3 Day Gros Morne National Park Itinerary (with Map)

In Western Newfoundland is a world-renowned park of epic proportions. It tells the tale of tectonic plates, continental drift, and evolution of ancient mountains. Gros Morne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the few places where you can see earth’s mantle up-close but there’s so much more to one of the best kept secrets in Canada.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through all of the small and large details you’ll need to plan your very own 3 day Gros Morne National Park itinerary!

Gros Morne National Park Planning

Who This Gros Morne National Park Itinerary Is For

If you’ve read our other itineraries, you know that we have a style of travel that mixes adventure with quality accommodations and food. We also are strong believers of experiences over simply sightseeing.

1. Want to see and do the best – In many ways, this is a trip designed to help check off all of the top bucket list items in Gros Morne National Parks.
2. Love day hikes – You’re an adventurer and want to go out to explore the landscape on foot but not necessarily the hardcore multi-day treks.
3. For all types of mobility – If you’re looking for easier adventure, we’ll share alternatives.
4. Interested in more than just sights – You’re a traveler that wants to go deeper and want to learn more whether that’s through educational tours, shows, and culinary experiences.

3-Day Gros Morne National Park Itinerary

Itinerary Day 0 – Arriving in Deer Lake

Before we get into the first day, it’s worth explaining the logistics of getting to Gros Morne National Park.

For some that’ll be spending more time in Newfoundland and Labrador, a road trip is the perfect way to get around so Gros Morne National Park will simply be part of a larger itinerary. In this case, you can simply insert these 3 days into your trip plans.

For others that want to start in Western Newfoundland, it is certainly possible thanks to Deer Lake Regional Airport or airport code YDF.

This is a small local airport but has a surprising amount of connections to other parts of Canada, making it incredibly useful if you want to for instance just do a trip to Western Newfoundland. You could also use this as a starting point or end point of a trip throughout the province to eliminate the need to circle back to St. John’s.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Time: The standard hours of operation of Deer Lake Airport are 5:00AM – 1:00AM.

Airlines: The following are a list of airlines that service Deer Lake.

• Air Canada
• Flair Airlines
• PAL Airlines
• Porter
• Sunwing
• WestJet

Cities: These are the cities that fly in and out of Deer Lake.

• Halifax
• Toronto
• St. John’s
• Goose Bay
• Blanc Sablon
• Montreal
• Moncton
• Calgary
• Kitchener
• Seasonally, Sunwing also flies directly to Varadero and Punta Cana

Schedule: You can check the schedule of Arrivals and Departures for YDF.

Website: Deer Lake Regional Airport

FAQ:

• How many luggage carousels are there? There is only one luggage carousel at the airport.
• Are luggage carousels open to the public? Yes, as a small airport, the luggage carousel is accessible by both passengers and everyone else.
• Is there a visitor centre at the airport? Yes, there is a Visitor Information Centre in the terminal where there is staff on hand to help you with questions and also plenty of maps and pamphlets to grab. They are generally open from 8AM – 10PM.

Tips:

• If you are from Toronto and coming to Deer Lake during the off season, you might notice that the flight schedule is not ideal as the main flight coming in lands past midnight. If that’s the case, you might be better off connecting in Montreal or Halifax. Alternatively, you can fly Flair or WestJet.

After you land, to get around, you’ll likely need a car rental. There are 5 major car rental agencies on-site which makes this step quite easy.

Since this is largely a day to get situated in Newfoundland, there isn’t much on the program for Day 0 other than to pick up a few extra supplies if you need it, and rest up.

For the accommodations, we recommend the Holiday Inn Express Deer Lake which is an 8 minute drive and is the only large-chain property here which is handy for those that want to collect IHG Rewards Club points.

If you have time, you can walk down the road towards Deer Lake Beach but we suggest that you get your rest because the first day is a big one.

Itinerary Day 1 – Green Gardens, Tablelands, and Boil Up

In one day, you’ll experience the very best of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gros Morne National Park. From geological wonders, stunning vistas, local food, and musical traditions, talk about getting off on the right foot!

Start things off with breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express Deer Lake and start making your way into the legendary park in Western Newfoundland.

Drive through a truly stunning part of the park, get a glimpse of The Tablelands which you’ll come back to, and head to one of the best hikes in Gros Morne.

Hiking Green Gardens Trail

The Green Gardens Trail is easily regarded as the best day-hike in Gros Morne National Park. This trail was also recently refurbished so it’s in amazing shape and easy to navigate.

Unlike many other hikes where you start with an ascent, you start 230 m above sea level, passing through alpine rock gardens. Soon, the landscape changes and you descend into a valley of black spruce and tuckamore trees.

When you emerge from the boreal forest, you’ll be greeted by grassy meadows, sea stacks, rock pillars, and a jagged coastline. You’ll be tempted to stop and soak in the views but there’s more to see!

