Green Gardens Trail

Green Gardens Trail is a stunning coastal hike on Newfoundland's west coast, offering dramatic cliffs, sea stacks, and wildflower-covered meadows. This trail within Gros Morne National Park delivers some of the most spectacular views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Tablelands, with a landscape that shifts from boreal forest to barren serpentine barrens.

Highlights & What to See

• Coastal Cliffs & Sea Stacks – The trail hugs the rugged coastline, with sheer cliffs plunging into the sea and dramatic sea stacks like the iconic 'Green Gardens' formations.
• Wildflower Meadows – In summer, the path winds through vibrant meadows carpeted with irises, orchids, and other wildflowers, contrasting with the dark serpentine rock.
• Birdlife – Keep an eye out for puffins, razorbills, and black-legged kittiwakes nesting on the cliffs, especially from late spring to early summer.
• Tablelands Viewpoints – The trail offers superb views of the flat-topped Tablelands, a rare exposure of the Earth's mantle, and the surrounding fjords.
• Interpretive Panels – Learn about the unique geology, including the serpentine barrens and the area's UNESCO World Heritage status.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for a full day to hike the Green Gardens Trail. The 9.5 km (5.9 mi) loop takes about 4–5 hours at a moderate pace, including time for photography and rests. Start early to avoid crowds and catch the morning light on the cliffs. Combine with a visit to the nearby Discovery Centre for geological context, or break the hike with a picnic on the pebble beach at the trail's midpoint.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Gros Morne Mountain – Tackle the challenging 16 km hike up Gros Morne Mountain for panoramic views of the park and Ten Mile Pond.
• Western Brook Pond – Take a boat tour through this landlocked fjord, with towering cliffs and waterfalls.
• Trout River – Explore this charming fishing village with its red sandstone cliffs and the Tablelands.
• Port au Choix – Visit the archaeological site of a 4,000-year-old Maritime Archaic Indian settlement.
• L'Anse aux Meadows – Drive north to the Viking settlement, a UNESCO site, for a glimpse of Norse history.

Please check official sources for current details.