Beach Boil Up . Hosted by Wild Gros Morne, this is your opportunity to eat with a group of friends and family by the beach to enjoy tea, a snack, and in this case, dinner over an open fire.

In our case, we were hit by a bit of rain so we moved into their boat house but equally had a fantastic time as our hosts shared their stories accompanied by the four-course tasting menu featuring wild game, local seafood, and forest foraged ingredients.

To give you an idea of what you can expect, we had moose crustini, mussel pizza, cod au gratin, and homemade chocolate cake with bakeapple berry .

You’ll also end off on a high note with musical performances, a group singing of the Newfoundland folk ballad I’s the B’y with the jingling of an ugly stick, and of course, a shot of screech .

Duration: 2 hours

Schedule: The Beach Boil Up schedule changes year to year but they normally run every 2 weeks.

Location: Wild Gros Morne at 232 Bonne Bay Rd, Shoal Brook, A0K 1K0, Canada

Parking: There is plenty of parking for guests.

Price: Adults are $89 CAD and children 12 and under are $49 CAD.

Booking: Book the Beach Boil Up directly on their website. We recommend that you book at least 2 months ahead of schedule. If the schedule isn’t up yet, it’s worth reaching out to Wild Gros Morne directly.

Website: Wild Gros Morne Beach Boil Up

• Can I drop into the Beach Boil Up? It’s recommended to book this well in advance as it is a popular activity. That said, last minute drop-ins may be possible but we would not recommend it.
• Is the Beach Boil Up indoors or outdoors? The best way to experience the Beach Boil Up is outdoors, by the water and next to the lighthouse. That said, under the inclement of poor weather, they have the ability to move.
• Can Wild Gros Morne accommodate dietary restrictions and/or food allergies? Yes, simply contact them directly to let them know about any dietary restrictions or food allergies.
• Are restrooms available? Yes there are individual restrooms on-site at Wild Gros Morne.
• Since the beach boil up is outdoors, you’ll want to make sure you dress in layers as the temperatures will drop as the sun goes down. A good zip-up hoody with either a mid-layer jacket or lightweight shell will serve you well.

Relaxing In Bonne Bay Inn

Back at your hotel, spend the rest of your evening enjoying the brilliant sunset over the Tablelands and Woody Point while also keeping your eyes peeled for whales in Bonne Bay.

Now that is what we call a packed day!

Day 1 Summary

What you’ll see & do:

• Green Gardens Trail
• Discovery Centre
• Trout River
• Eastern Point Trail
• The Tablelands
• Breakfast – Holiday Inn Express Deer Lake – Enjoy a free continental breakfast before heading into Gros Morne National Park.
• Lunch – Packed lunch – You can either pack your own lunch or the folks at Tour Gros Morne can bring one as part of their guided tour of Green Gardens Trail.
• Dinner – Beach Boil up – A traditional culinary experience that combines fresh and inventive Newfoundland and Indigenous food with local stories and music.
• Bonne Bay Inn ( Expedia ) – On the outskirts of Woody Point, this cozy inn features a restaurant, bar, and brilliant lounge space. It’s biggest selling feature is that every room has direct views of the south arm of Bonne Bay and that means opportunities to spot whales. The small negative note on this property is that their wifi speeds are quite slow, to the point we couldn’t run a speed test.

Have One Week Of AllTrails+ On Us

If you’re doing any hiking in Gros Morne, make sure you have AllTrails+ on your phone. This is the membership that unlocks offline maps, ability to print maps, alerts for wrong turns, and ability to share where you are with others.

Since a week is free, this might be the perfect trip to test it out!

Itinerary Day 2 – Zodiac, Mikapisk, and Anchors Aweigh

There’s so much more to see in Gros Morne so on your second day in the park, we deepen your connection to the land by connecting with the water, its local towns, Indigenous culture, and musical heritage.

Start your morning off with the included continental breakfast at Bonne Bay Inn. You’ll appreciate sipping on coffee and while savoring the local blueberry jam spread on your toast with the view of the widescreen view of the fjord in front of you.

Cruising Around Bonne Bay In A Zodiac

Not only is the 500 million year history of the Tablelands a must-see on land, but it’s also quite the experience to see it from the water.

Glide with Wild Gros Morne’s Tablelands Zodiac Tour to see the surrounding beauty of the saltwater fjord. On Bonne Bay, you’ll see dramatic cliffs, the Tablelands from a brand new perspective, the town of Woody Point, local fisherman setting and checking their traps, and chance encounters with wildlife such as eagles, seals, and whales.

Looking for something more active? If you’re seeking something different from a boat tour, there’s also the option to go sea kayaking on Bonne Bay.

After the tour, Wild Gros Morne also operates Bonne Bay Market where you’ll be able to purchase a picnic lunch that you can have by water’s edge or on-the-go.

Schedule: Daily at 10AM and 2PM (high season and also early spring and late fall).

Price: Adults are $79 CAD and children 12 and under are $59 CAD.

Booking: While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended to reserve this tour ahead of time. We suggest booking at least 2 months ahead of time.

Website: Wild Gros Morne Boat Tours

• Are reservations necessary? Reservations aren’t mandatory so it’s possible to drop in but it’s still highly recommended to get the date of your choosing.
• Are restrooms available? There are no restrooms on the zodiac but there are restrooms at the Wild Gros Morne offices.
• What safety equipment is provided? Wild Gros Morne uses the high-end Mustang inflatable PFDs that are lightweight and incredibly safe. These are mandatory to wear onboard.
• With unpredictable weather and sitting in an open boat, you will want to dress warmly with a waterproof jacket , good mid-layer , hat, sunglasses, and sturdy footwear .
• There are certainly opportunities for photographers but keep in mind that you’ll be on a moving zodiac far from shore so good image stabilization and a lens with good reach will be required such as the OM System OM-1 Mark 2 and the amazing 150-400mm lens .

See The Charming Woody Point

You’ve seen Woody Point from the water, it’s now time to walk around this charming enclave community.

Home to the famed festival, Writers at Woody Point, this is one of Newfoundland’s prettiest towns. Along its main street, you’ll be able to wander into craft shops, boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and even the local library.

Continue all the way down the road and make sure to check out Woody Point Lighthouse , a square, tapered, wooden tower that overlooks the entrance into the south arm of Bonne Bay.

Another recommended stop is the local favorite, Galliott Studios and Café , which features beautiful pottery for sale and the perfect spot to grab an expresso and chill out on their stilted wharf out back.

Ferrying over to Norris Point

If you are without a car or decide to stay in Woody Point, there’s the option to take a water taxi to Norris Point.

With a rental car drive the detour around Bonne Bay (Route 431 and then Route 430) to get to your next activity.

Duration: 15 minutes

Schedule: They run daily during the season. As an example, the 2024 season started June 17.

• From Woody Point: 9:30AM, 1:15PM, 3:30PM, 5:30PM
• From Norris Point: 9AM, 12:30PM, 3PM, 5PM
• Woody Point: 35 Water St, Bonne Bay, NL A0K 1P0
• Norris Point: The Cat Stop, 2 Stone’s Lane, Norris Point

Booking: Reservations aren’t required. This means that you’ll purchase the tickets on-site:

• Departing from Norris Point: Purchase tickets at The Cat Stop or the Ticket Office located at the Cat Stop.
• Departing from Woody Point: Purchase tickets on the boat.

Website: Bonne Bay Water Shuttle

• Are restrooms available? Yes, the ferry has one restroom on board.
• Can you choose between being indoors and outdoors? Yes, you will have a choice to sit in a covered area indoors or outdoors.
• While taking the shuttle is short and convenient, if you have your own car rental, it won’t make sense to take this shuttle unless you are returning back to Woody Point the same day.

Indigenous Experience To Discover Mekapisk

In Norris Point, you’ll find Gros Morne Adventures , a small groups adventure operator run by Kristen and Robbie. Drawing from Kristen’s Mi’kmaq background, they developed several Indigenous tours – one of them being Discover Mekapisk .

Meaning “Long Range Mountains”, this immersive experience invites travelers to gain a deeper understanding of how the Indigenous lived and how they respected natural resources and seasonal way of life.

Through a hands-on experience of creating a moose call out of birch bark and setting it aflame with a flint striker, this leads to the starting of a fire that’s then used to make bannock. This full-circle experience is accompanied by personal stories of their First People ancestry, that is both humbling and enlightening.

Since we had iffy weather, Gros Morne Adventures adapted the tour to work from their waterfront office and hosting space which used to be a boathouse and fishing stage. Normally, they take groups out on the zodiac to an isolated cove.

