Gros Morne National Park Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Gros Morne National Park
IUCN Category II (National Park)
The Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park
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Location	Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Area	1,805 km² (697 sq mi)
Established	1973
Governing body	Parks Canada

UNESCO World Heritage Site
Criteria	Natural: vii, viii
Inscription	1987 (11th Session)

Gros Morne National Park is a huge national park found on the west coast of Newfoundland, Canada. It became a special UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. This means it's recognized as a very important place for everyone in the world. The park was first set up as a national reserve in 1973 and then became a full national park in 2005.

Gros Morne National Park covers about 1,805 km² (697 sq mi). This makes it the second largest national park in Atlantic Canada. The park gets its name from a large mountain within its borders. In French, "Gros Morne" means "large mountain standing alone."

Why Gros Morne is Special
- A Look at Earth's History
  - The Tablelands: A Unique Landscape
Exploring the Park
- Hiking Trails and Adventures
  - Boat Tours on the Fjords
Animals and Plants
- Wildlife You Might See
- Plant Life in the Park
Images for kids
See also

Why Gros Morne is Special

Gros Morne National Park is famous for its amazing landscapes. It shows how the Earth's continents were formed. You can see deep fjords, tall cliffs, and unique rock formations. These rocks tell a story about how the Earth's crust moves.

A Look at Earth's History

The park is like a giant outdoor classroom for geology. It has rocks that were once deep inside the Earth. These rocks were pushed up to the surface over millions of years. This process is called plate tectonics. It helps scientists understand how our planet works.

The Tablelands: A Unique Landscape

One of the most famous parts of the park is called the Tablelands. It looks like a desert, but it's actually made of rock from the Earth's mantle. This rock is usually found far below the surface. It's very rare to see it exposed like this. The Tablelands are reddish-brown and have very few plants. This is because the soil is full of heavy metals.

Exploring the Park

Gros Morne National Park offers many ways to explore its beauty. You can go hiking, kayaking, or take boat tours. There are trails for all skill levels. You can see waterfalls, forests, and stunning coastal views.

Hiking Trails and Adventures

Many visitors come to Gros Morne for its incredible hiking. The Gros Morne Mountain trail is a challenging climb. It offers amazing views from the top. There are also easier trails, like the Western Brook Pond trail. This trail leads to a beautiful fjord.

Boat Tours on the Fjords

Taking a boat tour on Western Brook Pond is a must-do. This freshwater fjord is surrounded by towering cliffs. Waterfalls tumble down the sides. It feels like you are in a hidden world. The boat ride shows off the park's grand scale.

Animals and Plants

Gros Morne National Park is home to many different animals and plants. The park's varied landscapes support a wide range of wildlife. From dense forests to rocky coastlines, there's a lot to see.

Wildlife You Might See

The park is a great place to spot animals in their natural habitat. You might see moose grazing in open areas. Caribou also live in the park. Keep an eye out for black bears, though they are shy. Smaller animals like red foxes and snowshoe hares are also common.

Plant Life in the Park

The plants in Gros Morne are adapted to its unique conditions. In the Tablelands, you'll find plants that can grow in harsh, metal-rich soil. In other parts of the park, there are thick forests of balsam fir and black spruce. Wildflowers bloom in the spring and summer, adding color to the landscape.