7 safari lodges
    Atlantic Canada & Eastern Arctic, Canada
    Very Quiet
    Malaria: Moderate

    Safari in 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 features. Wildlife includes moose, caribou, black bears, and a rich diversity of seabirds, offering a blend of stunning scenery and wildlife.

    Best timeMay to October (Peak season)
    Species
    11
    Big Five
    0/5
    Lodges
    7
    Recommended stay
    1-2 days

    Gros Morne National Park Map

    Park location and safari lodges

    The North American Big 5

    2 of 5 found in Gros Morne National Park

    Bison
    Bald Eagle
    Black Bear
    Moose
    Gray Wolf

    Recent sightings at Gros Morne National Park

    Sign in to report

    11 species recorded in Gros Morne National Park1 threatened

    Safari Activities

    Things to do in Gros Morne National Park

    Book Safari Experiences in Gros Morne National Park

    Game drives, guided tours, and unique experiences in Gros Morne National Park

    Canada offers a staggering diversity of wildlife experiences, from the iconic polar bears of Churchill to the majestic grizzlies of British Columbia. We love the shoulder seasons, particularly May...

    January

    Now
    low

    Winter

    Expect very cold temperatures across most of Canada, with significant snowfall. Coastal British Columbia may be milder but still cool and wet.

    While many animals are hibernating, this is prime time for spotting wolves in Banff and Jasper. Polar bear viewing is still possible in Churchill, though challenging.

    We love bundling up for a chance to see wolves on a crisp winter day in the Rockies.

    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park
    Churchill Wildlife Management Area

    February

    low

    Winter

    Similar to January, with deep cold and abundant snow dominating most of the country. Arctic regions experience extreme cold.

    Wolf sightings remain good in the mountain parks. Beluga whales are not visible in Churchill as the bay is frozen solid.

    We recommend focusing on the Rockies for winter wildlife, particularly the chance to see wolves against a snowy backdrop.

    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park

    March

    low

    Late Winter/Early Spring

    Temperatures begin to moderate slightly in southern Canada, but winter conditions persist in the north and Rockies. Snowmelt starts in some areas.

    The last chances for winter wildlife viewing in the Rockies. Some marine life begins to stir in coastal areas.

    We think March offers a final opportunity for classic winter wildlife photography in the Canadian Rockies before the thaw.

    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park

    April

    low

    Spring

    Spring arrives unevenly. Southern Canada sees green shoots, while the north remains frozen. Expect rain and cooler temperatures in many regions.

    Bird migration begins in earnest. Bears start emerging from hibernation in the Rockies. Coastal areas see increased marine mammal activity.

    We recommend heading to Vancouver Island for early whale watching and the return of seabirds.

    Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
    Banff National Park

    May

    moderate

    Spring

    A vibrant spring across much of Canada. Temperatures are pleasant, though snow can linger at higher elevations. The Arctic is still largely frozen.

    Bear activity is high in British Columbia and Alberta as they forage. Birding is excellent with migratory species arriving. Whale watching season kicks off.

    We love May for the sheer abundance of bear activity in places like the Great Bear Rainforest.

    Great Bear Rainforest
    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park

    June

    high

    Early Summer

    Warm and pleasant across most of Canada. Long daylight hours are ideal for wildlife viewing. The Arctic begins to thaw.

    Grizzly and black bear sightings are common. Beluga whales arrive in Churchill. Puffins are abundant on the Atlantic coast.

    We absolutely recommend Churchill in June for the arrival of beluga whales – the sheer numbers are astounding.

    Churchill Wildlife Management Area
    Gros Morne National Park
    Banff National Park

    July

    peak

    Summer

    Generally warm to hot across Canada, with potential for thunderstorms. Ideal for exploring national parks and coastal areas.

    Peak season for whale watching along the coasts. Bears are active across the country. Birdlife is plentiful.

    We find July to be the perfect month for exploring the diverse wildlife of the Canadian Rockies, from elk to bears.

    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park
    Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

    August

    peak

    Late Summer

    Warm and often dry, especially in the western provinces. Still excellent for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.

    Bear viewing remains excellent. Salmon runs begin in British Columbia, attracting predators. Beluga whales are still in Churchill.

    We recommend August for the incredible bear viewing opportunities in the Great Bear Rainforest as salmon runs intensify.