Duration: 3 hours

Schedule: 1 – 4PM on Thursdays during the peak season (mid June to mid September).

Location: Departs from Gros Morne Adventures, 9 Clarkes Lane, Norris Point

Price: $199 for adults and $99 for youth. A deposit is required upon booking.

Booking: Reservations and a minimum of 4 people are required.

Website: Wi ld Gros Morne Boat Tours

• Are restrooms available? Restroom facilities are only available at the departure point and not on the zodiac or cove.
• Similar to the zodiac tour, you’ll want to be prepared for cooler weather. This includes a rain jacket , closed toe shoes (ideally hiking boots like these ), sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and 1L of water in a Hydro Flask .
• If it’s a cooler day, make sure you have gloves , toque , and warm mid-layer .

Check Into Gros Morne Cabins

Next, you’ll make your way over to Rocky Harbour , another thriving community in the National Park.

At Gros Morne Cabins , check into one of the many colorful cabins nestled along the Rocky Harbour waterfront. Consider this an afternoon break to take in the views of the waterfront, recharge your batteries, and get changed for the evening entertainment.

REMINDER: Before heading to Ocean View Hotel, make a detour to Java Jack’s Restaurant & Gallery to put in your order for a bag lunch so they have it ready for you the following morning.

Jamming To Anchors Aweigh

You’re in for a treat with this one-two punch in the heart of Rocky Harbour inside the Ocean View Hotel !

Start your night at Oceans Room Restaurant . This is a casual upscale dining spot that’ll be your opportunity to have your pick of fresh local seafood including lobster, salmon, and cod. There’s also something for turf lovers and vegetarians as well.

After dinner, make your way down to The Anchor Pub where you’ll be treated to the musical talent, humor, and wit of Anchors Aweigh .

With a mix of original songs, Newfoundland and Labrador classics, covers of recognizable hits and funny stories as intermissions, you couldn’t help but tap your feet and clap your hands to the beat.

Duration: 2.5 hours

Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8PM (June to September)

Location: The Anchor Pub, Ocean View Hotel, 38-42 Main Street North, Rocky Harbour

Parking: The hotel has 29 spots in the front and even more behind. There should be plenty for for hotel, restaurant, and bar guests.

Price: $55 (Ages 19+ only)

Booking: You can book online or BonTours Ticket office at 105 Pond Road, Rocky Harbour. That said, it’s highly recommended to book at least one month out because shows sell out quickly.

Website: Anchors Aweigh

• Are restrooms available? Yes, there are restrooms inside the bar.
• Do they sell merchandise? Yes, you can buy CDs and DVD at the front door.
• Food and drinks are not included with the show so you can either eat at Oceans Room Restaurant upstairs or you can also order food and drink from the bar itself with their pub menu .
• Arrive to the show early as there isn’t assigned seating and the views are much better at the front.

Day 2 Summary

• Zodiac Tablelands Boat Tour with Wild Gros Morne
• Woody Point Lighthouse
• Bonne Bay Shuttle with BonTours
• Discover Mekapisk with Gros Morne Adventures
• Anchors Aweigh
• Breakfast – Bonne Bay Inn – Continental breakfast is included in your stay.
• Lunch – Galliott’s Studios & Café – A charming cafe and pottery studio with a picturesque patio facing the bay.
• Dinner – Oceans Room Restaurant – The perfect dinner and show combination. This Rocky Harbour restaurant features fresh seafood and local cuisine from the region.
• Gros Morne Cabins ( Direct ) – These colourful cabins have a gorgeous view out into Rocky Harbour. With multiple rooms, living room, BBQ, and full-sized kitchen, this is great for larger groups and families. We did a speed test on their wifi and we measured 199 Mbps down and 254 Mbps up which is incredibly fast considering these are cabins spread out by some distance.

Adventure from St. John’s

While the west coast of Newfoundland is the best coast, you might also be considering time in the capital of St. John’s. On our first trip to Newfoundland, we based ourselves there and had quite the amazing itinerary. You don’t want to miss it!

Itinerary Day 3 – Lighthouse and Western Brook Pond

A whirlwind itinerary deserves a cherry on top and that’s exactly what you’ll get on your third day in Gros Morne.

Since Gros Morne Cabins is a self-serve rental, we suggest heading over to Fisherman’s Landing Restaurant to grab breakfast.

Explore Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse

Just north of Rocky Harbour is the historic Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse , a cylindrical tower with an adjoining lightkeeper’s house which overlooks the beautiful coast and is surrounded by a windblown tuckamore forest.

When visiting, you’ll have the opportunity to peek into the neighboring shed, take various short walks around that reveal the rocky tidal pools, and inside the house itself where you’ll find the helpful Parks Canada guides and exhibits.

PRO TIP: While the lighthouse might seem like a quick visit, the best part about visiting here are the short trails you’ll find here. Make sure to head out to the one that takes you to the red Parks Canada chairs which has fabulous view of the mouth of Bonne Bay ( marked on our map ).

Duration: 30 minutes to an hour.

Schedule: The grounds are open 24/7

• Lobster Cove Head Exhibit – Open daily May 17 to October 14, 2024, 10AM – 5:30PM
• Fireside Sharing Circle – Learn about Mi’kmaw culture, traditions and customs Sundays from 7PM to 8PM (free drop-in with no registration required).
• Medicine Walk – Mi’kmaw walking tour around the lighthouse to learn about traditional foods and medicines on Sundays from 2PM to 3PM (free drop-in with no registration required).

Location: Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse, Main St N, Rocky Harbour, NL A0K 4N0

Parking: There is plenty of parking for visitors.

Price: Free

Website: Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse

• Are restrooms available? Yes, there are washrooms are in a separate facility by the parking lot.
• Can you go up the lighthouse? No, it’s not possible to climb up the lighthouse.
• Is the trail family-friendly? Yes, there’s an easy 1.4 km loop trail near the lighthouse that’s easy and quiet.
• There is free wifi here.

Cruise The Iconic Western Brook Pond

From one geological anomaly to another, your big experience of the day is at Western Brook Pond .

So far, if you’ve been wondering where the heck that postcard photo of the winding body of water with towering cliffs flanking both sides is. Well, you’re in luck, this is it! The caveat is that you’ll be seeing it from the water instead of at the top of the cliff.

Part of Destination Canada’s Signature Experiences Collection , Western Brook Pond is one of those places that’ll blow you away with its natural beauty, awe-inspiring scale, nerdy geological significance.

After a 3 km walk from the parking lot to the dock, you’ll board a boat that’ll take you through the 16 km length of the lake, passing by the sheer cliffs of the glacial valley where you’ll see waterfalls, evidence of rock slides, nesting gulls, and pristine water.

In many ways, this reminded me of our trip to New Zealand and our cruise through Milford Sound . Similarly, Western Brook Pond is another place that is unusually misnamed.

FUN FACT: While often called a fjord, it technically isn’t one based on its definition because it’s a freshwater lake that’s cut off from the sea. Originally connected to the ocean, when the glacier retreat, the land rebounded, elevating the basin above sea level. The saltwater trickled out and was replaced with freshwater inflow.

PRO TIP: If you’re looking for that iconic shot of Western Brook Pond, set aside the full day to do the BonTours Western Book Pond Day Hike that’s done in conjunction with the team over at Out East Adventures . It’s a 10-12 hour day that starts at 7 or 8AM and ends at 5 to 7PM.

Schedule: The general schedule is below. However, this is still dependent on how the weather develops for the season. As an example, a season can run from May 16 to October 3.

• Mid May – June 30 at 12:30 PM
• July 1 – August 31 at 10 AM, 11 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM & 3 PM (additional tours may be added depending on numbers)
• Sept 1 – Mid October at 12:30 PM

Location: Western Brook Pond Trail, Division No. 9, Subd. A, NL A0K 3V0 (along Route 430, 27 km north of Rocky Harbour).

Price: Adults are $79 CAD and children (2-17) are $49 CAD. Infants are free.

Accessibility: There is a 3 km walk from the parking lot to the dock. While it is a flat gravel path, it’s still a 30-45 minute walk. This path also isn’t deemed as wheelchair accessible. This is why they now offer a golf cart service for those with mobility issues.

• $10 (cash-only, tax-inclusive) return service.
• You must be able to independently enter the golf cart with the assistance from a companion.
• First-come first-serve so you may have to wait for a few golf carts before boarding.
• Golf cart can accommodate 7 people.
• Ride is 8 minutes.
• If raining, the golf cart has a canopy so that it is fully covered.

