The Visitor Centre in Rocky Harbour is open year-round. From October 10 to May 15, it’s open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 3 pm. From May 16 to October 13, it’s open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
At Gros Morne National Park, the daily entrance fee is $11 for adults, $9.50 for seniors, and free for youth 17 and under. Family/group rates are $22. Annual passes are $27.50 for adults, $23.25 for seniors, and $54.50 for families. A Discovery Pass for $75.25 grants year-long access to over 80 Parks Canada sites.
Fly to Deer Lake Regional Airport (YDF), 45 minutes from the park. From there, drive west along the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) to reach park entrances. Bus services connect to Deer Lake; rental cars or local taxis are needed from there. Guided tours also operate from major cities.
Gros Morne National Park offers designated parking areas for cars, RVs (up to 35 feet), and motorcycles. Overnight parking is available for RVs. No specific fees mentioned for parking.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
Located on Newfoundland’s west coast, Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers dramatic fjords, glacier-sculpted valleys, and the Mars-like landscape of the Tablelands. Encompassing over 1,800 sq km, the park is a geological showcase with diverse ecosystems including boreal forests, coastal cliffs, and alpine plateaus. Visitors can explore fjords by boat, hike Gros Morne Mountain, or marvel at wildlife like moose and caribou. With opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and camping—plus charming nearby villages like Rocky Harbour and Woody Point—Gros Morne offers both adventure and tranquility in one of Canada’s most beautiful wilderness areas.
- Area (km²)
- 1121.71
- Annual visitors
- 238 071
- Established year
- 1973
Top 3 Facts about Gros Morne National Park
This site exposes a complete cross section of oceanic lithosphere, including large exposures of mantle material, allowing visitors to walk on ancient sea floor and preserved ocean avalanches, with the Tablelands region showcasing peridotite rock from the Earth’s mantle, uplifted by tectonic plate collision millions of years ago.
The Tablelands reveal Earth’s mantle rock, a rare above-ground glimpse into geological history.
Home to 700+ plant species and rare animals like the Newfoundland pine marten.
Family programs
- Ranger-led Tours
- Self-guided Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Living History & Cultural Demos
- Scavenger Hunts
- Night Sky & Astronomy
- Family Camping & Overnight
- Water-based Adventures
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Make campground or lodge reservations in advance, especially in summer. Research ferry/flight options and shuttle schedules. Bring printed maps or GPS devices for trail planning.
Pack Appropriately
Pack layers for changing conditions, waterproof gear, bug spray, and sun protection. Cell service may be limited in remote zones—bring maps and a first-aid kit.
Respect Wildlife
Stay 30+ meters from wildlife, especially moose and bears. Do not feed or approach animals. Make noise on trails and store food properly while camping.
Stay Informed
Newfoundland weather changes quickly—always check forecasts before heading out. Dress for wind and rain, even in summer. Waterproof boots recommended.
Seasons
Trails awaken with wildflowers, rushing waterfalls, and wildlife activity. Mild weather and fewer crowds make this a serene season for hiking and photography. Some higher trails may still have snow, but lower areas are lush and scenic.
Summer brings long days and mild weather, perfect for boat tours, hiking Gros Morne Mountain, kayaking, and camping. Beaches and fjords are at their most accessible, and cultural festivals enliven nearby towns. Expect more crowds on popular trails and sites.
A quieter time for exploration, fall cloaks Gros Morne in reds, oranges, and golds. Cool temperatures and clear air create ideal hiking and photography conditions. Scenic drives and fewer visitors enhance the experience.
Snow-covered cliffs and icy fjords offer a stark, peaceful beauty. Visitors can snowshoe, ski, or explore frozen waterfalls and woodlands. Accommodations stay open in towns like Rocky Harbour, offering cozy escapes for winter adventurers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Gros Morne National Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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To visit Gros Morne National Park, you should stay in towns like Rocky Harbour, Norris Point, or Woody Point, which are located near the park in Western Newfoundland and Labrador. These towns offer various hotels and lodges that provide convenient access to the park’s attractions.
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The Tablelands Trail is the most family-friendly hike, being approximately 4 km out and back, fairly flat, and featuring well-maintained boardwalks, making it suitable for beginner hikers and families with young children. This trail can be completed in about one hour and offers a unique geological experience.
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You can bring your dog, but it must be on a leash at all times. Dogs are allowed in picnic areas, campsites, and on trails. However, they are not permitted in some restricted areas, and you should check notices at trailheads and visitor centres for specific rules.
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You can park an RV, camper, or trailer at the park’s campgrounds, which include sites suitable for various sizes of motorhomes and campervans. The campgrounds such as Berry Hill, Green Point, and Shallow Bay offer serviced sites, but Trout River and Lomond are un-serviced. The campgrounds open at different times, with some opening as early as May 16 and closing by September 29.
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The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense desert heat and to enjoy the expansive views and natural quiet. These times also offer optimal conditions for activities like hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing. Additionally, the late afternoon is ideal for appreciating the sunset and preparing for stargazing in the dark night sky.