Welcome to my Newfoundland dreamscape, where the mountains touch the clouds, the rivers roar, and the spirit of adventure dances in the air. Listen up, friends: Gros Morne National Park is a place that will blow your mind. Located on Newfoundland’s west coast, it’s like stepping into another world. From Rocky Harbour’s cool vibe to the Tablelands which look like another planet, every corner of this UNESCO World Heritage site is an adventure. And I’m not talking about just another vacation —I’m talking about a life-changing journey.
So strap in as I take you through the highlights of my wild Gros Morne adventure. From dolphins to rappelling into giant sinkholes, to hiking the Tablelands, this was a trip I’ll never forget.
I left Steady Brook, Newfoundland, with my heart still buzzing from caving and mountain biking. I was riding the high of adrenaline as I made my way toward Gros Morne National Park, my wheels rolling down roads hugged by towering evergreens. The park wasn’t just a destination—it felt like a homecoming to something wild and sacred.
As soon as I caught sight of the Tablelands in the distance, I pulled over, switched off the engine, and just stood there—I felt like a speck in this vast, ancient world. I took a deep breath and let the cool Newfoundland air wash over me. It was like the earth was whispering, “You’re exactly where you need to be.”
My first stop was with Alex and Becky, local legends who had an off-grid cabin setup that dreams are made of. Alex greeted me with a smile that could melt an iceberg.
“We’ve got a big day ahead Donny,” he said, eyes twinkling.
“Let’s go!” I grinned.
We hopped aboard their boat and cruised along Bonne Bay’s stunning coastline. The cliffs rose like cathedrals around us. Alex pointed to a jagged outcrop.
“That’s Shag Cliff. Bald eagles love it up there,” he said.
As if on cue, a majestic eagle soared overhead. Then, as if the world couldn’t get more magical—dolphins! A whole school of them leapt from the waves, racing alongside us.
“Look at them go!” I laughed.
The dolphins twisted and spun, their sleek bodies gleaming in the sun. It was like they were performing just for us.
After our marine adventure, we headed to a cozy fishing shed for some grub. Becky brought out her signature dish: moose sliders and mussel pizza.
“Take a bite,” Alex urged.
I did—and WOW. The moose burger was tender and bursting with flavor, topped with just the right mix of sweet molasses and tart rhubarb chutney. The pizza was rich with cheesy goodness, the mussels giving it that perfect salty kick.
“You’re spoiling me!” I said between bites.
Becky laughed. “That’s what we do in Newfoundland.”
I polished off three sliders, a couple of slices of pizza, and enough tea to fill a kettle.
With full bellies, we geared up for our next adventure—the sinkhole. It was a gaping wound in the earth, a massive reminder of nature’s power. A one time cave whose roof had collapsed. After just coming from caving in Corner Brook this kinda freaked me out a bit.
“Three points of contact,” Alex said as he clipped into his rope. “And watch for falling rocks.”
I swallowed hard. I’d been rock climbing before, but this felt different—raw and untamed. I followed Alex down, clinging tight to the rope as I felt the jagged rocks shift beneath my boots.
“Whoa!” I nearly lost my footing, but caught myself.
“You good?” Alex called up.
“Yeah!” I yelled back.
A large boulder came unjarred from the earth and tumbled towards Alex bouncing along as it gained speed. I called out to warm him and he ducked away at the last moment.
“That was a close one, Donny! Mind your footing and try not to knock rocks loose! I only have one head”
Newfoundlanders can always see things through a comic lens and we shared a few good laughs at Alex’s near death experience afterwards. We made it to the bottom, where a waterfall roared like a dragon’s breath. Mist soaked my face as I stared up at the cathedral-like walls of stone. This was where time slowed down, where you felt both insignificant and invincible at once.
Alex clapped me on the back. “Worth it, eh?”
“More than worth it.”
When we reached the eco cabin, I was shocked to learn there was no electricity—just candles, a fire, and the sound of the wind whistling through the trees.
“It’s quiet,” I said as Alex prepped to leave.
“Quiet’s not so bad,” he winked.
Alone, with only my dog for company, I lit the stove, lit the candles and let myself settle into solitude. I’ll admit it felt eerie at first. No cell service. Completely unplugged. But as I stoked the fire and watched the embers glow, something shifted. Instead of feeling alone, I felt connected—to the land, to the people who’d lived here before, to myself. Eventually I reached that magical place, a place that I hadn’t been in years – boredom. Beautiful boredom. My mind was free to just rest without the constant demands of electronics.
