Long Range Mountains
Mountains Mountain range in Newfoundland and Labrador
A coastal mountain chain on Newfoundland’s west coast, the Long Range Mountains cut through Gros Morne National Park; visitors come for fjord-slope hikes, ancient geology and boat or coastal wildlife tours.
The Long Range Mountains are a coastal mountain range on the west side of Newfoundland in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. They form the island’s western highlands and are the local expression of the broader Appalachian mountain system.
The range contains rugged plateaus, steep coastal cliffs and deep fjord-like inlets along Newfoundland’s west coast. Many routes and viewpoints are concentrated around the parklands that protect parts of the range, offering trails and scenic drives rather than high alpine climbing.
The Long Range Mountains are composed of very old bedrock and were shaped by the same orogenic events that built the Appalachians during the Paleozoic. Over geologic time the range has been eroded into the plateaus, ridges and valleys seen today.
Geographically the range runs along western Newfoundland, with major access points around communities such as Corner Brook and the park areas near Gros Morne. The landscape transitions quickly to coastal fjords and bays along the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
- Gros Morne connection: Contains sections protected within Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for exposed Precambrian to Paleozoic geology.
- Access points: Best approached from the west coast towns of Corner Brook and Deer Lake, which serve as gateways for trails and coastal viewpoints.
How to Get to Long Range Mountains #
Access points are through Gros Morne National Park (western Newfoundland) and remote coastal roads. The nearest towns with services include Rocky Harbour and Deer Lake; from there, local roads and park trails lead into the ranges.
Tips for Visiting Long Range Mountains #
- Plan multi-day treks with adequate food caches - services are sparse in the Long Range Mountains.
- Bring reliable maps and GPS; some parts of the range are vast and navigation can be challenging in bad weather.
Best Time to Visit Long Range Mountains #
Summer is the practical season for most outdoor activities; winter conditions require Arctic-grade preparation.
Weather & Climate near Long Range Mountains #
Long Range Mountains's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -14°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1384 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -13°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm).
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -6°C and lows of -14°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -11°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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April
April is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (137 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -9°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm).
