How to Visit Western Brook Pond Fjord

Quick Summary

Some places in Canada are so breathtaking that even the best photographs barely convey their beauty and scale—Western Brook Pond Fjord is one of those places. Located in Gros Morne National Park on Newfoundland's west coast, this glacier-carved, land-locked fjord features 600-metre cliffs (2,000 feet) with cascading waterfalls, pristine wilderness, and picture-perfect vistas. Getting here requires time and effort, but that only makes the views more rewarding. Four options range from a simple day hike to the dock, to a scenic boat tour, to a challenging gorge summit hike, to the legendary 35-km Long Range Traverse.

Quick Facts
 

• Location: Gros Morne National Park, western Newfoundland
• Getting There: Fly to Deer Lake (30 min to park) or St. John's (650 km / 7 hr drive)
• Fjord Stats: 600-metre cliffs (2,000 feet), glacier-carved, land-locked freshwater fjord, multiple waterfalls
• Tour Operator: BonTours — boat tours, guided gorge hikes, shuttle for Long Range Traverse
• Wildlife: Moose (hot spot), black bears, coyotes, various bird species

Option 1: Hike to the Dock (Day Trip)

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 3 km one-way | Time: 1-2 hours round trip

If you're short on time or looking for a quick day trip, this is the option for you. From the Western Brook Pond parking lot, follow the Western Brook Pond Trail approximately 3 kilometres across gravel and boardwalk path as it makes its way down to the water. Once at the dock, spend time soaking in the views and exploring side trails before making your way back. Even the views from the dock are amazing—the scale of the fjord is immediately apparent.

Option 2: Boat Tour into the Fjord

Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 2-hour boat tour | Provider: BonTours

For a deeper exploration, book a boat tour with BonTours that includes knowledgeable commentary and scenic stops along the water's edge. Reserve tickets in advance online. Once at the dock, hop aboard for a two-hour tour of this spectacular glacier-carved, land-locked fjord. See waterfalls cascading 2,000 feet down staggering cliffs and keep eyes peeled for wildlife. Have your camera charged and ready.

Option 3: Guided Hike to the Top of the Gorge

Difficulty: Challenging | Distance: 12 km | Time: ~10 hours total | Provider: BonTours

For even more adventure, sign up for the guided hike option with BonTours. This full-day, 12-kilometre journey to the top of the gorge requires good physical fitness and hiking experience. The day starts with a high-speed shuttle boat (30 minutes) crossing the fjord to the far end where your hike begins. Wander through pristine forest wilderness, cross river beds, and see waterfalls as you wind 3.5-4 hours up the mountain. Finally the top of the gorge is visible and the valley opens up below—this is the view you've been waiting for! Snap the selfie of a lifetime. After lunch, descend the same way and cross the fjord one last time. Enjoy a hot shower, good meal, and cold drink afterwards—you've earned it!

Option 4: The Long Range Traverse

Difficulty: Expert | Distance: 35 km | Duration: 3-4 nights | Permit: Parks Canada required

For experienced backcountry hikers, the Long Range Traverse covers 35 kilometres over 3-4 nights. Advance reservations with Parks Canada are mandatory—a quota system is in place. You must attend an orientation session and pass a backcountry skills and wayfinding test before departure. The unmarked route starts with the same BonTours shuttle boat, then rewards challengers with some of the world's most jaw-dropping wilderness landscapes. Campsites with tent pads are set at navigation checkpoints. Expect moose, black bears, coyotes, and varied bird species. Snow is common until July. The traverse finishes with a climb up Gros Morne Mountain for expansive views, ending at Ferry Gulch Campsite.

If you really want to get into the wild and have experience hiking in the backcountry, consider tackling the long range traverse. This unmarked route starts with the same BonTours boat shuttle mentioned above, and then covers 35 kilometres of hiking, usually taking 3-4 nights to complete. Advance reservations with Parks Canada are a must for this trail as a quota system is in place. You will also be required to attend an orientation session the day before your scheduled departure and pass a backcountry skills and wayfinding test before being allowed to depart on the trail.

Getting There
 

• Fastest route: Fly into Deer Lake Regional Airport—just 30 minutes to park entrance
• Scenic route: Fly to St. John's, explore the capital, then drive 650 km (7 hours or a leisurely 2-day adventure with overnight in Gander)
• In the park: Scenic drive on Highway 430 past Rocky Harbour, Lobster Cove, and Green Point to Western Brook Pond parking lot