In 1987 Gros Morne National Park was designated a United Nations World Heritage Site because of its glacial and geologic history. This spectacular landscape was created by the grinding action of glaciers on the ancient Long Range Mountains.

What is so special about Gros Morne National Park?

Soaring fjords and moody mountains tower above a diverse panorama of beaches and bogs, forests and barren cliffs. Shaped by colliding continents and grinding glaciers, Gros Morne's ancient landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander coastal pathways and beachcomb among sea stacks.

Why is Gros Morne National Park a World Heritage Site?

In 1987, the park was awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO because "The park provides a rare example of the process of continental drift, where deep ocean crust and the rocks of the earth's mantle lie exposed."

Why is Gros Morne National Park protected?

Established in 1973, Gros Morne National Park protects the ecological integrity of the Western Newfoundland Highlands natural region and an eastern portion of the St. ... The arctic-alpine plateau is a significant feature of the Western Newfoundland Highlands natural region and is well represented in the park.

How large is Gros Morne National Park?

Gros Morne National Park is 1,805 square kilometres of wilderness on Newfoundland's west coast. It stretches inland from the Gulf of St. Lawrence coastline through lowlands where waterways snake towards the Long Range Mountains and Tablelands.

Should you visit Gros Morne? | Gros Morne National Park: An Overview | Trip Planning Guide | NFLD

How long is the Tablelands hike?

Tablelands Trail is a 2.6 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Glenburnie-Birchy Head-Shoal Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and bird watching.

Are there polar bears in Gros Morne?

While visiting Gros Morne National Park, you may very easily spot one of the distinct species of animals native to the area, namely Woodland Caribou, Black Bears, Red Fox, Arctic Hare, Whales, or Harbour Seals. Or you may spot one of the species introduced to the area namely moose or Polar Bears.

What are the Tablelands?

The Tablelands, a barren reddish brown plateau that towers seven hundred metres above the Atlantic Ocean, stands alone as an alien landscape amongst the lush and hilly forests that encompasses it.

How were tablelands formed?

The Tablelands--these dirty brown rocks--originated deep in the Earth! Though formed by the crystallization of molten magma within the mantle (the layer below the Earth's crust and above the core), these rocks have undergone millions of years of change and transformation, and are therefore labled metamorphic rocks.

What is the meaning of Gros Morne?

Its French meaning is “large mountain standing alone,” or more literally “great sombre.” Gros Morne is a member of the Long Range Mountains, an outlying range of the Appalachian Mountains, stretching the length of the island's west coast. It is the eroded remnants of a mountain range formed 1.2 billion years ago.

How old are the Tablelands?

The Tablelands – One of the most striking geological features of Gros Morne National Park is without a doubt the flat topped, rust coloured Tablelands. Pushed skyward 450 million years ago, the Tablelands played a crucial part in confirming the theory of plate tectonics.

Do you need a park pass for Gros Morne?

Gros Morne park passes are needed for most of our experiences. Season passes can be purchased at the Parks Canada building at the entrance of Gros Morne National park as well as the Visitor Center in Norris Point and the Discovery Centre in Woody Point.

How many days do you need in Gros Morne National Park?

To do Gros Morne justice, plan on spending at least 3 days here. (A week would not be too much if you're a serious hiker.) The dramatic terrain throughout the park is on a scale big enough to be appreciated even if you never even get out of your car.

Are there polar bears in Newfoundland?

They're common south of there, too, closer to the communities of the Inuit region of Nunatsiavut, and on down the shore clear to the Strait of Belle Isle. Every so often a polar bear even crosses to the island of Newfoundland or wanders into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.

What are the names of 3 different accommodations in Gros Morne National Park?

The Rooms at Woody Point, Shallow Bay Motel & Cabins Conference Centre and Stay in Gros Morne are some of the popular hotels in Gros Morne National Park.

Why are the tablelands called the Tablelands?

Atherton is a medium size town surrounded by lush green valleys and beautiful rolling hills. It was the first town to be settled in the area which is why the region is called 'The Atherton Tablelands. ' The town of Atherton has been built on top of Hallorans Hill, an extinct volcano.

How was Gros Morne National Park formed?

In 1987 Gros Morne National Park was designated a United Nations World Heritage Site because of its glacial and geologic history. This spectacular landscape was created by the grinding action of glaciers on the ancient Long Range Mountains.

How do you fly to Gros Morne National Park?

Air. Deer Lake Regional Airport (YDF) is 35 km from the southern park boundary. The airport is served by direct daily flights from Montreal (May–October), Toronto, Halifax, and St. John's.

Can you see the mantle?

Earth's mantle looks like a Jackson Pollock painting. In grade-school science textbooks, Earth's mantle is usually shown in a yellow-to-orange gradient, a nebulously defined layer between the crust and the core.

How long is green gardens hike?

Green Gardens Trail is a 6.9 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Trout River, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada that features a lake and is rated as moderate.

Where can you walk on the Earth's mantle?

There are only a few places in the world where one can walk on the earth's mantle, and here in Newfoundland's Gros Morne National Park, a world heritage UNESCO site is reputedly one of the most notable locations.

Are there moose in Gros Morne?

Gros Morne National Park Forest Growing Back After Decade Of Moose Hunt. ... Shawn Gerrow, ecologist for the Parks Canada's Western Newfoundland and Labrador Field Unit, estimates the park now has about 2,000 moose, or about two per square kilometre (0.4 square mile).

How far is Gros Morne from Rocky Harbour?

The distance is approximately 375 km. There are sections of the road where you may have to drive fairly slowly, so I would estimate 5 hours. If I remember correctly I think it was around that time for us, but of course it depends on how often you want to stop.

What wildlife is in Gros Morne?

Where to see: Caribou are often seen on large coastal bogs North of Rocky Harbour. Marine Mammals –With 170 km of coastline, Gros Morne is a good place to see minke whales and harbour seals. Humpback whales, harbour porpoises, and white-sided dolphins are also occasionally spotted.