From Old Man Cove, you’ll be able to follow a path towards Steve’s Cove where you’ll pass by a campsite, the iconic Parks Canada red chairs, and also wooden stairs down to the beach.

Oh and if you bump into sheep grazing here, this is totally normal! They hang out by the cliffs in the summer time and slurp on seaweed too.

Not a big fan of a 4 hour hike with big elevation changes? Don’t worry, you can skip this and spend more time in the next few spots at your leisure.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Hiking map:

We had trouble finding an updated official map for Green Gardens Trail without the previous Wallace Brook extension. This is the map that’s currently on the trail that shows you how far you can go.

Distance: 9.5 km (5.9 miles) out and back.

Duration: 3-5 hours

Hours: Open all-year round. Trail does not have a gate controlling open and closing times.

Difficulty: Moderate

Location: Trailhead is along Route 431 and 13 km from Woody Point.

Parking: There are 9 official spots at the parking lot located at the trailhead. That said, it fills up quickly and larger cars, RVs, and cars with trailers will start parking on the sides.

Price: Free to hike with a valid National Park entry pass or Discovery Pass.

Website: Green Gardens Trail

FAQ:

• What facilities are available along the trail? There’s a bench, picnic table, and outhouse at the trailhead. There’s also another outhouse at the campsite.
• Are dog allowed? Dogs are allowed but they must be kept on a leash.
• Is the trail family-friendly? Yes, this is great for families but with the gravel and dirt paths, strollers aren’t suitable.
• Are there campsites available? Parks Canada calls has 4 primitive campsites with tent pads, outhouse toilet, bear-proof food locker, and picnic table. There is a nightly fee per camper. To stay here, you need to register with park staff at the Visitor Centre, Discovery Centre, or Park Entrance Kiosk, you can call 709-458-2417, or e-mail [email protected].
• Are trekking poles necessary? There are some steep sections and remember that you’re starting by going downhill and uphill on the way back. If you want more stability, we recommend these carbon fiber hiking poles that pack to a small size.
• Can you hike to Wallace Brook? No, since 2017 the section from Steve’s Cove to Wallace Brook and the entire Wallace Brook trail has been closed due to safety.

Tips:

• To track your hike and have an offline trail map on your phone, make sure to download AllTrails ahead of time and subscribe to their AllTrails+ (you get the first week free with our link). Other alternatives are Gaia GPS and Wikiloc.
• Crucial for this hike are a good pair of hiking boots such as the Merrell Moab 3, Arc’teryx Aerios (waterproof), or Altra Lone Peak trail running shoes.
• Makes sure you pack enough water with you and bring snacks/meal in your day pack. We recommend at least 1.5L of water. A backpack with a hydration bladder is a great choice for a hike of this length. If it might rain, make sure to pack a rain jacket.
• It’s also a good idea to pack a first aid kit in case.
• The parking lot never gets jam packed but it will be close to capacity around 11AM.
• Try to start this hike early in the morning so that you have time to fit in a few extras such as a visit to Trout River, Eastern Point Trail, and the Discovery Centre.
• For safety, stay on the trail. A big part of the trail renovation was to avoid getting close to the cliff edges, many of which are undercut.
• If you’d prefer to do a guided hike where a packed lunch is included, Tour Gros Morne is a recommended operator.

After your hike, stop by the Gros Morne Discovery Centre. This is a great spot to get further orientated about the National Park. Inside, you’ll find various exhibits to enrich your knowledge about the geology, plant life, wildlife, and stories of the Indigenous.

Visiting Trout River

Adjacent to Green Gardens Trail is the small fishing town of Trout River, a living and breathing enclave community inside the National Park with a population of 500.

In 2014, a blue whale washed up along the shore here.  This provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to research the largest of the whale family. Eventually, it made its way to the Royal Ontario Museum and is now displayed in one of their exhibits.

Take your time to walk around a town that very much feels like an active fishing community. They also have a great pebble beach that looks out to Trout River Bay.

If you have time and energy, we highly suggest you do the hidden gem, Eastern Point Trail. From the aerial shot above, the trail follows the bottom coastline. To put things in perspective, the Green Gardens Trail takes you out to where you see that sea stack.

From the end of the main road, take the short flight of stairs up and follow the top of the cliff towards the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This provides awe-inspiring vantage points of the town below and the rugged coastline.

As you drive through this area, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including moose! This one we saw right by the Tablelands and you can see that it’s shedding its winter coat.

CAMERA TIP: This photograph was captured from the side of the road at a distance of over 900mm focal length. We use the OM System OM-1 Mark 2 with 150-400mm lens which is fantastic travel and wildlife.