I flipped through an old bird-watching book, grabbed the binoculars, and stepped outside and took to bird watching – there really wasn’t much else to do. I spotted a great black-backed gull swooping over the water. Pretty cool.
I chased the dog around for a while trying to get a ball from him. That was fun for 15 minutes. It’s amazing how freeing it was to have nothing to do and nothing to really entertain myself with. I had gone cover to cover through the only book in the cabin and knew more about birds that I ever thought I would. Then I spotted a canoe at the end of the nearby pond. Ahhh, yes now this was spectacular. I was in a canoe, in a pond, in the middle of nowhere – exactly where I hoped my journey would take me. Wow.
When I made it back to the cabin my trusty pal was waiting on the edge of the shore.
“Not bad, eh?” I muttered to my doggie. He wagged his tail approvingly.
Morning came with golden light and a renewed sense of purpose. There was one last challenge calling me—the Tablelands.
The Tablelands aren’t just mountains. They’re the earth’s mantle, thrust up from beneath the crust by ancient tectonic shifts that have caused it to burst through the earth’s crust – It’s not supposed to be here. Climbing them feels like stepping onto Mars, with red and orange rock stretching endlessly.
“Here we go,” I whispered to myself, beginning the ascent.
The wind howled as I scrambled higher and higher. The landscape was otherworldly, like I’d stepped into a sci-fi movie. But no special effects could match the real thing. After three hours, I reached the summit. I stood there, breathless—from the climb and the beauty of it all.
“This is amazing!” I yelled aloud.
I sat on the edge and meditated, letting the stillness sink into my bones. The world below stretched out like a tapestry, ancient and infinite.
The journey to Gros Morne starts with getting to Deer Lake, the gateway to the park. Deer Lake Regional Airport is well-connected, and from there, it’s about a 30-minute drive to the park. Whether you rent a car or hop on a shuttle, the drive itself is beautiful, with views that hint at the adventures ahead.
Pro tip:
Stop at a local cafe in Deer Lake to fuel up before hitting the road. Also, drop in the Gros Morne Insectarium – the live butterfly pavilion is spectacular and the butterflies actually land on you!
Looking for recommendations on where to stay or eat along the way? Check out my separate guide on accommodations and dining to find the best spots for rest and Newfoundland flavors.
The history of Gros Morne and the Great Northern Peninsula is as deep as its landscapes. It starts over 4,000 years ago with the Maritime Archaic People who settled near Port Aux Choix. Their tools, burial sites and artifacts tell the story of their own Newfoundland journey. Later, around 1000 years ago the Vikings came to The Great Northern Peninsula and inhabited Newfoundland. Our modern history starts in the 16th century when Europeans started to settle here permanently, drawn by cod and fur.
The Great Northern Peninsula is a living museum of all these histories. Each village and trail has a story that it is waiting to tell you.
Gros Morne proves one thing: Newfoundland is a patchwork of different geological and cultural layers. This park isn’t just a collection of pretty sights; it’s a time capsule of the Earth’s history. The Tablelands are like a window into the Earth’s underbelly. These orange mountains are one of the only places on Earth where the mantle—the layer beneath the Earth’s crust—is exposed. It’s so unique that geologists use Gros Morne to study plate tectonics and the processes that formed the continents.
The park’s nickname, “Earth’s Diary,” comes from its ability to tell the story of the planet’s history. Fossils, ancient rock formations, and glacial fjords all narrate a tale that spans eons.
Gros Morne is massive—nearly 200 km long and 85 km wide. It’s hard to wrap your head around this place until you’re standing in front of the towering Long Range Mountains. These ancient mountains are the northernmost part of the Appalachian mountain range and boast some of the best views you’ll ever see.
Beyond the mountains, the waters of Gros Morne are alive with life. Thousands of whales pass through the area, and if you visit at the right time, you might see these gentle giants breaching in the distance. And let’s not forget the icebergs. Giant chunks of ice from Greenland drift down every spring and summer, creating an otherworldly seascape. These wonders are the best of Newfoundland but accessible only to those willing to go off the beaten path.