Booking: While not mandatory, you definitely want to book this at least a month ahead of time. You can also buy tickets at the BonTours Office (105 Pond Road, Rocky Harbour).

Website: Western Brook Pond Tour

• Is a Parks Canada pass required? Yes, you are required to have a Gros Morne National Park pass in order to do to the boat tour. That said, they don’t check.
• Are reservations necessary? Reservations aren’t mandatory but since this is one of the most popular activities in the National Park, these easily sell out in the high-season so you should definitely book this online ahead of time.
• Are restrooms available? There are restrooms inside of the Dock Side Café (boat terminal building). There is also a separate restroom facility next to terminal to handle any overflow.
• What safety equipment is provided? They do a safety briefing upon departure but you are not required to wear life jackets.
• Are pets allowed onboard? No pets are allowed on the boat but they do provide dog kennels if needed. Registered service animals are permitted.
• What is LRT Drop Off? LRT stands for Long Range Traverse. BonTours has the option for those needing a ferry back from the far end of Western Brook Pond back to the main dock.
• Is there an indoor cabin in the boat? Yes, you have the choice of sitting in the first deck which has an indoor section, or the open-air seating on the second deck.
• Is it easy to get sea sick onboard? There is a small chance of this with rough weather but since this is a land-locked lake, the water is usually calm and the boat ride is very smooth.
• What language is the commentary in? The main commentary onboard is English. If French is required, let the staff know and they can have a special guide if all French-speaking visitors sit together.
• There is little to no cell service so make sure you have your tickets printed out.
• Make sure have cash on you. The golf cart is cash-only and with intermittent connection, Dock Side Café credit card machines might not work.
• While they post a golf cart schedule, the reality is that they have two golf carts going continuously back and forth so you just have to wait.
• When you make it to the Dock Side Café, remember that you still need to check-in to get your boarding pass.
• The best unobstructed views are at the front of the boat on the lower deck.
• To get to set that you want, start lining up 30 minutes before departure. Don’t wait for the staff to do the call out to queue.
• Being on the boat will be a lot cooler than on the ground so make sure you dress with layers. While a waterproof jacket isn’t necessary if it isn’t raining, but have a windbreaker at a minimum, in addition to a good mid-layer , hat, and sunglasses.

Choose Between A Viewpoint Or Hike

Depending on the weather, time, and energy levels, you’ll have the opportunity to add a few bonuses for your last day.

The first is Jenniex House along your way back down to Norris Point. Built in 1926, it’s one of the oldest buildings in the community, built by the first fifty settlers to the Noris Point area in the mid 1880s. You can visit the restored house that has artifacts, gift shop, and tea room.

Another reason to come here is that it’s adjacent to the Norris Point Lookout , a haven for photographers as it has a stunning look at Bonne Bay with both Norris Point, Woody Point, and the Tablelands in one frame.

Hours: The saltbox house itself is open from June 1 – September 30 from 9AM – 5PM, 7 days a week.

Location: 104 Main Street, Norris Point, NL A0K 3V0

Parking: There’s usually plenty of space for parking here.

Price: Free to visit. Donations are welcome.

Website: Jenniex Heritage House

• Are there bathrooms here? Yes, there are washrooms at this site.

The second is Burnt Hill Trail , a popular hike right next to where the water taxi drops you off at Norris Point.

What you’ll appreciate about this one is that it’s clearly marked and has numerous interpretive panels that reveal more information about the geography and history of the area.

For a more extended hike, you can easily add on the Hilltop Loop as well.

Burnt Hill Trail hiking map:

The below is for the combination of Shoreline Loop and Sheep Path.

• Shoreline Loop – 1.1 km
• The Saddle – 0.2 km
• Sheep Path – 0.4 km
• Hilltop Loop – 0.7 km

Duration: 1 hour, depending how many of the trails you combine.

Location: Trailhead just behind the parking lot at The Cat Stop.

Parking: You can park in the gravel parking lot for The Cat Stop which has plenty of spaces.

Price: Free to hike.

Website: Burnt Hill Hiking Trail

• What facilities are available along the trail? No, there aren’t any facilities along the trail. This means there aren’t any washrooms so make sure to use one before you start this hike.
• Is the trail family-friendly? Yes, this is great for families as you can adapt the hike to how challenging you want it to be so don’t be afraid to mix and match as needed.
• Are trekking poles necessary? This is certainly not as challenging as the Green Gardens Trail but if you’re looking for more stability where there is elevation change, you can use these highly packable carbon fiber hiking poles .
• Is a Parks Canada park pass required? Technically, since this is within the enclave community of Norris Point, this part is not under Parks Canada jurisdiction so a pass is not required.
• With the amount of steps, elevation changes, and proximity to the edge of the cliff in certain parts of the trail, sturdy shoes such as the Altra Lone Peak , Merrell Moab 3 , or Arc’teryx Aerios are recommended.

Enjoy Free Time At Neddies Harbour Inn

We’ve saved the best for last! Neddies Harbour Inn was undoubtedly our favourite accommodation on the itinerary and one where we wish we had more time to enjoy.

Knowing how delightful this property is, that’s why we suggest that Jenniex House and Burnt Hill Trail are optional stops because you just might want to prop your legs up, read a book, and have those binoculars nearby in case a pilot whale decides to breach.

Gourmet Dining At The Black Spruce

Closing out a wonderful 3 days in the park is utmost remarkable dining experience at The Black Spruce.

From the mind of Chef Jason Lynch and Co-Chef Joy Newman, you can tell from the quality and deliciousness of the food that only the freshest ingredients are used and everything is made from scratch.

PRO TIP: This is a very popular restaurant for locals and visitors alike so you’ll want to make sure you make reservations at The Black Spruce at the same time you make your hotel reservations at Neddies Harbour Inn.

This wraps up your fun-filled 3 days in Gros Morne National Park. We won’t cover a fourth day but naturally, you’ll need another one to make your way back home or head to your next destination.

For most, this’ll mean driving back to Deer Lake to fly out or you could continue your adventures by continuing north to start your adventure on the Viking Trail .

Day 3 Summary

• Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse
• Western Brook Pond Tour
• Jenniex House
• Burnt Hill Hiking Trail
• Breakfast – Fisherman’s Landing Restaurant – Since Gros Morne Cabins doesn’t provide breakfast, head here for a local diner-style breakfast
• Lunch – Java Jack’s Restaurant & Gallery (packed lunch) – Timing wise, lunch’ll be right around the time you’re either waiting or onboard boat for the Western Brook Pond tour so we suggest getting a packed lunch so you have something to eat whenever you’re hungry.
• Dinner – The Black Spruce Restaurant – In our opinion, this is easily the best restaurant in Gros Morne National Park. You’re in for a treat!
• Neddies Harbour Inn ( Booking ) – A boutique inn which is punctuated by tranquil bayfront surroundings, plenty of places to wind down, spot whales, eat at the excellent The Black Spruce, use their spa services, and cozy up in these modern rooms. We did a speed test on their wifi and we measured 38.6 Mbps down and 39.9 Mbps up which is not particularly fast.

To help with your Gros Morne National Park trip planning in the province of Newfoundland, we created this super handy map that includes all of the sights, activities, restaurants, and hotels. It’s also broken into the 3 days so you can toggle each on and off.

HOW TO USE THE MAP: You can use the Gros Morne itinerary map as is but if you want to customize it expand the map and create a copy in your logged-in Google account. With this copy, you’ll be able to access it in your Google Maps mobile app under the “Saved” tab. Scroll to the bottom and look for the “Maps” button. Keep in mind that you need data to access this map .

For an offline solution, use the offline Google Maps feature and individually save location pins on your primary map.

Renting a car for your Gros Morne adventures is quite straightforward. For most travelers, you’ll be either renting from one of the two major airports in the province.

Renting A Car From St. John’s

If you’re doing a longer trip and starting on the east coast of Newfoundland, you’ll most likely be flying into the capital of St. John’s.

At the airport, you’ll find the following rental car brands:

If you’re looking for alternatives, the car sharing service, Turo is available here. There’s also an off-site car rental company called Capital Auto Rental that’s part of a Hyundai dealership, and Centsible Car and Truck Rentals .

Renting A Car From Deer Lake

Your best bet out of Deer Lake Regional Airport is to rent a car straight from the airport. They have the following companies:

Each company has a counter in the main hall of the airport which will make the pick-up and drop-off process incredibly easy.

If you’re interested in Turo , they also have inventory of cars in Deer Lake.