    Great Bear Rainforest
    Churchill Wildlife Management Area
    Banff National Park

    September

    moderate

    Early Autumn

    Crisp and cool with beautiful fall colours starting to appear. Temperatures are comfortable for wildlife viewing.

    Autumn colours enhance the scenery. Bears are actively feeding before winter. Bird migration continues.

    We love September for the stunning autumn colours in the Rockies, making bear sightings even more picturesque.

    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park
    Great Bear Rainforest

    October

    low

    Autumn

    Cooler temperatures prevail, with frost and early snow possible in northern and mountainous regions. Coastal areas remain milder.

    Last chance for bear viewing in many areas before they den. Migratory birds are heading south. The first sea ice may form in Churchill.

    We recommend October for a final, less crowded opportunity to see bears preparing for winter in places like the Great Bear Rainforest.

    Great Bear Rainforest
    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park

    November

    moderate

    Late Autumn/Early Winter

    Cold sets in across much of Canada, with snow becoming common. Arctic regions experience polar night conditions.

    Polar bear viewing season begins in Churchill as the sea ice forms, allowing them to hunt seals. Other wildlife is less active.

    We find November to be the start of the prime polar bear viewing season in Churchill – a truly iconic Canadian wildlife experience.

    Churchill Wildlife Management Area

    December

    moderate

    Winter

    Cold and snowy across most of the country. Arctic conditions are extreme. Coastal British Columbia is cool and wet.

    Polar bear viewing continues in Churchill. Winter wildlife in the Rockies, such as wolves and elk, can be spotted.

    We recommend December for dedicated polar bear enthusiasts heading to Churchill for the peak of the hunting season.

    Churchill Wildlife Management Area
    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Winter

    Expect very cold temperatures across most of Canada, with significant snowfall. Coastal British Columbia may be milder but still cool and wet.

    While many animals are hibernating, this is prime time for spotting wolves in Banff and Jasper. Polar bear viewing is still possible in Churchill, though challenging.

    We love bundling up for a chance to see wolves on a crisp winter day in the Rockies.

    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park
    Churchill Wildlife Management Area

    February

    low

    Winter

    Similar to January, with deep cold and abundant snow dominating most of the country. Arctic regions experience extreme cold.

    Wolf sightings remain good in the mountain parks. Beluga whales are not visible in Churchill as the bay is frozen solid.

    We recommend focusing on the Rockies for winter wildlife, particularly the chance to see wolves against a snowy backdrop.

    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park

    March

    low

    Late Winter/Early Spring

    Temperatures begin to moderate slightly in southern Canada, but winter conditions persist in the north and Rockies. Snowmelt starts in some areas.

    The last chances for winter wildlife viewing in the Rockies. Some marine life begins to stir in coastal areas.

    We think March offers a final opportunity for classic winter wildlife photography in the Canadian Rockies before the thaw.

    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park

    April

    low

    Spring

    Spring arrives unevenly. Southern Canada sees green shoots, while the north remains frozen. Expect rain and cooler temperatures in many regions.

    Bird migration begins in earnest. Bears start emerging from hibernation in the Rockies. Coastal areas see increased marine mammal activity.

    We recommend heading to Vancouver Island for early whale watching and the return of seabirds.

    Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
    Banff National Park

    May

    moderate

    Spring

    A vibrant spring across much of Canada. Temperatures are pleasant, though snow can linger at higher elevations. The Arctic is still largely frozen.

    Bear activity is high in British Columbia and Alberta as they forage. Birding is excellent with migratory species arriving. Whale watching season kicks off.

    We love May for the sheer abundance of bear activity in places like the Great Bear Rainforest.

    Great Bear Rainforest
    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park

    June

    high

    Early Summer

    Warm and pleasant across most of Canada. Long daylight hours are ideal for wildlife viewing. The Arctic begins to thaw.

    Grizzly and black bear sightings are common. Beluga whales arrive in Churchill. Puffins are abundant on the Atlantic coast.

    We absolutely recommend Churchill in June for the arrival of beluga whales – the sheer numbers are astounding.

    Churchill Wildlife Management Area
    Gros Morne National Park
    Banff National Park

    July

    peak

    Summer

    Generally warm to hot across Canada, with potential for thunderstorms. Ideal for exploring national parks and coastal areas.

    Peak season for whale watching along the coasts. Bears are active across the country. Birdlife is plentiful.

