Exploring the Natural Wonders of Gros Morne National Park

Rocky Harbour Reflections

Today was a day of embracing the coastal charm and historical significance of the Gros Morne area. Leaving the cozy cabin, Klaus and I set out to explore Rocky Harbour and delve into the stories etched into this stunning landscape. It's amazing how much history and natural beauty can be packed into a single day, and I'm excited to share our experiences.

Our first stop was Rocky Harbour Cove. The town derives its name from the rocky reef at the harbor's entrance. The views were stunning, even with the December chill in the air. The cove was beautiful and it was easy to see why it's a favorite spot for visitors exploring Gros Morne National Park. The crisp air and the sound of the waves made for a refreshing start to the day, and I took a few moments to simply breathe in the serenity of the surroundings. Given it's December, the weather was freezing cold and slightly windy, with average highs of 30°F (-1°C) and lows of 21°F (-6°C).


Explore the serene Rocky Harbour Cove, a breathtaking bay in Newfoundland and Labrador, surrounded by the stunning Gros Morne National Park.
We bundled up in our warmest gear, thankful for the foresight to pack our thick winter coats, gloves, and hats. I must admit, I felt a pang of regret for forgetting my portable phone charger and first aid kit, but Klaus, ever the pragmatist, reminded me that we could easily find replacements in town. I do love his level-headedness! The chance of a wet day in December is around 41%, with a mix of rain and snow, so we were prepared for anything.

From Rocky Harbour Cove, we drove towards Corner Brook to visit the Captain James Cook National Historic Site. The drive itself was scenic, offering glimpses of the rugged coastline and the vast expanse of the ocean. The site is open from January 7 to December 31.

Surveying the past, embracing the present, and charting a course for the future – that's what today felt like.

Upon arriving at the Captain James Cook National Historic Site, I was immediately struck by the panoramic views. Perched on Crow Hill, the site overlooks the city of Corner Brook, the Blomidon Mountains, and the Bay of Islands. It was easy to imagine Captain Cook standing there in the 1760s, charting the coastline with his quadrant. The interpretive panels provided fascinating insights into Cook's early career and his significant contributions to mapping the region. I learned that his meticulous surveys were so accurate that they remained standard for a century. It's incredible to think that his work here in Newfoundland paved the way for his later voyages to the Pacific.


Visit the Captain James Cook National Historic Site in Corner Brook to discover the explorer’s legacy amidst stunning views and rich history.
The site has been re-developed to enhance the visitor experience, with new road access, parking areas, walkways, and site lighting. Short walking trails lead to interpretive panels and scenic views, making it easy to explore the area and learn about Cook's achievements. The bronze statue of Cook, gazing through his quadrant, is a fitting tribute to his legacy.

After immersing ourselves in history, it was time to indulge in some local cuisine. We decided to explore the dining options in Rocky Harbour, and after a bit of deliberation, we chose Oceans Room Restaurant at the Ocean View Hotel. I had read good reviews and was excited to try their Newfoundland-inspired dishes. Unfortunately, I discovered that Oceans Room Restaurant is closed for the season, as it is only open from May to October.

Not to be deterred, we strolled along Main Street and found Fisherman's Landing Restaurant. This restaurant offers a warm, cozy atmosphere and serves traditional Newfoundland meals. Klaus and I were both in the mood for seafood, so we decided to give it a try. The restaurant also conveniently has a souvenir shop and a liquor express outlet onsite.


Experience the taste of fresh seafood at Fisherman's Landing Restaurant in Rocky Harbour – where every dish celebrates Newfoundland's rich maritime heritage.
We were seated near the window, which offered a lovely view of the harbor. The atmosphere was indeed warm and inviting, and the staff were friendly and attentive. For starters, we shared a plate of Newfoundland Atlantic Mussels, which were delicious. For my main course, I opted for the Pan Seared NL Cod marinated in a Jamaican jerk sauce served with fresh pineapple salsa, saffron basmati rice, and seasonal vegetables. The cod was perfectly cooked, and the jerk sauce added a delightful kick. Klaus chose the Grilled Atlantic Salmon with lemon/dill and peppercorn butter, wild rice blend, and seasonal vegetables. He thoroughly enjoyed his meal, commenting on the freshness of the salmon and the flavorful butter sauce.

As we savored our meals, we discussed our plans for tomorrow, our final day in Gros Morne. We intend to visit Gros Morne National Park - Green Point Geological Site and Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park. I am looking forward to seeing the geological formations at Green Point and enjoying a final hike in this beautiful region.

After dinner, we decided to check out the local bar scene. We had heard about Western Newfoundland Brewing Co. and were curious to sample their craft beers. However, upon further investigation, we discovered that Western Newfoundland Brewing Co. doesn't have a public brewhouse in Rocky Harbour. The brewery is located in Pasadena, and their beers are available at select restaurants and NLC locations. Also, the Western Newfoundland Brewing Co. is permanently closed on Tuesdays.


Discover the essence of Newfoundland craft beer at the Western Newfoundland Brewing Co. in Rocky Harbour, where community and flavor meet.
Instead, we decided to visit the Anchor Pub in the Ocean View Hotel. We enjoyed a couple of local beers while listening to live music. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, and it was a great way to unwind after a day of exploring. The Ocean View Hotel is known for its entertainment, with live traditional music and Kitchen Parties throughout the summer.

As the evening drew to a close, we made our way back to our cozy cabin, feeling grateful for the experiences of the day. Rocky Harbour had charmed us with its coastal beauty and historical significance, and we were already looking forward to our final day in Gros Morne. As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment and gratitude for the opportunity to explore this incredible corner of the world with my beloved Klaus.

Tomorrow marks the end of our journey through Gros Morne, but I know we will be taking home memories that will last a lifetime. I'm already looking forward to sharing our final adventures with you all. Good night from Newfoundland!

As the sun sets on our penultimate day here, I am reminded of a lovely German idiom Klaus taught me: Alles hat ein Ende, nur die Wurst hat zwei – Everything has an end, only the sausage has two. It's a lighthearted way to acknowledge that all good things must come to a close, but also a reminder to savor every moment until then.