Gros Morne National Park Without A Car

To be completely honest, Gros Morne National Park would be quite challenging to see without your own vehicle. However, if you’re willing to do the research and willing to do walk long distances, it is possible.

To aid in this, there are a few shuttle services that we know of:

• Martin’s Transportation – Operating out of Woody Point, they run shuttles between Corner Brook, Deer Lake, and Woody Point. You can also ask about private transportation to places such as the Tablelands and Trout River.
• Bonne Bay Water Shuttle – This is the ferry that runs between Woody Point and Norris Point.
• Taxi – Pittman’s Taxi and Star Taxi are an option to get you from Deer Lake to Gros Morne.
• Shears Bus Service – If you are coming with a larger group, you could charter a full bus with a driver.
• Gros Morne Transportation & Tours – Another private shuttle and tour guide option that would work well for those that don’t want to drive.

3 Car Rental And Driving Tips

Here are a few quick tips on driving tips for those renting a car.

• Reserve early – While things aren’t as crazy as during the pandemic when there was a shortage in all of Canada , it can still be pricey as this family found out . The key to making sure you get the best prices and not get caught off guard by lack of vehicles is to simply book as early as possible. Doing this one year out isn’t a crazy idea in today’s world.
• Fill up your tank often – We learned this the hard way in New Zealand. With how remote Gros Morne National Park is and spotty cell service, you definitely don’t want to get stranded. Make it a habit to fuel up every day. You’ll find gas stations in almost all enclave communities in the park.
• Plenty of parking – Unlike extremely popular national parks in the US and Canada such as Banff and Moab, you don’t need to stress too much about parking. Things are much more easy going in Gros Morne.

When planning your trip to Gros Morne National Park, keep these 5 tips in the back of your mind so you it goes smoothly.

1 – Start Planning Early

While Gros Morne National Park doesn’t get nearly as busy as say, Banff National Park, it is somewhere that anyone travelling through Western Newfoundland will visit. Since the park isn’t set up for mass tourism, activities, hotels, restaurants, and car rentals fill up quickly during high-season.

To make sure you don’t get disappointed, you want to start making your reservations and bookings as soon as possible. We recommend that you try to lock things in at least 3 months in advance .

2 – Build Around Marquee Experiences

If you’ve read our “What you need to know” sections of the itinerary, you’ll notice that there are several activities and attractions that don’t operate daily.

This means that if you want to do everything above, you need to be strategic with how you line up your days.

To make it easier for you, here’s what you want to keep in mind:

• Tablelands: Walk Upon the Earth’s Mantle guided tour – During the shoulder season, these don’t run on Monday and Friday. Make sure to check Gros Morne National Park tour page for the exact schedule.
• Beach Boil Up – Wild Gros Morne’s activity only runs every few weeks in the summer so if this is something you want to do, you’ll have to build your trip around it since it’s so limited.
• Discover Mekapisk – This runs on Thursdays only.
• Anchors Aweigh – Their shows are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

3 – You Need More Than 3 Days

Gros Morne National Park is not the kind of place that you can drive through and fit in one day. Knowing that, we put together this 3 day itinerary to cover most bucket-list items. Still, I felt like we could’ve used an additional 1-3 days.

Not only could we have used more time to slow it down and read a book while trying to spot whales at Bonne Bay Inn or Neddies Harbour Inn , there were a whole bunch of things we missed:

• Cow’s Head – Head further up north to another enclave community with a beautiful bay, beach, and lighthouse.
• Western Brook Pond Hike – There’s a day and overnight hike which brings you to a viewpoint that looks back at Western Brook Pond, one of the iconic photographs in Gros Morne National Park.
• Cod Jigging – Another BonTours activity where you can catch the highest quality cod in the world .
• Gros Morne Mountain – If you go during high-season, you’ll be able to choose between the the approach, summit trail or full mountain trail of Gros Morne Mountain.
• Trout River Trail – There’s some crossover with the Eastern Point Trail but a fantastic 14 km trail that can be done in half a day.
• Elephant Trail – A more off-the-beaten-path and full-day trail is more challenging with incredible views
• Long Range Traverse – For those that want t odo a serious 3-5 day hike, consider the this hike that climbs along the Long Range plateau and comes down to the east end of Western Brook Pond.
• Blow Me Down Mountains – This is a bonus example of how there are activities that go beyond the national park. In this guided half day hiking tour , you’ll explore the Blow Me Down Mountains with views of the Bay of Islands near Corner Brook.

There are so many other different hikes, water activities (i.e. paddleboarding, kayaking and fishing charters) to choose from here so you really want to make sure have enough days to do everything you want to do.

4 – Get The Best Deal On Your Car Rental

You’ll need to pick up a rental car for Gros Morne and the rest of Newfoundland and Labrador. Whether it’s a one-way rental or round trip, make sure you get the best deal.

Since the airport at Deer Lake has Avis , Budget , Enterprise , National , and Hertz , make sure you know if you’re eligible for certain corporate discounts or car rental discount codes .

If you’re renting from St. John’s, you’ll also have the additional option of renting from Alamo and Thrifty .

PRO TIP: For Avis, use AWD code A519319 to save up to 30% off pay now rates and up to 25% off pay later rates.

5 – Prepare For The Weather

We can attest to the unpredictable nature of weather in the National Park, especially during shoulder season.

The key to not letting wind and rain derail your itinerary is to make sure you’re equipped with the right travel gear for your trip.

The most important items you need to have in your suitcase are:

• Waterproof jacket – While a windbreaker is good, there’s no point in bringing both. A quality jacket like the Arc’teryx Beta Jacket ( men and w o men ) will give you the right protection whether you’re cold, it’s windy, or pouring cats and dogs.
• Waterproof pants – While pants aren’t as critical, if it’s torrential, you’ll want the Beta Pants ( men and women ).
• Mid-layer – For additional warmth, pack a warmer insulated layer like the Atom hoody ( men and women ) or if you want a more active zip-up fleece, we recommend the Delta ( men and women )
• Hiking boots – While the Aerios Mid GTX Shoe ( men and women ) is a favorite of ours, something more lightweight is the Altra Lone Peak ( men and women )

We know that it’s really important to get an idea of how much a trip can cost to help with budget planning. As we do with many of our other travel itineraries , we tally up our expense.

These are the per person costs and is in Canadian dollars. Keep in mind that the below does not include flights.

This means that for what’s really 4 days (since we included Day 0 and Holiday Inn Express Deer Lake expenses), the per person per day cost was $534.38 CAD.

To put this into perspective, this converts to $392 USD/pp/day. With that, this puts it on the upper tier of trips that we’ve provided costs for.

• Week in Sapporo in the winter – $318 USD/pp/day
• 1 month in Chile – $308 USD/pp/day
• 3 weeks in New Zealand – $353/pp/day

If you’re looking to lower costs, you could look at staying at cheaper accommodations, skipping out on meals, and doing fewer paid activities.

Gros Morne National Park Planning Essentials

Flights – Use Skyscanner’s alerts to track the prices so you can book when they’re the cheapest.

Car – Having a good rental car is key for a trip around Gros Morne. Again, make sure you know about car rental codes to save money.

eSIM – If you need an eSIM, try KnowRoaming . Our code GAP10, saves you 10% on their Canada plan which is $34.50 USD for 10GB.

Hotel – You can check Booking and Expedia but since many boutique properties don’t list on these platforms, Google Maps may be your best bet to find one that fits your itinerary.

Tours – For all of the tours and experiences, you’ll want to book directly with the company. If I had to choose the best one, I’d say the must-do experience is the Beach Boil Up .

Travel Insurance – Sh*t happens, especially when you’re hiking or when you least expect it. Make sure you’re covered by checking out coverage with our preferred companies – RATESDOTCA for Canadians and HeyMondo for everyone else.

Gros Morne National Park was established in 1973, covering a large area of Western Newfoundland and with the goal of protecting this natural region.

Within the park are 8 distinct enclave communities that existed far before the creation of Gros Morne National Park. These communities are very much part of the fabric of what makes the area unique and special.

While they are very much inside the National Park, these communities have jurisdiction and management of their own land and airspace.

That is why, when it comes to flying a drone within Gros Morne National Park grounds, it comes down to whether you’re in an area that’s under Parks Canada management or within an enclave community.

Drone Within Parks Canada

This section is quite straight forward. According to Parks Canada drone policy , all parks, including Gros Morne National Park, are “no drone zones”.

How were we able to fly in Gros Morne National Park?

In order to capture the type of aerial drone photography with our Mini 4 Pro that you see in this article including Green Gardens Trail and the Tablelands, we needed to have permission to fly.

