Newfoundland November & December
Oct 21st, 2013, 08:03 AM
#1
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Newfoundland November & December
Hi All,
Planning a trip to Newfoundland to visit family from November 15th to December 15th. I'll be staying in the Burin peninsula but want to take a trip up to St. John's and hopefully make the drive up to Gros Morn for 4 days or so. My questions are - what is there to do in Gros Morn at this time of year? We're avid hikers and skiirs but I can't seem to find any information on this in-between season so I'm not sure if the trails are snow covered yet or if the weather is too rainy to do much (I'm assuming camping is out of the question too?). Also, are the road conditions ok to be driving the 6 hours or so from St. John's to Gros Morn? I've never been to Newfoundland so I'm just not sure what to expect. Any other activity suggestions are appreciated! We're very active and adventurous (but not necessarily into wild nights out in St. John's).
Thanks!!
Planning a trip to Newfoundland to visit family from November 15th to December 15th. I'll be staying in the Burin peninsula but want to take a trip up to St. John's and hopefully make the drive up to Gros Morn for 4 days or so. My questions are - what is there to do in Gros Morn at this time of year? We're avid hikers and skiirs but I can't seem to find any information on this in-between season so I'm not sure if the trails are snow covered yet or if the weather is too rainy to do much (I'm assuming camping is out of the question too?). Also, are the road conditions ok to be driving the 6 hours or so from St. John's to Gros Morn? I've never been to Newfoundland so I'm just not sure what to expect. Any other activity suggestions are appreciated! We're very active and adventurous (but not necessarily into wild nights out in St. John's).
Thanks!!
Oct 21st, 2013, 04:27 PM
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I've never been in NFLD. in winter but would expect the weather to be uncertain at best, treacherous at worst. Even in summer, Gros Morne climate can be unforgiving for the ill prepared or unwary. Since you are avid skiers I assume you have winter driving experience and understand the need for a good set of winter tires, and are prepared to keep an eye on road conditions and alter plans accordingly.
According to the link below, one Gros Morne campsite is open all year. Looks like most things close up by the end of October. It will be cold. I suggest you call the parks office and see what they say.
http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/Site...id=169&pid=691
Check out Marble Mountain for downhill skiing. Should give you an idea of average snowfalls in the area.
St.John's and vicinity is certainly a safer bet, with lots to do.
Sorry I don't have the first hand experience to give more knowledgable suggestions, but I've yet to meet someone who travelled to Nfld. and didn't fall in love with it, so do some planning and I doubt you'll be disappointed.
According to the link below, one Gros Morne campsite is open all year. Looks like most things close up by the end of October. It will be cold. I suggest you call the parks office and see what they say.
http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/Site...id=169&pid=691
Check out Marble Mountain for downhill skiing. Should give you an idea of average snowfalls in the area.
St.John's and vicinity is certainly a safer bet, with lots to do.
Sorry I don't have the first hand experience to give more knowledgable suggestions, but I've yet to meet someone who travelled to Nfld. and didn't fall in love with it, so do some planning and I doubt you'll be disappointed.
Oct 23rd, 2013, 07:24 PM
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I'm going to be honest here: I've lived in NL most of my live, and I would never pick November for a visit.
There will almost certainly be some snow during your visit, but ski runs are not normally open until Christmas/Jan. St. John's has a milder climate than the west coast, so rain/freezing rain is likely. The Burin Peninsula is milder/rainier still.
People go winter camping at Gros Morne, but that would normally be after there is a snow base--I've never actually met anyone who camped there in November. However, if the weather is mild/dry you could take some of the hikes: Tablelands and Green Gardens would still have spectacular views, although you'd have to be dressed suitably, and check the forecast.
And DEFINITELY check the forecast before highway driving, especially to Gros Morne. It doesn't happen often, but I've known the road between Deer Lake and Gros Morne to be impassable in November because of weather conditions. There is a website: http://www.roads.gov.nl.ca/highwaydriving/default.stm
After all that negativity, I will add that there will be lots to do in St. John's: a plethora of Christmas concerts and craft events. I was once in
There will almost certainly be some snow during your visit, but ski runs are not normally open until Christmas/Jan. St. John's has a milder climate than the west coast, so rain/freezing rain is likely. The Burin Peninsula is milder/rainier still.
People go winter camping at Gros Morne, but that would normally be after there is a snow base--I've never actually met anyone who camped there in November. However, if the weather is mild/dry you could take some of the hikes: Tablelands and Green Gardens would still have spectacular views, although you'd have to be dressed suitably, and check the forecast.
And DEFINITELY check the forecast before highway driving, especially to Gros Morne. It doesn't happen often, but I've known the road between Deer Lake and Gros Morne to be impassable in November because of weather conditions. There is a website: http://www.roads.gov.nl.ca/highwaydriving/default.stm
After all that negativity, I will add that there will be lots to do in St. John's: a plethora of Christmas concerts and craft events. I was once in
Oct 23rd, 2013, 07:34 PM
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Arrg! posted before I finished...
in "town" for the NL Symphony Orchestra's Messiah at the Basilica, and would highly recommend it, but there are many options: check the websites for the LSPU hall http://www.rca.nf.ca/pages.aspx?id=2 and the A & C Centre
https://artsandculturecentre.com/stj...D-DA89331F3F8A
Places like The Rooms and Signal Hill will be open, as will the Geocentre.
Hope you have a nice visit.
in "town" for the NL Symphony Orchestra's Messiah at the Basilica, and would highly recommend it, but there are many options: check the websites for the LSPU hall http://www.rca.nf.ca/pages.aspx?id=2 and the A & C Centre
https://artsandculturecentre.com/stj...D-DA89331F3F8A
Places like The Rooms and Signal Hill will be open, as will the Geocentre.
Hope you have a nice visit.
Oct 24th, 2013, 08:24 AM
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Thanks for the advice everyone! The family I'm visiting has only been there for 2 months so they were not sure what to expect either. Unfortunetly November/December is the time I am off work so I'll have to make due with being there in the off-season. I think after hearing this advice, I may save Gros Morne for a summer trip and just stay in the Burin peninsula and St. John's. I didn't realize the road conditions could be that bad and I don't think I'll risk the trip up North. Sounds like there is plenty to do in St. John's and vicinity.
Thanks all!
Thanks all!
