When planning my 10-day trip to Newfoundland, one of my top priorities was seeing the fjords.
Newfoundland’s fjords are some of the most breathtaking in Canada. In fact, they are the most accessible fjords along the entire East Coast of North America.
If you’re planning a trip to Newfoundland, keep reading to learn how to get to and tour these majestic cliffs, along with helpful tips from my experience seeing them.
Where Are the Fjords in Newfoundland?
The fjords in Newfoundland are isolated to the west coast, in a small area within Gros Morne National Park. This is where you will find Western Brook Pond, home to the dramatic fjords. The nearest town, Rocky Harbour, is about 20 miles south.
Do not let the name fool you. This is not just a little pond. It looks like a massive bay, and the cliffs tower about 1,000 feet above the water on both sides.
These waters were once part of the sea, but now a thin strip of land separates Western Brook Pond from the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Therefore, these are actually technically not fjords by definition, since the waters don’t directly lead to the sea. But for the sake of simplicity, I’m going to keep referring to them as such.
How to Get to the Fjords in Newfoundland
Highway 430 is the only road that gets you to Gros Morne National Park (specifically the Western Brook Pond entrance).
There is a parking lot near the tiny community of Sally’s Cove. If you are coming from the south, you will pass Rocky Harbour and then keep going for 15 to 20 minutes. If you are coming from the north, look for the village of St. Paul’s. You will know you are close.
Once you park, you still have a 2-mile walk to the pond. Do not worry, it is completely flat, so it is easy for kids or older travelers.
When you get there, you will see a small gift shop and restaurant with your tour boat waiting at the dock.
Newfoundland Fjords Tours
BonTours is the lone tour operator that runs tours through Western Brook Pond. Honestly, this was kind of nice for me because it takes the stress out of planning. Just go to their website, pick a time, and book your tour.
If you’re visiting in the summer, definitely book well in advance. Most people visit Newfoundland during a three-month window, and tours fill up fast. In July and August, there are up to five daily tours. In May, June, and September, the boat runs only once or twice a day. There are no tours from October to April because of winter weather.
Tips for Touring the Newfoundland Fjords
There are a few things I learned from our fjord tour that I think would benefit travelers:
Get to the Parking Lot an Hour Before Your Boat Departs
As mentioned, there’s a 30-minute walk from the parking lot to the boat. You also have to check-in before your boat departs. To be safe, plan to arrive at the lot close to an hour before your boat is scheduled to leave.
Wear Warm, Waterproof Clothes
Weather in Newfoundland is unpredictable, especially in these parts. Sunny skies can quickly turn to downpours, so make sure to dress accordingly. I recommend a windbreaker, since it was incredibly windy on my day out.
Explore More of Gros Morne Before You Leave
There are so many incredible sights throughout Gros Morne, including some of Newfoundland’s most beautiful hikes. From the Tablelands, where you can walk on Earth’s mantle, to the jaw-dropping Green Gardens Trail, there’s no shortage of sights that will leave a lasting impression.
Bring a Good Camera
You will want photos of the cliffs, waterfalls, and maybe some wildlife. Having a nice camera (or recent version of an iPhone) will let you get those perfect close-ups without scaring anything away.
