Western Region E Book

Western Newfoundland showcases some of the island's most spectacular scenery and significant historical sites. This region encompasses Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its geological significance and dramatic landscapes, the Viking settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows, and Corner Brook, the island's second-largest city. Our Western Region guide reveals why this area ranks among Canada's premier destinations for outdoor adventure and cultural exploration.

Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne National Park protects 1,805 square kilometers of spectacular coastal and mountain landscapes along Newfoundland's west coast. The park earned UNESCO World Heritage designation for its exceptional geological features, including the Tablelands, where ancient rocks from Earth's mantle lie exposed on the surface. This rare phenomenon allows visitors to walk on rock that normally exists deep beneath the ocean floor.

According to Parks Canada, Gros Morne demonstrates continental drift and plate tectonics in ways found nowhere else on Earth. The park's dramatic fjords, including Western Brook Pond and Ten Mile Pond, were carved by glaciers and now contain deep freshwater lakes surrounded by towering cliffs. Boat tours through Western Brook Pond provide unforgettable experiences surrounded by 600-meter cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

Hiking and Outdoor Adventures

Gros Morne offers hiking trails ranging from easy coastal walks to challenging mountain ascents. The Gros Morne Mountain trail, though strenuous, rewards hikers with panoramic views from the park's second-highest peak. The summit plateau features Arctic-alpine vegetation and expansive vistas of the coastal lowlands and Long Range Mountains.

The Green Gardens trail descends through forest to spectacular coastal meadows perched on cliffs above the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Sea stacks, volcanic rock formations, and wildflower meadows create an otherworldly landscape. The Tablelands trail provides easy access to the park's most unique geological feature, where orange-brown peridotite rock creates a Martian-like landscape largely devoid of vegetation.

Sea kayaking, boat tours, wildlife viewing, and winter activities including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing extend the park's appeal across seasons. Moose, caribou, Arctic hare, and diverse bird species inhabit the park. Coastal areas attract whales during summer months.

L'Anse aux Meadows - Viking Settlement

L'Anse aux Meadows, located at Newfoundland's northern tip, preserves the only confirmed Norse settlement in North America outside Greenland. This UNESCO World Heritage Site documents the Viking presence around 1000 CE, approximately 500 years before Columbus. Archaeological excavations uncovered the remains of eight Norse buildings, providing concrete evidence of European contact with North America centuries earlier than previously believed.

The site features reconstructed sod buildings where costumed interpreters demonstrate Viking-era activities including iron working, weaving, and food preparation. The visitor center presents artifacts and explains the site's archaeological significance. The windswept coastal location, with views across the Strait of Belle Isle toward Labrador, evokes the courage required for these early transatlantic voyages.

Corner Brook and the Bay of Islands

Corner Brook, Western Newfoundland's largest city, nestles at the head of the Bay of Islands, surrounded by mountains and coastline. The city provides a full range of services, accommodations, dining, and shopping, along with cultural attractions including theaters, galleries, and museums. Marble Mountain ski resort offers winter sports and summer mountain biking.

The Bay of Islands features scenic coastal drives, hiking trails including the popular Blow Me Down trail, and boat tours exploring the intricate coastline. Captain James Cook charted this area in the 1760s, and several features still bear names from his expeditions. The protected waters attract kayakers and sailors, while the surrounding forests and mountains draw hikers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Accommodations

Western Newfoundland offers diverse accommodation options. Gros Morne area features lodges, cabins, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds in communities including Rocky Harbour, Norris Point, and Woody Point. Properties range from rustic cabins to comfortable inns with mountain or ocean views. Many hosts provide insider knowledge about hiking trails and local attractions.

Corner Brook has full-service hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts suitable for various budgets. The L'Anse aux Meadows area offers limited but charming accommodations including heritage properties and modern lodges. Advance reservations are essential during summer months, especially in Gros Morne National Park areas.

Local Culture and Dining

Western Newfoundland communities maintain strong connections to fishing, forestry, and outdoor traditions. Summer festivals celebrate local heritage through music, food, and cultural activities. The Gros Morne Theatre Festival presents professional productions in an intimate setting, while the Writers at Woody Point festival attracts literary figures from across Canada.

Dining options emphasize fresh seafood including cod, salmon, crab, and mussels. Restaurants in Rocky Harbour, Norris Point, and Corner Brook range from casual fish and chips establishments to innovative dining rooms featuring local ingredients. Some restaurants incorporate foraged items and traditional preparations into contemporary menus. Local bakeries produce traditional Newfoundland bread and pastries.

Getting Around

Western Newfoundland is best explored by car, with well-maintained highways connecting major communities. Route 430, known as the Viking Trail, runs north from Deer Lake through Gros Morne to L'Anse aux Meadows. The scenic highway passes through coastal communities and offers numerous pullouts for photography and wildlife viewing.

Deer Lake Regional Airport provides air service to the region, with car rentals available at the airport. The drive from Deer Lake to Rocky Harbour takes about 45 minutes, while L'Anse aux Meadows lies approximately 5 hours north. Ferry service connects Newfoundland to Labrador from St. Barbe during ice-free months.