When friends heard we were planning a trip to Newfoundland their number one suggestion of absolute must-see destinations was Bontours Western Brook Pond Boat Tour.
Located on the west coast of Newfoundland in Gros Morne National Park the boat tour is a short drive north of Rocky Harbour.
To get to the boat launch passengers walk 3 km from the parking lot inland. Most of it is via boardwalks that allow easy access over the bog, but other areas are through rolling forests on dirt paths.
Looming in the distance are the Western Brook Pond cliffs.
At the boat launch there is a gift shop and cafe.
A few details about the tour: (1) reservations are made months in advance. We booked the 11:30 departure for September 11 in March. (2) Passengers are at the mercy of the weather. If it rains be prepared to spend two hours in the elements should all of the lower level seats be taken before you get on board. (3) Passengers are required to walk the 3 km from the parking lot to the departure point with no guarantee the tour will take place. (4) Seating on board the boats is first come first serve which means standing in the cue at least one hour before departure.
Personally, I think some of these issues could be addressed to make it more convenient for passengers (who pay $62/person), but it is what it is.
As it was a beautiful day we opted to sit on the top level.
As soon as we left the dock we donned both a fleece and outer jacket. It was freezing. (Take note of John's ear muffs.) I felt sorry for those folks in shorts and sandals!
Western Brook Pond is a landlocked fiord billion of years in the making.
There were numerous waterfalls...
...and hanging valleys.
To be honest it was difficult to get a feel for the sheer size of the fiord.
Rocky cliffs towered above our heads.
And eventually we reached the end, turned around and headed back to shore.
We were so fortunate to view Western Brook Pond on a glorious day.
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