 | Deer Lake Things To Do | Tips 1 - 10 of 14 |  |
Popular Things To Do | Other Things To Do Tips | All Tips (14) The boat tour cruises up the 16-km lake with a running commentary on the various waterfalls, cliff features and wildlife that is encountered. Here, we are approaching the far end of the lake where a hiking trail connects to the 707-metre (2300 foot) Gros Morne Mountain in another section of the park. Herds of caribou still use the uplands of Gros Morne as their breeding ranges. Arrangements can be made to hike into or out of this spot and then use the boat tour as a one-way passage on the lake. The cold 165-m (500 ft) deep waters of the lake are home to Arctic Char, Atlantic Salmon and Brook Trout. Leave a Comment Directions: Western Brook Pond
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When we arrived in the little nearby town of Rocky Harbour the previous afternoon, we quickly went to the Park Headquarters to see if there were any seats still available for a boat trip on Western Brook Pond. In the peak tourist season of July and August, we were lucky to be able to book ourselves on the last cruise of the afternoon (summer departures for the 2-hour cruise are 10 AM, 1 PM and 4 PM) at a cost of US$27/adult (2004 prices). It was a beautiful sunny afternoon so we did not want to take a chance on the weather being cloudy or wet the next day. Run by Bon Tours, their two tour vessels Westbrook II and III can together seat 165 people in a combination open rear deck and enclosed mid-cabin arrangement. The photo shows the crowd waiting to board the last voyage of the day. We were fortunate enough to be near the front of the throng and managed to get seats where we could stand up and look out over the enclosed cabin to observe the landscape as we approached it. It can be breezy and cool out on the water, so it is best to come prepared with some long sleeved and legged clothing, even if it seems warm when you are dock-side! Leave a Comment
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As the tour passes close inshore to the various huge cliffs, you will have the chance to see many amazing rock formations formed over the years by erosion. In addition, there are frequent rock falls (geologically speaking) and the evidence can be seen on huge portions of the walls where the surface has been swept clean of all plant life. The boat operators mentioned that one tour about 10 years earlier had actually witnessed a section of the cliffs giving way and crashing down into the Pond. I wish I had been there for that one! The photo shows our accompanying tour boat as we make our way back toward the entrance to the pond. The floating dock nearby is where transfers to land are made for those who chose to hike into or out of here via the trail system in the Park. Because of its relative isolation from industrial pollution, the highlands-fed water of Western Brook Pond has been tested as some of the purest in the world. Leave a Comment Directions: Western Brook Pond
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On the southern edge of Gros Morne, is an amazing geological wonder called the Tablelands. This, in fact, was one of the reasons that the park was made a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Tablelands is a 260-million year old chunk of lava from the earth's crust that broke off and was thrust to the surface during collisions between the constanting moving tectonic plates in this part of the world. There are a few other places in the world that also boast similar formations, in Oman, Cyprus, Tibet and southern Chile. The rocks are composed of peridotite but, when thrust to the surface they change to the mineral serpentine. Due to weathering effects, serpentine turns to a tan colour, giving this huge formation its distinctive look. The chemical composition of the rocks is also not very condusive to plant life, consequently it appears to be a barren moon-like surface in comparison to the surrounding spruce forests. Leave a Comment Directions: On the south side of Bonne Bay in Gros Morne National Park. Only a short drive from Woody Point.
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Once we had hit the high points of Gros Morne, we continued our trip northward along the peninsula, heading for Vikings and Whales at its northern tip (see my St. Anthony page!). However, only a few kilometers north of the National Park we chanced upon The Arches Provincial Park - a fine little picnic stop right beside the highway. Again, we really enjoyed the unique formations of these former underwater caves that later surfaced when the Ice Age retreated and the level of the land rebounded above the sea. It was very windy but the temperature was good as we explored among the formations. No charge to visit the site. Leave a Comment Directions: On the highway, mid-way between Parson's Pond and Daniel's Harbour.
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The Long Range Mountains comprising this peninsula of Newfoundland were formed hundreds of millions of years ago during the geological changes associated with the formation of the Earth's continents as they are presently formed. During the Ice Ages, huge glaciers carved these 'fjords' in the resulting mountain ranges. Later, as the climate warmed, the glaciers melted away and the surface of the earth gradually rebounded as the great weight was removed. As a result, these fjords were cut off from the ocean itself, forming trapped bodies of water, called 'Ponds' in Newfoundland. Here, we have arrived at the entrance to Westen Brook Pond and have left the car park to walk a short distance inland to the interpretive centre. From here, there is a very interesting 30-40 minute (3 km) trail walk across the now intervening lowlands before you actually reach the edge of the trapped fjord seen in the distance. The lowlands actually comprises a coastal bog and three small wooded limestone ridges - with various interpretive signs located at strategic intervals. If you are lucky, you may even come across a Moose feeding in the bogs! Leave a Comment Address: In Gros Morne National ParkDirections: Turn onto Newfoundland Highway 430 at Deer Lake and drive for about 90 km to reach the entrance of Western Brook Pond
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As in other parts of Newfoundland, the houses and buildings of Deer Lake are rather simple and made from wood which are plenty around this area. The locals would paint their houses and buildings with various colours to make them more attractive. More photos are at the travelogue section of this VT page. Leave a Comment
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Next to the lake along the Trans-Canada Highway is a huge water pumping station which is supposed to be one of the attractions of Deer Lake according to the postcard which I bought from the town. Leave a Comment
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There is a lake next to the town by the same name (Deer Lake) which has a beach area which is very popular among the locals during the summer season. Next to the beach is a small park called Friendship Park. More photos of the lake are at the travelogue section of this VT page. Leave a Comment
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There is a visitor's centre located along the Trans-Canada Highway (next to Irving Big Stop) near to Deer Lake which is worth to drop by if you need any information. However, this visitor's centre is closed from mid-autumn throughout the winter season. Leave a Comment
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on January 1, 2004
on January 14, 2006
