Tablelands (Gros Morne)The Tablelands are an area of ultramafic rock (peridotite) pushed to the surface during mountain building, producing ochre-orange soils and a largely barren, lunar-like landscape that contrasts with the surrounding forests and fjords.
This exceptional geology helped establish Gros Morne as a UNESCO World Heritage site and provides one of the clearest onshore examples of mantle material exposed by tectonic processes.
Visiting feels different from typical coastal Newfoundland: vegetation is sparse and slow-growing, colors are muted and rusty, and the ground can be sharp and unstable in places.
Trails and interpretive signs let visitors approach and learn about the rocks and the fragile plants that manage to survive here; the area is more about geological interest and stark views than traditional forested hiking.
- Peridotite outcrops: Large rust-colored slabs and broken blocks of mantle rock that form the distinctive barren surface of the Tablelands.
- Stark landscape contrasts: Clear visual contrast between the orange Tablelands and the surrounding green forests and Long Range Mountains ridges.
- Western Brook Pond views: Vistas toward the nearby landlocked fjord give context to the park’s dramatic coastal topography.
- Interpretive panels and marked paths: Educational signs explain the area’s plate-tectonic significance while marked routes protect fragile soils and plants.
Nearby Attractions to Tablelands (Gros Morne)#
Best Time to Visit Tablelands (Gros Morne)#
The climate is cool and wet with a short, mild summer and long, cold winters; accessibility and comfort are best when the weather is warmer and daylight is long.
Weather & Climate near Tablelands (Gros Morne)#
Tablelands (Gros Morne)'s climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -16°C to 19°C. Abundant rainfall (1513 mm/year), wettest in September.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -14° - -7° | -18° | 143 mm | overcast | 93% | 5.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.5h |
| February | Poor | -16° - -7° | -20° | 111 mm | overcast | 93% | 5.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.9h |
| March | Poor | -12° - -3° | -15° | 101 mm | overcast | 91% | 5.5 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | -6° - 2° | -8° | 81 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.2 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.6h |
| May | Poor | -1° - 8° | -1° | 107 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.5 m/s | 1.1 high | 15.2h |
| June | Good | 5° - 16° | 10° | 124 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.2 m/s | 1.3 high | 16.0h |
| July | Good | 10° - 19° | 14° | 115 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.9 m/s | 1.4 high | 15.6h |
| August | Acceptable | 9° - 18° | 14° | 143 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.2h |
| September | Poor | 4° - 13° | 6° | 152 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | -1° - 6° | -2° | 149 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.6h |
| November | Poor | -6° - 0° | -8° | 145 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.9h |
| December | Poor | -11° - -4° | -14° | 142 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.0h |
How to Get to Tablelands (Gros Morne)#
The Tablelands lie within Gros Morne National Park on the island’s west coast near small service towns such as Rocky Harbour and Norris Point.
The nearest airport for most visitors is Deer Lake Regional Airport; there is no passenger rail to the park, so travel is by road from Deer Lake or from ferries that serve Newfoundland, and the last stretch inside the park is on paved park roads with short walks to viewpoint areas - check local visitor centres for current access and parking.
Tips for Visiting Tablelands (Gros Morne)#
- Stay on marked trails and boardwalks to protect slow-regenerating plants and fragile soils.
- Bring warm, waterproof layers and sturdy footwear as weather changes quickly and precipitation is frequent.
- Combine a visit with nearby attractions such as Western Brook Pond but allow time for short walks and photo stops.
- Avoid removing rocks or taking samples; the geology is scientifically important and protected.
- In summer, insect repellent can make walks more comfortable during calm, wet spells.