Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne National Park, located on the western coast of Newfoundland was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.  Its outstanding wilderness environment of landlocked, freshwater fjords and glacier-scoured headlands in an ocean setting, is an area of spectacular natural beauty. 

The rock formations of Gros Morne National Park illustrate the process of continental drift along the eastern coast of North America. The process of continental drift and the collision of tectonic plates can be observed in the Long Range Mountains and the Tablelands. The Tablelands are a unique feature of the park and are made up of ancient rock that has been thrust up from the Earth’s mantle. As UNESCO explains: “The park provides a rare example of the process of continental drift, where the deep ocean crust and the rocks of the earth’s mantle lie exposed.”

Six hundred million years ago, North America and Europe were joined but were starting to pull apart.  Magma from the lower crust welled up and filled the gap between them.  The solidified magma is now visible in the cliffs of Gros Morne’s Western Brook Pond.  

Gros Morne National Park is named after the park’s most prominent feature.  Gros morne is a French term which translates to large mountain or big hill.  Gros Morne mountain is a part of the Long Range Mountains and is the second highest peak in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.  The name Gros Morne was likely given by the early French explorers and fishermen who were the first Europeans to explore this area.  

Gros Morne National Park covers an area of 1,805 square km and is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life, as well as several small communities. The park has a number of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy including hiking, fishing and camping. 

There are over 20 marked hiking trails in the park. Just imagine, you can walk on the Earth’s mantle! The most popular trails include the Western Brook Pond Trail and the Gros Morne Mountain Trail. Campers can set up their tents in one of the park’s designated camping areas and fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines in one of the many rivers and streams.  

The park offers a variety of educational and interpretive programs.  There are guided walks and talks.  At the Discovery Centre, visitors can learn about the park’s natural and cultural history.  There are interactive exhibits and a theatre. 

Gros Morne National Park is also home to several small, traditional fishing communities and visitors can take a boat tour to these communities to learn about their way of life and culture.  These communities are also a great place to sample some of the local seafood. 

The UNESCO World Heritage site, Gros Morne National Park, has something to offer to nature lovers, to outdoor enthusiasts, or to people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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