Gros Morne National Park, located on the west coast of Newfoundland, is a breathtaking destination showcasing nature’s raw power. Established in 1970, this 1805 km² park was designated as a United Nations World Heritage Site in 1987, thanks to its unique glacial and geologic history.
As you explore the park, you’ll be struck by the diverse landscapes that greet you. From barren rocky ridges and tundra-like slopes to forested foothills and boggy coastal plains, this park is home to an array of habitats that support a wide variety of wildlife. You may spot caribou and arctic hare, which reflect the northern character of the park, or marten in the dense forest areas. Moose and snowshoe hares, although not native to the area, are frequently observed as well. The park is also home to an array of bird species, including terns and gulls along the coast and ptarmigan in the heathlands and barrens.
The park’s human history is just as rich as its natural history. The presence of pre-European cultures dating back to 2500 BC, when the Maritime Archaic peoples inhabited the area, and Dorset and Beothuk cultures followed. The European contact was established with the arrival of Jacques Cartier in the adjacent Gulf of St Lawrence in 1534. However, European settlement did not occur until the late 1800s.
Whether you’re a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or a history buff, Gros Morne National Park has something to offer. The park has facilities for tent and recreational-vehicle camping and primitive winter camping. In the summer, visitors can hike, fish, and cool off with a swim in the saltwater. In the winter, visitors can cross-country ski, snowshoe, and snowmobile. With its rugged natural beauty, rich history, and diverse wildlife, Gros Morne National Park is a destination that is not to be missed.
Did you know about Gros Morne National Park?
- Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique glacial and geologic history.
- The park’s spectacular landscape was created by the grinding action of glaciers on the ancient Long Range Mountains.
- The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including caribou, arctic hare, marten, moose, and snowshoe hare.
- It is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with an array of bird species, such as terns, gulls, and ptarmigan.
- The park’s human history dates back to 2500 BC, with the presence of pre-European cultures such as Maritime Archaic, Dorset, and Beothuk.
- Jacques Cartier was the first European to contact the area in 1534, but European settlement did not occur until the late 1800s.
- The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
- Gros Morne National Park is home to rare and unique plants, such as the carnivorous pitcher plant, which can be found in the bogs and fens.
- The park is also home to Gros Morne mountain, the second-highest peak on the island of Newfoundland and Labrador.
- The park has a diverse range of ecosystems, including boreal forest, alpine tundra, and fjords, and is one of the few places in the world where the deep ocean crust is visible on land.
Google Maps of Gros Morne National Park
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