Coastal and Mountain Hiking in Gros Morne National Park

Carolyn – Class of 2022 | Lewisburg, PA

Newfoundland's west coast and Gros Morne park was better than I hoped for -- and I loved it! Our leader, Ian, was all-around fantastic. The landscape, with its stunning geology, is simply amazing. The locals are great people. The experience I had hiking, learning and just being there changed me for the better. Wonderful!

— Review left September 13, 2025

Rose | Uppr Marlboro, MD

I thoroughly enjoyed my first RS trip. Trip leader Ian Stone is fantastic. Newfoundland is stunningly beautiful, and the views on the walks were very high quality for the effort necessary.

— Review left August 10, 2025

Laurie | Oak Park, IL

This active adventure provides important insight into the history of a beautiful environment, including the important contribution of the regional geology to understanding continent evolution.

— Review left July 23, 2025

Mel – Class of 2019 | Dekalb, IL

Newfoundland is an incredible place, and we were so glad to have experienced and accommodating guides, drivers, and pilots to lead us on our explorations of nature, culture, and history. Unexpectedly, my wife and I found the geological presentations, field experiences, and discussions to be most fascinating! We thoroughly enjoyed the trip but found the hiking to be a bit more challenging than expected. Even though this trip had the same rating as the one we hiked in Ireland some years ago, the NL hikes were longer and many of them were more challenging. Others in our tour agreed that this was more difficult. However, the views were spectacular and worth the effort. We especially appreciated the extra efforts made all around to accommodate our vegetarian diets. Finally, even though the group was a bit larger, everyone was so congenial that it was a real pleasure to hike and talk together.

— Review left September 30, 2024

Elizabeth – Class of 2023 | Bristol, VT

This exploration of Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland was delightful. We had plenty of exercise with hikes every day, and fairly short bus rides. We learned a lot about this area of the world. We thoroughly enjoyed our guide, Ian Stone - his leadership style and skills, his sense of humor, his easy disposition, his knowledge of his homeland of Newfoundland, his ability to pivot with the changing weather all made for a lovely, carefree vacation for us. We appreciated Ian's passion for the land, the people and the rich heritage of Newfoundland. The accommodations were clean and comfortable, and many meals offered fresh fish as an option. Highly recommend this trip as long as you are physically prepared. The information sent prior to the trip with tips for preparation are very helpful.

— Review left September 19, 2024

Jennifer – Class of 2016 | Basking Ridge, NJ

If you like meeting friendly people, dramatic scenery and skies, often challenging but rewarding hikes, geology, and can easily adapt to ever changing trail conditions, this trip is definitely for you! But, be prepared for meals with limited options of fruits, vegetables, and vegetarian options, and note that due to ever changing weather conditions on the island, you may not always get the view that you hoped for or expected on each hike. In the early fall, you may see more wildlife, but you may also have more off and on rain showers. Don't let this deter you though, as the showers are usually relatively brief, and ever changing weather is just another dynamic feature of this amazing country!

— Review left September 15, 2024

Mary – Class of 2014 | Hillsborough, NC

I thoroughly enjoyed exploring Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland through hikes of various lengths and terrains. Our guide, Ian Stone, was absolutely amazing, shepherding our group with competence and good humor. I created a blog post for each day of the trip, which attempts to capture the richness of this Road Scholar experience. https://mybirdwalks.com/2024/08/04/hiking-in-newfoundland-1/ I highly recommend this program!

— Review left August 11, 2024

Amy – Class of 2014 | Peachtree City, GA

Gros Morne is an unbelievable place to hike! If you like to be outdoors hiking, don't miss this fascinating location.

— Review left August 11, 2024

Barbara – Class of 2019 | Wantagh, NY

This trip was fabulous!! The hiking trails were varied and challenging. Gros Morne National Park is just a spectacular place and absolutely worth a visit.

— Review left August 11, 2024

Ed – Class of 2011 | Carlsbad, CA

The Gros Morne Road Scholar hiking program is well lead and provides experiences that most people never have in their lifetime. The geology and people in Newfoundland are truly a unique experince.

— Review left August 10, 2024

Coleen – Class of 2023 | Valparaiso, IN

The variety of activities on this trip were phenomenal. The hikes were challenging but not too challenging. The guides did an excellent job managing the different abilities in the group. I plan to go back to Newfoundland!