Discover A Geological Wonder At The Tablelands

This is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Gros Morne National Park, the Tablelands is an extraordinary treat for visitors because it’s your chance to see Earth turned inside out.

In fact, the Tablelands is in rarefied air as there are only 3 places in the world where Earth’s mantle is exposed like this – New Guinea, Oman, and Canada’s own Gros Morne National Park. The Tablelands is the only one that’s as easily accessible as this.

From the parking lot, there’s flat gravel path that skirts the base of the mountain and opens up to the glacially carved valley. This transitions to a wooden boardwalk that leads you to a viewing platform.

As you walk through this alien-like rust colored landscape, also pay attention to the resilient plants that have managed to survive including the official flower of the province, the carnivorous pitcher plant.

If you’re interested in learning more about the theory of tectonic plates, how this formation was created, and what peridotite is, we can’t recommend enough Parks Canada’s Walk Upon the Earth’s Mantle 2 hour guided tour.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Hiking map:

Distance: 4 km (2.49 miles) out and back.

Duration: 1-2 hours

Hours: Open all-year round. Trail does not have a gate controlling open and closing times.

Difficulty: Easy

Location: Parking lot is along Route 431 and 5 km from Woody Point.

Parking: This is a new parking lot and has plenty of spots available for cars, vans, tour buses, RVs, and cars with trailers.

Price: Free to hike with a valid park pass or Discovery Pass.

Website: The Tablelands

FAQ:

• What facilities are available along the trail? There is a single outhouse in the parking lot and none along the trail itself. You’ll see a few benches along the way and at the very end of the offical trail is a wooden platform with a seating area.
• Are dog allowed? Dogs are allowed but they must be kept on a leash.
• Is the trail family-friendly? Yes, this is very friendly for families. Strollers may have some challenge on the hard-packed gravel.
• Are there campsites available? No, there are no campsites available at the Tablelands.
• Are trekking poles necessary? Since this is a relatively flat trail, hiking sticks aren’t necessary.
• Are you allowed to take the rocks with you? In line with the principle of Leave No Trace, be a responsible and respectful traveler by not disturbing the land and that includes taking rocks with you.
• Do you have to stay on the trail? Uniquely, we learned that you’re actually lowed to hike anywhere in The Tablelands. This means that you don’t have to stay on the trail. This is what allows visitors to continue hiking up to the top of the Tablelands.
• What language is the Parks Canada tour of the Tablelands? The tour is offered in English and French. During the off-season some are combined and during peak season, these are separate tours.

Tips:

• Alongside good hiking shoes, have a great day pack, collapsible water bottle, and a mid-layer in case it gets chilly.
• Make sure to time your visit with the Parks Canada program “Tablelands: Walk Upon the Earth’s Mantle”, a 2 hour tour, and usually occurs on most days during peak season and less frequent during shoulder season (June and September). A heads up that this doesn’t run in the off-season.
• When planning your itinerary, try to choose a day where the guided walk is operating and since this is typically at 10AM, you can opt to do this first and Green Gardens Trail in the afternoon.
• Similar to Green Gardens Trail, it gets busy in the late morning to early afternoon.
• If you are hiking the Tablelands on your own, don’t be afraid to go off-trail if there’s something you’d like to check out. Of course, be careful where you step, especially with the many alpine plants and moss that are easy to miss. Watch you step as well.

Beach Boil Up Jamming

Also called a “mug-up”, a Newfoundland tradition you definitely don’t want to pass up is the Beach Boil Up. Hosted by Wild Gros Morne, this is your opportunity to eat with a group of friends and family by the beach to enjoy tea, a snack, and in this case, dinner over an open fire.

In our case, we were hit by a bit of rain so we moved into their boat house but equally had a fantastic time as our hosts shared their stories accompanied by the four-course tasting menu featuring wild game, local seafood, and forest foraged ingredients.

To give you an idea of what you can expect, we had moose crustini, mussel pizza, cod au gratin, and homemade chocolate cake with bakeapple berry.

You’ll also end off on a high note with musical performances, a group singing of the Newfoundland folk ballad I’s the B’y with the jingling of an ugly stick, and of course, a shot of screech.

Relaxing In Bonne Bay Inn

Back at your hotel, spend the rest of your evening enjoying the brilliant sunset over the Tablelands and Woody Point while also keeping your eyes peeled for whales in Bonne Bay.

Now that is what we call a packed day!

Itinerary Day 2 – Zodiac, Mikapisk, and Anchors Aweigh

There’s so much more to see in Gros Morne so on your second day in the park, we deepen your connection to the land by connecting with the water, its local towns, Indigenous culture, and musical heritage.

Start your morning off with the included continental breakfast at Bonne Bay Inn. You’ll appreciate sipping on coffee and while savoring the local blueberry jam spread on your toast with the view of the widescreen view of the fjord in front of you.

