How to Visit Western Brook Pond Fjord: Newfoundland's Iconic Glacier-Carved Fjord in Gros Morne National Park

Western Brook Pond’s glacier-carved fjord is the headline attraction—an instant sense of scale before you choose your route to the water. Photo credit: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

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)

Option 1 visual proof point: reaching the dock after the 3 km trail still delivers a ‘fjords-and-cliffs’ payoff—helps readers decide if a hike-only visit is enough without committing to a boat tour.

Short on time? The dock delivers big fjord views after the trail—helpful for deciding whether to hike only or add a tour. Photo credit: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

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

Option 2 context image that shows what ‘boat tour’ means on this fjord—on-water perspective plus the sense of distance between cliff walls, reinforcing why guided commentary and scenic stops change what you notice and learn.

A boat tour shifts the experience from “seeing the fjord” to “understanding it”—you’re on the water, with cliff walls and waterfalls in view. Photo credit: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

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

Option 3 payoff image: the ‘this is the view you’ve been waiting for’ moment—communicates effort-to-reward for the guided gorge hike, showing the fjord’s full valley shape and why the climb is different from dock/boat views.

The gorge hike earns the panoramic view—this is the payoff that explains why some travelers choose the full-day climb.

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

Option 4 / backcountry indicator image: positions the Long Range Traverse as multi-day wilderness travel—broad, elevated fjord vistas that signal navigation, exposure, and the ‘world’s most jaw-dropping landscapes’ reward for skilled hikers.

For experienced hikers, the Long Range Traverse turns the fjord into a multi-day wilderness panorama—scale and remoteness, not just a day trip. Photo credit: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

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.

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

Follow-Up Questions

How do I book a boat tour of Western Brook Pond?
What's the best time of year to visit Western Brook Pond?
How difficult is the Long Range Traverse?
Where should I stay near Gros Morne National Park?

Associated Entities

Western Brook Pond, Gros Morne National Park, BonTours, Long Range Traverse, Deer Lake Regional Airport, Rocky Harbour, Gros Morne Mountain, Parks Canada, Newfoundland, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Sources

Destination Canada — Western Brook Pond Fjord

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