Planning a trip to Gros Morne National Park.
May 19th, 2009, 10:03 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Planning a trip to Gros Morne National Park.
Hi everyone!
We're planning a sort of last minute trip to Gros Morne next month. Depending on how much everything will cost all together, we have up to 5 days to stay. We would like to reduce expenses as much as possible if we are able to.
We are still in the planning stages but so far all we know for sure is that we are likely just going to fly directly to Deer Lake Airport. Do we need to rent a car to get around or is a taxi/walking/other forms of transportation sufficient? I've never been there before so I don't really know what is available out there.
In the matter of accommodations, we still don't have any idea where we'd stay so I was hoping to get some suggestions that we can look into. Any places for travelers on a budget?
Things to do: I've heard a lot about the boat tours so that's definitely something we'd like to do. I think Western Brook Pond is what we'd choose. Is there anything else we can do on our own that doesn't require having to sign up for a hiking group, etc.? Or is that the best way to go about things while visiting? Suggestions?
I think that's about it for now. I'm sure as I get more replies, new things will come up. Until then, thank you for taking the time to read and reply!
We're planning a sort of last minute trip to Gros Morne next month. Depending on how much everything will cost all together, we have up to 5 days to stay. We would like to reduce expenses as much as possible if we are able to.
We are still in the planning stages but so far all we know for sure is that we are likely just going to fly directly to Deer Lake Airport. Do we need to rent a car to get around or is a taxi/walking/other forms of transportation sufficient? I've never been there before so I don't really know what is available out there.
In the matter of accommodations, we still don't have any idea where we'd stay so I was hoping to get some suggestions that we can look into. Any places for travelers on a budget?
Things to do: I've heard a lot about the boat tours so that's definitely something we'd like to do. I think Western Brook Pond is what we'd choose. Is there anything else we can do on our own that doesn't require having to sign up for a hiking group, etc.? Or is that the best way to go about things while visiting? Suggestions?
I think that's about it for now. I'm sure as I get more replies, new things will come up. Until then, thank you for taking the time to read and reply!
May 20th, 2009, 10:52 AM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
First things first: you MUST rent a car (unless you are planning to be part of a bus tour: that has to be arranged well in advance). Gros Morne is SO not within walking distance of Deer Lake Airport...unless you are Paul Bunyan.
You must sign up for the Western tour...but there are hikes you can take without a group. Get the Newfoundland Labrador Tourism Department Guide or go on line.
Cow Head has a budget B&B, but its pretty basic. The cute cabins at Rocky Harbour are quite a bit more expensive.
Then when you have recovered from the shock of the combined costs of flights and car rental and accomodation at that time of year and you still want to go, come back and we will fill you in on the rest!
You must sign up for the Western tour...but there are hikes you can take without a group. Get the Newfoundland Labrador Tourism Department Guide or go on line.
Cow Head has a budget B&B, but its pretty basic. The cute cabins at Rocky Harbour are quite a bit more expensive.
Then when you have recovered from the shock of the combined costs of flights and car rental and accomodation at that time of year and you still want to go, come back and we will fill you in on the rest!
May 20th, 2009, 11:24 AM
#3
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We were in Gros Morne in June last year and had a lovely time. It was much warmer than the rest of Newfoundland (about 20C) and the weather was bright & sunny the whole time. Also, the wild orchids were in bloom which was a special treat.
LJ is correct, you will need to rent a car. I cannot imagine taking a taxi from the airport to the park, let alone within the park. That said, we did see a taxi with a fare driving within the park, so it is possible.
Be aware that some of the hikes may be closed in June due to nesting wildlife. There will still be loads of really nice ones, and I recommend the Lookout (up from the information station) and the Green Gardens.
We stayed at the Sugar Hill Inn. It was perfect for us since it was our honeymoon, but you may find it a bit pricey. Also, dinner there was a bit hit or miss (great one night, not very good the next).
Be sure to eat at the Seaside Restaurant. We had a really great meal there, and very reasonable.
I'll try to check back to see if there is anything I can help out with.
LJ is correct, you will need to rent a car. I cannot imagine taking a taxi from the airport to the park, let alone within the park. That said, we did see a taxi with a fare driving within the park, so it is possible.
Be aware that some of the hikes may be closed in June due to nesting wildlife. There will still be loads of really nice ones, and I recommend the Lookout (up from the information station) and the Green Gardens.
We stayed at the Sugar Hill Inn. It was perfect for us since it was our honeymoon, but you may find it a bit pricey. Also, dinner there was a bit hit or miss (great one night, not very good the next).
Be sure to eat at the Seaside Restaurant. We had a really great meal there, and very reasonable.
I'll try to check back to see if there is anything I can help out with.
May 20th, 2009, 12:07 PM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Huh, big co-incidence, Boobear...I see you are the same folks that are doing the Windsor/Oshawa/Niagara Falls/Ganonoque/Montreal trip. You are going to have a great time!
I don't want you thinking I answer every Canadian question! But, while I split my time now between Toronto and Nova Scotia now, I grew up in and later lived in Newfoundland (I am a minister and, just a couple of years ago, served a charge in Corner Brook about 45 minutes from Deer Lake).
In any case, come back on with specific questions when you have got over the sticker shock of those flights and cars!
I don't want you thinking I answer every Canadian question! But, while I split my time now between Toronto and Nova Scotia now, I grew up in and later lived in Newfoundland (I am a minister and, just a couple of years ago, served a charge in Corner Brook about 45 minutes from Deer Lake).
In any case, come back on with specific questions when you have got over the sticker shock of those flights and cars!