Cruising Around Bonne Bay In A Zodiac

Not only is the 500 million year history of the Tablelands a must-see on land, but it’s also quite the experience to see it from the water.

Glide with Wild Gros Morne’s Tablelands Zodiac Tour to see the surrounding beauty of the saltwater fjord. On Bonne Bay, you’ll see dramatic cliffs, the Tablelands from a brand new perspective, the town of Woody Point, local fisherman setting and checking their traps, and chance encounters with wildlife such as eagles, seals, and whales.

Looking for something more active? If you’re seeking something different from a boat tour, there’s also the option to go sea kayaking on Bonne Bay.

After the tour, Wild Gros Morne also operates Bonne Bay Market where you’ll be able to purchase a picnic lunch that you can have by water’s edge or on-the-go.

See The Charming Woody Point

You’ve seen Woody Point from the water, it’s now time to walk around this charming enclave community.

Home to the famed festival, Writers at Woody Point, this is one of Newfoundland’s prettiest towns. Along its main street, you’ll be able to wander into craft shops, boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and even the local library.

Continue all the way down the road and make sure to check out Woody Point Lighthouse, a square, tapered, wooden tower that overlooks the entrance into the south arm of Bonne Bay.

Another recommended stop is the local favorite, Galliott Studios and Café, which features beautiful pottery for sale and the perfect spot to grab an expresso and chill out on their stilted wharf out back.

Ferrying over to Norris Point

If you are without a car or decide to stay in Woody Point, there’s the option to take a water taxi to Norris Point.

With a rental car drive the detour around Bonne Bay (Route 431 and then Route 430) to get to your next activity.

Indigenous Experience To Discover Mekapisk

In Norris Point, you’ll find Gros Morne Adventures, a small groups adventure operator run by Kristen and Robbie. Drawing from Kristen’s Mi’kmaq background, they developed several Indigenous tours – one of them being Discover Mekapisk.

Meaning “Long Range Mountains”, this immersive experience invites travelers to gain a deeper understanding of how the Indigenous lived and how they respected natural resources and seasonal way of life.

Through a hands-on experience of creating a moose call out of birch bark and setting it aflame with a flint striker, this leads to the starting of a fire that’s then used to make bannock. This full-circle experience is accompanied by personal stories of their First People ancestry, that is both humbling and enlightening.

Since we had iffy weather, Gros Morne Adventures adapted the tour to work from their waterfront office and hosting space which used to be a boathouse and fishing stage. Normally, they take groups out on the zodiac to an isolated cove.

Check Into Gros Morne Cabins

Next, you’ll make your way over to Rocky Harbour, another thriving community in the National Park.

At Gros Morne Cabins, check into one of the many colorful cabins nestled along the Rocky Harbour waterfront. Consider this an afternoon break to take in the views of the waterfront, recharge your batteries, and get changed for the evening entertainment.

REMINDER: Before heading to Ocean View Hotel, make a detour to Java Jack’s Restaurant & Gallery to put in your order for a bag lunch so they have it ready for you the following morning.

Jamming To Anchors Aweigh

You’re in for a treat with this one-two punch in the heart of Rocky Harbour inside the Ocean View Hotel!

Start your night at Oceans Room Restaurant. This is a casual upscale dining spot that’ll be your opportunity to have your pick of fresh local seafood including lobster, salmon, and cod. There’s also something for turf lovers and vegetarians as well.

After dinner, make your way down to The Anchor Pub where you’ll be treated to the musical talent, humor, and wit of Anchors Aweigh.

With a mix of original songs, Newfoundland and Labrador classics, covers of recognizable hits and funny stories as intermissions, you couldn’t help but tap your feet and clap your hands to the beat.

Itinerary Day 3 – Lighthouse and Western Brook Pond

A whirlwind itinerary deserves a cherry on top and that’s exactly what you’ll get on your third day in Gros Morne.

Since Gros Morne Cabins is a self-serve rental, we suggest heading over to Fisherman’s Landing Restaurant to grab breakfast.

Explore Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse

Just north of Rocky Harbour is the historic Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse, a cylindrical tower with an adjoining lightkeeper’s house which overlooks the beautiful coast and is surrounded by a windblown tuckamore forest.

When visiting, you’ll have the opportunity to peek into the neighboring shed, take various short walks around that reveal the rocky tidal pools, and inside the house itself where you’ll find the helpful Parks Canada guides and exhibits.

PRO TIP: While the lighthouse might seem like a quick visit, the best part about visiting here are the short trails you’ll find here. Make sure to head out to the one that takes you to the red Parks Canada chairs which has fabulous view of the mouth of Bonne Bay (marked on our map).

