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Gros Morne

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Landmark
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Gros Morne (Canada)

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Gros Morne National Park, located on the western coast of Newfoundland, is a world-renowned geological site and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. It provides a rare illustration of the process of plate tectonics, most notably in the Tablelands area, where a portion of the Earth's mantle was thrust to the surface during a continental collision millions of years ago. This barren, ochre-colored peridotite plateau lacks the nutrients necessary for typical plant life, creating a lunar-like landscape that stands in stark contrast to the surrounding greenery. The park is named after the Gros Morne mountain, which rises 806 meters as part of the Long Range Mountains, an ancient northern outlier of the Appalachians. Another iconic feature is Western Brook Pond, a freshwater fjord carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age, surrounded by sheer granite cliffs reaching heights of 600 meters. The park's diverse ecosystems range from coastal bogs and forests to alpine tundra, providing habitat for moose, caribou, and arctic hares. Its significance lies not only in its wide-open scenery but also in its role as a key piece of the geological puzzle that explains the formation of our planet's crust.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-6-7-5051015161272-3
Rain mm12811393889594110118134125134133

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland is open year‑round, but the best time for hiking is June to September. The spectacular fjords and tablelands can be explored on marked trails.
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Typical hours
The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Visitor centres have seasonal hours, usually 9 AM to 5 PM.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the park. Particularly impressive shots can be taken at viewpoints overlooking the Western Brook Pond fjord.
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Time needed
For a short hike at Western Brook Pond, allow 2-3 hours. A multi‑day hike to the summit of Gros Morne Mountain takes 6-8 hours ascent and requires good preparation.
Combine with
Combine Gros Morne with a visit to the historic L’Anse aux Meadows (Viking settlement), about 4 hours north. The town of Rocky Harbour gives accommodation and restaurants.
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Getting there
The park is reached via the Trans‑Canada Highway (Route 430). The nearest airport is Deer Lake (about 1 hour south); a road leads directly into the park.
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Insider tip
Bring insect repellent - mosquitoes and horse flies can be very annoying in summer. Sturdy footwear and rain gear are essential for the changeable weather.

History & landmarks

1973

Geography

Area
1805 km²
Coordinates
49.61050, -57.75500

Facts

  • Area: 1,805 square kilometers (697 sq miles)
  • Established: Officially became a National Park in 1973
  • UNESCO: Designated a World Heritage site in 1987
  • Highest elevation: Gros Morne Mountain at 806 meters
  • Western Brook Pond: Freshwater fjord with 600m cliffs
  • Geology: One of the few places with visible Earth mantle

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Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Gros Morne (4)

Bakeapple Pond Viewpoint

Viewpoint at Bakeapple Pond in Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland.

Ten Mile Pond Lookout

Lookout point at Ten Mile Pond, located in Gros Morne National Park.

Gros Morne National Park

National park on the west coast of Newfoundland, known for its fjords and alpine tundra.

Gros Morne

Gros Morne is a mountain in Newfoundland, Canada, within the national park of the same name.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is Gros Morne a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Because of its exceptional geology, illustrating the Earth's plate tectonics.
What are the Tablelands?
A barren plateau of mantle rock that is normally found deep beneath the Earth's crust.
What does Western Brook Pond look like?
A spectacular fjord-lake surrounded by 600-meter-high sheer rock walls.
Can you go hiking in the park?
Yes, there are over 100 km of trails, from easy coastal paths to challenging mountain peaks.
Are there boat tours?
Yes, a boat tour on Western Brook Pond is a must-do for visitors.
Gros Morne: where is it located?
Gros Morne is located in Canada.
Gros Morne: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bakeapple Pond Viewpoint, Ten Mile Pond Lookout, Gros Morne National Park.
Gros Morne: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Gros Morne: why is it worth visiting?
Gros Morne National Park, located on the western coast of Newfoundland, is a world-renowned geological site and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987.
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