North Rim Traverse

North Rim Traverse is a backcountry traverse hike in Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador, built around the “Northern Traverse” route in the park’s North Rim / Northern Traverse system. Expect unmarked travel for much of the line, with route-finding and map/compass use being part of the job.

The route is framed as a 3-to-4 day, roughly 35 km backcountry undertaking, anchored by the Western Brook Pond area on the fjord side and linked to the Long Range Mountains. It’s positioned for advanced navigation rather than for following a signed trail.

Access starts from the end of Western Brook Pond. Hikers reach the base of the traverse either by taking a commercial boat tour across the fjord or by using the Snug Harbour Trail to get in on foot.

The signature hard section is the climb out of the canyon/headwall: an ascent of about 2,500 feet (762 m) from the fjord end up toward the Long Range Mountains’ high country. That vertical gain is the main driver of day-to-day pacing.

Between high points you’ll travel through subarctic wilderness conditions where the route character is described as steep, rugged, and often wet. Route segments include off-trail navigation through boggy terrain and exposed mountain travel rather than continuous, maintained tread.

Camping is on primitive backcountry sites along the way, described as equipped with bear boxes and tent pads. These camps act as the waypoint structure for planning a multi-day traverse.

Parks Canada requires backcountry permits and a mandatory map-and-compass safety orientation. The route is seasonal: the best and safest window is late June to early October when boat shuttles are operating.

More information: Map, Long Range Traverse | EXPLORE! Blog, Steve Wheeler - Northern & Long Range Traverse, Gros ...