Cruise The Iconic Western Brook Pond

From one geological anomaly to another, your big experience of the day is at Western Brook Pond.

So far, if you’ve been wondering where the heck that postcard photo of the winding body of water with towering cliffs flanking both sides is. Well, you’re in luck, this is it! The caveat is that you’ll be seeing it from the water instead of at the top of the cliff.

Part of Destination Canada’s Signature Experiences Collection, Western Brook Pond is one of those places that’ll blow you away with its natural beauty, awe-inspiring scale, nerdy geological significance.

After a 3 km walk from the parking lot to the dock, you’ll board a boat that’ll take you through the 16 km length of the lake, passing by the sheer cliffs of the glacial valley where you’ll see waterfalls, evidence of rock slides, nesting gulls, and pristine water.

In many ways, this reminded me of our trip to New Zealand and our cruise through Milford Sound. Similarly, Western Brook Pond is another place that is unusually misnamed.

FUN FACT: While often called a fjord, it technically isn’t one based on its definition because it’s a freshwater lake that’s cut off from the sea. Originally connected to the ocean, when the glacier retreat, the land rebounded, elevating the basin above sea level. The saltwater trickled out and was replaced with freshwater inflow.

PRO TIP: If you’re looking for that iconic shot of Western Brook Pond, set aside the full day to do the BonTours Western Book Pond Day Hike that’s done in conjunction with the team over at Out East Adventures. It’s a 10-12 hour day that starts at 7 or 8AM and ends at 5 to 7PM.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Duration: 2 hours

Schedule: The general schedule is below. However, this is still dependent on how the weather develops for the season. As an example, a season can run from May 16 to October 3.

• Mid May – June 30 at 12:30 PM
• July 1 – August 31 at 10 AM, 11 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM & 3 PM (additional tours may be added depending on numbers)
• Sept 1 – Mid October at 12:30 PM

Location: Western Brook Pond Trail, Division No. 9, Subd. A, NL A0K 3V0 (along Route 430, 27 km north of Rocky Harbour).

Parking: There is plenty of parking for guests.

Price: Adults are $79 CAD and children (2-17) are $49 CAD. Infants are free.

Accessibility: There is a 3 km walk from the parking lot to the dock. While it is a flat gravel path, it’s still a 30-45 minute walk. This path also isn’t deemed as wheelchair accessible. This is why they now offer a golf cart service for those with mobility issues.

• $10 (cash-only, tax-inclusive) return service.
• You must be able to independently enter the golf cart with the assistance from a companion.
• First-come first-serve so you may have to wait for a few golf carts before boarding.
• Golf cart can accommodate 7 people.
• Ride is 8 minutes.
• If raining, the golf cart has a canopy so that it is fully covered.

Booking: While not mandatory, you definitely want to book this at least a month ahead of time. You can also buy tickets at the BonTours Office (105 Pond Road, Rocky Harbour).

Website: Western Brook Pond Tour

FAQ:

• Is a Parks Canada pass required? Yes, you are required to have a Gros Morne National Park pass in order to do to the boat tour. That said, they don’t check.
• Are reservations necessary? Reservations aren’t mandatory but since this is one of the most popular activities in the National Park, these easily sell out in the high-season so you should definitely book this online ahead of time.
• Are restrooms available? There are restrooms inside of the Dock Side Café (boat terminal building). There is also a separate restroom facility next to terminal to handle any overflow.
• What safety equipment is provided? They do a safety briefing upon departure but you are not required to wear life jackets.
• Are pets allowed onboard? No pets are allowed on the boat but they do provide dog kennels if needed. Registered service animals are permitted.
• What is LRT Drop Off? LRT stands for Long Range Traverse. BonTours has the option for those needing a ferry back from the far end of Western Brook Pond back to the main dock.
• Is there an indoor cabin in the boat? Yes, you have the choice of sitting in the first deck which has an indoor section, or the open-air seating on the second deck.
• Is it easy to get sea sick onboard? There is a small chance of this with rough weather but since this is a land-locked lake, the water is usually calm and the boat ride is very smooth.
• What language is the commentary in? The main commentary onboard is English. If French is required, let the staff know and they can have a special guide if all French-speaking visitors sit together.

Tips:

• There is little to no cell service so make sure you have your tickets printed out.
• Make sure have cash on you. The golf cart is cash-only and with intermittent connection, Dock Side Café credit card machines might not work.
• While they post a golf cart schedule, the reality is that they have two golf carts going continuously back and forth so you just have to wait.
• When you make it to the Dock Side Café, remember that you still need to check-in to get your boarding pass.
• The best unobstructed views are at the front of the boat on the lower deck.
• To get to set that you want, start lining up 30 minutes before departure. Don’t wait for the staff to do the call out to queue.
• Being on the boat will be a lot cooler than on the ground so make sure you dress with layers. While a waterproof jacket isn’t necessary if it isn’t raining, but have a windbreaker at a minimum, in addition to a good mid-layer, hat, and sunglasses.

