Top Things to Do in Gros Morne National Park 2026 | Whale House

Top Things to Do in Gros Morne National Park 2026 | Whale House

 

 

West Coast Guide • 2026 Edition

Gros Morne National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, ancient geology, and fjords that look like Norway. Here is your 2026 adventure list.

Newfoundland is vast. While Whale House Guest House is your luxury base for the East Coast (St. John's, Whales, Icebergs), no trip to the island is complete without a journey west to Gros Morne.

Located 7 hours from St. John's, this park is a geological marvel. We have curated the top 11 experiences for 2026 to help you plan your cross-island road trip.

Gros Morne National Park Scenery

The Geological Icons

Must Do Hiking

1. The Tablelands

Walk on the Earth's mantle. This rust-colored landscape is one of the few places on the planet where continental drift has pushed the mantle to the surface. It looks like Mars.

Pro Tip: Take the guided Parks Canada walk to understand the science.
Iconic Boat Tour

2. Western Brook Pond

A freshwater fjord carved by glaciers with 600m cliffs. The BonTours boat trip is the park's signature experience.

Pro Tip: The walk to the boat is 3km flat. Book weeks in advance for 2026.
Hard Summit

3. Gros Morne Mountain

The summit. It's a grueling 16km loop, but the view from the top overlooking Ten Mile Pond is world-class.

Pro Tip: Trail is often closed until late June for wildlife protection.
Coastal Scenic

4. Green Gardens

A dramatic contrast to the Tablelands. Lush green meadows on volcanic cliffs overlooking the ocean. Sheep graze here. It feels like Ireland.

5. Woody Point of View

In the historic Merchant Warehouse in Woody Point, catch Woody Point of View.

This isn't just a concert; it's storytelling, humour, and music by the Tuff family. It captures the soul of the region perfectly. Runs Thursday nights from June to September.

On The Water

Zodiac Tour Bonne Bay

6. Bonne Bay Zodiac

Explore the fjords at water level. Wild Gros Morne offers zodiac tours that get you close to eagles and marine life.

7. Shallow Bay Beach

A Caribbean-style white sand beach in the North Atlantic? Yes. Located near Cow Head, it stretches for kilometers.

Pro Tip: Catch the sunset here. It faces west over the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

8. Kayaking Bonne Bay

Rent a kayak or take a guided tour from Norris Point. The water in the arm is often calm, and the mountain views are immersive.

9. The Discovery Centre

Located near Woody Point, this is the best place to understand *why* the park looks the way it does. Great for rainy days.

Anchors Aweigh Band

10. Anchors Aweigh

The legendary show at the Ocean View Hotel in Rocky Harbour. It's a high-energy mix of comedy and traditional Newfoundland tunes.

11. Foraging Chanterelles

In late summer, the forests of Gros Morne are filled with golden chanterelles. Learn how to spot them in our Foraging Guide.

Planning Your Road Trip

Most travelers combine the East Coast (St. John's) and West Coast (Gros Morne). Here is how they compare:

Feature East Coast (Whale House) West Coast (Gros Morne)
Landscape Rugged Cliffs & Icebergs Fjords & Mountains
Wildlife Humpback Whales & Puffins Moose & Caribou
Vibe Historic & Coastal Luxury Backcountry Adventure

Start (or End) Here

Fly into St. John's (YYT). Spend your first few nights in luxury at Whale House before heading west.

Check East Coast Availability
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1 comment

Hello – would love to be included in your blog. We are a live music, imagery and story show in Woody Point and we believe we’ll be a top experience in Gros Morne – tickets are selling very well and we’re getting tons of press. We’re excited to launch on June 19th. Can I send you info to be included? our site is www.woodypointofview.com. Michele

Michele McCarthy

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