    We find July to be the perfect month for exploring the diverse wildlife of the Canadian Rockies, from elk to bears.

    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park
    Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

    August

    peak

    Late Summer

    Warm and often dry, especially in the western provinces. Still excellent for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.

    Bear viewing remains excellent. Salmon runs begin in British Columbia, attracting predators. Beluga whales are still in Churchill.

    We recommend August for the incredible bear viewing opportunities in the Great Bear Rainforest as salmon runs intensify.

    Great Bear Rainforest
    Churchill Wildlife Management Area
    Banff National Park

    September

    moderate

    Early Autumn

    Crisp and cool with beautiful fall colours starting to appear. Temperatures are comfortable for wildlife viewing.

    Autumn colours enhance the scenery. Bears are actively feeding before winter. Bird migration continues.

    We love September for the stunning autumn colours in the Rockies, making bear sightings even more picturesque.

    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park
    Great Bear Rainforest

    October

    low

    Autumn

    Cooler temperatures prevail, with frost and early snow possible in northern and mountainous regions. Coastal areas remain milder.

    Last chance for bear viewing in many areas before they den. Migratory birds are heading south. The first sea ice may form in Churchill.

    We recommend October for a final, less crowded opportunity to see bears preparing for winter in places like the Great Bear Rainforest.

    Great Bear Rainforest
    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park

    November

    moderate

    Late Autumn/Early Winter

    Cold sets in across much of Canada, with snow becoming common. Arctic regions experience polar night conditions.

    Polar bear viewing season begins in Churchill as the sea ice forms, allowing them to hunt seals. Other wildlife is less active.

    We find November to be the start of the prime polar bear viewing season in Churchill – a truly iconic Canadian wildlife experience.

    Churchill Wildlife Management Area

    December

    moderate

    Winter

    Cold and snowy across most of the country. Arctic conditions are extreme. Coastal British Columbia is cool and wet.

    Polar bear viewing continues in Churchill. Winter wildlife in the Rockies, such as wolves and elk, can be spotted.

    We recommend December for dedicated polar bear enthusiasts heading to Churchill for the peak of the hunting season.

    Churchill Wildlife Management Area
    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Winter

    Expect very cold temperatures across most of Canada, with significant snowfall. Coastal British Columbia may be milder but still cool and wet.

    While many animals are hibernating, this is prime time for spotting wolves in Banff and Jasper. Polar bear viewing is still possible in Churchill, though challenging.

    We love bundling up for a chance to see wolves on a crisp winter day in the Rockies.

    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park
    Churchill Wildlife Management Area

    February

    low

    Winter

    Similar to January, with deep cold and abundant snow dominating most of the country. Arctic regions experience extreme cold.

    Wolf sightings remain good in the mountain parks. Beluga whales are not visible in Churchill as the bay is frozen solid.

    We recommend focusing on the Rockies for winter wildlife, particularly the chance to see wolves against a snowy backdrop.

    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park

    March

    low

    Late Winter/Early Spring

    Temperatures begin to moderate slightly in southern Canada, but winter conditions persist in the north and Rockies. Snowmelt starts in some areas.

    The last chances for winter wildlife viewing in the Rockies. Some marine life begins to stir in coastal areas.

    We think March offers a final opportunity for classic winter wildlife photography in the Canadian Rockies before the thaw.

    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park

    April

    low

    Spring

    Spring arrives unevenly. Southern Canada sees green shoots, while the north remains frozen. Expect rain and cooler temperatures in many regions.

    Bird migration begins in earnest. Bears start emerging from hibernation in the Rockies. Coastal areas see increased marine mammal activity.

    We recommend heading to Vancouver Island for early whale watching and the return of seabirds.

    Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
    Banff National Park

    May

    moderate

    Spring

    A vibrant spring across much of Canada. Temperatures are pleasant, though snow can linger at higher elevations. The Arctic is still largely frozen.

    Bear activity is high in British Columbia and Alberta as they forage. Birding is excellent with migratory species arriving. Whale watching season kicks off.

    We love May for the sheer abundance of bear activity in places like the Great Bear Rainforest.

    Great Bear Rainforest
    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park

    June

    high

    Early Summer

    Warm and pleasant across most of Canada. Long daylight hours are ideal for wildlife viewing. The Arctic begins to thaw.

    Grizzly and black bear sightings are common. Beluga whales arrive in Churchill. Puffins are abundant on the Atlantic coast.