Choose Between A Viewpoint Or Hike

Depending on the weather, time, and energy levels, you’ll have the opportunity to add a few bonuses for your last day.

The first is Jenniex House along your way back down to Norris Point. Built in 1926, it’s one of the oldest buildings in the community, built by the first fifty settlers to the Noris Point area in the mid 1880s. You can visit the restored house that has artifacts, gift shop, and tea room.

Another reason to come here is that it’s adjacent to the Norris Point Lookout, a haven for photographers as it has a stunning look at Bonne Bay with both Norris Point, Woody Point, and the Tablelands in one frame.

The second is Burnt Hill Trail, a popular hike right next to where the water taxi drops you off at Norris Point.

What you’ll appreciate about this one is that it’s clearly marked and has numerous interpretive panels that reveal more information about the geography and history of the area.

For a more extended hike, you can easily add on the Hilltop Loop as well.

Enjoy Free Time At Neddies Harbour Inn

We’ve saved the best for last! Neddies Harbour Inn was undoubtedly our favourite accommodation on the itinerary and one where we wish we had more time to enjoy.

Knowing how delightful this property is, that’s why we suggest that Jenniex House and Burnt Hill Trail are optional stops because you just might want to prop your legs up, read a book, and have those binoculars nearby in case a pilot whale decides to breach.

Gourmet Dining At The Black Spruce

Closing out a wonderful 3 days in the park is utmost remarkable dining experience at The Black Spruce.

From the mind of Chef Jason Lynch and Co-Chef Joy Newman, you can tell from the quality and deliciousness of the food that only the freshest ingredients are used and everything is made from scratch.

PRO TIP: This is a very popular restaurant for locals and visitors alike so you’ll want to make sure you make reservations at The Black Spruce at the same time you make your hotel reservations at Neddies Harbour Inn.

This wraps up your fun-filled 3 days in Gros Morne National Park. We won’t cover a fourth day but naturally, you’ll need another one to make your way back home or head to your next destination.

For most, this’ll mean driving back to Deer Lake to fly out or you could continue your adventures by continuing north to start your adventure on the Viking Trail.

Map Of Gros Morne Newfoundland Itinerary

To help with your Gros Morne National Park trip planning in the province of Newfoundland, we created this super handy map that includes all of the sights, activities, restaurants, and hotels. It’s also broken into the 3 days so you can toggle each on and off.

HOW TO USE THE MAP: You can use the Gros Morne itinerary map as is but if you want to customize it expand the map and create a copy in your logged-in Google account. With this copy, you’ll be able to access it in your Google Maps mobile app under the “Saved” tab. Scroll to the bottom and look for the “Maps” button. Keep in mind that you need data to access this map.

For an offline solution, use the offline Google Maps feature and individually save location pins on your primary map.

How To Rent A Car In Gros Morne National Park

Renting a car for your Gros Morne adventures is quite straightforward. For most travelers, you’ll be either renting from one of the two major airports in the province.

Renting A Car From St. John’s

If you’re doing a longer trip and starting on the east coast of Newfoundland, you’ll most likely be flying into the capital of St. John’s.

At the airport, you’ll find the following rental car brands:

• Alamo
• Avis
• Budget
• Enterprise
• Hertz
• National
• Thrifty

If you’re looking for alternatives, the car sharing service, Turo is available here. There’s also an off-site car rental company called Capital Auto Rental that’s part of a Hyundai dealership, and Centsible Car and Truck Rentals.

Renting A Car From Deer Lake

Your best bet out of Deer Lake Regional Airport is to rent a car straight from the airport. They have the following companies:

• Avis
• Budget
• Enterprise
• Hertz
• National

Each company has a counter in the main hall of the airport which will make the pick-up and drop-off process incredibly easy.

If you’re interested in Turo, they also have inventory of cars in Deer Lake.

Gros Morne National Park Without A Car

To be completely honest, Gros Morne National Park would be quite challenging to see without your own vehicle. However, if you’re willing to do the research and willing to do walk long distances, it is possible.

To aid in this, there are a few shuttle services that we know of:

• Martin’s Transportation – Operating out of Woody Point, they run shuttles between Corner Brook, Deer Lake, and Woody Point. You can also ask about private transportation to places such as the Tablelands and Trout River.
• Bonne Bay Water Shuttle – This is the ferry that runs between Woody Point and Norris Point.
• Taxi – Pittman’s Taxi and Star Taxi are an option to get you from Deer Lake to Gros Morne.
• Shears Bus Service – If you are coming with a larger group, you could charter a full bus with a driver.
• Gros Morne Transportation & Tours – Another private shuttle and tour guide option that would work well for those that don’t want to drive.

