Journey to the centre of the Earth

It may feel like being in outer space when you traverse Gros Morne National Park’s Tablelands Trail, but a journey to the centre of the Earth is more accurate. “Actual mantle of the Earth,” says Parks Canada staffer Tom Landry, pointing at barren slopes 700 metres overhead.

He points out wildflowers peeking out from otherworldly rock formations, surprising explosions of colour in this barren land. Much less barren, though no less gorgeous, is a six-kilometre return trail that takes you through muskeg and bogs, through windswept forests with a backdrop of cliffs — that are reputedly a billion years old — carved by glaciers.

If Tablelands boasts one of the most unique trails in Newfoundland, this one leading to Western Brook Pond is easily the most spectacular. You’d think it was another two-for-one deal until you do the math. There are 19 trails here.