Rocky Harbour is a practical base because several central Gros Morne stops are close, while the north and south sides still need their own driving time. The numbers below are for planning. Weather, wildlife, road work and stops can make the actual drive longer.
Useful distances from Rocky Harbour
| Destination | Distance / location | What that means for your day |
|---|---|---|
| Deer Lake | about 71–72 km | Roughly an hour in normal conditions; this is the usual airport and rental-car gateway. |
| Berry Head Pond trail | 6 km north | An easy short-trail option close enough to fit around another activity. |
| Baker's Brook Falls trailhead | 10 km north | A moderate hike that does not require a long transfer from town. |
| Western Brook Pond trailhead | 27 km north | Close enough for an easy drive, but the outing itself needs much more time for the 3 km walk to the pond and, if booked, the two-hour boat tour. |
| Cow Head / Shallow Bay area | roughly 50 km north | Best treated as part of a north-coast day rather than a quick town stop. |
| Woody Point / Tablelands / Trout River | south side of Bonne Bay via Wiltondale and Route 431 | There is no direct road across Bonne Bay. Give the south side its own day instead of combining it with a north-side outing. |
Distances are rounded for trip planning. Parks Canada publishes a park map and distance chart; road conditions and construction can change travel time.
Trail time and drive time are separate
A trail listed as two hours does not mean a two-hour outing. Add the drive, parking, washroom stops, time at viewpoints and any boat-tour check-in. Western Brook Pond is the clearest example: Parks Canada lists a 3 km walk each way to the pond, about 45 minutes each way, before the two-hour boat tour.
North side or south side?
If you are staying in Rocky Harbour, Route 430 takes you north toward Green Point, Western Brook Pond, Broom Point and Cow Head. The south side is different: you drive back toward Wiltondale, then use Route 431 for Woody Point, the Tablelands and Trout River. There is no road bridge across Bonne Bay.
Do not over-plan the driving day
- Pick one main destination first.
- Add stops that are on the same route.
- Leave room for fog, rain, road work and wildlife.
- Fill up and buy food in Rocky Harbour before a longer day.
- For a timed boat tour or program, work backward from the check-in time.
Primary sources used
This reference is built from Parks Canada trail/location information, the Parks Canada Gros Morne visitor guide and the Town of Rocky Harbour municipal plan. We use rounded numbers where that is more useful than false precision.
Last reviewed: September 1, 2026