The process to get permission from Parks Canada is quite arduous and thorough. While this doesn’t cover everything, here’s a high level of what we completed:

• Advanced Operations Pilot Certificate with Transport Canada .
• Proof of comprehensive liability insurance policy indicating a minimum of $2,000,000 naming His Majesty, the King in right of Canada as represented by Parks Canada Agency.
• Complete and have approved the Application for Filming in Newfoundland Western and Labrador Field Unit.
• Complete and have approved the Request to Use Drones/RPAS for Aerial Photography within Gros Morne National Park.
• Complete and have approved the Permit to Use Drones for Aerial Photography within Gros Morne National Park.
• In the forms above, a storyboard, shot list with talent, locations, date, and time are required.
• Parks Canada representative needs to be on-site with you during filming.
• Agreement to provide raw footage for Parks Canada usage.

To apply, you need to contact Gros Morne National Park to start the process.

Sufficed to say, it’s not an easy process and even if you have everything ready, you might not get approved.

Our Drone Insurance Provider

We got numerous quotes but the company with the best rates and could accommodate specific Parks Canada requests was CoverDrone for commercial drone licensing.

In our case, we ended up going through Magnes for the purchase of the CoverDrone policy (with Lloyd’s as the underwriter). To give you an idea, of costs, it cost $654.69 CAD for 1 year and worldwide coverage for the Mini 4 Pro .

Drone Within An Enclave Community

There are 8 communities within Gros Morne National Park and while they are inside the park, they are not under Parks Canada management rules.

The communities are:

• Sally’s Cove
• Rocky Harbour
• Norris Point
• Glenburnie-Birchy Head-Shoal Brook
• Woody Point

From a flying perspective, you are not restricted by Parks Canada’s drone rules. This means that you’re allowed to fly your drone in these communities as long as you abide by the standard Transport Canada rules.

To figure out where you’re allowed to fly, use Nav Drone ( iOS / Android ) which is by Nav Canada. More simply, you can look at Google Maps where you’ll notice that the enclave communities are marked by a lighter green. These are the areas that you are allowed to fly.

Our YouTube video “Gros Morne National Park – An Elemental Wonder” encapsulates the feelings I came away with from our 3 days in Gros Morne.

What made it special was the opportunity to not only see the grand scale of this wonder but also how it collides with things you don’t expect.

The landscape is undeniably breathtaking but what completed it for me were the connections we made with the local people, learning about Indigenous culture, the way of life for locals, humming along to their music, and eating food from the land.

This part of Newfoundland & Labrador is magnificent and we hope you get to come out here to spend at least 3 days, if not more. You won’t regret it!

There main tourism season for Gros Morne is between June and September and there honestly isn’t a bad time to go because it never gets overcrowded. The big event to be mindful is Writers at Woody Point which typically happens the third week of July. This would be a great time to come if you’re interested in participating or you might want to avoid these days as accommodations will be hard to find.

At a minimum you need at least 3 days to see the whole National Park.

We did this trip the second week of June.

The harmonized sales tax (HST) in the province of Newfoundland & Labrador is 15%. While traveling through Gros Morne National Park, you might also see a Gros Morne Tourism Association Levy of 2-3%.

It’s not absolutely mandatory but it is the preferred way to explore Gros Morne National Park and would afford you the freedom to get to all parts of the park on your own schedule. That said, there ways to take a taxi/shuttle into the park from somewhere such as Deer Lake or Corner Brook and from there book day trips. There’s also the water shuttle between Woody Point and Norris Point that you can take without a car.

There are so many different elements to Gros Morne National Park and not all of them require hiking. For those that don’t want to walk long distances, Western Brook Pond offers an accessibility shuttle to the dock, there are many scenic view points that are located right by a pull over or parking lot. Lastly, there are plenty of experiences both on land and water that don’t require long hikes.

As a Parks Canada National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the core magic comes from its undeniable beauty in its landscape. What makes it unique is in it’s geological formations, especially the Tablelands which was instrumental in proving the existence of tectonic plates with earth’s mantle on full display.

• 1 Day St. John’s itinerary
• Guide to the best things to do in Halifax
• 10 can’t miss lighthouses in Southwest Nova Scotia
• Best of winter in the Magdalen Islands
• Our Canada travel guide

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100% .

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card . Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature . Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300 ) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.

• AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%
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• Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
• Ubigi – AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts . Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key ).

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

• HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
• RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
• SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
• Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
• InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

This trip was in partnership with Go Western Newfoundland and Parks Canada but all opinions are our own.

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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The best of Newfoundland and Labrador

Nine days / Eight nights

Legendary ICEBERG alley adventure

Three days / Two nights

FOGO Island to Battle Harbour Labrador

Two days / One night

FOGO Island to Gros Morne return adventure

Fogo island to gros morne return adventure.

• One night accommodation + meals at Neddies Harbour Inn, Gros Morne
• Return helicopter flight from Fogo Island to Gros Morne
• Two days of sea, sky, and land adventures

1-2 Guests $16,610 per person 4-6 Guests $23,860 per person

Short on nature? We suggest the Long Range Mountains.

Take a morning flight by helicopter from Fogo Island into the heart of Gros Morne National Park. By car and ferry, the journey would take more than eight hours. But you’ll be there in less than 2 hours, which will feel like no time at all as you soak in the spectacular aerial views of rugged coastline, inland fjords, and the Long Range Mountains.

Upon arrival, guests will be hosted by Discover Mekapisk, Gros Morne’s first Indigenous tour. Journey back in time to experience Gros Morne National Park through the eyes of her first inhabitants, while in search of marine life and picture-perfect views.

This exclusive adventure will be led by a local Indigenous guide. Guests will be transported to an isolated cove in Bonne Bay aboard a sea-going Zodiac to explore Indigenous culture and history of the area.

To understand how the First Peoples lived, you will be guided to view the land from their perspective, to look to the sea with their needs in mind, and to hold the raw materials of their tools in your hands.

Surround yourself with nature during a short walk on a game trail to explore the plants and animals that sustained early human life. Take in the views from a headland, and search for the marine life that was so important to First Peoples in this area.

Try your hand at making fire using stone age tools, cooking Bannock, and roasting capelin over an open fire. Then gather round for tales of the triumphs and tragedies of our ancestors.

Savour a gourmet picnic lunch at a remote beach and epic views of the Tablelands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for an unforgettable experience.

Following lunch, you’ll cruise by boat to the historic waterfront town of Woody Point. Visit the Parks Canada Discovery Centre to get stunning views of the park’s south side and beyond before you brush up your knowledge on the area’s geological anomalies.

Put that knowledge to use during a 4km guided walk along the Tablelands trail. Then venture into Winterhouse Brook Canyon to get panoramic views of the peridotite slopes, half a billion years in the making.

Finish the adventure with a visit to the traditional fishing village of Trout River along the coast of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Here you can sample some seafood hors d’oeuvres at the award-winning Seaside Restaurant, paired with a pint of Quidi Vidi Brewery’s famous Iceberg beer.

Guests can look forward to an incredible night’s rest at Neddies Harbour Inn, offering luxurious accommodations and ample peace and quiet set against the backdrop of a majestic national park.

The following day, guests can enjoy a revitalizing half-day hike up the fabled Gros Morne Mountain before hopping aboard the helicopter to head back to Fogo Island or travel directly to either Gander or Deer Lake international airports to catch a return flight home.

All of our itineraries are fully customizable to suit personal preferences, travel requirements, and budgets. Have a special request? Please get in touch.

Download Itinerary

Covid-19 awareness.

Thanks to a robust public health response, and some of the highest vaccination rates in Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the safest destinations in the world. Our remote location, small population and large land mass ensures there is plenty of personal space and outdoor space for everyone.

Newfoundland Fjords Tour

About This Escape

We will create a private tour of the fjords in Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland. Hike, kayak, boat and helicopter fjord tours to experience the beauty of this place. Getting here is half the fun and we’ll make sure to arrange all transportation, accommodations and local food experiences.

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WELCOME TO THE BEAUTY OF GROS MORNE NATIONAL PARK

Featured adventures, 24 hour camping excursions, two excursions to choose from.

Two Packages To Choose From 24 Hour Hiking/Tenting & 24 Hour Kayaking/Tenting

Our packages include:

2 Meals (Beautiful Dinner Oceanside / Hearty Breakfast) Tents/Sleeping Bags & Sleeping Bag Liners/Thermarest Interpretive Guide Park Passes / Permits 6 Max Group Size

Price Starting $289 /per person Contact us to book your adventure today!

