The Long Range Mountains, an extension of the Appalachian Mountains, runs the entire length of western Newfoundland and Gros Morne National Park encompasses the most dramatic section. Protecting over 1800 square kilometres of wilderness and coastline, this area offers visitors a spectacular destination in which to walk, hike, sea kayak, bike, backpack, ski and snowshoe!
Within Gros Morne National Park are mountains, fjords, fjord lakes, deep bays, sand beaches, volcanic rock coastlines, wide river valleys, boreal forests, arctic alpine barrens and an unusual outcropping of mantle rock locally called the Tablelands. The dramatic landscape and unique geological story have earned Gros Morne National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. It is home to northern inhabitants like the Arctic hare, rock ptarmigan, and woodland caribou. Moose density is higher in Gros Morne than anywhere else in North America!
Gros Morne National Park surrounds seven small coastal communities. These communities began around the early 1800s as migratory fishermen and their families decided to over winter in this area after the fishing season rather than returning to their homes in other regions of Newfoundland, France and England. Given this human history, it is not surprising that within each community you will find a lifestyle built around self sufficiency and ingenuity.
Today, these communities are transforming from fishing villages to service centres providing visitors with places to stay (inns, hotels, B&Bs, cottages and campgrounds), places to eat, nature based tours (boat tours, aquarium tours, sea kayaking tours, hiking tours) and opportunities to purchase locally produced crafts. Grocery stores, local entertainment, visitor information and transportation services are also available. Most communities are located along the coast overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence or nestled in the fjord of Bonne Bay.
Designed by Matthew Hollett.
