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GROS
MORNE
Cow Head, being the most Northerly settlement in Gros Morne National Park,
offers an outstanding destination to visitors of the park.
Gros Morne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has a rich variety
of scenery, wildlife, and recreational activities.
Gros Morne is one of
the first places where plate tectonics was proven, and remains a geological
gem.
The Tablelands, shown on the right, are the only place in the world where
a complete cross section of ophiolites (from mantle to oceanic crust) can
be accessed and viewed by the general public.
These Ophiolites of the Tablelands are the remains of ancient oceanic
crust that have been thrust up to the present day Earth's Surface.
The park is composed of two distinctly different landscapes, one
being coastal lowlands, the other alpine plateau of the Long Range Mountains.
Among these landscapes you will find an array of flora and fauna. The
ecosystem supports a unique mixture of temperate, boreal, and artic species.
There are 239 species of birds are placed on the provincial bird checklist.
While visiting Gros Morne National Park, you may very easily spot one of
the distinct species of animals native to the area, namely Woodland
Caribou, Black Bears, Red Fox, Arctic Hare, Whales, or Harbour Seals.
Or you may spot one of the species introduced to the area namely
moose or Polar Bears. Moose are a very easily spotted animal in the
park whereas Polar Bears are rear and if spotted would most likely be in
the early spring.
Newfoundland's waters are even different than the
mainland. There are no real fresh water fish present in Newfoundland.
All fish found in Newfoundland waters, spend at least a part of their
lives in salt water. Some present fish are Atlantic Salmon, Artic Char,
Brook Trout, Rainbow Smelt, among others.
Attractions
you may want to visit, are scattered all throughout the park. Some
notable attractions are:
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The Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse. The Lighthouse is a park interpretive exhibit and contains artifacts, historical documents, and photographs.
One room portrays how the light keeper's den would have looked in the early
part of the 1900's.
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The S.S. Ethie Shipwreck Site(1919). This ship went
aground in a storm just north of Sally's Cove during a storm. Luckily all 92 passengers, including
a baby, were saved. The baby was sent ashore in a mailbag. Gros Morne
Theatre Festival, in Cow Head, has a dinner theatre show concerning the
S.S Ethie incident. It is well worth checking out, and make you reservations
in advance as shows regularly sell out.
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Western Brook Fiord.
The Western Brook Fiord is a geological wonderment. The fiord can be
seen by hiking or taking the boat tour which takes you to the depth of the
fiord itself. For more information check out
The Bontours Group.
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Cow Head Shallow Bay Beach.
This 10
kilometre beach is opened to the ocean. Stroll for hours or walk swim in
the fresh Atlantic Ocean. The beach contains remarkable sand dunes which
have been the result of thousands of years of weather and ocean movements.
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The Tablelands.
On the South side of the park, a trip through Trout River Gulch will bring
you through the Tablelands. The view itself is super, but a stop
over and a closer look is the extreme of relaxation.
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Gros Morne Theatre.
Located in Cow Head, the theatre group consisting of actors from all over
the island, depicts life in Newfoundland and Labrador as it is today as
well as in the past. Take in the Drama performances, the Neddy
Norris Nights, the S.S. Ethie, and special guests on a nightly bases.
The group also travels to other parts of the park so, be on the lookout of
their performances.
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Seal Island Boat Tour
In St. Paul's, just 10 kms south of Cow Head, you will find the Seal
Island Boat Tour. This boat tour brings you to the base of The Long Range
Mountains. Along the way, be on the look out for wildlife, including
moose, caribou, and (almost a definite) harbour seals.
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The Tablelands
Western Brook Glacial Fiord
Going around the bay
St. Paul's Inlet
A scenic view |