GROS MORNE HIKING ADVENTURE (6 DAYS)

Accommodations, Meals and Ground Transport Included

Our hiking vacation offers 6 days of exploring the beautiful Gros Morne National Park with a 20 years of experience naturalist and interpretive guide. Enjoy hiking Gros Morne Mountain and some other off trail hikes, taking you to some of the most pristine natural environments in all of Canada. We offer a 1:6 client to guide ratio and run every tour without cancellation.

$2,599.00 / per person

Contact us to book your hiking adventure

ABOUT EXPLORE GROS MORNE 

Explore Gros Morne is a locally owned and operated company in the tiny community of Sally’s Cove (population of 17!) within Gros Morne National Park. We have over 20 years guiding experience catering to solo and group travelers alike! We have adventures to suit everyone – for novice adventure travelers to extreme backcountry wilderness hiking!

We offer a wide range adventures from sea kayaking, hiking, biking and more. We love to see adventurers from around the world and look forward to meeting you on your next adventure.

The Gros Morne Fall Colours Hiking Tour features the perfect blend of adventure, culture and culinary in Gros Morne National Park with a sample of the best of the Humber Valley region in Western Newfoundland. Stand on the stunning viewpoint of Gros Morne Mountain with a view of the 10 Mile Pond Fjord, experience the Tablelands and walk on the Earth's mantle, cruise on a zodiac in a double-armed fjord and capture lifetime memories while looking at the red, orange and yellow hues in the Humber Valley.

Seven days of exploration will take you from Norris Point, our base camp for 4 nights, to the new Hew & Draw Hotel in Corner Brook for 2 nights. We'll dine at the best restaurants, sample the local fare and finish with a brewery tour at Boomstick Brewing Co.

What to Bring

2024 Tour Dates: 

• September 29 - October 5, 2024

Day 1 Arrival & Orientation.

Meet 5:30pm at Gros Morne Adventures waterfront office in Norris Point for an evening orientation followed by a welcome dinner. Accommodations are in Norris Point at Gros Morne Base Camp. The same accommodation is used each night.

Please note: Gros Morne Adventures provides a free shuttle from Deer Lake Airport between 2-3:00pm*. If the free shuttle time is not convenient, taxi services are available from Deer Lake Airport. Contact our office for taxi company information. *Based on 2023 flight schedule.

Day 2 Green Point Geological Site + Western Brook Pond (6km, easy)

We'll start with a short drive north to explore Green Point’s seaside cliffs, a beautiful and intriguing sequence of layered rocks. Almost 500 million years ago, these rocks formed on the bottom of an ancient ocean. Here geologists discovered fossils that define the boundary between the Cambrian and Ordovician periods and makes Green Point a world geological benchmark.

We'll head a little further north to walk the coastal lowlands across bogs and limestone ridges to Western Brook Pond, a spectacular freshwater lake hemmed in by 650m granite cliffs.

Day 3 Tablelands (4km, easy) + Lookout Trail (5km, moderate)

The day starts with a zodiac ride from the Norris Point waterfront across Bonne Bay to Woody Point. Drive a short distance to the Tablelands, an eerie landscape of mantle rock that once lay beneath the ancient Iapetus Ocean. From a geological and natural history perspective, it is one of the main reasons why Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Follow the Lookout trail to one of the best panoramic vistas in the park. You’ll climb steadily through forest, then emerge from the trees onto a highland plateau. From the platform atop Partridgeberry Hill, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Bonne Bay, Gros Morne Mountain, the Tablelands, and the Lookout Hills.

Day 4 Gros Morne Mountain (17km, challenging)

Depart from Norris Point and drive to the Gros Morne Mountain trailhead. This rigorous hike leads to the Arctic alpine wilderness of the Long Range Mountains and the highest point in Gros Morne National Park. Despite the sparse vegetation that clings to this barren landscape, hardy inhabitants like the Woodland Caribou, Moose, and Rock Ptarmigan are quite at home in this environment.

Enjoy spectacular views overlooking the glacier-carved fjords of Bonne Bay and Ten Mile Pond. The summit is at 806m and the entire hike will take about 7-8 hours. Despite a long day on the trail, the natural beauty and unique flora and fauna of this area is well worth the effort.

Note: shorter hiking option available.

Day 5 Corner Brook Stream Trail (6 km, easy-moderate)

Journey from the mountains into the Humber Valley as you make your way to Corner Brook. Stop to find the Man in the Mountain, a stone carved face in the cliffs overlooking the Humber River. Explore the incredible colors of fall foliage as you wind through the Corner Brook trail network. Begin in the hills on top of the chiseled gorge, follow the path towards Margaret Bowater Park and the Glynmill Inn Pond. Enjoy an evening relaxing at the Hew and Draw Hotel.

Day 6 Cape Blow-Me-Down Trail (7-8 km, moderate-difficult)

The last day takes the group west towards the Gulf of St. Lawrence, past fishing communities and back into the Appalachian Mountain range. Tackle the 650m ascent of Cape Blow Me Down, an exposed landscape that showcases some of the finest views in Western Newfoundland. Visit the interpretive site of the newly formed Cabox Geopark and see why the mountain range in Western Newfoundland has been called the "Galapagos of Plate Tectonics".

Day 7 Departure

Return to Deer Lake Airport. Shuttle available at 7:00 and 11:00 am. *Based on 2023 flight schedule.

• 6 nights accommodation
• 5 full days of activity
• ground transportation
• airport (YDF) transfers

Itinerary Changes Please keep in mind that weather may require us to change the scheduled itinerary of this hiking adventure. If we encounter high winds, fog and/or rain, we may alter the intended route and schedule to improve the tour and your experience.

Trip Rating Moderate to challenging; 8-16km of hiking per day. Please refer to the itinerary for more detail.

Travel Arrangements Airfare is not included in the price of your trip. We encourage you to contact your local travel agent or the airlines directly for any air arrangements you may need.

Reservations Please fill out the online application form. You will be required to confirm your reservation with a deposit of $300.00 CDN per person. Visa, MasterCard or American Express accepted. The balance of the tour cost is due 60 days prior to the tour departure.

Accommodations The accommodations in Norris Point are comfortable, spacious 1 and 2 bedroom cottages with full bath, kitchen and common room and standard hotel rooms in Corner Brook.  The accommodations are based on double occupancy. For solo travellers, you have the option to try and share with another hiker, however if no one is available to share, the single supplement fee of $395 will apply.

Meals/Menu Your cottage is stocked with breakfast items including juice, milk, tea, coffee, cereal, bread and various spreads, fruit and yogurt. Lunch is an assortment of fruit, juice, sandwiches, vegetable snacks, and sweets. Evening meals are enjoyed at local restaurants and main course options are available. There’s plenty of food and our staff are always there to cater to your needs!

If you have any dietary restrictions it’s very important to inform us in advance in order to make the necessary arrangements.

• Small daypack – will need to carry your lunch, water, extra clothing, camera, binoculars and rain gear.
• Hiking boots – we recommend a light full leather hiking boot. If it rains your feet will get wet with the mesh style boots unless they have a waterproof barrier (ie. Gortex).
• Rain pants and jacket (Gore-Tex or equivalent) - it will very likely rain while you are here. Your experience will be so much more enjoyable with breathable, waterproof rain gear (ie. Gore-Tex). Choose pants with full length leg zippers, much easy to get on and off.
• Sun hat with wide brim
• Fleece hat & mitts (or gloves)
• Fleece sweater – combination of a 100 & 200 weight works better that one heavy fleece
• Long sleeve synthetic shirt – help prevents sunburn, roll-up sleeves if needed, & they dry quickly
• T-shirts (100% cotton doesn’t dry quickly)
• Hiking shorts – quick dry
• Wind pants – quick dry
• Hiking Socks (synthetic blend & polypropylene liners)
• Handkerchief
• Sun block & lip balm
• Insect repellent – generally isn’t a problem since we usually have a breeze. May want to take if you have any sensitivity to black flies and mosquitoes.
• Medications (medications that would not be part of our standard first aid kit)
• Blister Treatment – Moleskin, 2nd Skin, and Medicated Bandages (Compeed, Band Aid, etc.)
• Water Bottles or Bladder (2 litres minimum) with a holder for easy access
• *Hand sanitizer and non-medical face masks*

Optional Gear & Clothing

• Gaiters – nice to have on the Big Lookout hike (off-trail) but not necessary
• Small pad to sit on at lunch – the ground can be damp
• Camera & batteries
• Pocket knife
• Hand Sanitizer
• Hiking poles

Coastal hiking – be prepared for rapid weather change!

