Long Range Traverse
Newfoundland’s iconic backpacking trip taking you through the freshwater fjords of Gros Morne National Park
4 Days 3 Nights
Over 4 days and 3 nights you will become acquainted with the intimate beauty of the Long Range Traverse in Gros Morne National Park. After experiencing the sheer granite cliffs of Western Brook Pond via boat tour, clients are dropped to travel through the untouched back-country experiencing the awe-inspiring in-land Fjords of Western Brook Pond, Bakers Brook Pond, and Ten Mile Pond, while developing memories of a lifetime.
Your Guide
Steve Wheeler
Steve has been guiding the Long Range Traverse since 2014, having over 30+ trips on the route. He foremly held the fastest knowtime on both the North-Rim and Long Range (65+km) routes (2016-2021, nearly 13 hours), and has a vast experience trekking in western Newfoundland, British Columbia/ Alberta, Iceland, Nepal, and New Zealand. He most enjoys really getting to know people through the often arduous 4 day journey.
Departure Dates 2023
- July 17th (Monday) – 20th
- August 14th (Monday) – 17th
Note: the day before departure is a mandatory evening orientation, with the trip starting the following morning. The last day we finish by the afternoon/ evening.
Group Size: 2-4
Cost: 1695 per person (plus HST)
Includes cost of meals, and group camping equipment
Trip Itinerary
Orientation – Day before starting the hike plan on meeting with your guide for a group orientation and briefing at Gros Morne Outdoor Company
Day 1: Western Brook Pond View Point
The trip begins with the World famous Western Brook boat tour through the freshwater fjord. Clients are dropped at the end of the pond to ascend 600 meters through untouched old-growth forest, waterfalls and massive boulders ending with the most beautiful view in eastern Canada
Day 2 & 3: Traversing the Long Range Mountains
Atop the plateau of the rocky Long Range Mountains, the route continues for the next two days through high arctic tundra in constant view of glacial carved valleys, alpine meadows, erratic rocks, moose, arctic hare, caribou and headwaters of the Humber River.
Day 4: Finish
The day is punctuated with views of Gros Morne Mountain towering over Ten Mile Pond before clients descend from Crow Cliff into Ferry Gulch on the way to the car park
Trip Difficulty
Class 3 (Most Difficult) – Hiking an unmarked backcountry route, steep, wet, muddy terrain with scree slopes.
The trip is designed for the physically active who are well experienced in the outdoors. Previous backpacking experience is a necessity, with average of 10km hiking per day.Â
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Finer Details
The Long Range Traverse is one of the top Back-country hikes in Canada, and for good reason with three glacially carved fjords, Western Brook Pond, Bakers Brook and 10 Mile Pond along with the serine arctic-alpine environment with numerous ponds, valleys and unique plant and animal species. If you like challenges, getting off the grid and enjoying the intimate beauty of nature, this is the trip for you!Â
Orientation
Meeting with your guide the day prior to the start of your trip. The meeting consists of a briefing and orientation. You will require overnight accommodations the night prior to, and after the trip.
Itinerary Changes
Weather can be extreme. The wind, fog, and rain, combined with the exposed landscape (lack of trees/shelter or other defining features) can make for difficult circumstances where route, schedule and day to day itinerary (listed above) may be altered. The trip is designed for the active, physically fit, backpacker.
Travel Arrangements
Airfare is not included in the price of your trip. We encourage you to contact your local travel agent or the airlines directly for any air arrangements you may need.
Reservations
Please fill out the online application form. You are required to provide payment in full 60 days prior to departure. Visa, MasterCard or American Express accepted.
Accommodations
You will require accommodation in either Norris Point or Rocky Harbour on the orientation evening (Sunday). There are hostels, bed & breakfasts, cottages, hotels and inns available.
Meals/Menu & Water
Clients are responsible for providing their own water filtration/ treatment.
- Breakfast is a hot cereal with dried fruit
- Lunch is generally a sandwich with a variety of spreads. Snacking items like granola bars, trail mix, and dried fruit are provided.
- Supper is generally a mix of rice & pasta with a variety of sauces.
If you have any dietary restrictions it’s very important to inform us in advance so that we can adjust our menu.
The Terrain
The elevation of the alpine regions of Newfoundland are from 600-800 meters (2000- 2500 feet), and despite their stunted nature it is still an alpine environment and must be respected as such – the weather, terrain, and the environment can make for interesting circumstances even when you’re best prepared!
The Weather
Highs: 20°C- 30°C+, and on the alpine plateau the sun can be extra difficult because of the lack of shade.
Lows: Below 5°C, and with wind chill close to 0°C.
Typically temperatures range from 20°-25°C and may drop below 15°C overnight. However, I have guided trips with thick fog, multiple days of cold wet windy weather, and beaming hot sun.
What to Bring
Two Important Items to Bring
- Medications – Please bring medications, prescribed or otherwise, that would not be in a normal 1st aid kit.
- Water Filter or Treatment –Please bring your own preferred method of water treatment (filter, chemicals, etc.) to filter your water.
Required Gear
- Large backpack (75L + capacity) – In good condition, fits and able to hold required weight.
- Sleeping bag- 0ºC or 32ºF. Pack inside a water-resistant compression stuff/dry sack.
- Insulated sleeping pad.
- Sturdy hiking boots & gaiters. The terrain is wet and rocky. Make sure you are used to them, and they are in good condition.
- Sunglasses, and a hat.
- Stuff/Dry sacks (small not large ones) & plastic bags – keeping things dry.
Required Clothing
- For all the clothing listed, the golden rule of hiking applies No Cotton. Many companies have their own brands of synthetic, or wool blends which insulate better and dry faster than cotton. For all listed clothing, please no cotton-based materials.
- Lightweight hat & gloves
- Lightweight underwear – top & bottom
- Sweater(s)
- Long sleeve shirt
- T-shirt
- Wind pants – quick dry
- Rain pants and jacket (Gore-Tex or equivalent)
- SocksÂ
Toiletries
- Pack towel
- Sunblock & lip balm
- Insect repellent. Bug jacket or head net.
- Blister Treatment – Moleskin, or otherwise.
- Water Bladder or Bottle with a holder for easy access.
Optional Gear & Clothing
- Pack Cover
- Camera & batteries
- Small flashlight & extra batteries
- Pocket knife
- Earplugs
- Hiking poles
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions pertaining to clothing or anything regarding the trip
LONG RANGE TRAVERSE
Booking
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$1695Â
per person
To book a spot for 2023, please email us;
Info@GrosMorneOutdoor.ca
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Individuals and groups must have the required hiking experience to participate in this backcountry tour.Â
A 10% deposit is required, where full payment is needed 30 days before departure.Â
All payments are processed thru the Square payment system via email invoices.
A face-to-face google meets call can be scheduled to discuss trip details.Â
