Lookout Trail

The Lookout Trail in Gros Morne National Park is a short but steep walk that leaves from the Gros Morne Discovery Centre and switchbacks up to a breathtaking viewpoint above Bonne Bay. The hike is just 2.8 miles round trip, but has over 1,100 feet of elevation gain, making it a short but challenging excursion.

The trail leaves from the back of the parking lot of the Discovery Centre in Bonne Bay. It leads up a wide crushed gravel path, which switchbacks back and forth up the hill towards the lookout. The first vista of the Tablelands, through the trees, comes after just 10 or 15 minutes of walking; as you continue up, the views come and go, but get better and better.

Near the top, the trail becomes a long boardwalk. Be sure to look down at the plants - numerous interesting flora, including pitcher plants, live in this area. Shortly after the boardwalk ends, at 1.0 miles, the trail splits; here you can decide to do a loop in either direction. If you continue right, up the hill, the trail quickly reaches the lookout, where you can stop and enjoy the magnificent vistas in all directions. A few chairs and benches offer a great spot to rest and relax.

Continuing around the loop counter-clockwise, the trail passes great vistas of more green rolling hills. The trail is much narrower, passing through narrow patches of tuckamore. The trail then reaches another boardwalk, which leads back through the marsh to the start of the loop. Return to the parking lot by the same crushed gravel path.

The Lookout Trail is best done as a half-day or shorter trip, making it a perfect option for hikers on vacation, and is well worth a visit.

Note that although parking at the Discovery Centre is free, entering the park to complete this hike requires a visitor pass, which can be purchased at the Discovery Centre.