Beyond Alone · Best: June - September
Gros Morne National Park
Inland fjords and exposed Earth mantle create a surreal landscape for multi-day trekking and sea kayaking along the coast.
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
- Region
- Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Area/Length
- 1,805 sq km
- Elevation
- Sea level to 806m (Gros Morne Mountain)
- Best window
- July to September
- Key draws
- Long Range Traverse, Tablelands, Western Brook Pond
- Access
- Trans-Canada Highway, Route 430 via Deer Lake
Topic summary
Inland fjords and exposed Earth mantle create a surreal landscape for multi-day trekking and sea kayaking along the coast. Gros Morne is a geological marvel where towering landlocked fjords abruptly meet the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The southern section contains the Tablelands, an eerie, barren expanse of peridotite rock thrust up from the Eart
Key takeaways
- Area/Length: 1,805 sq km
- Elevation: Sea level to 806m (Gros Morne Mountain)
- Best window: July to September
- Key draws: Long Range Traverse, Tablelands, Western Brook Pond
- Access: Trans-Canada Highway, Route 430 via Deer Lake
Intended uses
- Wilderness trip planning and destination research
- Access: Trans-Canada Highway, Route 430 via Deer Lake
Verification notes
Compiled from published show records, regional agencies, and topographical / satellite imagery. Region: Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Coordinates: 49.583, -57.733.
The country
Gros Morne is a geological marvel where towering landlocked fjords abruptly meet the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The southern section contains the Tablelands, an eerie, barren expanse of peridotite rock thrust up from the Earth's mantle, toxic to most plant life. The northern section features high coastal plateaus cut by deep, glacially carved valleys.
Why enthusiasts come
The park offers severe, unmarked backcountry navigation challenges that draw experienced backpackers seeking untamed east coast wilderness. Sea kayakers come to paddle alongside sheer 600-meter cliffs in the freshwater fjords.
Top experiences
The Long Range Traverse is an elite 35km off-trail trek dropping off a gorge edge and crossing a harsh, featureless alpine plateau. Paddling through Western Brook Pond gives kayakers an imposing, bottom-up perspective of the massive gorge walls.
Planner-relevant notes
To attempt the Long Range Traverse, backpackers must pass a rigorous navigation test with park wardens using map and compass. The terrain is largely trackless bog and dense tuckamore (stunted balsam fir), significantly slowing travel. Fierce winds off the Gulf can cause extreme temperature drops and severe whiteouts in the high country.
Field notes
- Waterproofing your boots is futile against the deep bogs of the Long Range Traverse; focus instead on quick-draining footwear.
- Gaiters are highly recommended to protect your shins from the relentless, abrasive tuckamore brush.
- Moose density is incredibly high; be on high alert while driving Route 430, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Book the boat drop-off for Western Brook Pond well in advance, as it is the only way to access the northern trailheads.
Frequently asked about Gros Morne National Park
- Where is Gros Morne National Park?
- Gros Morne National Park is in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Inland fjords and exposed Earth mantle create a surreal landscape for multi-day trekking and sea kayaking along the coast.
- How do you get to Gros Morne National Park?
- Access: Trans-Canada Highway, Route 430 via Deer Lake. Expect a multi-leg trip — flights to the nearest hub, then float plane, boat, or 4WD depending on conditions.
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Wildlife
