Gros Morne National Park of Canada

The North Rim Traverse

The North Rim Traverse can be done on its own, starting at the boat dock at the eastern end of Western Brook Pond and ending at Snug Harbour. Hikers can also plan their trip to continue on with the Long Range Traverse, extending their trip by several days. The Snug Harbour trail is an offshoot of the Western Brook Pond trail. (Plan, prepare, & equipment)

The North Rim & Long Range Traverses

All UTM coordinates use NAD 83.

Campsite 1: Snug Harbour

Coordinates: 21U 442400 5513600

A well-used site, Snug Harbour has grassy areas for tents, a pole for food hanging, and an outdoor toilet. It has a wonderful pebble beach with views of the cliffs of Western Brook Pond.

Route: Snug Harbour to Long Pond

To get to the North Rim from Snug Harbour, walk to the end of the beach. There is a sign marking the start of the trail up the hill. (N 49.77399°, W 057.79552°) The trail eventually splits (N49.77843°, W057.78481°). The easier right branch climbs somewhat steeply before breaking into an area of open scrub and tuckamore (thick stunted spruce). If you the left track, you will climb more gradually before emerging in a moose meadow (an open boggy area). There are several paths through this section. Eventually you will rejoin the main trail (N49.77692°, W057.77681°). This climbs steadily to the top of the north rim of Western Brook Pond. A side trip to the edge of the cliffs will reward you with spectacular views. Continue on to the campsite at Long Pond.

Campsite 2: North side of Long Pond

Coordinates: 21U 449700 5512100

Campsite 3: Pond 6 hours NE of Western Brook Pond

Coordinates: 21U 454800 5507500

A small pond approximately six hours from Western Brook Pond. There are no facilities. Practice low impact camping. Store your food away from your site. From here continue on to Campsite 2 of the Long Range Traverse.

The North Rim Traverse

Campsite 1: Western Brook Pond

Coordinates: 21U 452313 5507084

This site is located just in from the dock where hikers are dropped off by the Western Brook Pond boat tour. It is very sheltered but is often “buggy.” There are picnic tables and an outhouse, but no tent platforms.

Route: Western Brook Pond to Campsite 2

As you travel up the gorge, stay close to the brook. You will see sections of trail. These are largely animal trails and tend to disappear. There is no maintained trail. Depending on the water level, you will cross the brook several times. There is never any need to go very far from the brook. Eventually you will arrive at a waterfall. From this point on, stay to the right, or south, side of the brook, and climb the steep section to get above the falls. Next choose a path that takes you to your left (NNE) until you emerge onto the big rock slab that leads to the top. There are several ways to reach the top of the gorge. The easiest passes the north side of the ridge at the far eastern end of the gorge. You will be rewarded with a great view before heading north to campsite 2.

Campsite 2: Pond 6 hours NE of Western Brook Pond

Coordinates: 21U 454800 5507500

A small pond approximately six hours from Western Brook Pond. There are no facilities. Practice low impact camping. Store your food away from your site.

Campsite 3: North side of Long Pond

Coordinates: 21U 449700 5512100

Campsite 4: Snug Harbour

Coordinates: 21U 442400 5513600

A well-used site, Snug Harbour has grassy areas for tents, a pole for food hanging, and an outdoor toilet. It has a wonderful pebble beach with views of the cliffs of Western Brook Pond..