Western Brook Pond

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Western Brook Pond

Lake

Western Brook Pond is a landlocked fjord-like lake in western Newfoundland known for its sheer cliffs, waterfalls and pristine water. Travellers come for the dramatic scenery, short hike and the boat cruises that cross the pond.

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Western Brook Pond essentials

Address: Western Brook Pond area, Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Western Brook Pond lies inside Gros Morne National Park on the west coast of Newfoundland and Labrador in the Long Range Mountains. The feature is essentially a fjord cut off from the sea after glacial rebound, now filled with fresh water and ringed by steep rock walls up to about 600 m high.

Glaciers carved the trough and left the surrounding plateau of igneous rock with thin soils, so streams feeding Western Brook Pond are low in nutrients and the lake is classified as ultraoligotrophic. Numerous waterfalls tumble from the plateau into the pond, including Pissing Mare Falls, which plunges from high on the cliffs.

A short, moderately easy 3 km hiking trail crosses coastal bogs and low limestone ridges to reach the pond and its viewing areas; from the shore two certified tour boats run cruises across the lake in summer and early autumn. The water is very clear and little affected by human activity; historically a cliff collapse in the early 20th century generated a local tsunami in the lake.

  • Sheer cliff walls: Towering rock faces rise straight from the water and create the fjord-like appearance of the pond.
  • Pissing Mare Falls and other cascades: Numerous waterfalls drop from the plateau above, with Pissing Mare Falls one of the highest in eastern North America.
  • Boat cruise: Guided boat cruises cross the pond so you can view cliffs and falls from the water; operators follow environmental certification rules to protect the water.
  • Trail and boardwalk: The 3 km trail to the pond passes bogs and limestone ridges and includes boardwalk sections and viewpoint areas.
  • Quiet wilderness and wildlife: The catchment’s low nutrients and protected setting mean clear water and opportunities to spot birds and coastal plants from shore or boat.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Western Brook Pond#

Summer and early autumn are the most convenient times for lake cruises and easier trail conditions; winters are cold with snow and ice and limit boat access.

Summer (best for boat trips)
June - August · 5°C - 19°C (41°F - 66°F)
Longer daylight and mild conditions make this the main season for boat cruises and hiking the access trail; expect variable weather and be prepared for wind and rain.
Early autumn (shoulder season)
September - October · 2°C - 15°C (36°F - 59°F)
Fewer visitors and crisp weather bring clearer air and autumn color, while boat operations often continue into mid-October but can be more weather-dependent.
Winter and spring (off-season)
November - May · -14°C - 9°C (7°F - 48°F)
Cold, snowy and often icy conditions make access more difficult and boat cruises are generally not running; check local services and trail conditions before visiting.

Weather & Climate near Western Brook Pond#

Climate

Western Brook Pond's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -14°C to 19°C. Abundant rainfall (1295 mm/year), wettest in January.

Air Quality: AQI 14 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
28°
Warmest Month
-30°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -12° - -4° -15° 135 mm overcast 99% 4.8 m/s 0.1 low 8.5h
February Poor -14° - -5° -16° 101 mm overcast 99% 4.5 m/s 0.2 low 9.9h
March Poor -10° - -1° -11° 86 mm overcast 98% 4.6 m/s 0.4 low 11.7h
April Poor -4° - 4° -4° 74 mm overcast 92% 4.4 m/s 0.8 moderate 13.6h
May Acceptable 0° - 9° 1° 85 mm overcast 83% 4.0 m/s 1.1 high 15.2h
June Acceptable 5° - 15° 10° 113 mm overcast 83% 3.9 m/s 1.3 high 16.0h
July Good 10° - 19° 15° 94 mm overcast 84% 3.6 m/s 1.4 high 15.6h
August Good 10° - 19° 14° 120 mm overcast 86% 3.7 m/s 1.1 high 14.2h
September Acceptable 6° - 15° 11° 118 mm overcast 87% 4.1 m/s 0.7 moderate 12.4h
October Poor 2° - 9° 2° 128 mm overcast 90% 4.2 m/s 0.3 low 10.6h
November Poor -2° - 3° -4° 117 mm overcast 92% 4.5 m/s 0.1 low 8.9h
December Poor -8° - -1° -10° 124 mm overcast 97% 4.7 m/s 0.0 low 8.0h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Western Brook Pond#

The pond is inside Gros Morne National Park; the nearest larger communities for services are the small towns on Bonne Bay such as Woody Point and Rocky Harbour, and the nearest airport serving the park region is Deer Lake Regional Airport. There are no rail links on the island, so most visitors arrive by car, shuttle or regional bus services to the park.

From the park road network you reach a car park or visitor access point and then cover the final stretch on foot via the marked 3 km trail over bog and low ridges to the lake shore; check local information for seasonal access and boat cruise availability.

Tips for Visiting Western Brook Pond#

  • Boat cruises operate seasonally (June to mid-October) so check schedules locally before you go.
  • Wear waterproof footwear and a layer for wind and spray - the trail crosses boggy ground and the gorge can be windy.
  • Expect biting insects in warmer months and bring insect repellent for the trail.
  • Respect park rules and the boat operators’ guidance to protect the ultraoligotrophic waters.