Newfoundland’s Gros Morne National Park is one of Canada’s most underrated parks. With towering coastal cliffs, stunning fjords, and dense forests, it’s a place that deserves more attention. But getting to Gros Morne requires plenty of advanced to avoid spending unnecessary extra time getting here.
This guide will cover the best ways to get to Gros Morne National Park, whether you are driving, flying, or even taking a car ferry. I will break down routes from and to the closest airports and closest cities like St. John’s and Corner Brook. Finally, I’ll answer some common questions about traveling through the park.
Don’t let the distance deter you from visiting. I visited Gros Morne all the way from Birmingham, Alabama, and the logistics were actually pretty straightforward.
What Is the Closest Airport to Gros Morne?
The closest airport to Gros Morne National Park is Deer Lake Airport (YDF). It’s about 80 kilometers or 50 miles from the park’s western entrance, serving as the main gateway for travelers arriving by air.
Deer Lake has flights to and from St. John’s, Gander, and other towns in the province through PAL Airlines. You can also fly to major Canadian cities from Deer Lake, such as Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and Calgary.
For travelers coming from outside Newfoundland, you can also fly into St. John’s International Airport (YYT) and then drive to Gros Morne.
St. John’s to Gros Morne
Driving from St. John’s to Gros Morne National Park is the most popular option for those seeking a classic road trip. The drive takes about 8 hours, covering nearly 700 kilometers (435 miles). You will travel along the scenic Trans-Canada Highway, passing through towns such as Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor. It’s a scenic route, so plan extra time for photo stops, meals, and short detours.
I recommend that you start your trip in St. John’s and slowly make your way to Gros Morne by car. That means not driving there directly but instead spending a few days in places along the way.
We flew into St. John’s. After a couple days in the capital, rented a car and drove to Twillingate, one of the best places in Newfoundland to see puffins and icebergs. Then, we drove to Gros Morne from Twillingate, which take just about five hours. I flew into St. John’s and out of Deer Lake, for example.
There is no direct train from St. John’s to Gros Morne, nor are there any trains on Newfoundland entirely. However, one option is taking a bus to Deer Lake, and renting a car from there.
Deer Lake Airport to Gros Morne
The drive from Deer Lake to Gros Morne is around 1.5 hours. Rental cars are available at the airport, and the drive is straightforward via Route 430, also known as the Viking Trail. This road winds along the west coast of Newfoundland, offering great views of rivers, forests, and occasional wildlife.
Corner Brook to Gros Morne
Corner Brook is the largest city near Gros Morne and a convenient starting point for a shorter drive. The distance from Corner Brook is about 180 kilometers (111 miles), with the drive taking about 2.5 hours.
Corner Brook is a neat little city. It could be worth exploring for a day or evening before or after your visit to Gros Morne. I also recommend looking into the serene fishing village of Lark Harbour, a bit further down the coast.
Port Aux Basques to Gros Morne
Port aux Basques is the main ferry terminal connecting Newfoundland to Nova Scotia. Travelers arriving by ferry at Port Aux Basques can take a scenic road trip to Gros Morne. The 580-kilometre or 360-mile drive takes 7 to 8 hours along the Trans-Canada Highway.
Twillingate to Gros Morne
Traveling from Twillingate to Gros Morne National Park takes around five hours. Most of the route follows the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) west out of Twillingate, passing through Grand Falls-Windsor and Deer Lake before connecting to Route 430 (Viking Trail) north toward Gros Morne. Along the way, you’ll pass tiny villages, plenty of untouched forest, and rushing rivers, making it a worthwhile road trip. I took this route, and it was really pleasant.
In-Summary: How to Get to Gros Morne National Park
There are several practical ways to travel to Gros Morne National Park:
- By Air: Fly into Deer Lake Airport or St. John’s International Airport.
- By Car: Make it a road trip and drive from St. John’s, Corner Brook, Gander, Deer Lake, or Port Aux Basques. Roads are well maintained in Newfoundland.
- By Ferry: Travel via Marine Atlantic to Port Aux Basques and continue by car.
No matter your mode of transport, planning ahead ensures a smoother trip and more time to explore the park’s natural beauty. Renting a car is essential to see the best of Newfoundland, so make sure to do so well in advance of your visit.
Getting to Gros Morne FAQs
Can you drive through Gros Morne?
Yes. The park is accessible by car, and most visitors explore it via well-marked roads like the Western Brook Pond access route and Route 430.
Is there a bus from St. John’s to Gros Morne?
There is no direct public bus to Gros Morne, but private shuttle services and tour companies operate seasonal routes connecting major towns and the park.
Can you get to Gros Morne by ferry?
There is no ferry directly to Gros Morne from mainland Canada or Nova Scotia. You can take the ferry to Port Aux Basques and drive 7 hours north to the park.
