Exploring the Long Range Traverse in Gros Morne National Park

Passing between dramatic, 1000ft granite cliffs, deep inside glacier-carved gorges, around thundering waterfalls, and through the lush, indigenous forests of Newfoundland, the Long Range Traverse is one of the hardest and most remote hiking trails in Canada.

Famous for its thick fog, ever-changing weather, astounding views, and absolute remoteness (you won’t find cell service on the entire trek), the trail has traditionally been reserved for those “in the know.” Therefore, passing a strict navigational test is required to traverse alone due to its location and 8/10 difficulty rating. With very few marked trails, you must rely on your instincts (or your guide’s) while forging through the thick and unforgiving brush, deep into the unknown of the Northeastern wilderness.

The Beauty and Challenge of Gros Morne National Park

As one of Canada’s hardest hikes, this four-to-six-day trek spans the Gros Morne National Park, a spectacular expanse and UNESCO World Heritage Site. With only 12 hikers allowed on the trail per day, it provides welcome isolation—an opportunity to truly immerse yourself in nature in a way few other places in the world offer.

“It’s one of the few true traverses that have no defined trail markings and features this incredibly inspiring mix of wild pristine wilderness,” says Andy Nichols, an expert guide with Gros Morne Outdoor Company.

Even if you enter the park in excellent shape, with significant hiking experience, nothing can prepare you for your first rock scramble. Here, you will climb over and through slippery rocks and boulders while a rushing waterfall cascades beside you.

“This hike requires a degree of understanding of true backcountry hiking—not something many visitors grasp,” says Steven Wheeler, co-owner of Gros Morne Outdoor Company. “The views are spectacular, as you pass by fjords and glacially carved mountains. Additionally, the lack of people provides a unique and intimate experience. It’s a harsh but beautiful landscape.”

Comprised of rolling mountains, sprawling forests rich with thick brush and spongy moss bogs, and multihued limestone cliffs, this 450,000-year-old park boasts some of North America’s most complex geography. Along with lush green surroundings reminiscent of Scotland and Ireland, the park is home to the Tablelands– a rare geological feature where scientists discovered plate tectonics. Most of the park can be seen during the hike, offering ample opportunities to stop and marvel at the breathtaking vistas without distractions.

The Trek Begins

The hike commences after a scenic 15-minute boat ride to Western Brook Pond, where you reach the trailhead. Thick with carnivorous pitcher flowers (the emblem of Newfoundland), amber-colored cloudberries bursting with sweetness, and tall, willowy Arctic cotton, the initial steps will leave you feeling equal parts overwhelmed and enamored. As you continue your journey (with a heavy backpack strapped securely), guides encourage you to soak in the surrounding beauty before the real trek truly begins.

Your first rock scramble comes just a few hours into the hike. A steep gorge next to a cascading waterfall presents the only ascent, forcing you to navigate slippery rocks and erratic foliage.

“The ascent up the gorge from our drop-off point is a tough climb to say the least,” Steve explains. “People often have to use their hands to grip boulders, roots, or whatever they can find to hoist themselves up… to say it’s a trail would be misleading.”

After bouldering or rock scrambling your way to the summit, you may feel tempted to give up. Nevertheless, most guides will recommend tackling the extra 6.5 km walk to Little Island Pond, one of the initial campsites for the trek. You will find yourself damp from the waterfall splashes and soaked with sweat from the sun’s heat; however, your first night in the park will be accompanied by a symphony of birds, faraway moose, and the soothing rustle of trees that will help lull you to sleep.

“The sights and sounds of Little Island Pond offer an amazing experience to wake up to and showcase stunning views of the Long Range Mountains. It’s a 5.5 km walk past glacially carved ponds, alpine meadows, streams, and granite outcrops,” Andy notes.

The scenery has undoubtedly been picturesque thus far, yet the following segment of the hike presents the challenge of a deep and tricky river crossing, with neither a bridge nor a rope in sight. Thankfully, most guided tour companies provide waders and waterproof pants to keep you dry. According to Andy, it’s essential to be weary of sudden weather changes and shifting trails.

“The most difficult aspect of the trek, which many people don’t anticipate, is navigating through terrain that ultimately all looks very similar. Most assume they are on a trail, but these are typically game trails or animal leads,” Andy mentions. “Once the weather closes in, you may face days of fog or rain, which can disorient you and make the landscape appear uniform. It’s not merely a walk in the park, but a true challenge,” he concludes.

The walk towards 10-mile-pond is arguably one of the hardest yet most beautiful aspects of the hike. Upon arrival, most trekkers immediately notice the profound silence. If you’re fortunate enough to camp between two small ponds overlooking the Gulch, you’ll get the chance to experience one of the park’s breathtaking sunsets that illuminate the sky in shades of orange and pink.

For Steve and Andy, such sunsets are merely a part of everyday life—another reward of growing up with this magnificent natural playground right at their doorstep.

“Having grown up here, we were always afforded the opportunity—indeed encouraged—to explore our backyard, our community, our province, and even our country. This would lead us to play on the beaches and roam alongside these enchanting hillsides as soon as we could,” Andy reflects.

The Final Day of Hiking

The last day is a full one, filled with 10km of challenging paths leading up and down Gros Morne Mountain and around Ferry Gulch. As the first day demanded rock scrambling, your last day will involve ‘bum sliding’—strapping your pack to your front and descending the mountain on your backside, weaving around rocks, plants, and even small firs. However, as you near the platform leading back to civilization, you may find that the return feels bittersweet, leaving you spiritually affected and forever changed.

For Steve, it’s a sentiment that defies description. It’s a way of life he has simply grown up with, one he is grateful to share with anyone willing to embrace the experience.

“I’ve been guiding for around 10 years; it’s in my blood. I love being immersed in the great outdoors, staying in a tent, and traveling with a group of people across this stunning landscape,” he shares. “More than that, I relish the chance to share that experience. As time goes by, I grow used to the journey, but every new group brings a chance to relive that exciting adventure together—you witness it all anew through different eyes.”