Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reopened its visitor center after a CA$12 million investment, upgrading the park’s campgrounds, trails, day-use areas, bridges, and roadways.
Gudie Hutchings, member of parliament for Long Range Mountains and minister of rural economic development, welcomed visitors on behalf of Steven Guilbeault, minister of environment and climate change. The Government of Canada invested CA$12 million in enhancements to make the visitor information center safer, more accessible, and inclusive for visitors and community members, according to a press release.
The project was celebrated as part of a series of federal government announcements and community-based activities, including the Trails Tales and Tunes annual festival and the opening of the Norris Point small craft harbor infrastructure. After the improvements, the visitor center now features a fully upgraded building that enhances the arrival to Gros Morne National Park and showcases the site’s viewscape.
Phase 1 of the renewal project is complete, bringing improvements in accessibility and sustainability. Additionally, phase 2 of the project is already underway, focusing on the design and installation of new interpretive exhibits. These exhibits will highlight Gros Morne’s landscapes, diverse wildlife, and geology. Scheduled to be installed by fall 2024, the plans will be ready for visitors by the operational season in 2025.
In addition to improving the park, the press release added that revitalizing the visitor information center and other infrastructure within the park has created jobs and supported the local economy.
Gros Morne National Park thanked everyone who assisted with the opening. “We’re back! Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate the opening of the Gros Morne National Park Visitor Centre. We look forward to welcoming everyone during the 2024 season,” the announced in a Facebook post.
The visitor information center welcomes tens of thousands of visitors annually. Gros Morne National Park offers various outdoor activities, including hiking and unmarked trails. It also features dense forests home to rare plant, animal, and bird species. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the long sandy beach of Shallow Bay near Cow Head and Western Brook Pond.
