Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada - map, photos and visitor information

Gros Morne National Park stretches along Newfoundland's west coast, with coastal communities between its mountains, bays, and trailheads. Its landscapes need different plans: the Tablelands expose rock from Earth's mantle, Western Brook Pond requires an approach walk, and Gros Morne Mountain is a demanding full-day hike. A car helps connect the park's widely separated visitor areas.

Landscapes to build a visit around

• The Tablelands: Explore the exposed mantle landscape on the Woody Point and Trout River side of the park.
• Western Brook Pond: Walk toward a freshwater lake enclosed by glacial cliffs. Boat trips require a separate operating schedule.
• Lobster Cove Head: Visit the lighthouse grounds near Rocky Harbour, even when the building's seasonal opening has ended.
• Green Point: Combine the coastal setting with the park's geological story.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Mountain weather and remote trail sections

Weather can change sharply between the coast and high ground. Pack warm layers, rain protection, food, water, and navigation equipment. Do not continue toward the mountain summit when cloud hides the route. Parks Canada advises against hiking the summit from mid-October through April 30 because of winter conditions.

Cell coverage is limited in parts of the park. Leave your route and expected return time with someone. Call 911 in an emergency; Parks Canada also lists 1-877-852-3100 for its 24-hour emergency dispatch service.

Protect the coast, forest, and barrens

Stay on established routes and keep wildlife away from human food. Store food in your vehicle when it is not in use at camp. Do not feed birds or other animals. Recreational drones are prohibited. Dogs must remain leashed on the mountain trail, although Parks Canada discourages taking them on that demanding route.

Primitive campsites require a permit. Campfires are not allowed there. These sites have limited facilities, so plan your equipment and food storage before leaving the road.

Reserve stays and confirm boat departures

Use the official camping information to choose a campground or roofed accommodation and reach the reservation service. Primitive camping also requires advance reservation and registration with park staff. Green Point uses self-registration during its off-season operating period.

A campsite does not reserve a boat tour. Before planning Western Brook Pond around a sailing, confirm the operator's season, departure time, and approach arrangements. Do not assume that summer transport continues through autumn.

Maps, location, and access

The park is on the island of Newfoundland, rather than mainland Labrador. Deer Lake is the main southern approach. Drivers arriving from mainland Canada can take the ferry from North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Port aux Basques; the southern park boundary is another 300 km by road.

Use the official park and community maps to separate the Rocky Harbour area from Woody Point and the Tablelands. Choose the actual trailhead or facility as your destination. Local buses and taxis serve some communities, but transport between visitor sites needs advance planning.

Other parks on southern road approaches

Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park is a Humber River option near Deer Lake. Its approach follows Route 422 northeast of town. Blow Me Down Provincial Park is a longer side trip toward the Bay of Islands, reached off Highway 450 west of Corner Brook. Confirm seasonal access before adding either stop.

Choose a walk that fits the day

Western Brook Pond has a 3 km one-way approach on a broad, compacted crushed-stone trail. Allow for the walk in both directions when arranging a boat trip. Visitors who need mobility support should ask about equipment loans and transport arrangements before arrival.

The Gros Morne Mountain route is 17 km return and normally requires at least six to eight and a half hours. The approach alone is 9 km return; reaching the summit adds an 8 km loop with steep, loose ground. The summit section closes from May 1 through June 27 to protect wildlife. Its reopening does not guarantee suitable weather or trail conditions.

For a visit without the summit, combine coastal stops with the Tablelands and visitor exhibits when open. In colder months, build the day around available services and daylight rather than a summer itinerary.

Campgrounds and access support

The five Parks Canada campgrounds are Berry Hill, Green Point, Lomond, Shallow Bay, and Trout River. Their regular-season facilities include toilets and showers, but hookups and accommodation types differ. Roofed choices include oTENTik units and cabins. Green Point's off-season provision is more basic: a pit toilet and kitchen shelter remain available, while water is turned off.

The Rocky Harbour visitor center and Woody Point Discovery Centre have accessibility features. Western Brook Pond has accessible toilets at the trailhead and pond, and equipment loans require advance planning. Ask staff about the specific route, washroom, or accommodation you need; some services are seasonal.

About Gros Morne

Park protection and a geological record

Parks Canada's management history dates the park's establishment to 1973. UNESCO added it to the World Heritage List in 1987. Its geological features help explain continental movement and the formation of mountains, while nearby communities preserve a continuing connection with Newfoundland's rural coast.

Forest animals and mountain birds

Woodland caribou and ptarmigan use the park's upland and other habitats. Black bears also live here. Moose were introduced to Newfoundland, and heavy browsing has affected forest regeneration. Along the coast, seals and whales add a marine dimension to the park's wildlife. Sightings depend on location and season.

Contact

Parks Canada: 709-458-2417
Email: [email protected]
Address: 3 D.O.T. Drive, P.O. Box 130, Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador A0K 4N0.