Gros Morne National Park Of Canada
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Gros Morne National Park lies on the west coast of the island of Newfoundland, in eastern Canada. Gros Morne, a peak in the Long Range Mountains, has a trail overlooking the Ten Mile Pond gorge. Western Brook Pond, a fjord formed by glaciers, is lined with cliffs and waterfalls, including Pissing Mare Falls. The desert-like Tablelands area has unusual rock formations created by the earth’s tectonic plates colliding.
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Description
Gros Morne National Park lies on the west coast of the island of Newfoundland, in eastern Canada. Gros Morne, a peak in the Long Range Mountains, has a trail overlooking the Ten Mile Pond gorge. Western Brook Pond, a fjord formed by glaciers, is lined with cliffs and waterfalls, including Pissing Mare Falls. The desert-like Tablelands area has unusual rock formations created by the...
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Gros Morne National Park
Gros Morne National Park is a natural treasure trove offering a diverse range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. With its dramatic landscapes, rich geological history, and charming coastal towns, this park is a must-visit for any traveler to Newfoundland. Day One: Southern Exploration -Morning: Begin your journey at the Western Brook Discovery Centre. This state-of-the-art facility provides an excellent introduction to the park's geology, wildlife, and history. Immerse yourself in interactive exhibits and informative displays. - Afternoon: Book a Western Brook Fjord boat tour. This is an absolute must-do to experience the fjord's towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene beauty. The tour typically lasts several hours, providing ample time to appreciate the natural wonder. Optional Activities: - Visit the nearby Woody Point to explore charming shops and indulge in fresh seafood. - Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Green Point Geological Site to witness firsthand the region's geological history. Day Two: Northern Discoveries - Morning: Embark on the iconic Tablelands hike. This otherworldly landscape, a remnant of the Earth's mantle, is a geological marvel. The hike is relatively easy and offers stunning panoramic views. Remember to bring your camera to capture the unique rock formations. - Afternoon: Drive to the charming town of Norris Point for lunch and explore the local shops. Consider taking a boat tour of Bonne Bay to experience the park's coastal beauty from a different perspective. Park Highlights and Tips - Dog-friendly: Gros Morne National Park is largely dog-friendly, allowing you to explore with your furry companion. However, there are restrictions in certain areas, such as the Tablelands. - Hiking: The park offers a variety of hiking trails to suit all fitness levels. Some popular options include the Tablelands Trail, the Burnt Hill Trail, and the trails around Bonne Bay. - Wildlife: Keep an eye out for moose, black bears, and various bird species. - Photography: The park's stunning landscapes provide endless opportunities for photography. - Park Passes: Purchase a park pass at the entrance to gain access to all park facilities. - Accommodation: There are various accommodation options within and around the park, from campgrounds to hotels. - Best Time to Visit: The park is beautiful in all seasons, but the summer months offer the longest daylight hours for exploring. Additional Day: Extending Your Adventure If you have an extra day, consider these options: Explore the Long Range Mountains, the park's northernmost region, for challenging hikes and remote wilderness experiences. Visit the Bonne Bay Marine Station to learn about marine life and ecosystems. Take a kayaking or canoeing tour to explore the park's waterways from a different perspective. By following this itinerary, you can experience the best of Gros Morne National Park and create unforgettable memories. Remember to pack accordingly for the weather, bring essential hiking gear, and respect the park's natural environment.
Completed the long range traverse hike in July. In hindsight I would have brought my fleece as evening temperatures were getting down to single digits. Lots of wet weather made for some wet trails therefore enjoyed the extra pairs of socks I brought. Would highly recommend the hike but it isn’t easy. The initial ascent is quite steep especially when you have all the weight for your full journey. Views can be stunning but can also close in with fog. Make sure you are comfortable with maps and knowing how to use a topographic map prior to coming. This isn’t the spot to be learning, but if you are comfortable, this is a fun (and tiring) hike. Completed the hike in two nights on the trail, started the hike late on the first day. Planned to slow down and enjoy the trail more but with bad weather we kept going and finished early. Watch the weather as the descent off of the top of the hills on the last day are down ravines that could be tricky during rain. Took in Gros Morne Mountain at the end, which is a great add on. For logistics, we flew into Deer Lake and rented a car to drive up to the park. You have to pass a navigation test (map and compass) at the park HQ before they will give you a pass for the trail. To start the hike you need to take a boat tour into Western Brook Pond, and they will not allow you off the boat without the pass. We arranged for a cab to pick us at the end of the hike parking lot (entrance to the Gros Morne Mountain trail) and left the vehicle there. Then took the cab north up to the boat tour. To make things all work on the day we flew in, we ended up taking the later boat tour. This meant that we were getting off the boat in the evening. It worked for us but it is something to consider as it did not leave a lot of hiking time before nightfall. Flight schedules have also changed a bit so will need to check the new schedules. There is a lot of water sources along the trail so you don’t need a pile of water but bring a good water filter.
Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland is an awe-inspiring natural wonder, and the Tablelands Mountain is undoubtedly one of its crown jewels. Standing majestically amid the park's diverse landscapes, Tablelands offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. The unique geological formation of Tablelands is a rare sight to behold. Its striking rusty-red and orange hues result from peridotite rocks, which are usually found deep within the Earth's mantle. This remarkable feature creates a stark contrast with the surrounding greenery, making for a captivating visual spectacle that leaves visitors in awe. Hiking the Tablelands is a true exploration of an ancient landscape. As you traverse the rugged terrain, you'll feel like you're journeying through a prehistoric world. The geological significance of this mountain is recognized worldwide and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it even more enticing for geology enthusiasts. Beyond its scientific importance, the Tablelands also offers unparalleled panoramic views of Gros Morne National Park. The summit rewards hikers with breathtaking vistas of lush valleys, sparkling rivers, and fjords carved by ancient glaciers. Moreover, the park's commitment to conservation ensures the preservation of this natural wonder for generations to come. Knowledgeable guides lead informative tours, allowing visitors to learn about the unique ecosystem and the delicate balance it maintains. In conclusion, Gros Morne National Park's Tablelands Mountain is a captivating destination that showcases the Earth's geological marvels while providing an enriching and unforgettable experience. Whether you're a geology aficionado or simply seeking unparalleled natural beauty, a visit to the Tablelands is an absolute must when exploring Newfoundland's breathtaking landscape.
One of the most beautiful places in the world. As an American who laments how crowded, overused and stressed many of our a national parks are, it was astounding to spend a week at Gros Morne in 2012. Even at the height of Canadian tourist season it was empty compared to any of the most popular US national parks. And the landscape is spectacular. From the Tablelands to Western Brook Pond the landscape is varied and at times other-worldly. A World Heritage site and one of the few places on Earth that the mantle rises to the planet's surface, the Tablelands more resemble Mars, with its reddish tinted rocks and soil than what you would expect of a lush green North Atlantic province (and a drive down the main highway distinctly shows the contrast, green on one side as far as the eye can see and red on the other). Western Brook Pond feels of another world too. A beautiful wooded, then boggy set of landscapes unfold before you during the multi-kilometer hike to the pond's shore, where tour boats take you into this very remote fjord now closed to the sea. Towering cliffs surround you with abundant waterfalls descending every few hundred meters, with thick forest covering any land not too steep for them. At the eastern end a floating dock beckons the backpacker who has pre-registered to hike out the 38 miles through a seemingly impossible gorge trail. These are a mere few highlights. The people of Western Newfoundland are warm and welcoming and there is good lodging to be had as well as plenty of hiking, camping, and wilderness backpacking opportunities. This all describes the brief warm months. Winter here is evidently an entirely different matter.
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