Gros Morne National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Newfoundland and Labrador, Gros Morne is renowned for its dramatic fjords, ancient mountains, and unique geological...

Gros Morne National Park at a Glance

Location
Atlantic Canada & Eastern Arctic, Canada, North America
Coordinates
49.636482, -57.777878
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
May to October (Peak season)

Safari Activities in Gros Morne National Park

  • Hiking
  • Trekking
  • Cruising
  • Camping
  • Winter activities
  • Guided tours

Getting to Gros Morne National Park

Nearest airport: Gander International Airport (YQX), 245 km away.

Nearest international airport: Gander International Airport (YQX), 245 km away.

Wildlife in Gros Morne National Park

Home to 11 recorded species including 3 birds of prey, 3 waterbirds, 3 iconic birds, 1 predators, 1 big herbivores.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Gros Morne National Park

7 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Atlantic Canada & Eastern Arctic

Visitor Tips - Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne is a geological marvel, a place where we can literally walk on the Earth's mantle and witness the raw power of plate tectonics. We love the dramatic contrast between the barren, rust-coloured Tablelands and the lush, fjord-riven coastline; it's a truly unique landscape that feels both ancient and alive.

Gate Times

Gros Morne National Park is accessible year-round, though visitor services are seasonal. The main Visitor Centre in Rocky Harbour and the Discovery Centre in Woody Point typically operate from late May to mid-October, usually 9 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours in peak summer. A Parks Canada pass is mandatory for entry and can be purchased online or at visitor centres. We recommend buying it in advance to save time during peak season.

Tipping

In Canada, tipping is customary for excellent service. For guided hikes or boat tours, we suggest tipping your guide 15-20% of the tour cost, or CAD 10-20 per person for shorter excursions. For exceptional service, feel free to adjust upwards. There are no specific 'camp staff' or 'rangers' to tip in the same way as an African safari, but local service providers appreciate recognition for their efforts.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Canada

Travel advisory for Canada

Gros Morne National Park FAQs

What are the must-see geological wonders that make Gros Morne a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Gros Morne is celebrated for its exposed mantle rock at the Tablelands, a rare geological phenomenon offering a glimpse into the Earth's interior. Don't miss a boat tour of Western Brook Pond, a freshwater fjord carved by glaciers, showcasing dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. These sites provide unparalleled insights into plate tectonics and glacial erosion.

What are the best strategies for spotting wildlife like moose and caribou in Gros Morne National Park?

For the best chance to see moose and caribou, focus on dawn and dusk, particularly along roadsides and boggy areas. Black bears are more elusive but can be encountered on trails, so carry bear spray and know how to use it. Seabirds are abundant along the coast and during boat tours.

While May to October is peak season, what can visitors expect from Gros Morne during the winter months?

Although the park is quieter, winter in Gros Morne offers unique opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice climbing, especially in the Lomond and Trout River areas. Many services close, but the stark, snow-covered landscapes provide a serene and dramatic experience for those prepared for cold weather.

What are the typical costs associated with visiting Gros Morne National Park, beyond accommodation?

Visitors should budget for park entry fees, which are typically per person or per vehicle daily. Additional costs include guided boat tours, such as the popular Western Brook Pond cruise, and specialized guided hikes or equipment rentals for activities like kayaking or snowshoeing. Camping fees also apply if staying overnight within the park.

What essential safety precautions should visitors take when exploring Gros Morne's wilderness?

When hiking or trekking, always inform someone of your itinerary and carry appropriate gear, including navigation tools and sufficient water. Be aware of wildlife, especially black bears, and know how to react to encounters. Weather can change rapidly, so dress in layers and be prepared for sudden shifts in conditions.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.