    We absolutely recommend Churchill in June for the arrival of beluga whales – the sheer numbers are astounding.

    Churchill Wildlife Management Area
    Gros Morne National Park
    Banff National Park

    July

    peak

    Summer

    Generally warm to hot across Canada, with potential for thunderstorms. Ideal for exploring national parks and coastal areas.

    Peak season for whale watching along the coasts. Bears are active across the country. Birdlife is plentiful.

    We find July to be the perfect month for exploring the diverse wildlife of the Canadian Rockies, from elk to bears.

    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park
    Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

    August

    peak

    Late Summer

    Warm and often dry, especially in the western provinces. Still excellent for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.

    Bear viewing remains excellent. Salmon runs begin in British Columbia, attracting predators. Beluga whales are still in Churchill.

    We recommend August for the incredible bear viewing opportunities in the Great Bear Rainforest as salmon runs intensify.

    Great Bear Rainforest
    Churchill Wildlife Management Area
    Banff National Park

    September

    moderate

    Early Autumn

    Crisp and cool with beautiful fall colours starting to appear. Temperatures are comfortable for wildlife viewing.

    Autumn colours enhance the scenery. Bears are actively feeding before winter. Bird migration continues.

    We love September for the stunning autumn colours in the Rockies, making bear sightings even more picturesque.

    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park
    Great Bear Rainforest

    October

    low

    Autumn

    Cooler temperatures prevail, with frost and early snow possible in northern and mountainous regions. Coastal areas remain milder.

    Last chance for bear viewing in many areas before they den. Migratory birds are heading south. The first sea ice may form in Churchill.

    We recommend October for a final, less crowded opportunity to see bears preparing for winter in places like the Great Bear Rainforest.

    Great Bear Rainforest
    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park

    November

    moderate

    Late Autumn/Early Winter

    Cold sets in across much of Canada, with snow becoming common. Arctic regions experience polar night conditions.

    Polar bear viewing season begins in Churchill as the sea ice forms, allowing them to hunt seals. Other wildlife is less active.

    We find November to be the start of the prime polar bear viewing season in Churchill – a truly iconic Canadian wildlife experience.

    Churchill Wildlife Management Area

    December

    moderate

    Winter

    Cold and snowy across most of the country. Arctic conditions are extreme. Coastal British Columbia is cool and wet.

    Polar bear viewing continues in Churchill. Winter wildlife in the Rockies, such as wolves and elk, can be spotted.

    We recommend December for dedicated polar bear enthusiasts heading to Churchill for the peak of the hunting season.

    Churchill Wildlife Management Area
    Banff National Park
    Jasper National Park
    Planning & reference

    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.

    Dress Code

    Gros Morne's weather is famously unpredictable, even in summer. We always recommend dressing in layers: think moisture-wicking base layers, a warm fleece or down mid-layer, and a waterproof and windproof outer shell. Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots are essential for the varied terrain, from coastal paths to mountain trails. We also suggest bringing a hat, gloves, and warm socks, even in July. Bright colours are perfectly acceptable here, unlike wildlife viewing safaris.

    Photography

    Gros Morne offers sensational photographic opportunities, from the dramatic fjords to the unique Tablelands. We recommend a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto for wildlife like moose or caribou. Drones are strictly prohibited within all Parks Canada sites without a special permit, which is rarely granted for recreational use. Always respect wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and never disturbing them for a shot. The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most magical light, especially over Western Brook Pond.

    Etiquette

    While not a traditional safari, park etiquette is paramount. We ask visitors to stay on marked trails to protect fragile ecosystems and for your own safety. Pack out everything you pack in-leave no trace. Maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife; never feed them. Keep noise levels down, especially in wilderness areas, to preserve the tranquility for others and avoid disturbing animals. Camping rules should be strictly followed, and campfires only permitted in designated areas.

    What to Bring

    Waterproof and windproof jacket
    Warm mid-layer (fleece or down)
    Moisture-wicking base layers
    Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots
    Daypack (20-30L)
    Reusable water bottle
    High-energy snacks
    Sunscreen and insect repellent
    Hat and gloves (even in summer)
    Binoculars
    Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
    Basic first-aid kit

    Packing list not yet available for Gros Morne National Park - weather data needed

    Monthly weather conditions not yet available for Gros Morne National Park

    Gros Morne National Park Reviews