3 Car Rental And Driving Tips

Here are a few quick tips on driving tips for those renting a car.

1. Reserve early – While things aren’t as crazy as during the pandemic when there was a shortage in all of Canada, it can still be pricey as this family found out. The key to making sure you get the best prices and not get caught off guard by lack of vehicles is to simply book as early as possible. Doing this one year out isn’t a crazy idea in today’s world.
2. Fill up your tank often – We learned this the hard way in New Zealand. With how remote Gros Morne National Park is and spotty cell service, you definitely don’t want to get stranded. Make it a habit to fuel up every day. You’ll find gas stations in almost all enclave communities in the park.
3. Plenty of parking – Unlike extremely popular national parks in the US and Canada such as Banff and Moab, you don’t need to stress too much about parking. Things are much more easy going in Gros Morne.

5 Essential Gros Morne National Park Tips

When planning your trip to Gros Morne National Park, keep these 5 tips in the back of your mind so you it goes smoothly.

1 – Start Planning Early

While Gros Morne National Park doesn’t get nearly as busy as say, Banff National Park, it is somewhere that anyone travelling through Western Newfoundland will visit. Since the park isn’t set up for mass tourism, activities, hotels, restaurants, and car rentals fill up quickly during high-season.

To make sure you don’t get disappointed, you want to start making your reservations and bookings as soon as possible. We recommend that you try to lock things in at least 3 months in advance.

2 – Build Around Marquee Experiences

If you’ve read our “What you need to know” sections of the itinerary, you’ll notice that there are several activities and attractions that don’t operate daily.

This means that if you want to do everything above, you need to be strategic with how you line up your days.

To make it easier for you, here’s what you want to keep in mind:

1. Tablelands: Walk Upon the Earth’s Mantle guided tour – During the shoulder season, these don’t run on Monday and Friday. Make sure to check Gros Morne National Park tour page for the exact schedule.
2. Beach Boil Up – Wild Gros Morne’s activity only runs every few weeks in the summer so if this is something you want to do, you’ll have to build your trip around it since it’s so limited.
3. Discover Mekapisk – This runs on Thursdays only.
4. Anchors Aweigh – Their shows are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

3 – You Need More Than 3 Days

Gros Morne National Park is not the kind of place that you can drive through and fit in one day. Knowing that, we put together this 3 day itinerary to cover most bucket-list items. Still, I felt like we could’ve used an additional 1-3 days.

Not only could we have used more time to slow it down and read a book while trying to spot whales at Bonne Bay Inn or Neddies Harbour Inn, there were a whole bunch of things we missed:

• Cow’s Head – Head further up north to another enclave community with a beautiful bay, beach, and lighthouse.
• Western Brook Pond Hike – There’s a day and overnight hike which brings you to a viewpoint that looks back at Western Brook Pond, one of the iconic photographs in Gros Morne National Park.
• Cod Jigging – Another BonTours activity where you can catch the highest quality cod in the world.
• Gros Morne Mountain – If you go during high-season, you’ll be able to choose between the the approach, summit trail or full mountain trail of Gros Morne Mountain.
• Trout River Trail – There’s some crossover with the Eastern Point Trail but a fantastic 14 km trail that can be done in half a day.
• Elephant Trail – A more off-the-beaten-path and full-day trail is more challenging with incredible views
• Long Range Traverse – For those that want t odo a serious 3-5 day hike, consider the this hike that climbs along the Long Range plateau and comes down to the east end of Western Brook Pond.
• Blow Me Down Mountains – This is a bonus example of how there are activities that go beyond the national park. In this guided half day hiking tour, you’ll explore the Blow Me Down Mountains with views of the Bay of Islands near Corner Brook.

There are so many other different hikes, water activities (i.e. paddleboarding, kayaking and fishing charters) to choose from here so you really want to make sure have enough days to do everything you want to do.

4 – Get The Best Deal On Your Car Rental

You’ll need to pick up a rental car for Gros Morne and the rest of Newfoundland and Labrador. Whether it’s a one-way rental or round trip, make sure you get the best deal.

Since the airport at Deer Lake has Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, and Hertz, make sure you know if you’re eligible for certain corporate discounts or car rental discount codes.

If you’re renting from St. John’s, you’ll also have the additional option of renting from Alamo and Thrifty.

PRO TIP: For Avis, use AWD code A519319 to save up to 30% off pay now rates and up to 25% off pay later rates.

5 – Prepare For The Weather

We can attest to the unpredictable nature of weather in the National Park, especially during shoulder season.

The key to not letting wind and rain derail your itinerary is to make sure you’re equipped with the right travel gear for your trip.