• Cottons are cold when wet and take considerable time to dry. We strongly recommend wearing polyester blend garments that will dry quickly.
• Hikers will be expected to carry, at a minimum, in their daypack– a rain jacket and pants, fleece/wool top, lunch, and 2 litres of water. Water should be easily accessed (placed on the outside of your pack in a pocket or attachable pouch), hydration is extremely important!

Please do not hesitate to call our office if you have questions pertaining to clothing – the right cloth

Fall Colours Hiking Tour | Booking

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Gros Morne's Premier Outdoor Adventure Company

The best outdoor adventures in all four seasons. Boat tours, fishing charters, hiking, kayaking & more

Gros Morne Tours & Adventures

We specialize in providing high quality, sustainable adventures to suit all levels of fitness and experience. We use only the best equipment, experienced guides and strict safety measures to ensure you can fully immerse yourself in your adventure. Trust us for the best Boat tours, fishing charters, hiking tours, kayaking, food tours & more

Most Popular Tours

There’s a Reason These Fan Favourite Adventures are our Most Popular Tours 

Tablelands Boat Tour

Explore the Bonne Bay fjord with an informative & scenic Zodiac boat tour. Travel in small groups & discover Bonne Bays unique geology & marine life.

Sea Kayak Tours

Join a guided sea kayak tour with expert instruction, high-quality equipment, and marine wildlife. A unique & immersive experience on Bonne Bay

Tablelands 360°

Gros Morne National Park's Premier Tablelands experience. This full day adventure combines two of our popular Tablelands tours into one awesome day.

Stay at The Lighthouse

The Water’s Edge sits oceanfront on the Bonne Bay fjord, and is the best place in Gros Morne to whale watch. Newly renovated lighthouse suites, serviced and unserviced camping sites, glamping pods and on-site activities like kayaking, hiking tours, boat tours and fishing charters. We are just minutes from the best hiking trails, and with a small cafe, waterfront seating, Wifi and modern comfort stations, we are a cozy and welcoming place for all visitors

Adventures for the Whole Family

Family friendly tours with hands-on learning and educational experiences to keep youth engaged. From family charters to explore the creatures on the tidal zone to fun hiking adventures that will make them ignore their phone. Let us plan the perfect day in Gros Morne National Park with a custom family adventure 

“We built our business from the ground up with a dream to share our home with the world. We’ve poured our hearts, into creating a space where guests can explore and make memories together. We invite you to experience the warmth of our community. From our family to yours, we welcome you to Gros Morne National Park”

© Wild Gros Morne Outdoor Experiences 2024

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Tours and programs

Gros morne national park.

Guided programs are offered from July until September.

Indigenous programs

Join us as we celebrate and honour the traditions of the Mi’kmaq people of the island of Newfoundland.

Broom Point Fishing Premises

This restored traditional fishing premise gives you a real glimpse into the vibrant lives of inshore fishing families of coastal Newfoundland.

Discovery Centre

From geology to plants, moose to caribou, marine life to arctic life and all sorts of other stuff, your questions will be answered here.

Green Point Geological Site

Explore Green Point’s seaside cliffs, a beautiful and intriguing sequence of layered rocks.

Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse

A Lighthouse and so much more! With a vibrant history, Lobster Cove Head features trails that lead you to coastal environments and tuckamore forests.

Western Brook Pond

The rocks of Gros Morne National Park explain how continents got their shape, why continents collide and tear apart, only to collide again. Geology and natural history are not the only gems to be found in Gros Morne. Explore the rich culture of the people and the area's Indigenous traditions.

Take advantage of self-guided interpretive experiences throughout the park or join a Parks Interpreter for a guided walk or cultural program. A schedule of programs can be found below. Incredible geology paired with compelling human history make Gros Morne a place well worth exploring.

Experience Gros Morne with our Park Guides

Peak season activities.

July 1 to September 4, 2024

Summer Interpretation Program Schedule

Shoulder season activities, program descriptions.

Evening Program (1 hour)

Knowledge is more powerful when shared. Come and warm your feet and your heart at the fireside. Sit with an interpreter at the sharing circle. Learn about Mi’kmaw culture, traditions and customs in an open and welcoming atmosphere.

• Sundays from 7 pm to 8 pm
• Thursdays from 7 pm to 8 pm 
• (Sunday) Lobster Cove Head
• (Thursday) Trout River Campground

Registration: Drop-in experience. No registration required.

Cost:  Free with admission.

Ages: All ages.

Pets: Pets are allowed if they are quiet, leashed, and controlled.

Guided Walk (1.5 hours)

Stroll through millions of years of Earth’s history and explore a fascinating sequence of layered rocks… a place of hidden fossils and destroyed oceans!

• English: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:30 am to noon
• French: Mondays from 12:30 pm to 2 pm

Where:  Green Point Geological Site

Afternoon Program (1 hour)

Take a stroll along Lomond's striking waterfront with a Parks Canada Interpreter to learn about the park's ecosystems and the unique species that have adapted to survive here. After the walk, enjoy a tea by the water.

When:  Fridays from 2 pm to 3 pm

Where:  Lomond Campground

Guided Walk (1 hour)

How did the Mi’kmaw ancestors and other peoples survive on the land? What did they eat? How did they heal? Learn about traditional foods and medicines, as well as how and when they were harvested and used. Take a walk with an Interpreter who will share stories about the past and talk about the plants around you.

• Sundays from 2 pm to 3 pm
• Thursdays from 2 pm to 3 pm 
• (Thursday) Discovery Centre

Guided Walk (2 hours)

Walk upon the Earth’s mantle - normally found far below the earth’s crust. This walk reveals some of the earth-shaking ideas that changed how we understand our planet.

• English: Every day from 10 am to noon
• French: Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10 am to noon 

Where: Tablelands trail

Walk along Steve's Trail, through the tuckamore to the headland near the mouth of Western Brook - the Summering Ground. Trace the footsteps of the many peoples who called this place home. From the Groswater culture 2300 years ago, to the first European settlers, step ashore and listen to the story of their common lifestyles, hardships and triumphs.

When:  Saturdays from 2 pm to 3 pm 

Where:  Steve's Trail

Did you know that introduced moose have changed the structure and composition of Gros Morne National Park's forest? Since 2011, moose impacts have been reduced through a successful population management program. Now, trees are being planted in specific areas where the forest had been severely damaged and isn't regenerating on it's own. Embark on a forest walk to learn more about moose over-browsing, forest health restoration, and how this all relates to climate change adaptation and mitigation.

When:  Thursdays from 10:30 am to noon 

Where:  Baker's Brook Fall Trail

Theatre Program (1 hour)

Join far-flying Flora the flamingo as she looks for love in Gros Morne National Park. Will moose, caribou, or beaver win her heart? Can she find the perfect home in the north?

When:  Tuesdays from 2 pm to 3 pm 

Where:  Discovery Centre

Places to Discover and Ways to Explore

Gros Morne National Park is a wondrous natural and cultural landscape full of sights and stories. Exhibits, information panels and viewpoints are scattered throughout the Park to enhance your enjoyment. To delve a little deeper into the fascinating stories of Gros Morne, join a Parks Canada Interpreter for one of the many programs offered throughout the season.

Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse Exhibit Open Daily (10:00 - 5:30) / May 17 - October 14 Uncover the rich cultural story of Gros Morne – the people, the history and the Lighthouse that served as a beacon to those returning from sea. Explore the grounds surrounding the lighthouse, picnic amongst the tuckamore and take in amazing sunsets.

Discovery Centre Open Daily (9:00 - 5:00) / May 17 to October 20 Visit our newly renovated exhibit of Gros Morne's unique geology and landscape. Engage with our knowledgeable staff who help bring the park to life. Explore the rich culture and heritage of the people of Conne River, a Mi'kmaw community on the south coast of Newfoundland, in an exciting new exhibition called Miawpukek – The Middle River.

Special School Programs

Gros Morne National Park offers your students exciting opportunities to connect to the world around them. Whether it's through exploring some of the most fascinating geological sites on our planet, hands-on experiences of how people lived and survived along our coasts, or listening to the stories and drumming of our Aboriginal interpreter, our programs are designed to deliver meaningful and transformative learning experiences.

Inquire at park facilities about upcoming programs and special events at [email protected] or call 709-458-2417.