— Review left August 2, 2024

Georgianna – Class of 2019 | Sacramento, CA

Great program and guide! Thank you, Barb.

— Review left September 29, 2023

Trish – Class of 2023 | Barnsdall, OK

If you ever go on a hiking trip ask for Barb to be your guide. I don’t think you could ask for anyone more dedicated to her job and life .

— Review left September 25, 2023

Don – Class of 2023 | Woodstock, NY

Well above and beyond my expectations. I will definitely return.

— Review left September 10, 2023

Anne – Class of 2022 | Concord, MA

Great trip if you like geology, ocean, and mountain scenery. Group leader is very connected with the locals.

— Review left August 31, 2023

Bonnie | Mountain View, CA

My first RS trip and I absolutely loved it. Newfoundland is such a beautiful and fascinating place and the trip leader was brilliant.

— Review left August 30, 2023

Deborah – Class of 2013 | Cambridge, MA

This was a wonderful trip. Ian was a terrific, fun guide, incredibly knowledgeable about Newfoundland – its history, culture, geology, hidden treasures, plant and animal life. . . He did a great job of adjusting/rescheduling hikes and boat trips to accommodate Newfoundland’s ever-changing weather. Two of the hikes were a bit challenging for me* but I felt supported by Ian, the other guides and trip participants. And, for my efforts, I was consistently rewarded with amazing scenery and vistas. *Not the fault of Road Scholar which accurately described these hikes in their literature. The only part of the trip that could use improvement was the meals and trail lunches in Cow's Head. Choices were limited and repetitive - most especially for the vegetarians in the group.

— Review left August 19, 2023

This participant did not give a star rating.

Emily – Class of 2019 | New London, CT

This was a wonderful trip. Our guide Ian was very knowledgeable and provided us with such an in depth understanding of the island of Newfoundland and its many treasures. He went out of his way to make the trip special, handling situations with grace. The beauty of Newfoundland is matched only by the generosity and kindness of the people. The trip was well described by Road Scholar and met all of my expectations.

— Review left September 17, 2022

Deborah – Class of 2014 | Minneapolis, MN

The views on this program were breathtaking. The hiking was mostly on level elevation, but there were a two more challenging hikes. For those who are truly experienced hikers, there was even a hike up to the top of Gros Morne, 8000 ft.

— Review left September 11, 2022

Dave – Class of 2022 | Gainesville, FL

One of my all time favorite outings. No heat. No crowds. Smart enjoyable company. Great trails. Lots of rocks. The place is a geologist's dream. I am telling my fam and friends all about the trip.

— Review left July 26, 2022

Polly – Class of 2021 | Denver, CO

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. Great trip leader. Fabulous landscapes and diverse hikes. Unique geology and human and cultural history. And fun.

— Review left July 19, 2022

Linda – Class of 2018 | Jamison, PA

The hikes were varied and all were enjoyable. Prepare for mud! If you have poles, bring them (but poles are also provided). The scenery, flora and fauna, and geology are spectacular. And the camaraderie fostered is wonderful. Ian was a terrific guide/host/interpreter!

— Review left September 19, 2019

Eileen – Class of 2016 | Austin, TX

A beautiful and challenging hiking trip! You have to be hardy to be a Newfoundlander. They shared their culture, history and sense of humor. I would do this trip again!

— Review left July 14, 2019

Michael – Class of 2015 | LaVale, MD

Beautiful mountain and water vistas, vigorous hiking, excellent teaching.

— Review left July 7, 2019

Penny – Class of 2016 | Austin, TX

Our trip to Newfoundland was marvelous: active, informative, and fun. Our leader, Ian Stone, was flexible with the scheduling in order to insure, for example, that our cruise on the fjord happened in the sunshine rather than in the pouring rain. Not only is Ian knowledgeable, he is warm, fun, and a fine host. I found the hikes challenging but rewarding, and they were quite varied in terms of scenery, from tablelands to coast to forests and headlands. The group dynamic could not have been better and the accommodations and meals were superb. Highlights included a "kitchen party" with traditional music, storytelling, and dancing with great audience participation. I wish I could do it again. Thanks for an exciting, fun, and challenging adventure. Penny Weibly

— Review left July 3, 2019