The most important items you need to have in your suitcase are:

• Waterproof jacket – While a windbreaker is good, there’s no point in bringing both. A quality jacket like the Arc’teryx Beta Jacket (men and women) will give you the right protection whether you’re cold, it’s windy, or pouring cats and dogs.
• Waterproof pants – While pants aren’t as critical, if it’s torrential, you’ll want the Beta Pants (men and women).
• Mid-layer – For additional warmth, pack a warmer insulated layer like the Atom hoody (men and women) or if you want a more active zip-up fleece, we recommend the Delta (men and women)
• Hiking boots – While the Aerios Mid GTX Shoe (men and women) is a favorite of ours, something more lightweight is the Altra Lone Peak (men and women)

How Much Did This Trip Cost?

We know that it’s really important to get an idea of how much a trip can cost to help with budget planning. As we do with many of our other travel itineraries, we tally up our expense.

These are the per person costs and is in Canadian dollars. Keep in mind that the below does not include flights.

This means that for what’s really 4 days (since we included Day 0 and Holiday Inn Express Deer Lake expenses), the per person per day cost was $534.38 CAD.

To put this into perspective, this converts to $392 USD/pp/day. With that, this puts it on the upper tier of trips that we’ve provided costs for.

If you’re looking to lower costs, you could look at staying at cheaper accommodations, skipping out on meals, and doing fewer paid activities.

Rules on Flying Drones in Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne National Park was established in 1973, covering a large area of Western Newfoundland and with the goal of protecting this natural region.

Within the park are 8 distinct enclave communities that existed far before the creation of Gros Morne National Park. These communities are very much part of the fabric of what makes the area unique and special.

While they are very much inside the National Park, these communities have jurisdiction and management of their own land and airspace.

That is why, when it comes to flying a drone within Gros Morne National Park grounds, it comes down to whether you’re in an area that’s under Parks Canada management or within an enclave community.

Drone Within Parks Canada

This section is quite straight forward. According to Parks Canada drone policy, all parks, including Gros Morne National Park, are “no drone zones”.

How were we able to fly in Gros Morne National Park?

In order to capture the type of aerial drone photography with our Mini 4 Pro that you see in this article including Green Gardens Trail and the Tablelands, we needed to have permission to fly.

The process to get permission from Parks Canada is quite arduous and thorough. While this doesn’t cover everything, here’s a high level of what we completed:

• Advanced Operations Pilot Certificate with Transport Canada.
• Proof of comprehensive liability insurance policy indicating a minimum of $2,000,000 naming His Majesty, the King in right of Canada as represented by Parks Canada Agency.
• Complete and have approved the Application for Filming in Newfoundland Western and Labrador Field Unit.
• Complete and have approved the Request to Use Drones/RPAS for Aerial Photography within Gros Morne National Park.
• Complete and have approved the Permit to Use Drones for Aerial Photography within Gros Morne National Park.
• In the forms above, a storyboard, shot list with talent, locations, date, and time are required.
• Parks Canada representative needs to be on-site with you during filming.
• Agreement to provide raw footage for Parks Canada usage.

To apply, you need to contact Gros Morne National Park to start the process.

Sufficed to say, it’s not an easy process and even if you have everything ready, you might not get approved.

Drone Within An Enclave Community

There are 8 communities within Gros Morne National Park and while they are inside the park, they are not under Parks Canada management rules.

The communities are:

1. Cow Head
2. St. Pauls
3. Sally’s Cove
4. Rocky Harbour
5. Norris Point
6. Glenburnie-Birchy Head-Shoal Brook
7. Woody Point
8. Trout River

From a flying perspective, you are not restricted by Parks Canada’s drone rules. This means that you’re allowed to fly your drone in these communities as long as you abide by the standard Transport Canada rules.

To figure out where you’re allowed to fly, use Nav Drone (iOS/Android) which is by Nav Canada. More simply, you can look at Google Maps where you’ll notice that the enclave communities are marked by a lighter green. These are the areas that you are allowed to fly.

Gros Morne National Park Is An Elemental Wonder

Our YouTube video “Gros Morne National Park – An Elemental Wonder” encapsulates the feelings I came away with from our 3 days in Gros Morne.

What made it special was the opportunity to not only see the grand scale of this wonder but also how it collides with things you don’t expect.

The landscape is undeniably breathtaking but what completed it for me were the connections we made with the local people, learning about Indigenous culture, the way of life for locals, humming along to their music, and eating food from the land.

This part of Newfoundland & Labrador is magnificent and we hope you get to come out here to spend at least 3 days, if not more. You won’t regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Resources For Your Next Trip

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.

• AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%
• KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
• Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
• Ubigi – AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key).

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

• HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
• RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
• SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
• Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
• InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

This trip was in partnership with Go Western Newfoundland and Parks Canada but all opinions are our own.