Special Commercial Group Tour Requests

Searching for new destinations and experiences? Let us guide you in discovering what Parks Canada in Western Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer. Explore Gros Morne National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site, Port au Choix National Historic Site, L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site UNESCO World Heritage Site, Red Bay National Historic Site UNESCO World Heritage Site and Torngat Mountains National Park as we assist you in creating memorable outings for your clients.

If you are bringing a group to Gros Morne National Park and would like the services of an interpreter for a guided event, a talk, or a step-on guide, please contact us at least two weeks in advance at [email protected] or call 709-458-2417.

Related links

• Camping and overnight accommodations
• Winter activities
• Healthy Parks Healthy People

Helicopter Tour of Gros Morne National Park

Please note: we are based in ontario and do not offer helicopter tours.  this is a blog post recounting an experience todd had in gros morne in 2006..

A few friends and I were treated to a magical adventure flying by helicopter over some of the most renowned landscapes in the world. Over the past two years, Celes Davar ( Earth Rhythms – Manitoba), Nancy Arsenault ( Royal Roads University – British Columbia) and I have made four trips to Gros Morne National Park to teach a unique economic development course in experiential tourism. Take a peak at this short slide show which takes off from Parks Canada Headquarters in Rocky Harbour. We fly to Gros Morne Mountain and go over the top where Caribou roam. Numerous glacially carved fjords and a waterfall are highlights. Later, Moose roam the tops of the mountains before seeing the sun peak through the clouds as we return to the ocean side town of Rocky Harbour.

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On Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula, history and beauty collide

The Western Brook Pond Fjord Boat Tour at Gros Morne National Park. The fjord was cut off from the Gulf of St. Lawrence when the glaciers from the last Ice Age retreated. Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism/Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

Quirpon Island feels like the end of the world, I think as I stand on a ragged cliff, gazing out to sea on this island found on the tip of Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula.

I’m watching a dozen humpback whales feed and play just offshore. Northern gannets circle the whales, shrieking and diving like arrows into the frothy surf. Scanning the horizon, I see the ghostly apparition of a massive iceberg. This magical moment has me feeling like I have stumbled into one of those eye-popping Newfoundland and Labrador commercials.

The whale performance lasts the entire evening, only ending when a thick fog rolls in like the drop of the final curtain. Then, the romantic in me imagines the white sails of Viking longships materializing from the mist. I had spent the previous day at North America’s only known Viking settlement, L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, which might well explain the flight of fancy.

A week earlier, I had flown into Deer Lake airport in western Newfoundland, then driven northward in a rented Jeep along the island’s Viking Trail – a 489 kilometre road that hugs the winding west coast. It’s considered one of Canada’s most scenic road trips, passing dramatic landscapes, mind-blowing geology, ancient history and lots of opportunities for wildlife viewing. I’d be stopping at three Parks Canada sites along the route: Gros Morne National Park to the south, Point Au Choix National Historic Site at the trail’s midpoint and L’Anse aux Meadows on the peninsula’s northern tip.

Benjamin Heath/Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

Whales and icebergs can often viewed in the waters of Quirpon Island. Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism/Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

Along for the ride are my father-in-law, who has a bit of the look of Hagar the Horrible himself, my mother-in-law, who proclaimed herself to be on an odd quest for fish-and-brewis and cod tongue, and my wife, who was keen for a moose sighting (even though we often see moose at home in Ontario, she would feel cheated not viewing one here).

Our first stop is Gros Morne National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its Tablelands, where the Earth’s mantle is exposed. Peridotite, a type of rock usually found 12 kilometres below ground, was pushed to the surface when continents collided 470 million years ago. After learning about the area’s geology in the impressive Discovery Centre, we head out on a guided trek along the Tablelands Trail through an otherworldly landscape.

The Tablelands Trail in Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. James Ross/The Globe and Mail

Unlike many national parks, Gros Morne encompasses a number of charming towns within its boundaries, with names such as Norris Point, Cow Head, Sally’s Cove, Birchy Head and Woody Point, which provide accommodations, services and a little entertainment. One night, we join a raucous crowd at the Anchor Pub in Rocky Harbour to listen to Anchors Aweigh , a band that has been performing to packed houses for nearly 30 years.

Reg Williams is the long-time leader of the band, who likes playing the fool onstage – which only worries me because he is also our skipper (his day job) for our upcoming boat tour. The next morning, though, we step on board without too much trepidation and settle onto the open upper deck to explore Western Brook Pond, a remarkable misnomer for this glacier-carved, landlocked, freshwater fjord, 16 km long and 150 metres deep. Sheer cliffs rise 600 m from the water, from which spectacular waterfalls rain down. The fjord was cut off from the Gulf of St. Lawrence when the glaciers from the last Ice Age retreated.

Our stop at Port au Choix National Historic Site also transports me back in time. Here, limestone bedrock has preserved evidence of 6,000 years of Indigenous history, including a 4,000-year-old slate bayonet and an antler harpoon, which are on display. Maritime Archaic, Groswater, Dorset and recent Indigenous peoples, attracted by the sea’s bounty, settled here at various times.

By the time we reach Flowers Cove, a fishing village on the northwestern edge of the peninsula, two things happened. First, my wife sees her bull moose grazing in a roadside marsh, thus freeing us up to be on the lookout for other life forms. That’s why the next thing we do is pull off the highway when we see a hand-painted sign: “Thrombolites This Way” in block letters with an arrow.

It is like an “Aliens Landed Here” billboard. It piques our curiosity, and the four of us walk along a short trail toward the water. We discover the thrombolites – weird circular stone mounds that look like a pan of freshly baked dinner rolls left on the seashore. I walk across the extraterrestrial-like formations with a sense of trepidation and awe, and learn that thrombolites were left behind by millions of tiny life forms that biologists believe are some of the oldest on Earth. The only other place they exist are in Western Australia.

Throughout the drive we admire the tuckamore trees that cling to the coastal rock. Twisted, stunted and bent low by winds, the conifers survive with little soil, and are not beaten down by storms but rather shaped by them. I find it hard to separate them from the people we meet in each sleepy fishing village, locals whose personalities are also shaped by the harsh environment.

My mother-in-law persists with her mission to sample the traditional fish and brewis – salted cod fish, hard bread and something called scruncheons. But she doesn’t have much luck until we near the northern tip of the peninsula. I pull into the Café Nymphe in Saint Lunaire-Griquet, for morning coffees and croissants. She finds fish and brewis on the dinner menu and somehow convinces our bewildered server to allow her the dish for breakfast.

Finally reaching L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, we browse the visitor centre, then stroll the meadows looking for Vikings and mounds of dirt that outline the original 1000 CE sod structures.

Adorned in helmet and shield, and swinging a broad sword, my father-in-law got right into character at L’Anse aux Meadows. James Ross/The Globe and Mail

In the 1960s, Norwegian explorer Helge Ingstad and his archaeologist wife, Anne Stine Ingstad, came to Newfoundland looking for Vinland. Locals led them to an intriguing lumpy site, where they would uncover the remains of several Viking houses, a forge and workshops, discoveries so significant that the site became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.

We duck into a recreated peat-turfed building, running into some costumed Parks Canada interpreters entertaining visitors with stories and demonstrations. Visitors are allowed to dress up in Viking garb and pose with the weapons. Adorned in helmet and shield, and swinging a broad sword, my father-in-law seems to be getting a little too much in character. I quietly slip away.

The Norsemen only stayed 10 years before burning the camp and also slipping away home to Greenland. Not ready to leave ourselves, we hop in a Zodiac and head to isolated Quirpon Island – to complete our road trip.

The simple way is to fly into Deer Lake, rent a car, and follow the Viking Trail signage north to St. Anthony. You can also take the ferry across from North Sydney, N.S., to Port aux Basques, NL. This would have meant more time in a car with my in-laws, so I opted to fly. Give yourself a week to drive the Viking Trail (returning to Deer Lake), at least 10 days to add a side trip to Labrador.

Check gowesternnewfoundland.com and newfoundlandlabrador.com to help plan your own itinerary. But here’s where I recommend you get out of the car: hike the Tablelands and Green Gardens Trail in Gros Morne National Park . Book a boat tour of Western Brook Pond with Bontours ( bontours.ca ) or sea kayak Bonne Bay with Wild Gros Morne ( wildgrosmorne.com ). In St. Anthony, make sure you hike the Fishing Point trail – and celebrate afterward at the Lightkeeper’s Cafe by slurping cod tongues. And once you reach the tip at Quirpon, take a Zodiac tour with Linkum Tours (linkumtours.com ) to see icebergs and whales.

The writer’s national parks entrance fees were waived. Parks Canada did not review or approve the story before publication.

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