A visit to Western Brook Pond is a must. This glacier-carved fjord offers towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene views. The BonTours Boat Tour provides two options:
Scenic Boat Tour: A 2-hour cruise showcasing the fjord’s billion-year-old cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife. Live interpretation and on-board amenities enhance the experience.
Adventure Hike: For the adventurous, an 8-hour hike combines a boat shuttle with a challenging trek to the gorge’s top for panoramic views.
Pro Tip: Reserve your spot early at bontours.ca, wear outdoor clothing, and bring a camera to capture the unforgettable scenery.
Bonne Bay offers some of the most serene kayaking experiences in Newfoundland. One afternoon, I decided to explore the fjord-like bay in a kayak, and let me tell you, it was magical. The water was so still it mirrored the sky, creating a sense of floating between two worlds. Paddling past rocky cliffs, I spotted jellyfish drifting below and bald eagles soaring above.
The highlight was gliding close to the shoreline, where the forest seemed to spill right into the water. I even saw a moose drinking at the edge—a moment straight out of a nature documentary. Locals told me Bonne Bay is one of the best spots to kayak because of its calm waters and abundant wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might even encounter a playful pod of dolphins.
Wild Gros Morne rents kayaks and offers guided tours, which are perfect for beginners or those looking to learn more about the area’s unique ecosystem. After my paddle, I felt like I had experienced Gros Morne in a whole new way, seeing its beauty from the water’s perspective.
For hikers, Gros Morne is heaven. The park has a trail for everyone, from easy strolls to challenging hikes, each showcasing the varied landscapes of this amazing place.
The most famous hike is the Gros Morne Mountain Trail. This 16-km round trip takes you to the highest point in the park at 806 meters. It’s a tough climb, but the views from the top are worth it. On a clear day, you can see the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Long Range Mountains stretching to the horizon. The descent is a great time to spot caribou and other wildlife roaming the alpine tundra.
If you’re not up for a big hike, the Lookout Trail is a great option. This 5-km loop is a moderate climb through the forest, opening up to a view of Bonne Bay and the Tablelands. Perfect for families or anyone who wants a rewarding hike without a full-day commitment.
This 9-km round trip takes you to a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall. The trail meanders through boreal forest and along brooks, offering a peaceful and scenic walk. Bring a picnic and enjoy the serenity at the base of the falls.
For coastal views, the Green Gardens Trail is a must. This 9.5-km loop takes you through meadows, past cliffs, and down to the coast. Sheep graze along the way, adding to the charm of the scenery. It’s a hike that sums up the diversity of Gros Morne.
This internationally recognized geological formation showcases a rare outcrop of the Earth’s mantle. Its striking red rock formations make it a prime location for hiking and photography.
The glacier-carved fjord offers towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and a serene landscape rich in wildlife.
Explore the incredible sea life of Bonne Bay fjord! Visit the Bonne Bay Marine Station for an interactive tour featuring a saltwater aquarium and touch tank. For family fun, join a Discovery Tour to sample the deep waters, collect tiny ocean creatures, and return to the station to see larger marine life up close.
This challenging 16-km trail leads hikers through diverse terrains, culminating in breathtaking panoramic views.
Explore Newfoundland’s coastal heritage at this historic lighthouse, complete with interpretive exhibits and walking trails.
A relatively easy hike offering picturesque coastal views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
The Gros Morne Theatre Festival is the ultimate destination for live theatre and music on Newfoundland’s west coast. From May to September, the summer is alive every night of the week! Whether you’re in the mood for traditional music, an unforgettable dinner theatre experience, or cutting-edge plays from Newfoundland’s finest writers, we’ve got something to inspire and entertain you.
Gros Morne isn’t just a national park—it’s a portal to something bigger. It’s where you go to lose yourself and find yourself all at once. I came here for adventure, but I’m leaving with a deeper respect for the land and its stories.
As I packed up my gear and headed toward my next adventure, I felt a quiet gratitude settle over me. Gros Morne had worked its magic.
“Until next time,” I whispered to the mountains.
If you’ve never been to Gros Morne, do yourself a favor: add it to your bucket list. You’ll leave a piece of your heart there—and trust me, you won’t mind one bit.
Want to see this adventure in action? Check out the full Adventures Unknown Gros Morne Episode here.
